What You Should Do This Weekend in Downtown Indianapolis

Posted on November 8, 2022 by englishivys

We all know the feeling. Friday afternoon hits and we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. We clock out early, maybe even head out for happy hour drinks with co-workers, and our minds instantly start wandering to all the possibilities for the next two days. Even if we don’t have big plans, just the thought of having a whole two days to do whatever we want is enough to get us excited.

So, don’t waste your freedom! Scroll down to learn some of the top things to do in Indianapolis this weekend!

An LGBTQIA-Friendly Bar in Downtown Indianapolis!

Top Things To Do in Downtown Indianapolis Right Now

Why is it that the weekends always seem to fly by so quickly? It’s like we blink and suddenly it’s Sunday night and we’re getting ready for another work week. If you’re like me, you spend the last few hours of the weekend trying to cram in as much fun as possible, which usually just ends up leaving us feeling tired and stressed. Take that stress and negative anticipation away by ensuring you have something fun to do on your two days off!

Be Sure to Check out These Great Options Downtown:

✤ Visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art – One of the largest and oldest art museums in the country. The IMA has a vast collection of art from around the world, as well as rotating exhibitions and special events.

✤ Explore the Indiana State Museum – Learn about the history and culture of Indiana through exhibits, films, and hands-on activities. The museum also has a cafe and a gift shop.

✤ Take a Walk or Bike Ride Along the Canal Walk – This 3-mile path winds through downtown Indianapolis, offering scenic views of the canal, White River State Park, and the city skyline.

✤ Check Out One of the Many Great Restaurants – From fine dining to casual cafes, there’s something for everyone.

✤ See a Show at the Hilbert Circle Theatre – Home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Hilbert Circle Theatre hosts a variety of musical and theatrical performances throughout the year.

✤ Spend Some Time Outdoors at White River State Park – The park offers 250 acres of green space, including a canal, walking/biking trails, flower gardens, and a amphitheater.

✤ Buy Something New at the Circle Center Mall – If you’re looking for a place to shop, dine, and be entertained all under one roof, look no further than Circle Centre Mall.

✨ Grab a Delicious Bite and Frothy Drink at English Ivy’s Eatery & Pub – English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery is a popular spot for the LGBTQIA community, conveniently located in downtown Indianapolis. Sit down for a leisurely weekend brunch, or stop in before heading out to enjoy the city nightlife!

These are just a few of the many things to do in downtown Indianapolis! Whatever you’re interested in, you’re sure to find something to enjoy this weekend. Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and enjoy a healthy brunch, lunch, dinner, and delicious drinks all weekend long. Be sure to check out our weekly specials, too!

Get Ready for the 2022 Halloween Costume Contest at English Ivy’s!

Posted on October 27, 2022 by englishivys

Get in the Halloween spirit by dressing up and heading to English Ivy’s Eatery & Pub in downtown Indianapolis for our annual Halloween costume contest! There are great prizes to be won, so start planning your costume now! Not into dressing up? Just watch the festivities unfold as you enjoy some delicious eats and libations!

Scroll down for details on when the fun begins, what’s on the menu, and more!

Halloween Costume Contest in Downtown Indianapolis — 2022 Halloween Costume Contest!

2022 Halloween Costume Contest at English Ivy’s Eatery & Pub

If you love Halloween, then you won’t want to miss English Ivy’s Costume Contest! It starts at 8 p.m. on Monday, October 31st. Show off your creative costume and you could win a prize! This is the best night spot in town and there’s no cover charge. But you’ve got to be 21 years of age or older! To enter, simply give us a call at (317) 822-5070 and we will provide you with all the information you need. Your only job from there is to create an ultimate Halloween costume that will shock and rock the crowd!

Three Winners Take Home a Prize!

🥇 1^ST PLACE WINS $150!

🥈2^ND PLACE WINS A $50 GIFT CARD!

🥉3^RD PLACE WINS AN UGLY SWEATER!

Come enjoy the fabulous and spooky festivities we are planning for you! Remember, there’s no cover charge so the only thing you have to lose is having a great time! Our full bar and dinner menu will be available as well as our weekly and daily specials. So, mark it in your calendar! We hope to see you all at English Ivy’s on Monday, October 31st at 8 p.m.! It’s going to be a blast and we can’t wait to see all of your amazing costumes.

