Every foodie knows that each meal has the potential to be a memorable moment. However, some restaurants have upped the ante, providing places so unique that food is often only one part of the equation. We’ve rounded up four destinations that combine food and entertainment so effortlessly, they set the bar for experiential dining in Indy.
The Kan-Kan
1258 Windsor St, Indianapolis
The Kan-Kan adds a twist to the classic dinner-and-a-movie concept. Unlike a dine-in theater, Kan-Kan presents two separate theater and restaurant experiences. Independent of each other, you can come for dinner, a drink at the bar, a movie, or a combination of your choosing. The restaurant will soon reopen as a pizza-by-the-slice shop run by King Dough. The new concept will provide guests with more flexibility before and after movie time while also functioning as an approachable neighborhood hangout spot.
After dinner or drinks, you can choose to head over to the art house cinema, which focuses on a curated list of small-budget movies. They screen everything from the classics to works from local filmmakers. There’s a separate concession stand for classic movie snacks and drinks, and you can even bring your own beer or cocktail into the theater.
501 Madison Ave, Indianapolis
hangarindy.com
The Hangar might be most known for their HandleBar pedal pubs, but they’re looking to become Indy’s one-stop shop for all things experiential. Their lineup currently includes e-bikes, golf and gaming simulators, crafting parties, and a full restaurant and bar within The Hangar. New pedal bar offerings include yard games to break up the bar crawl, pickup and dropoff from downtown locations, to-go drink options, and a brunch experience that combines a HandleBar tour followed by brunch at The Hangar.
Apart from brunch, the restaurant at The Hangar is best known for brick-oven pizza and their take on pizza rolls, called “spare tires” (think cinnamon roll, but pizza). They also have an assortment of other apps and mains.
The Jazz Kitchen
5377 N College Ave, Indianapolis
The Jazz Kitchen combines the worlds of music and food to create one-of-a-kind experiences. A fresh take on dinner and a show, The Jazz Kitchen always has a variety of acts scheduled from around the jazz world. The listening room is casual yet sophisticated, with a full made-from-scratch menu and bar service to complement any show. The menu, a mix of southern and midwestern influences, features everything from tacos and burgers to steaks, seafood, and salads.
Tickets are required for the shows, and it’s recommended to get them in advance. Fear not: If you’re just looking for a bite, the lounge and patio seating are available with no cover charge depending on availability.
Birdie’s
632 E State Rd 32, Westfield
Birdie’s in Westfield is home to a gigantic restaurant and year-round miniature golf course. To kick off the evening, you can start at the grill house and sports bar, which spans over 7,000 square feet and has plenty of rooftop, patio, and indoor seating. The menu features classic game-day fare, including dips, burgers, wings, and more.
After dinner, head over to the massive miniature golf course, where you can choose either 18 or 36 holes. With a snack shack and an outdoor bar by the course, you’ll have everything you need for a full night of entertainment.
RELATED STORIES
Four Sweet Stops in Southern Indiana Worth the Drive This Fall
The urge to head to southern Indiana is almost instinctual the moment there’s a little chill in the air. But some of the…
Four Top: Four Decades of Hoosier Hospitality
You've heard of dinner and a show, but these four local spots take experiental dining to a whole new level.
