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A brick building near downtown Indianapolis has been open since 1850, and the stories inside it keep piling up. Staff members lead guests through old upstairs rooms and a basement tied to local history.
Blues bands play on stage almost every night, and the menu runs long. This article walks through the history, the music, the layout, and the practical details so a first trip goes smoothly.
Read on to find out which Indiana landmark has stayed busy for well over a century and a half.
A Historic Stop Near Lucas Oil Stadium
Slippery Noodle Inn sits at 372 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225, United States. The building stands a short walk from Lucas Oil Stadium, which makes it an easy add-on for anyone in town for a game or an event.
Indiana’s oldest bar is how the place is often described, and the Google Maps listing calls it a historic watering hole with food and music. The menu is a big American spread, and live blues bands are a main draw.
Guests can enter two ways. The street-level door leads to the bar, while the parking lot entrance leads to the restaurant side.
Knowing that small detail saves a lap around the block.
Parking appears manageable, and some guests have even found a spot across the street from the front door. With a 4.5-star average from nearly 4,000 ratings, this address carries a solid local reputation.
The rest of this article covers the story behind the walls, the music, and what a night here looks like.
Open Since 1850
Few businesses in Indiana can claim a start date of 1850. That figure comes up again and again when people talk about this tavern, and it is the reason the place wears the title of the state’s oldest bar.
One guest did the math and pointed out that it adds up to about 175 years in business. That is a long run for any spot that still keeps its doors open to the public.
The age shows up in conversation as much as in the architecture. Bartenders and servers are known to share the building’s background with guests who ask, and some offer it without being asked.
A history lesson from behind the bar is a regular part of the experience. It turns a quick stop into a small slice of Indianapolis heritage.
Plenty of newer places chase a historic look. This one simply has the calendar to back it up.
Tours of the Upstairs and Basement
Some guests leave with more than a full plate. Servers and staff have been known to offer quick walks through the upstairs rooms and the basement, sharing stories about how the building has changed over time.
Not every table gets a tour, and it seems to depend on timing and how busy the floor is. Still, plenty of guests mention it as a highlight of the evening.
One group was taken through the older sections after dinner and heard the full background of the property. They described the guide as a standout part of the night.
Asking politely during a quieter hour may improve the odds. A friendly question to a server is a reasonable place to start.
The tours fit the spirit of the title. A place with this much past is happiest when someone is willing to tell it.
Blues on Stage Almost Every Night
Live music is the loudest reason people come here. It is the most mentioned topic about the venue, with blues close behind.
Guests report music nearly every night, and the talent that comes through earns strong praise. Local players such as the Jason Wells Band have drawn loyal friends and fans.
Performances usually begin around 8 pm. On Fridays, two areas have had live acts at once, giving the crowd a choice of room.
Diners who want to eat before the show are wise to order early. One guest placed an order before the first set started and had no trouble.
The lineup is not limited to blues. Jazz nights get a mention too, which keeps the calendar varied for repeat guests.
The Hidden Back Room
Even longtime regulars can miss a few corners. One guest who had been dozens of times only recently found the back room, and caught a band called The Why Store there.
The building is described as spacious, with endless interior spaces that keep unfolding. That layout lets the music and the conversation coexist.
A guest who wanted to talk during a show sat in the entry bar instead, while the blues played next door. That choice kept the evening relaxed.
Exploring is half the fun. Each room has its own feel, so a first visit can easily turn into a wander.
Taking a lap before picking a seat is a smart plan. The best spot depends on whether the night is about listening or catching up.
The Famous Tenderloin Sandwich
The tenderloin sandwich is a Midwest staple, and it comes up often when guests talk about the kitchen. Seventeen mentions put it among the most popular topics.
One out-of-towner trying the pork version for the first time called it juicy. Another said it was not too greasy or excessive and had a pleasant flavor.
A former Indiana resident who moved away years ago made a special stop in Indianapolis just for it. That kind of loyalty says plenty about the dish.
Order it and the sandwich becomes a tasty piece of local culture. It is the kind of meal that explains why people from the state get a little protective about it.
Anyone new to the region has an easy first pick here.
A Menu With Range
The menu is described as huge, and guests with large groups say everyone found something. Quality and quantity both impressed one party that ordered across the board.
Wings draw plenty of attention, with 26 mentions. Spicy BBQ and lemon pepper have both been ordered by one family, and the BBQ version earned praise.