Are you ready to get your costume contest game face on for this coming Halloween Monday? Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our delicious Moscow Mule Monday drink specials we offer at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! Mondays also showcase Effen and Absolute drink specials!

What to Do if You Have a Really Bad Hangover

Posted on August 25, 2022 by englishivys

So, you had a little more to drink than you intended to last night? Bad hangovers are the worst. A standard hangover can be tolerable, still allowing you to pull it together and eek your way through your daily obligations. But when you have a hangover from H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks, it can feel impossible doing anything other than going back and forth to the bathroom. Fortunately, if you did in fact drink too much last night and today you feel like you are at death’s door, there are plenty of things you can do to alleviate your agony without even leaving your house!

Continue reading to learn some effective methods for curing a nasty hangover so you can get back to real life sooner than later!

Thirsty Thursday Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Hangover Treatment 101

Have a nasty hangover? Don’t let it get in the way of your day! Try these remedies to quickly reduce the ailing effects of over-drinking from the night before:

Drink Several Glasses of Water

This is by far the most important and most effective method for treating a hangover. Your body is deprived of hydration right now and needs as much water as you can give it in a 24 hour period. Aim for one gallon of water. This is a sure way to flush out all those residual toxins and get your body back to a normal state.

In fact, if you feel like you’ve had too much to drink before going to bed, drink a few bottles of water to lessen the symptoms of a hangover the next morning. This truly works, especially if you are prone to headaches when hungover. If you are a coffee or tea drinker in the morning, limit your intake to one cup. Too much caffeine can enhance your hangover symptoms.

Eat As Soon As Possible

You likely did not eat as much as you should before drinking alcohol last night. So, with your water, you will need increase your blood sugar levels by filling your belly with something that will give you energy and absorb the digestive acids in your stomach, which can cause indigestion, upset stomach, and acid reflux. It should also help reduce the feeling of nausea and prevent you from vomiting.

When choosing something to eat, you’ll want to reach for the phone and dial a pizza or Chinese delivery service, but don’t. Try to eat something hearty and healthy if you want to feel better soon, like eggs, oatmeal, whole grain breads, deli meats, grilled fish, fresh vegetables, fruit, and whole wheat pasta are great choices.

Stay away from heavy creams, syrups, sugars, and grease. Highly processed foods and foods high in sugar will not make you feel better. They can actually prolong your hangover symptoms, like fatigue, headache, and upset stomach. You might just feel worse tomorrow if you spend all day consuming sugary frappuccinos, buttery cookies, and greasy fried foods.

Medicate Your Symptoms

If you are open to taking over-the-counter medication, consider taking Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, and even an antacid to help alleviate your symptoms. This will help reduce body aches, headaches, and heartburn, and can even help settle an upset stomach. Never drink another alcoholic drink in the morning to alleviate your hangover. This will just prolong the inevitable. Try to not drink for a full 48 hours after curing your hangover too. This is the best way to get your body back on track after a night of drinking.

Are you looking for a Hair of the Dog? Or perhaps some delicious, hangover-worthy bites in Downtown Indianapolis? Come to English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery for our Thursday drink specials, including $5 Margaritas, $3.50 Corona Bottles, $3 Fireball, $5.35 Pitchers, $10 Beer Buckets. We also have a full bar that can make any cocktail you request!

You Might Be Drinking Your Beer the Wrong Way

Posted on June 23, 2022 by englishivys

You might be doing the whole “beer thing” wrong. So, if you are someone who likes to drink beer, then it is your duty to learn how to enjoy it the most. Review these tips to forever enhance your beer-drinking experiences. With so many styles, flavors, and brands of beer on the market, it can be quite the challenge choosing one to fit your mood. But with the right beer drinking knowledge, you can ensure that any beer you order or take home from the store will be a great-tasting brew. Understanding the proper ways to order, purchase, pour, and drink beer will immediately improve the way you enjoy the overall experience.

Continue below to learn if you’ve been drinking beer the wrong way all this time!

Beer Buckets and Corona Bottle Specials Indianapolis Indiana 317-822-5070

How to Buy the Best Beer

If you are not brewing your own beer, chances are you are procuring it from a local store or brewery. If this is the case, you need to be on alert and choose a quality product. First, avoid buying bottled beer that is old and covered in dust. So, it is not likely to have the best taste and mouth feel. Always check freshness and expiration dates on all beers, canned or bottled. More importantly, do not buy it if it is too close or passed the printed date.

