I know it’s not news to you, but Indy is officially in its Taylor Swift Era! If you’re like me, your hope of attending the Eras Tour locally died way back when you didn’t get a presale code, but I’m determined not to let that stop me from enjoying our Eras Tour weekend. I’m also so excited to welcome so many Swifties to our awesome city.
Indianapolis is full of so many amazing local shops, cafes, and restaurants, and I found myself thinking about each Era. So whether you are an Indy local or just here to enjoy the Eras Tour and shake it off at Lucas Oil, here’s where to eat, drink, and shop according to your Era:
Taylor Swift: If you’re in your debut era, I think you should check out these Indianapolis originals–they’ve been around for a long time and have set the stage for so much of the goodness that followed:
- Eat @ Cafe Patachou: Just like T.S., Cafe Patachou was born in 1989! No trip to Indianapolis is complete without a stop at this classic brunch and lunch spot, with locations all over the city. Don’t skip the cinnamon toast!
- Drink @ Sun King: When Sun King opened in the early 2000s, it was the first full scale production brewery in Indy since the 1940s! They’ve only grown since then, and their beers are likely to be available on any local restaurant’s menu. Their downtown taproom is the original location and is kid-friendly. (Don’t sleep on their special-edition “1-2-3, Let’s Go B*tch” cherry limeade ale.)
- Caffeinate @ Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company: You can’t spend much time in downtown Indianapolis without hearing the name “Fletcher,” and it’s because of the former Indiana senator who lived here in the 1800s. CFCC on Fletcher Avenue has the motto, “Coffee is cool, people are cooler,” and proudly displays an “Everyone is welcome” message in their cafe. Hard not to love! Our city has no shortage of good coffee, but this is the perfect place to begin.
Fearless:
- Caffeinate @ GoldLeaf Savory & Sweet: This album’s golden color immediately brings to mind Gold Leaf coffee on 46th Street. It’s a little further from downtown, but it’s worth it! The coffee is delicious, and so is the food (there are lots of vegetarian options).
- Drink @ Daredevil: The vibes are different, but the fearless sentiment is the same. Drink a Liftoff IPA to celebrate Taylor’s first “Album of the Year” win and her launch into stardom. Both Daredevil locations have a kid-friendly dining area (outdoors only at the Speedway location). Cans of their “Muse” Belgian-style golden ale definitely seem Fearless-coded to me!
- Play @ The Children’s Museum: If you’re coming into town with kids in tow, you definitely want to have the best day at the world’s biggest children’s museum! They will also be having a “part-TAY” at 10 a.m. on November 1, 2, and 3!
Speak Now:
- Shop @ Loudmouth Books: If you’re the type who likes to speak up and speak now, Loudmouth is the bookstore for you! Owned by local author Leah Johnson, Loudmouth highlights banned books and those written by minority authors. It is such a fun shop, always with good music playing and helpful booksellers. Don’t miss it. (Honestly, come shop here no matter what Era you’re in!)
- Drink @ Ash & Elm Cider: Ash & Elm is a great, women-owned place for delicious hard ciders and yummy food. While it may be too late to grab one of their special Eras-themed cider boxes, they’ve said all their food and tapped ciders will be Taylor-themed for the concert weekend.
- Caffeinate @ The Spark: If sparks are flying, this adorable Speedway Cafe is where you need to stop for coffee! Downtown Speedway is another classic Indy neighborhood, and while it’s not Indy car season, it’s definitely worth a stop here.
Red:
- Shop @ The Shop: The logo is Hoosier red, but there is much more than just IU gear here. With locations in Carmel, Bottleworks, and Broad Ripple, The Shop is a great place to purchase local, Indy-themed apparel and souvenirs. Don’t miss the “I’m Feelin’ 22” Caitlin Clark shirts.
- Eat @ Gather 22:. Located at 22 E. 22nd Street, Gather 22 is obviously a perfect spot for anyone in their Red era. Everything will be alright if you swing by here for brunch, lunch, or dinner!
- Caffeinate @ Red Door Cafe: This little coffee shop is a hidden gem right downtown. The bright red door and the vibes inside are perfect for your Red Era. This place is bigger than it looks and has plenty of room to sit, chat, sip coffee, and read a book.
1989:
- Shop @ Salt & Ash Market: If the beachy vibes of 1989 are your style, Salt & Ash market is a great place to stop! It’s full of small-batch bath and body items made in-house and a slew of adorable girly gifts.
- Caffeinate @ Blue Mind Roasting: Blue Mind may be my favorite coffee roaster in Indianapolis–this coffee is so delicious! And the light blue color is perfect for anyone in their 1989 era. I love coming to their 38th Street cafe for a latte, pastry, and long chat with a friend.
