The District Theatre began operations in 2017. Prior to its creation, it was the home of Theatre on the Square, or “TOTS”. for 30 years.  TOTS focused on unique and original theatre, producing shows that fearlessly embraced marginalized communities, subject matters, and ideas, sometimes holding a mirror up to society that didn’t always embrace diversity. It also became a touchstone for the LGBTQ community by presenting productions that gave voice to a culture when few other companies would do so. 

Exterior photo of The District Theatre, showing signage and entrance

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Arts & Culture

Music & Entertainment

Nightlife

Foodie Favorites

Historic

Stacked with Storefronts

Central Indy

Locals know it. Visitors quickly catch on. From visionary public art, live theatre, shops that are one-of-a kind, chef-inspired food and drink restaurants, to historic neighborhoods and architecture, this is a place unlike any other.

Exterior photo of sculpture "Ann Dancing" in Downtown Indy

Downtown Art Dancer

Photo of the front entrance of Bottleworks Hotel in Downtown Indy

Bottleworks Hotel

Exterior photo of sculpture on Mass Ave in Downtown Indy

Downtown Art Sculpture

Exterior photo of mural of Kurt Vonnegut in Downtown Indy

Downtown Art Vonnegut

Aerial photo of Massachusetts Avenue in Downtown Indy

Mass Ave

Exterior photo of sculpture of head outside Bru Burger in Downtown Indy

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The customer orders at the counter from the chalkboard menu. The menu is a rotating list of diverse sauces and stews, reflecting the founder’s New Orleans roots. Joe offers up a daily menu of seven to ten dishes, all served on rice with a slice of cajun buttered baguette. For under 10 bucks, you can get a single, steaming hot plate, or a combination of two. We have two prices, not thirty. No waiters, no tablecloths. Simple and easy, just the way we like it.

We were born in Indianapolis, Indiana on 54th and College and have since expanded our family to include 14 other locations around the midwest. But no matter where you find us, we care about our customers and we love our community. It’s our place and we want it to be your place too. Let’s spread the love.

Exterior photo of Yats, showing patio and entrance

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Exterior photo of Yats, showing sidewalk and cultural trail

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Interior photo of Yats, showing seating area

If you’re in search of a quiet spot to relax while you sip your morning brew, skip out on the newly opened Please & Thank You coffee shop on Mass Ave. It’s nothing personal, that’s just their policy: Hot Coffee, Fresh Cookies, Loud Music, No Decaf. 

Exterior photo of Please & Thank You, showing entrance and sidewalk

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Aerial photo of Bottleworks Hotel in Downtown Indy

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The story of O'Bryan's Nine Irish Brothers begins 30 years ago, when founder Jerry O'Bryan told his wife, Jan, that if his other business didn't work out, he wanted to open an Irish pub. Jerry's business, The Hairman, ended up being a campus icon, but after 30 years, two children and a grandchild, Jerry finally decided it was time to realize his dream, an authentic Irish pub serving traditional Irish fare, Guinness by the pint, and featuring live music and the friendly, upbeat atmosphere typical of Irish pubs world-wide.

Nine Irish Brothers is family-owned, family-designed-and-built, and family-run. And family has quite a bit to do with the name, of course. Over the course of several trips to Ireland, we've been able to hand-pick our furniture and decor for each location. We've also spent an inordinate amount of time "researching" pubs in Ireland and have modeled our pub after our favorite spots, from Garvey's on Ayre's Square in Galway to Johnnie Fox's on the northern outskirts of Dublin. Stop by and ask for one of the family to show you around!

Exterior photo of Nine Irish Brothers, showing entrance and sidewalk

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Most people would say the Peace Water Winery story is pretty crazy. We guess any story that includes 8 kids, 3 dogs, 2 cats, 2 horses, a cow, basketball, soccer, a 1966 Volkswagen 21 window "hippie van" and a double chocolate chip frappuccino would be considered crazy by most. However, we do not think the idea that inspired our project is all that crazy:

Simple acts of kindness can have a ripple effect that can help change the world.

So while our family is large our vision is larger. When you drink our wine you are supporting charities here and across the world. Thank you for helping us make this world a more peaceful place, one bottle at a time.

Exterior photo of Peace Water Winery, showing signage

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Exterior photo of Peace Water Winery, showing patio and entrance

Peace Water Winery - Downtown

Exterior photo of Peace Water Winery, showing patio

Indianapolis Premiere Supper Club With A Modern Twist. The Mass. Ave Corridor of Indianapolis—and more specifically, Bottleworks District. The team of Clancy's Hospitality, Executive Chef Ricky Martinez, and locally renowned designers, Phanomen/Design, have created The Fountain Room—a place that not only elevates what has already been done, but evolves the American Supper Club for the modern diner.

Inspiration for The Fountain Room stems from visions of a retro supper-club vibe.  Repetitive geometric patterns and timeless millwork details are paired with texture and color combinations that are meant to give visitors a sense of nostalgia for times past.  Think of a traditional Art Deco dining establishment that also functions as a social club.  High class, yet affordable. Formal, yet relaxed.

Pride in our commitment to technically excellent service, with an emphasis on warm hospitality, is the cornerstone of our business. Coaching our staff to think our customers as guests in our own home. That's who we are, that's who we will always be. 

Exterior photo of The Fountain Room, showing signage and entrance

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In 1996, Local 416 opened the Indianapolis Firefighters Museum to celebrate the history of the Fire Service in central Indiana and the fire department’s contribution to the Indianapolis community.  

In 1984, the President of Local 416, Mike Schenk, and his Executive Board were on the search for a location for a new Union Hall.  It was then that they came across Fire Station #2 which had opened in January of 1872  near the corner of College and Massachusetts Ave.  At the time, Fire Station #2 was coincidentally enough, a firetrap filled with flammable remains of a laminating business.  

Indianapolis Firefighters Union then decided to restore Fire Station #2 along with an adjacent livery stable.  With a good amount of community support, the building has been restored and stands as an anchor on the north end of Massachusetts Avenue along with art galleries, small shops, restaurants, and hotels. 

The museum features a 1921 Stutz ladder truck, a 1919 Stutz pumper, a 1941 IFD Shop-built pumper, and a 1949 International Harvester pumper refurbished by members of the former Warren Township Fire Department. Memorabilia, photos, and equipment have been donated by local firefighters.

Today historic station #2 features classical and Italianate details, a restored bell tower, and twin fire poles.  Station #2 also serves as the Indianapolis Professional Firefighters Union Headquarters. 

Exterior photo of Firefighters Museum, showing statue

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Exterior photo of Firefighters Museum, showing historic bell

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Exterior photo of Firefighters Museum, showing courtyard

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Exterior photo of Firefighters Museum, showing courtyard and statue

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Cookie Plug slangs the fattest and thiccest cookies on the block. We servin’ the doughpest cookies in these streets. There’s nothing cookie-cutter about us! Cookie Plug slangs the most unique stacks the streets has to offer. Fat, Thicc and Addicting. We bakin’ up fresh stacks daily at every location and are also available for delivery!

External photo of Cookie Plug, showing sidewalk and entrance

The District Theatre

Like what you see inMass Ave Cultural Arts District?

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Mass Ave Cultural Arts District?