Red Key Tavern

Reviews

• Robert B.

  star star star star star 7 June 2026

  We visit Indy regularly and found the Red Key while on a walk. What a very nice and comfortable bar.
  It was Thursday so my bourbon was on special - $3.75. My wife had her favorite, a Manhattan.
  The staff is very friendly and it's just a great place to spend some time.
  I noticed a marker board that had all the birthdays in May of the regulars.
  I  look forward to our next visit to Indianapolis and the Red Key.

• Wanda M.

  star star star star star_border 1 June 2026

  How nostalgic and comfortable! The Red Key Tavern has been here since 1951 and still family owned and operated. There is an  abundance of history here and we loved that Nora shared some of the stories tonight. In just 15 days it'll be their 68 year anniversary. Image 68 years of surviving all they've seen and been through. I imagine the Red Line construction is just another annoyance after all they've achieved.
  
  Just like the old days it's CASH only but for the 21st century there's an ATM inside by the piano. You walk in and it's like walking back into the 40's and 50's. Small intimate tables with a few 4 top tables with a nice size bar. You'll see airplanes hanging over the bar (Russ, the owner, was in the Army Air Corps flying B-17s) and the crooner or big band music playing is reminiscent of the 40's and 50's. The music is soft and easy to talk over. The murals above the bar were there when Russ bought the bar in 1951. Not much has changed over the years which is fine with us. You'll either appreciate the wear and tear and history or you won't. We noticed older folks who've been coming here for years as well as the younger folks sitting beside us experiencing for the first time.
  
  The menu is small but something for most. Burgers, tenderloin, grilled cheese, BLT, chili which is seasonal (until 3/31) and replaced with a seasonal chicken salad sandwich are some of the options. There's no fryer so you can't get fries. Instead they have 3 sides with a variety of chips to select from, cottage cheese or potato salad all at an additional charge.
  
  My husband ordered the burger and bbq chips and I had the tenderloin and a cup of chili. My husband said the hamburger was just like his Mother use to make growing up. All is homemade and we reminisced while enjoying dinner. The prices are terrific with a hamburger running $4.75 and a tenderloin for $5.75. Very affordable prices!
  
  Our server of 19 years, Nora, was fantastic. She was the only server on a busy Saturday night and we wanted for nothing. She took  excellent care of us, answered several questions and shared some history about Red Key Tavern. We love the history behind this historic establishment.
  
  We had a wonderful time, appreciated the laid back, comfortable atmosphere, enjoyed the music and totally appreciated the affordable bill coming in right at $25 for dinner and beers. Fun, relaxing and a cheap evening. If this sounds like you're type of place stop in soon. Support the local businesses, especially now,  while the Red Line construction is underway.

• Chrissy A.

  star star star star star 24 May 2026

  My days of clubbing are over. I love just hanging out at quiet old bars. There is something about a worn floor and a vinyl booth I love. There is also such a great crowd mix of older folks you know have been coming here forever and younger folks that are just discovering. When your beer comes they give you a small glass very old school style.
  
  The food is pretty good. They have a solid burger. The potato salad is good too.
  
  Now onto the drinks history. I was talking to our server. We were very interested in the paintings on the wall. We found out they were there when her grandfather originally bought the building. They are actually painted on the building itself. They have had hem cleaned once but not since they went nonsmoking. I cannot imagine how amazing they would look cleaned. They would be so vibrant.  I suggest talking to the staff. The history is great here. It is just something you do not get w a lot of the new bars.
  
  You can renovate an old building but really it is the people that know first hand the history. I mean even the trash can is old here but you can tell it is clean so why replace it. It isn't that shabby chic stuff either this place is the real deal.
  
  They also don't overcharge you for your drinks. No dance cocktail stuff. Simple beverages.
  
  Love it here. And the music is classic stuff.

• Cary T.

  star star star star star_border 23 May 2026

  Great experience!  History and local must!!  
  
  Went during the Christmas season and felt the history and love of the family who owns this place.  Christmas carols were sung by three of the owners sisters.  Seems they have been singing Christmas carols for around 30 years.  A real treat!  
  
  The food was okay -- really good, but they had a very limited menu and most of the items we wanted to try were out... so, don't go if you are wanting a real dinning treat.  The history and atmosphere is well worth the visit and who cares about food!  Our server was spot on and very attentive.  No issues!   Red Key fan forever!

• Joseph D.

  star star star star star 14 May 2026

  So I've been in for drinks before but had never tried the highly vaunted burger. All four of us got the cheese burger and it was solid. Imagine if you crossed a SteaknShake burger with a backyard grill out burger and you're there. It was a really good burger. Was it the best burger of my life? No. But it only cost $5.25. So the price for quality quotient is extremely high. Service is competent and friendly.  They have a quaint list of rules that they take pretty seriously.