If you have the choice of selecting beer from a refrigerated area or beer from a shelf, go with the refrigerated products. This is likely to have to the freshest dates and flavors. Although it goes without saying, never buy beer that has been sitting in the sun. Likewise, avoid leaving your beer in the sun unless it is iced and cooled properly.

Also, do not buy bottled beer that has solid debris, flakes, or floaters inside. This is an indication of a poor-quality product. It can also make you sick. If you are drinking beer from a growler, it is important to consume it before it goes flat. Once flat, the taste and quality become compromised. Enjoy your growler within the first day or two of opening.

How to Drink Your Best Beer Yet

Beer should be served at proper temperatures, which vary depending on the style of beer you are drinking, as well as your personal preference. The way you pour and serve your beer also influence your total beer enjoyment.

First and foremost, beers that are lighter in body and color should be served quite cold, between 40 and 44 degrees Fahrenheit. Darker beers should be served slighter warmer than lighter beers, between 44 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are drinking a high-octane beer, room temperature will uncover its best flavors.

It is best to drink beer from a glass. When poured into the glass, a lot of the CO2 is released, thus enhancing the aromatics. It also reduces your carbonation intake, which is easier on your belly. When drinking beer from a glass, always use a clean one. Any settled dust or invisible pollen can alter the overall experience and reduce foam faster.

When serving beer in a glass, try to use proper style, such as Pilsner glasses, Weissbier glasses, wine flutes, and brandy snifters. Although this is not incredibly important compared to the other tips mentioned above, it can bring your beer-drinking experience o the ultimate level.

When pouring beer into a glass, go for at least 2 fingers of head depth. A fuller head delivers a fuller aromatic bouquet. To get experience the aroma the most, be sure to take a sip before the head dissipates entirely.

Are you craving a cold frosty brew now? Just visit English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery in Downtown Indianapolis for all the best beers and bar specials in town! Join us Tuesdays for $2 domestics, Wednesdays for $3 Corona bottles, or Thursdays for $10 beer buckets!

What’s Happening in Downtown Indy This Weekend

Posted on May 26, 2022 by englishivys

Don’t let all this rain put a damper in your Hoosier spirit! Keep your hopes high for better weather this weekend! And even if the rainy, cloudy weather decides to stick around, there is still plenty to do in Downtown Indianapolis! Scroll below to review some of the top events and attractions happening in Downtown Indy this weekend that you do not want to miss, rain or shine!

Indiana Repertory Theatre - Downtown Indianapolis — Indiana Repertory Theatre

Hi-Fi Annex Downtown Indianapolis — Indiana Repertory Theatre

Looking for Something To Do This Weekend in Downtown Indianapolis?

Check out these top events and attractions happening now through Memorial Day weekend!

Steel Magnolias at the Indiana Repertory Theatre

A beloved Broadway-turned-movie classic has come to the Indiana Repertory Theatre! Catch the famous show, Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, presented by OneAmerica Mainstage this weekend! Showing times run 2 hours and 20 minutes, which includes a 15 minute intermission. You can see a show anytime, from today through June 5^th. Just be sure to bring age-appropriate guests, as this pop culture favorite tends to include a lot of mature, adult language! Tickets start at $25, and patrons are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test.

Gondola Rides By Old World Gondoliers

Saturday weather reports suggest a sunny, dry, and warm day! So, ask a date or grab your loved ones and reserve a Downtown Indianapolis Canal gondola ride! Take a marvelous trip down the canals of Downtown Indianapolis, Italian-style. Offered by Old World Gondoliers and offered through September 27th, your Gondolier will serenade you as take in the most beautiful canal views and all the charm of Downtown Indy has to offer! Reservations are required, and admission is $189 per boat, which can hold up to 8 passengers.

Top Gun at the IMAX Theater

Who doesn’t love Tom Cruise? Swoon over the Navy’s top action aviator heroes this weekend by catching Top Gun – Maverick at the IMAX Theater in the Indiana State Museum! Showings started today and go through June 9^th this year. Relish in the shenanigans and adventures of Maverick, Goose, Lt. Bradshaw, and all the other cult favorites this Memorial Day weekend. This classic, good-time movie is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 131 minutes. Ticket prices are $17 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for kids 12 and under.