French onion soup and the Slippery Noodle sticks, which are bread with melted cheese inside, also come up. A quesadilla and a spicy chicken sandwich got good words from other tables.
Sides matter too. Seasoned tater tots and onion rings have fans, and a chef salad earned a nod for balance.
Special events may bring a smaller menu, though the classics remain available. Checking ahead on busy nights is a simple precaution.
Atmosphere Like an Old Friend’s House
Comfort is the word that keeps coming up. One overnight traveler who stumbled in compared the mood to visiting an old friend, inviting and easygoing.
The room is not fancy, and that is part of the charm. A guest noted that it is not a super formal place, but one that is worth spending time in.
The energy tends to run lively, especially on nights with live music. Even so, the entry bar offers a calmer spot for conversation.
Seating is plentiful, so groups rarely have to hover. Tables fill up fast on game days, though, and one guest learned that arriving early matters during a Colts home game.
It is a relaxed stage for a night out with friends or a date.
Staff Who Know the Stories
A good story needs a good storyteller, and the team here seems happy to fill the role. Guests mention attentive bartenders who share the building’s background and servers who keep the energy up.
Groups of all sizes have been handled without fuss. One large party said service was prompt, even with many orders to track.
Visiting teams and families have noticed the warmth as well. A group in town for a swim meet enjoyed a lively night with a friendly server and a manager who kept the mood light.
Food often arrives faster than expected, which helps when a show is about to start. That kind of timing keeps the evening on track.
The owner team also replies publicly to guest comments, which signals a business that pays attention.
Game Days and Event Nights
Proximity to Lucas Oil Stadium shapes the calendar. The bar is a short walk away, which makes it a popular pregame or postgame stop.
Crowds build on game days. One guest who tried a Colts home game found it hard to experience the place fully, then returned the next night for dinner.
The lesson is simple: arrive early or choose a different evening. Midweek nights offer more breathing room.
Special events can also trim the menu to a smaller list. The classics stay, and the music rolls on.
Fans of the home team feel welcome, and local pride is easy to spot in conversations at the bar. A Colts cheer fits right in.
Who Will Enjoy It Most
Music lovers get the clearest payoff. Anyone who wants a night of blues without a ticket-only concert will find a good match.
History fans are well served too. The age of the building and the chance of a tour give them plenty to ask about.
Travelers passing through Indianapolis often use the spot as a highlight. Locals treat it as a regular hangout and a reliable place to bring friends.
Groups, couples, and solo diners all have a place. The seating is roomy, and the pace can be set by choosing the front bar or the music rooms.
One guest even plans to return with the kids someday. Families may want to ask about timing and which areas suit them best.
Hours Worth Writing Down
Weekday hours run from 11 AM to midnight on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday stretch to 1 AM.
Friday is the longest day, from 11 AM to 2 AM. Saturday runs 12 PM to 2 AM.
Sunday is the shortest, with doors open from 4 to 11 PM. Plan accordingly if a Sunday dinner is on the schedule.
Live music generally starts around 8 pm, so arriving a little before then makes sense for a table and a meal. Late hours on weekends suit those who like a long night.
The listing shows a website at slipperynoodle.com, which is a smart place to check the current schedule before heading out.
Costs and Parking Notes
A typical meal runs about $20 to $30 per person, according to the listing. Guests describe the value as strong for the portions and the setting.
One visitor found drinks priced reasonably, and others called the food options affordable. That keeps a night of music and dinner within reach.
Getting there is straightforward. The address is easy to find, and the location in the shadow of Lucas Oil Stadium helps with navigation.
A parking lot serves the restaurant entrance. Street spots near the front door have worked for some guests, particularly on non-event nights.
Game days call for extra time. Leaving early solves most parking puzzles.
A Soft Verdict
Few spots in Indianapolis blend age, music, and a hearty menu this neatly. With a 4.5-star average across thousands of ratings, the crowd has spoken kindly.
Slippery Noodle Inn does not need to be fancy. The building has the history, the stage has the talent, and the kitchen keeps the plates coming.
A smart plan is to arrive before the music, ask about a tour, and leave time to wander. Check the hours first, especially on Sundays and game days.
For anyone curious about the oldest bar in Indiana, this brick landmark on South Meridian Street makes a satisfying stop. The stories may be the best part of the night.
