Great Nights Out: First Date
Revolucion
A place that begs you to linger … or not.
Here’s the thing about Revolucion, the hip Fountain Square cantina: It allows for, let’s say, flexibility when you’re out with someone new. Start with rummy cocktails in the cute backroom tiki bar, and if things don’t click, well, at least you enjoyed a frosty mai tai in the most tropical setting you’ll find in Indy this time of year. But if all is going well? Suggest moving on to the Lucha Libre–themed dining room and ordering a couple of baskets of tacos and some guac. The funky, folk art–inspired decor keeps the place feeling casual yet special, and the menu is brief but has something for everyone. And if you still aren’t ready to say goodnight, well, wouldn’t you know—you’re smack dab in the middle of one of the city’s hottest ’hoods, where your perfect nightcap awaits just a short stroll away. 1132 E. Prospect St., 317-423-9490
Platt 99
Spin more than just stories at one of Indy’s poshest hotel bars.
Avoid a long dinner commitment at The Alexander’s Plat 99, where every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. is BYOV—that’s Bring Your Own Vinyl. Cozy up on a couch or hang at a high-top table as colorful glass lamps seemingly dance overhead. Nibble on light bites off a menu created specifically with sharing in mind, with dishes such as pastrami salmon tartine, housemade burrata cheese, and sweet-potato terrine. The cocktail list is another surefire way to keep the convo going—its recipes date as far back as a Sazerac from 1838. You’ll get to show off a sample of your impressive record collection—and, if things go well, maybe even the albums you left at home, too. 333 S. Delaware St., 317-624-8200, thealexander.com
Tappers Arcade Bar
Get nerd-stalgic at one of the city’s hottest watering holes.
Avoid those inevitable awkward first-date silences by suggesting a meet-up at Tappers, the Fletcher Place bar that gives you something to do besides stare across the table at each other. Instead of twiddling your thumbs, put them to work at Galaga, Frogger, X-Men, or any of the other retro arcade games that fill the 12-tap bar. What could be more intimate than a rousing game of Ms. Pac-Man with your potential paramour? And did we mention that, except for 50-cent pinball, all the games are free? Only snacks are served here, but carry-in is encouraged, or use the ClusterTruck app for curbside delivery of food. Game on. 501 Virginia Ave., 317-602-6411, tappersarcadebar.com