‘Michigander’ Presented By Rock for Riley

If you like great music and a good cause, go Downtown this Friday, May 27, to check out Michigander – Rock for Riley at the Hi-Fi Annex. Presented by Rock for Riley, this show will also feature music by Public Universal Friend. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds made from the concert will directly benefit the Riley Hospital for Children. Rock for Riley is an admired philanthropy group that was founded and still operated by Indiana University School of Medicine students. Show your support and enjoy the best music this weekend at the Hi-Fi Annex! Tickets range between $20 and $25.

English Ivy’s Weekend Brunch and Dinner Specials

Before or after enjoying one of these awesome Downtown Indianapolis attractions, be sure to fill yourself up with a delicious meal and some buzz-worthy drinks at English Ivy’s Pub & Eatery! All of the above-listed Downtown Indy events are within 10 minutes of our restaurant!

This Friday, relish in our famous $22 Prime Rib Dinner Special! Then choose from our $4 Effen cocktails, $5 Kettle One cocktails, and $3 House Wine by the glass drink specials. Hitting the town this Saturday, May 27th? Stop in from 11am to 3pm for brunch, featuring signature brunch dishes, mimosa carafes, $5 Tito’s Bloody Mary’s, Effen Screw Drivers, Irish Coffees, and an $18 champagne bottle served with an orange juice carafe!

Saturday evening, you can enjoy our delicious Mango Salsa Salmon or 10 oz. Filet special, as well as $4 Effen cocktails and $5 Kettle One cocktails. We also have fantastic bar specials every day of the week, and brunch AGAIN on Sundays from 10AM to 3PM!

So, what are you waiting for? Get your weekend plans in motion right now! Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, and delicious drinks all Memorial Day weekend! Be sure to check out our weekly specials, too! Tonight, our special is steak kabobs!

Top 10 Places to Catch Live Music in Downtown Indianapolis

Posted on May 11, 2022 by englishivys

When you’ve got an itch for a night of melodies and crescendos, Downtown Indianapolis is the place to go! From jazz and R&B to string symphonies, brass bands, alternative, folk, country, classic rock, pop, and even cabaret, there is a place for everyone to catch their favorite genre of live music!

Scroll down for Downtown Indianapolis’s top 10 best venues to see live music, plus where to grab the ultimate dinner and drink specials nearby!

Dinner and Drinks Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070 — White River State Park – Downtown Indianapolis

Top 10 Venues for Live Music in Downtown Indianapolis

In no particular order:

The TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park

801 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-233-2434
Website
✨ Indy’s most beautiful outdoor music venue offers a wide selection of concerts in the spring, summer, and fall.

The Rathskeller

401 E. Michigan St.
The Athenaeum Building, Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-636-0396
https://rathskeller.com
✨ Serving Germanic fare with a European flare, the Rathskeller features a wide selection of live music genres, from country and fiddle players to brass bands, musicians, and more.

Gainbridge Fieldhouse

125 S. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-917-2500
https://www.gainbridgefieldhouse.com
✨ Although a sports venue, you can enjoy a long list of live music concerts, year-round!

The Cabaret

924 N. Pennsylvania St.
Ste. B, Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-275-1169
https://www.thecabaret.org
✨ More than just live music, the Cabaret offers an assortment of live entertainment and performing arts.

Slippery Noodle

372 S. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46225
317-631-6974
https://www.slipperynoodle.com
✨ Being established in 1850 makes the Slippery Noodle Indiana’s oldest bar. They feature live blues every day of the week.

Old National Centre

502 N. New Jersey St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-231-0000
http://www.oldnationalcentre.com
✨ As the oldest standing stage house in Indianapolis, you will feel nostalgic while enjoying a symphony orchestra or ballet performance.

FOUNTAIN SQUARE DISTRICT:

HI-FI

1043 Virginia Ave.
Ste. #4, Indianapolis, IN 46203
317-986-7101
https://hifiindy.com
✨ This historical live events venue is adults only and features an assortment of local artists and musicians.

Radio Radio

1119 Prospect St.
Indianapolis, IN 46203
317-955-0995
https://www.yelp.com/biz/radio-radio-indianapolis
✨ An intimate venue that showcases Indy’s up and coming artists and bands.

