Indy's Pop-Up Dining Experiences: Where to Find Them and How to Get on the List

Indianapolis is buzzing with culinary creativity, and nowhere is that more evident than in the growing trend of pop-up dining experiences. These events, often shrouded in secrecy and exclusivity, offer food lovers a chance to taste the latest innovations from talented chefs across the city. Whether you’re looking for a unique evening out or hoping to discover the next big name in the local food scene, Indy’s pop-up dinners are the place to be. Here’s a guide to some of the city’s most intriguing pop-up experiences and how to get in on the action.

Átame: A Cuban Culinary Adventure

Chef Jose Plasencia, a culinary talent from Cuba, is making waves with his pop-up series, Atame Indy. These dinners offer a modern twist on traditional Cuban cuisine, with dishes infused with molecular gastronomy techniques. Chef Plasencia’s pop-ups are more than just a meal—they’re a glimpse into a potential future restaurant concept. As he perfects his dishes, each event becomes a stepping stone towards what he hopes could one day be a permanent culinary fixture in Indianapolis.

Sorry We’re Closed: The After-Hours Bar Series

For those who enjoy a good cocktail with a side of exclusivity, the “Sorry We’re Closed” pop-up bar series is not to be missed. This exclusive pop- up is held in spaces on days the spots are closed to utilize, showcase and gain more exposure. While the series is invite only to accommodate staff and particular spaces, it’s really about community and enjoying each other with good food and drink. “If we could have everyone, we would!” say the creators. Sorry We’re Closed is a passion project created by Eleanor Lord, Social Media Marketing Coordinator and Bartender at BODHI, and stems from her deep love of food, beverage, community, and hospitality. 

A Fusion of Cultures: Pop-Ups with Youssef and Ariel

One of the coolest things about this pop- up is the fusion of cultures to bring a truly unique experience. With the support of Pattern Magazine and the Stutz, Chef Youssef Boudarine and his business partner Ariel Hendrickson teamed up with Frida’s Flowers for a pop-up fused with Moroccan and Mexican flavors. Boudarine, known for his work at J’Adore and Bluebeard and  originally from Morocco, combined his expertise with Madeline who infused the event with the vibrant vibes of Mexico. 

Salma Taman, not only curated the art on the walls in the dining space, but brought musicians and live painting to the experience. “People are at the center of everything we do. We use all these tools like art, music, and food to bring people together and celebrate our culture,” said Boudarine. Together, they’re creating a unique dining experience that blends the best of both worlds.

The Open Fire Experience

Josh and Julie Baker, the dynamic duo behind The Open Fire, along with their business partner Jonathan Brooks, are known for their pop-ups and custom private events centered around an open flame. Their menus are curated with a focus on simplicity and the primal appeal of cooking over fire. Each event is a celebration of seasonal ingredients and the timeless art of open-fire cooking, offering guests a truly immersive dining experience.

Old Major Market’s Monthly Pop-Ups

Run by Chefs Stoneking and LaFay, guests are greeted with a glass of sparkling wine and a passed appetizer. The most recent pop-up featured a croquette of potato, chorizo, manchego, and pork rind. Following the reception, guests are treated to an amuse-bouche and four meticulously crafted courses, each paired with wine. The evenings are a chance for the chefs to explore their passions and for guests to enjoy an intimate dining experience. Chef Stoneking operates under two philosophies in the kitchen: Food should be simple and done well and food has the power to inspire and change lives. Through Old Major Market, Chef LaFay continues to champion the values of artisanal craftsmanship, sustainability, and community engagement.

Nicole Taylor’s First Friday Dinners

Nicole Taylor’s is redefining what it means to connect people to food with their First Friday Dinners. These reservation-only, prix fixe dinners take place on the first Friday of every month and offer a platform for culinary experimentation. Each event breaks the mold, introducing diners to new and exciting dishes in an exclusive setting that fosters community and connection.

9th Street Bistro’s Chef Collaborations

9th Street Bistro is making a name for itself through chef collaborations that bring fresh flavors to its regulars while introducing new audiences to the bistro’s offerings. Chef Samir Mohammad and his wife Rachel’s recent partnership with Chef Alan Sternberg at Bluebeard in Indy is a perfect example, showcasing how these collaborations open doors to new community connections and culinary innovations. The dinners are typically 6 courses with optional wine pairings and for each course, the two Chefs speak about the dish and how they worked together to create it. These events are not just about food—they’re about building relationships and sharing the joy of discovery with fellow food lovers. Two more Chef collabs coming up are with Chef Tyler Shortt of Tinker Street in October and Chef Jeff Harris of Nolia (Cincinnati) in November.

The Secret Backyard Dinners

Not all pop ups are common knowledge. There’s a mysterious figure in Indy’s food scene, known only to those “in-the-know,” who hosts intimate dinners attracting local chefs like Chef Wyatt Garner from Beholder. The catch? These dinners are held in a secret backyard location, and the details are closely guarded. “I can’t give you the name for that one,” is all the information you’ll get. The allure of these events lies in their exclusivity—only those who have the right connections can secure a spot at the table.

Getting on the List

While some of these pop-ups are secretive and require insider connections, many can be accessed by staying connected on social media. Follow the chefs and venues hosting these events to stay in the loop and be the first to know when new pop-ups are announced. With a little persistence and the right timing, you can secure your spot at some of Indy’s most exciting culinary experiences.

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Photo Credits: 9th Street Bistro, Old Major Market and Dave Plumier