Street Savvy: Georgia Street

Upgraded for the Super Bowl, the boardwalk has blossomed into an entertainment zone.

Interactive Map of Georgia Street’s Hot Spots

PERK UP

At Bee Coffee Roasters, you could go for one of the trendy pour-overs, but we recommend the Dr. Tim’s Special, a signature cappuccino with honey, unsweetened cocoa powder, half and half, and three shots of espresso. Bee uses only Indiana-roasted beans.
Pan Am Plaza, 201 S. Capitol Ave., 426-2504

SHOP

A tip of the cap to Lids, an Indy-based sportswear company started 20 years ago—since then, the retailer has ventured well beyond hats to all sorts of fan gear. Lids Locker Room carries more apparel than the company’s regular stores. Still, the trendy baseball-cap collections always score the most style points.
Pan Am Plaza, 201 S. Capitol Ave., 384-1735

PEEK

St. John’s Catholic Church, serving the first Catholic parish in Indianapolis, has been a Georgia Street fixture since 1871. The courtyard and garden offer a serene place to take a break from downtown’s bustle.
126 W. Georgia St., 635-2021

HANG OUT

The Georgia Street boardwalk has transformed from a Super Bowl XLVI stage to a fixture for festivals downtown. Head here on September 11 for the Colts’ Back to Football Kickoff Concert, a free event featuring live performances by Horse Feathers, the Georgia Satellites, and Clayton Anderson.

PARTY

The boardwalk becomes a free outdoor fiesta during Happy Hour Thursday, a mix-and-mingle affair with deejays and a cocktail bar. Keep the good times rolling on Food Truck Friday. The midday event features a rotating weekly lineup, posted online.
Between Capitol Avenue and Illinois Street

TASTE

In the hope of promoting canned beer (among the espoused benefits, aluminum keeps suds fresher than glass bottles do), Sun King brings Canvitational back to Georgia Street on September 12. Around 50 craft breweries will pour samples. Live music and food trucks round out the atmosphere.
Georgia Street and Pan Am Plaza

DINE

Is St. Elmo booked up? Sister restaurant Harry & Izzy’s serves some of the same items. It also has exemplary options and service for gluten-free patrons; a manager comes to the table to reassure the diner that their sensitivity is understood.
153 S. Illinois St., 635-9594

GAWK

Some say creepy, others say creative. Take in the leggy sculpture Wooden’s Legacy, honoring the eponymous basketball coach, and form your own opinion.
Georgia Street boardwalk at Meridian Street

SING

Dueling pianos go head-to-head at the action-packed live-music bar Howl at the Moon. Arrive early to ensure a good view of the stage, as the line tends to snake around the block on weekends.
20 E. Georgia St., 955-0300

SNACK

Courtside Convenience, an easily overlooked storefront, is chock-full of all the candy, crackers, beer, and personal-care items to meet your late-night needs. Grab an Awake chocolate bar for an extra shot of caffeine; nearby bartenders swear by it.
30 E. Georgia St., 917-8971

This article appeared in the September 2015 Issue.