Hoosier Dome

1627 Prospect St.
Indianapolis, IN 46203
http://www.piradicalproductions.com/hoosierdome
✨ This is a drug and alcohol-free venue known for Indy’s greatest local music scene.

White Rabbit Cabaret

1116 Prospect St.
Indianapolis, IN 46203
317-686-9550
https://www.whiterabbitcabaret.com
✨ As an authentic cabaret bar, you can enjoy burlesque bingo night and all sorts of vaudeville-style variety shows.

Where to Get Pre-Show and After-Show Eats

Before or after enjoying a night out at one of these incredible and historic Downtown Indianapolis live music venues, be sure to fill yourself up with some delicious dinner and drinks at English Ivy’s Pub & Eatery! All of the above-listed Downtown Indy venues are within 11 minutes of our restaurant!

This Friday, fill your belly with our famous Prime Rib Dinner Special! Hitting the town on Saturday too? Stop in again for our delicious Mango Salsa Salmon! We also have fantastic bar specials every day of the week, and even BRUNCH on SUNDAYS from 10AM to 3PM!

So, what are you waiting for? Get your weekend plans in motion right now! Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, and delicious drinks all weekend long. Be sure to check out our weekly specials, too!

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Top 4 Tips for a Responsible Night of Drinking

Posted on January 31, 2022 by englishivys

It’s a fact that many adults like to go out, let loose, and enjoy a selection of delicious cocktails with friends and loved ones. Whether it is the end of a long work week, special celebratory occasion, or just another fun weekend with your crew, if you are planning to go out for drinks, be sure to do so responsibly. With good knowledge and best practices, you can enjoy as much celebratory drinking as you like, while also being sensible and safe. This can also help to mitigate those nasty hangover symptoms that we all dread.

Continue reading to learn the top 4 tips for a responsible night of drinking, including a bonus tip on where to get the best drink specials and downtown Indianapolis.

Bar Near Me Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070 — Bar and Restaurant Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Sensible and Healthy Ways to Enjoy Your Alcoholic Beverages

When you are preparing to grab drinks at your local bar or pub with your friends, these 4 tips will help you have a successful, fun, and safe experience:

Pay Attention to Alcohol Content

When drinking alcoholic beverages, it is important to understand that some cocktails and drinks have a lower alcohol content in them compared to others. For example, dark beers can have up to 12% alcohol in them, while light beers can have as low as 4 to 5% alcohol. This means drinking 4 pints of Guinness will have a higher effect on your blood alcohol level, then drinking for Miller Lights.

The same principle applies to liquor. Some liquors are lower proof than others, so it is important to pay attention to what you’re ordering and how much is being poured in that drink. For instance, 3 ounces of 190 proof Everclear, a pure grain alcohol, will have more of an effect on your blood alcohol level than 3 ounces of 40 proof vodka.

So, if you are drinking a cocktail or beverage that has a higher alcohol content in it, understand that you are basically drinking doubles, and the effect of alcohol will impact you much faster and stronger compared to a less-strong beverage.

Pace Yourself

Along with understanding the alcohol content in each beverage, it is important to take your time when drinking alcohol. Pace yourself by drinking glasses of water in between each alcoholic beverage, and by drinking slowly. Avoid taking shots if you can, although this is sometimes impossible. If you take shots, just be sure you are staying hydrated with plenty of water throughout the night.

Eat Something

Perhaps one of the most important tips for drinking responsibly is to ensure you are eating. Food plays an important role in keeping you satiated, while also giving your stomach something to absorb all the alcohol. If you have ever gone drinking without eating anything, you know that you wake up with a severe hangover and a lot of sickness. You also get drunk really fast, which can actually spoil the night because it can cause you to get sleepy or sick too soon. So, while you’re drinking with friends or loved ones, be sure to order appetizers and continue snacking, or eat a full meal at some point in the night.

Look Out for Others

Another critical tip for drinking with friends or loved ones is to look out for each other. If you notice that one of your friends is becoming too intoxicated to quickly, offer them some food or a glass of water. If someone does end up getting too intoxicated, be sure to help them home safely. It is also important to look out for each other in terms of being victimized. Keep your eyes on your drink at all times and keep an eye out for anyone trying to slip anything into your friends’ drinks.

As promised, we are going to give you a bonus tip on where to get the best drink specials, freshest cocktails, and quality bar menu selections in downtown Indianapolis. Visit English Ivy’s in Downtown Indianapolis for daily food and drink specials and more! Be sure to check out our weekly specials, too!

Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant — 317-822-5070

Does Flat Beer Have Less Alcohol?

Posted on November 9, 2021 by englishivys

We have all come across that random bottle of beer that was somehow forgotten about in your cooler from last summer. Well, there are some things you need to know about that beer before you decide to pop it open and drink it. Not only is beer prone to expiration, but it may also lose its alcohol content if it goes flat. So, would it even be worth the sip?

Continue reading to learn more facts about flat beer and alcohol content, as well as where to get the best beer specials and frosty beverages in downtown Indianapolis!

Beer Specials Indianapolis IN 317-822-5070

Beer Goes Flat Overtime

Like wine, beer ages with time, but this is not a good thing. Although aged wine is a delicacy and something to be revered, aged beer is not. Now, aged beer is not unsafe to drink, but it will taste less appealing than a freshly bottled beer. As time goes on, beer becomes flat because the proteins within it begin to break down; and once beer goes flat, the flavor profile is significantly affected. The multiple flavor notes that once existed begin to dwindle down until a singular flavor is all that can be detected. Many people refer to this single flavor taste as skunky because it is a bit musty and off-putting.

Once a beer is bottled and capped, it generally takes around 3 to 6 months to peak in flavor. From there, the beer will begin to break down and go flat. Beers with a greater number of hops are intentionally aged, and therefore have a longer shelf life compared to lagers, pilsners, ales, and other relatively-lighter beers.

Alcohol Content in Old Beer

For some, it is the alcohol that appeals to them rather than the actual taste of a beer. Well, if that’s the case, old beer should be just fine. As beer ages, it is prone to losing flavor and depth, but it will not lose any alcohol content, nor will the alcohol content increase. The alcohol content in a beer is determined and designed during the fermentation process. As beer ages, the fermentation process continues, therefore sustaining the alcohol potency, but not changing it.

Bottom Line: If you come across an ambiguous or antique beer, steer clear just to be safe. It’s not going to taste good anyway!

Do you want to know how you never have to worry about flat beer or inadequate alcohol content in your frosty beverages? Just visit English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery in Downtown Indianapolis for all the best beers and bar specials in town! Join us Tuesdays for $2 domestics, Wednesdays for $3 Corona bottles, or Thursdays for $10 beer buckets!

Do Not Miss English Ivy’s Halloween Costume Contest This Weekend!

Posted on October 26, 2021 by englishivys

Halloween in Downtown Indianapolis will never be the same after this year! English Ivy’s is hosting a HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST this SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30^th at our very own Indy Pub & Eatery! Continue below for details on how to enter to win and when to arrive for the show!

Halloween Costume Contest Indianapolis IN 317-822-5070

Halloween Costume Contest at English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery

Saturday, October 30^th at 9PM

🎃 Party starts at 8PM and goes until 2AM!
🎃 Halloween Costume Contest starts at 9PM!

That’s right folks; get ready for a Halloween celebration extravaganza! And it’s all happening this weekend at English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery, located in the historical district of Downtown Indianapolis. This Saturday, October 30^th, we are hosting a Halloween Costume Contest! Come enjoy the fabulous and spooky festivities we are planning for you!

To enter, simply give us a call at (317) 822-5070 and we will provide you with all the information you need. Your only job from there is to create an ultimate Halloween costume that will shock and rock the crowd!

Food, Drinks and PRIZES!

🏆 1st place winner gets $150!

🏆 2nd place winner gets $75!

For all contestants and patrons, rest assured that everyone will come and leave fully entertained and satisfied! We offer a full dinner and bar menus, so come hungry and ready to party! This Saturday, we are featuring a weekly chef special of stuffed chicken breast! You can also come in on Sunday morning for hair of the dog and brunch, or Sunday evening for our chef special, beef pot roast!

Join Us For Brunch on Sunday

Don’t forget that English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery also does brunch! Join us this weekend, and every coming weekend too, to indulge in all our guest favorites! Served from 11am to 3pm on Saturdays, and 10am to 3 pm on Sundays.

✨ $5 Bloody Mary’s
✨ $5 Long Islands
✨ $4 Long Beaches
✨ $18 Champagne Bottle + Orange Juice Carafe

Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear more about our amazing brunch, lunch, dinner, and drink specials for this Halloween weekend, or to enter our costume contest!

