Bavarian Dining Room
1 / 10

The Rathskeller

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A historic Bavarian-style beer hall serving authentic German cuisine, featuring live music and a lively atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Bavarian Dining Room

The Rathskeller

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Bavarian-style beer hall serving authentic German cuisine, featuring live music and a lively atmosphere.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Step into a piece of history and savor traditional German food and beer in a truly unique setting."

TIP

Explore the Kellerbar

For a casual experience, visit the Kellerbar for German-style beer served in large steins.

Embrace the Spicy Mustard

Be prepared for spicy mustard with dishes like wurst or schnitzel; it's a notable condiment.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 9PM

Cuisine

German

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(317) 636-0396

Address

401 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic German Bier Hall Experience

Authentic German Bier Hall Experience

Step into a historic 19th-century building for Bavarian-style decor, traditional German food, and lively entertainment.

Must-Try Pretzels and Spicy Mustard

Must-Try Pretzels and Spicy Mustard

Enjoy complimentary, warm, chewy pretzels served with a side of spicy mustard that guests rave about.

Vibrant Biergarten & Live Music

Vibrant Biergarten & Live Music

Experience live music and great German food in a popular seasonal beer garden, especially during warmer weather.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#ratskellerrestaurant #indianapolis #indiana
@kimlipkristine8289
6 likes • 701 views

Explore the Kellerbar

For a casual experience, visit the Kellerbar for German-style beer served in large steins.

Embrace the Spicy Mustard

Be prepared for spicy mustard with dishes like wurst or schnitzel; it's a notable condiment.

HEY INDIANAPOLIS!!! IT’S MY FIRST INDIANA TRIP!! Everyone’s been asking when I’m getting out of Nashville & hitting the road andddd here we go! 🚌✨ come hang out with me THIS SATURDAY at The Rathskeller on Saturday July 26th from 5-7pm! ❤️‍🔥 #indianapolis #indiana #countrymusic #livemusic
@jessiewilsonmusic
94 likes • 1.6K views
Dancers from the Richens-Timm Academy of Irish Dance performed at the Rathskeller in downtown Indianapolis for St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday. #indianapolis #indiana #stpatricksday #irishdancing
@indystar
62 likes • 3.4K views

Enjoy the Beer Garden

Visit during warm weather for live music and brats in the beer garden.

Rooftop Views

Consider outdoor rooftop seating for picturesque views of downtown Indianapolis.

#fyp #indiana #rathskeller #indianapoliscolts #berlin
@tmarieindiana
37 likes • 585 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Explore the Kellerbar

For a casual experience, visit the Kellerbar for German-style beer served in large steins.

Embrace the Spicy Mustard

Be prepared for spicy mustard with dishes like wurst or schnitzel; it's a notable condiment.

Enjoy the Beer Garden

Visit during warm weather for live music and brats in the beer garden.

Rooftop Views

Consider outdoor rooftop seating for picturesque views of downtown Indianapolis.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Rathskeller offers a unique and authentic German dining experience in a historic setting. Guests love the traditional cuisine, the lively atmosphere with live music, and the vast beer selection. While the food is generally praised, some find the prices slightly high, and one reviewer noted that the apple strudel was disappointing.

"I'm a sucker for German food so I was excited to get to visit the Rathskeller. Not only do they have a huge menu of German specialties, but the location is super cool and historical. It really does transport you to a traditional German restaurant while you're here. The food itself was delicious. I tried the sauerbraten which is a German pot roast and it was absolutely delicious! The pretzels are also tasty, though beware of that spicy mustard! Prices are a little high, but we visited for lunch and appreciated the lower cost of their lunch menu. They do have a kids menu and our daughters enjoyed their food as well. Service was friendly and our food came out quickly as well. If you're looking for a unique dining experience, you have to give this place a shot!"

Sam Sachs

"This is such a unique and historic place. The Rathskeller Biergarden is a super cool music venue. Has an interesting set up separate from the Bavarian themed restaurant and bar. The vibe is fun. Food is great... Check it out!"

Mark Merritt

"Very traditional restaurant, it is really German and looks it is there for long time. It’s clean despite is an old place, but this is what makes your experience better, once you feel you are in Europe. Dishes are really German with NO adapts to American dietary. Only the apple strudel disappointed me but I completely understand once it’s hard to make a fresh one once there is no high flow orders for this desert."

Felipe Franzini

What People Like

Authentic German cuisine
Historic atmosphere
Great beer selection and Biergarten

What People Dislike

Apple strudel disappointment
Prices can be high

Frequently Asked Questions

The Rathskeller serves authentic German cuisine, including popular dishes like schnitzel, bratwurst, and sauerbraten, alongside some American and Continental specialties.

Yes, The Rathskeller often hosts live music, particularly in the Biergarten during warmer months, and has bands playing on select nights.

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The restaurant features a historic, Bavarian-style beer hall setting with traditional decor, offering a cozy and immersive dining experience.

24 Best Things to Do in Indianapolis Right NowThe Best Nightlife in Indianapolis

While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to make reservations, especially for larger parties or during peak times, to ensure a table.

Guests highly recommend the complimentary pretzels with spicy mustard, as well as dishes like Jagerschnitzel, bratwurst, and the hot wurst platte.

Where the Locals Eat and Drink in IndianapolisGoogle Review

Yes, The Rathskeller features a popular seasonal Biergarten with outdoor seating, often accompanied by live music.

Where the Locals Eat and Drink in IndianapolisThe Best Nightlife in Indianapolis

Absolutely! The Rathskeller offers a wide selection of German and imported beers, served in traditional steins.

