12 Things To Do In Irvington
The marinated chicken shish kebab with Greek potatoes and Greek green beans served at The Med.
MUNCH George Katris of Lincoln Square Pancake House fame only opened The Med in May, but the outside deck is regularly packed, even on weekdays. The menu showcasing family recipes is traditional Greek, with a few Italian favorites sprinkled in. Try the avgolemono (a hearty lemon-chicken soup), dolmades (grape leaves house-stuffed with ground beef and rice), or savory Greek fries as a starter. What’s the one thing that the familiar Athenian Greek salad has that the chunky Village Greek salad doesn’t? Lettuce. 5614 E. Washington St., 317-550-2512, themedindy.com
GROOM The Bareknuckles Barbershop has a traditional vibe, what with its straight-razor shaves and cash-only policy. The modern amenities, then—a tip bourbon bar and a pool table—are a pleasant surprise. Senior, first responder, and father-son discounts are offered, as are Uppercut Deluxe pomade and beard oil for purchase. 5603 E. Washington St., 317-760-2280, bareknucklesbarbershop.com
PICK The family-run George Thomas Florist is lush with popular flora, including succulents and exotics like orchids. Alongside the greenery are gifts for gardeners. During “happy hour,” 4:30–5:30 on weekdays and all day Saturday, loose flowers are half off. Local history buffs will be interested to know the solid-oak displays are the original pharmacy cabinets from the erstwhile Rexall at 10th and Arlington. 5609 E. Washington St., 317-353-9161, georgethomasflorist.com
Froufrou drinks never looked so good (or hit so hard) as they do at Strange Bird.
SLURP Don’t assume the fanciful tiki mugs heaped with crushed ice and festooned with flowers at the tropical Strange Bird are for lightweights. The bracing concoctions—the Painkiller will assuredly cure what ails you—necessitate a full stomach. The Pacific Rim–inspired fare is up to the job. Consider the coconut-crusted tenderloin with passion fruit. 128 S. Audubon Rd., 317-207-2127
AMASS A lair for old-school-collectibles buffs, Collector’s Paradise has been at this location for 27 years. Geek out over the Lionel and Action die-cast vehicles, Funko Pops, Marvel action figures, trading cards, and comic books, including back issues. New stock arrives weekly. 5618 E. Washington St., 317-357-2291
ADORN Calling stylish ladies who want cool clothes—but also realize they aren’t 19 anymore. It’s a fine line, but those elusive pieces can be found at Josephine’s, whether you wear petite, plus, or a size in between. Eye-catching accessories are here, too, including colorful purses and boho-chic jewelry. 5620 E. Washington St., 317-775-0157, josephinesinirvington.com
Custom orders of sumptuous accessories are the bread and butter of 1979 Co.
COMMISSION In the town’s oldest commercial building, leatherworker Nate Olp presides over 1979 Co., less a store than a studio. Olp prides himself on crafting custom wallets, crossbody bags, belts, and more, one at a time with handmixed dyes. Yoga mat straps run around $40, a roomy tote maybe $320. Exact pricing depends on material and design. 201 S. Audubon Rd., instagram.com/1979_co
BROWSE Neighborhood fixture Black Sheep Gifts is a superb spot for making fun discoveries. Fridge magnets paying homage to Indy neighborhoods, funky socks, retro candy, and Stonewall Kitchen cocktail mixers are among the ever-changing possibilities. 5626 E. Washington St., 317-602-5442, blacksheepgiftshop.com
ABSORB Aside from the free Wi-Fi, the Irvington branch of the Indianapolis Public Library hosts programs open to all Indianapolis residents. Join a book discussion of On the Road by Jack Kerouac on Monday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. or a nature journaling workshop on Saturday, July 30 at 2 p.m. 5625 E. Washington St., 317-275-4450, indypl.org/locations/irvington
Great Day Tattoo opened at the end of August last year.
EXPRESS With five artists each with their own style at Great Day Tattoo, you can find the right one for your vision. Parking is easy to nab in front; walk-ins are taken if at all possible. Read: If an impulse to get inked up strikes, you’re golden. 204 S. Audubon Rd., 317-974-9917, greatdaytattoo.com
SUPPORT Just opened in June, this new location of Redefined Hope is exclusively a nonprofit boutique selling new and gently used clothing and accessories. All donations are carefully curated to assure the shop’s selection is great quality and on trend. All proceeds go back to Hope Center Indy to support survivors of human trafficking. 5612 E. Washington St., 317-762-5654, redefinedhope.com
PROMENADE Strolling or biking is a breeze on the flat, paved Pennsy Trail running along the historic Old National Road and Pennsylvania Railroad. Using those tracks, Abe Lincoln’s funeral train made its way to Illinois. Entrance on East Hibben Avenue off of South Audubon Road