- Dance @ Metro: If you’re too busy dancing to be swept off your feet, Metro is an LGBTQ+ bar on Mass Ave that is perfect for anyone who wants to shake, shake, shake it off on the dance floor.
Reputation:
- Drink @ Hotel Tango: I knew it from the first old fashioned that Hotel Tango is where to go if Taylor’s favorite cocktail is your favorite, too. It is the first disabled veteran-owned distillery in the country, and it offers cocktails and food for the 21+ crowd. The fire’s usually going in November, so it feels cozy, too. You can just head down the Cultural Trail from Lucas Oil on your Eras Tour night.
- Do it all @ The Stutz: In the early 1900s, Stutz race cars were produced in this factory. Now, instead of getaway cars, this renovated building offers a variety of vendors with amazing food, shopping, drinks, and vibes.
- Drink @ 8th Day Distillery: If black and red is your vibe, then 8th Day is the place. They serve amazing cocktails and mocktails. They are hosting FREE “Swift Night” parties on November 1 and 2, and T.S. Trivia on November 3.
Lover:
- Do it all @ Mass Ave.: You may not be able to walk Cornelia Street, but you can walk Massachusetts Avenue! It is chock-full of good restaurants, bars, and shopping. It’s the stretch that made me fall in love with all Indianapolis has to offer, which is why it earned its place in the Lover era. Don’t forget to stop into to Boomerang Boutique–she always has lots of Swiftie merch and gifts!
- Eat @ Just Pop In: Go ahead and get out some popcorn. In Broad Ripple, this adorable cafe has yummy food, good drinks, and lots of popcorn flavors to enjoy in the cafe or purchase to take home with you.
- Snack @ The Cavity Factory: If Lover’s sugary sweetness is your vibe, grab some amazing cookies from The Cavity Factor. They are only open on the weekends from 11:30 until cookies are sold out.
folklore:
- Shop @ Whispering Shelf: folklore’s indie vibes call for an indie bookstore, right?! This new bookstore in the Lockerbie Square neighborhood is another great women-owned place to find a good book! They are also doing some trick-or-treating on October 31, so if you’re in town for Night 1 with kids in tow, check it out!
- Move @ Eagle Creek: Take me to the lakes! (Ok, technically, it’s a reservoir.) If the weather’s good and you want to get moving, Eagle Creek is a great place for hiking–whether you want an easy hike or something more intense.
- Shop @ Tuggles: folklore was a 2020 release, and Tuggles also opened in Fountain Square that same year. This adorable family-owned shop features 90% Indiana-made goods and gifts for people of all ages.
evermore:
- Caffeinate @ Coffee Haus: Something about the Coffee Haus reminds me of evermore’s plaid, forestry vibes. If beer is more your thing, head to Guggman Haus next door.
- Shop @ Lux & Ivy: This vintage and sustainable store is a great spot to grab a unique piece of clothing. How’s one to know? Trust me on this one.
- Shop and Play @ Penn & Beech: Penn & Beech is a candle company where you can create your own custom scent. Their fall collection lends itself perfectly to evermore vibes. When I’m in the mood to sing along to “Champagne Problems” or “Closure,” enjoying my tears and my beers and my candles, this is the place to grab a good one.
Midnights:
- Drink @ Kismetic: Kismetic is a woman-owned, 21+ brewery that is pure lavender haze vibes. With all the 70s-inspired decor, you will feel like you’re living in a Midnights music video when you walk in here. It’s a hidden gem on the east side!
- Caffeinate @ Bovaconti: Dear reader, you can not go wrong with a cafe miel and a bathroom selfie at Bovaconti (IYKYK). It is not-at-all hard to root for this Fountain Square gem.
- Eat @ Petite Chou: We aren’t in Paris, but you can enjoy some delicious French food from the same owners as Cafe Patachou. Perfect spot for a date or a brunch with your friends.
TTPD:
- Drink @ The Commodore: This Fountain Square speakeasy is hidden in the Fountain Square Theater building. It’s dark and moody, just like this album, and the cocktails are delicious.
- Move @ Holliday Park: The ruins at Holliday Park are fun to explore and definitely have TTPD vibes. The huge playground and the indoor nature center are also great for kids!
- Shop @ The Black Dog Books (Zionsville): If you’re willing to head further away from downtown and the concert venue, the TTPD era definitely calls for a stop at Black Dog Books in Zionsville, where they specialize in rare and used books. If you prefer to stay closer to downtown, try Black Sheep Gifts in Irvington. (Different animal, but I’m going with it.)
There you have it, Swifties–places to eat, shop, and drink for every era. Indianapolis is so full of local gems–go show them some love during the Eras Tour weekend!