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Indianapolis is justifiably proud of its most famous literary son, Kurt Vonnegut. Knock back a few drinks at this German-themed restaurant located in a historic building designed by Vonnegut’s grandfather; skip the formal dining area and head straight to the Kellerbar, a throwback to the pre-World War II beer halls where you’re served German-style beer in glass steins bigger than a newborn baby. After a pilsner or two, step outside the Athenaeum and look to the southwest, where you’ll see a 38-foot tall mural of the famed author himself on the side of the Massala Building.

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Rathskeller has a beautiful rustic dining room that perfectly accompanies their award-wining menu, which is filled with German cuisine and other delights, such as steak and vegetarian options. The Kellerbar is a welcomed addition to the Rathskeller establishment and includes its 12 imported beers and over 50 imported bottled beers from Germany, the United Kingdom, and continental Europe. For wine drinkers, they have a long list of white wines, red wines, and champagne from countries like Italy, Argentina, and Spain.

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DowntownWhy you’re here: Beer, brats, and food that channels Indy’s German heritage in the 19th century Athenaeum buildingWhat you’re getting: Go to the beer garden for live music and brats when the weather is warm. In the dining room, go ahead and try the hot wurst platte -- and consider yourself warned about the spicy mustard. Or get the schnitzel just so you can understand the Old World heritage of Indy’s classic breaded pork tenderloin sandwich.

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Looking for the best beer garden in Indianapolis, a beer selection that will impress even the biggest beer aficionados, and the occasional Oktoberfest, seasonal menu, and Dachshund race?. The Rathskeller, Indianapolis's authentic German heritage destination, is also home to its stunning beer garden, overlooking the city and one of the most popular live music venues in the city.​They offer approachable beers of German extraction, seasonal offerings, and authentic German fare. ​Alas, they don't brew their own beers, so it can only be extra credit on a brewery list, but I just feel like it deserves an honorable mention.

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A longtime tenant of the historic 19th-century Athenaeum building, the Rathskeller serves traditional German food and drink in a real-deal Bavarian beer hall setting. The restaurant arm has been cooking up old-world cuisine like Jagerschnitzel, bratwurst, and sauerbrauten since it first opened back in the late 1800s, making it the oldest continuously operating eatery in town. The cavernous Kellerbar opens onto a popular seasonal biergarten with a walk-up window for food service and a bandshell that accommodates musicians for al fresco dining with a soundtrack through the summer months.

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This establishment, the city's oldest, rests in the basement of the Athenaeum and serves a variety of authentic German entrees, like sauerbraten and jaegerschnitzel. The menu also offers plenty of American and Continental specialties, including steaks, seafood, pastas, and chicken and vegetarian dishes. Diners can spend their time in the main dining room, the lively Kellerbar, or the outside Biergarten.

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The Rathskeller Restaurant and Biergarten hosts Indianapolis’ best local bands for live shows every Wednesday through Saturday. The lineup spans across all genres but is always sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The upbeat atmosphere coupled with a view of the Indy skyline makes this an ideal spot for Indy residents looking for a date night or a friend adventure.

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This authentic German beer hall is set inside the historic Athenaeum Building, offering a mix of Old World charm and lively entertainment that tourists and locals love!. ​With a menu featuring German favorites like schnitzel and sausages, along with an extensive selection of European and local brews, The Rathskeller is perfect for a laid-back night out.

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The Rathskeller 401 E Michigan St (317) 636-0396 Yelp: 4 Stars, 230 Reviews This place has been a hit in Indianapolis for years and has the best Hot Wurst Platte this side of the Atlantic. That’s Bratwurst, Bockwurst, Kielbasse and German wieners, my friends. Bring some friends and spend a night listening to live music in the bier garden around back.

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The Rathskeller Restaurant boasts a Bavarian flair with its 19th Century Athenaeum building right in the downtown/ Mass Ave area. You'll feel like you're in a cozy inn tucked in the Bavarian hills and/or a lively beer hall in Munich. They host the best local bands (from acoustic rock to polka to blues) on Wednesdays-Saturdays (and sometimes Sundays).

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Located in a historic Athenaeum Building downtown it’s as interesting outside as it is inside. This downtown Indianapolis restaurant is known for its family-sized portions of schnitzel and sauerbraten and the award-winning menu has a selection of everything. Like any German restaurant, it does nolet patrons down in its selection of beers.

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SERVING: Lunch/Dinner CUISINE: American/German PRICE: $$ LOCATION: Downtown 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 PHONE: 317-636-0396 WEB: rathskeller.com. Presenting a mix of German and contemporary American fare, in the midst of an old-style German pub and outdoor biergarten.

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Set in the historic Athenaeum Building, The Rathskeller's German-themed restaurant and bar is best known for the giant (and always packed) Biergarten in the summer. Live music plays almost every weekend. Best for: The spiciest mustard you've ever tasted.

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401 E Michigan StIndianapolis, IN 46204(317) 636-0396 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Since 1894, the Rathskeller has served German meals, drinks, and live music in an indoor and outdoor beer hall with a Bavarian-style design.

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The Rathskeller – A historic German beer hall offering delicious Bavarian cuisine, a large selection of beer, and a charming atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating options.

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A German dining experience with dishes that kids and adults alike will enjoy, plus an outdoor Biergarten during nice weather. (Gluten Friendly choices available)

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A German beer hall that serves sophisticated German fare, as well as steaks, seafood and pasta – and has live music.

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