2 New Takes on the Traditional Old Fashioned

Posted on September 17, 2021 by englishivys

The Old Fashioned is one of the most respected and honored cocktails that has maintained popularity for hundreds of years. Classically made with bourbon, bitters, and sugar, the Old Fashioned is admired for its depth, richness, and history. It is rumored that the drink was created at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the early 1870’s for a banquet in honor of presidential candidate, Samuel J. Tilden. So, people began calling this drink the “Manhattan cocktail” after the club.

Although the name implies that innovation is not something of interest, with such an easy foundation of ingredients it’s hard to resist the temptation to innovate and tweak the recipe just a little. You see, bourbon and sugar might be customary for making a classic Old Fashioned, but many are pleasantly discovering that you can use any base liquor and ingredients you would like, including sweet vermouth, tequila, and more!

If you are a fan of the Old Fashioned, but would like a fresh take on it, continue reading for two inventive recipes that may turn into your new go-to after-work or weekend drink!

Bar Near Me Indianapolis IN 317-822-5070 — Bar Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

It is Time to Change the Way You Think About an Old Fashioned

The classic recipe for an Old Fashioned is 2 ounces bourbon, 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes of angostura bitters, and 1 dash of water, then garnished with a cherry on a toothpick. However, as classic as this cocktail might be, it too has been altered overtime.

Many people substitute bourbon for other types of liquor, such as whiskey or scotch. Many have also substituted sugar cubes for sweet vermouth or even a teaspoon of maple syrup. Others eliminate the dash of water altogether. Some even swap the cherry for dried fruit, orange slices, olives, and rosemary sprigs.

For most, developing a personalized recipe for an Old Fashioned take some time and some adjusting. But as mentioned, if you are tired of the same old town bourbon cocktail you been drinking for years, try out these two recipes that may change the way you think about Old Fashioned cocktails forever!

Traditional Version of an Old Fashioned

Just as a reminder for comparison purposes, to make a traditional Old Fashioned cocktail, drop a sugar cube inside a rocks glass and saturate it with 2 dashes of bitters. Then add a dash of water. Muddle the sugar cube until it is fully dissolved. Now fill the glass with ice and add 2 ounces of bourbon. Finish by garnishing it with an orange slice and a cocktail cherry on a toothpick.

🥃 The Improved Whiskey Cocktail 🥃

This recipe is not a new one. It is actually a classic cocktail that was even mentioned in “The Bar-Tender’s Guide” of 1887. Try this improved whiskey cocktail the next time you visit your favorite Downtown Indianapolis bar restaurant!

▻ 1.5 OUNCES HIGH RYE BOURBON
▻ 1 SUGAR CUBE (substitute 1 tsp. maple syrup or 1 bar spoon of granulated sugar)
▻ 1 BAR SPOON MARASCHINO LIQUEUR
▻ 1 DASH ABSINTHE
▻ 1 DASH CHERRY OR LICORICE BITTERS
▻ 1 DASH AROMATIC BITTERS
▻ GARNISH WITH CITRUS PEEL

To make this cocktail, follow the same instructions you would for a classic Old Fashioned. In your rocks glass, muddle your sugar cube or sugar option with your bitters, absinthe, and Maraschino liqueur. Next, pour in your bourbon and ice, then stir. It is recommended to use a single large block of ice for this cocktail.

🥃 The Reposado Old Fashioned 🥃

If you are a fan of tequila, then this is the new take on a classic Old Fashioned you’ve been looking for. With a different selection of bitters, a bit of agave, and a different base liquor, this rendition of an Old Fashioned will have you feeling like you’ve gone south of the border.

▻ 1.5 OUNCES AGED TEQUILA
▻ 1 BAR SPOON SIMPLE SYRUP
▻ 2 DASHES AROMATIC BITTERS
▻ GARNISH WITH AND ORANGE PEEL

To make this new version, you will start off a bit differently than a traditional Old Fashioned. Begin by using a wide vegetable peeler to peel your orange. Use the orange peel to express all of the essential oils within inside the rocks glass. Add all of your ingredients into a glass including a single block of ice, and then stir. Garnish with a new orange peel.

Are you excited for these new versions of your favorite Old Fashioned? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and place your order with the bar today! You can enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, and delicious drinks! Be sure to check out our daily specials, too!

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