the legendary
Where interesting people hang out... since 1933.
- a place for conversation -
Thank you for saving the beacon of great conversation. We can't thank you enough!
What are people saying about the Red Key ?
Came here for a drink during a snowstorm and felt like I was back in time (or in a small town!). Can't wait to come back for a cheeseburger.
Christina
I may never go to another bar ever in my life!
Max
Mind your P's and Q's in this funky historic tavern. The patrons are a great mix of neighborhood folks, musicians, artists, writers and hipsters. Legendary cheeseburgers and potato salad. CASH ONLY!
Nora
Congratulations, you've found one of Esquire's Best Bars in America. Order a highball. Take off your hat. Don't put your feet up. And don't piss off the owner. His place. His rules
Esquire Magazine
As good as it gets – Most relaxed bar anywhere. Good prices, great atmosphere, a neighborhood staple. Just don't break any of Russ's rules?
Bumas
ONE OF THE BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BARS AROUND!! – THE SERVICE AND FOOD IS AMAZINGLY QUITE GOOD!!
THE ATMOSPHERE IS EXCELLENT AND THE CUSTOMERS ARE FRIENDLY
barexpert007
Red Key Tavern is a real Tavern, and that makes it rare. Friendly, decent drinks, good feel. You feel at home when you walk in the door, and you know the rules.
James
This is, in my opinion,
the bestkind of neighborhood bar.
Cozy, divey, and friendly. Regulars there look like permanent fixtures of the place which is oddly welcoming. Even the bathroom graffiti is charming, in it's own way. Just a good, no frills place to grab a beer.
Vam
It seems wrong to review the Red Key as it is more of an experience and traditional neighborhood staple and less of a restaurant/bar there to serve the public with the intent of earning profits. Because it is the former -- a tradition -- and not the latter, this place is part of a dying breed.
My advice for experiencing the Key is this: Be mindful that this is a family-owned business by showing respect. Follow the norms/customs of the space. Meet friends or go alone, sit at the bar, have a drink, and talk to people like one should do at a neighborhood bar. This isn't the kind of place for dancing on a chair or screaming at your friends. No way. This is more like Cheers! where you can have real conversation, some drinks, and a bit of food.
Sarah
PBR in a bottle! This place is quaint. It is old school. It has character. It is not shiny or spectacular but it is solid and dependable. And it has a great burger. Do yourself a favor. Have one.
Shawn
The Red Key is as good as they get for locally owned and operated hangout bars. The staff is fantastic and they've maintained a great family atmosphere even after the generational ownership change. The drinks are well priced for the pours and the selection is vast considering the size of the space.
And they have the BEST burger in town! If you're a fan of potato salad, pray they have some the night you're there as everyone raves about it.
Leave any attitude at the door, come in, HANG your coat and sit back and enjoy a long gone era.
Bihl
If it was good enough for Kurt Vonnegut, it's good enough for us! One of our absolute favorite Indianapolis bars. Maybe it's the model airplanes, maybe it's the taxidermy or maybe it's the locals in the bar. Whatever it is-the Red Key has it. Star power!
Filthy D New York, NY