The Old Northside neighborhood is a historic gateway to downtown Indianapolis.

I may be biased, but the Old Northside is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Indianapolis. The area is rich in history, including iconic neighborhoods like Herron-Morton Place and Kennedy-King. The scenery is perfect for a long walk or a picnic in the park, and our close proximity to downtown Indianapolis makes it easy to explore the rest of the Circle City. 

The Old Northside is a neighborhood just north of Monument Circle—just a hop away from the I-65 and I-70 split. Our neighborhood boundaries are generally encompassed by 16th Street and College Avenue, but our historic charm extends well into the surrounding community.

During the Civil War, Camp Morton was established in Herron-Morton Place as a training base for Union soldiers. After the war, Indy’s wealthiest residents wanted to settle down and build roots on the edge of the city’s downtown, constructing lavish Victorian homes that still tower over the tree-lined streets today. Thanks to the National Register for Historic Places, the Old Northside was protected in 1978 to prevent the demolition of these historic homes. 

Now, these stately structures define the neighborhood, giving it a distinct charm and character that differentiates it from others in Indianapolis. Many apartment complexes have been developed in the area, making it ideal for students and young adults looking to be near the hustle and bustle of downtown without the high prices. 

I came to the Old Northside in a roundabout way, moving back and forth across Indianapolis before settling in the neighborhood. But I was drawn to the Old Northside’s unique historic charm—with Victorian homes, fun community events, and a world-class restaurant scene.

There’s always something to do in Indianapolis. 

One of my least favorite phrases is: “There’s nothing to do in Indianapolis.” The truth is that Indy has plenty of things to enjoy for all ages, interests, and energy levels. 

For starters, Indianapolis is all about First Friday. Every first Friday of the month, you can tour galleries and open houses, meet local artists, support small businesses, and more. Here in the Old Northside, the Harrison Center displays beautiful works from local artists, raising awareness for cultural and social justice issues through art. You can explore a maze of halls teeming with all kinds of art, as well as a rooftop bouldering wall so you can scale the city. 

For those who are more athletically inclined, you’ll be excited to know that our neighborhood has a Pacers Bikeshare station right on the Monon Trail. The Monon is an iconic rail-to-trail walking space that stretches over 25 miles through the Indy region. While you can walk or even rollerblade down the trail, the Pacers Bikeshare is the best way to travel the region—from Broad Ripple all the way up to Carmel. It’s only a dollar to check out a bike and fifteen cents for every minute you ride, so you can easily get some exercise while exploring the city!

Meanwhile, Tinker House Events hosts community events like weddings, networking brunches, yoga classes, and more. They even have a full bar stocked with local products like The Earl, a canned gin and Earl Grey tea cocktail from 8th Day Distillery in the nearby Circle City Industrial Complex. There’s always something going on at Tinker House Events, so be sure to follow along on social media to see upcoming events you may want to attend.

Looking for even more to do? You can explore our neighborhood’s history at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, where Harrison’s stately Victorian home has been transformed into a museum. You can indulge in some self-care at Amarsi, treating yourself to luxury salon services while browsing their selection of local art and goods. Or you can walk just two blocks south to the Indianapolis Public Library and get ready to read!

Our neighborhood is the perfect place for brunching around town.

The Old Northside is home to some of the best restaurants in town, and breakfast is no exception. It just wouldn’t be right to start the most important meal of the day without a pistachio latte and crunchy croissant from Provider. This spot is hands down my favorite coffee place in the city, especially since it’s within walking distance! 

Born from the same people who created Coat Check Coffee on Mass Ave, Provider is more of an intimate space, using bartending techniques to serve handcrafted cups of coffee. You’ll be in awe as you witness a barista spritz a lemon around the rim of your latte! They also recently started serving cocktails in the evenings, whipping up classics like Mai Tais and mojitos.

If coffee isn’t really your thing, look no further than Tea’s Me Cafe. Founded by WNBA star Tamika Catchings, Tea’s Me is a great place to sit and chat with a hot pot of tea warming right next to you. You can choose from a wide selection of loose leaf teas, including a variety of oolong, white, and green teas with plenty of breakfast sammies to snack on. They truly elevate tea time to a whole new level, while also being community advocate with local programming and events.

For an elevated brunch experience, I recommend Gallery on 16th. This restaurant is the latest addition to the Gallery Pastry line-up—with the same attention to interior design that makes all their restaurants unique. At this location, they have a Mediterranean-inspired brunch and bubbles menu, featuring shaken espresso, housemade gelato, and the iconic 16th Street Benedict with savory eggs and smoky salmon.

While you’re there, you can also enjoy some of the Gallery’s artisanal European-style pastries. With delicious macarons, croissants, and more, Gallery on 16th is the perfect spot for a girls brunch or a special occasion with family.

Looking for lunch? The Old Northside is a foodie’s paradise.

The Old Northside is perfectly situated in the middle of Indianapolis, making it the ideal place for a quick working lunch or a light meal between weekend errands. There are lots of options for both sweet and savory dining, because who says you can’t have a milkshake for lunch? 

Baby’s has the vibe of a classic 1950s diner with a modern twist, serving up greasy goodness in the form of smash burgers and fries. They also serve trendy cocktails and boozy milkshakes that can be enjoyed sans alcohol, too. It’s the perfect blend of casual bar and family-friendly restaurant—and they even host monthly drag brunches, paying tribute to the historic LGBTQ+ nightclub that once lived on Talbott St. 

Although it’s just north of the Old Northside, Goose the Market is a local staple for a reason. The counter upstairs offers delicious, hearty sandwiches using locally sourced ingredients. Their Mufalatta sandwich is one of their classics and perfect for a filling lunch. Head downstairs for an incredible wine and beer selection with both local wines and unique offerings you can’t find in big-box grocery stores. I love getting different kinds of cheeses and breads to snack on from Goose the Market and enjoying a quick picnic in the local park!

Meanwhile, Foundry Provisions is one of my favorite cozy lunch spots. Their paninis are always on point, and I love that they serve Tinker Coffee and kombucha from Circle Beverage. Their patio is a great spot to catch up on some reading over a breakfast sandwich and latte! Foundry Provisions is also a popular neighborhood gathering spot, with enough spaces for socializing to make this a must visit.

The Old Northside offers diverse dining options for a night out. 

Think that Broad Ripple and Mass Ave are the only spots for a night out? Think again! The Old Northside has all the options you need for date-night dining or late-night bevvies. From Mexican cuisine to Japanese sushi, our neighborhood has just about everything you could want.  

At Loco, you can get classic Mexican food, including the biggest bowl of guacamole in a molcajete and the tastiest margaritas in town. If you’re looking for a slightly more colorful atmosphere, you can try out Festiva—with more vegan options, a Mexican brunch menu, and a Devour Indy menu that’s always on point.

New to the local foodie scene is Bocca—an innovative Italian-inspired eatery. They offer handmade pasta dishes and a well-crafted cocktail menu. But their shining star is the basement speakeasy that’s perfect for date night, sipping an aperol spritz on their turfed patio space. If you need more inspiration, Tinker Street is a romantic classic, offering the atmosphere of fine dining without the price. Their chef offers a high-end dining experience with an ever-changing seasonal menu that will have you racing to make a reservation.

Then, after dinner, you can enjoy some sips and spirits at one of our neighborhood bars. Scarlet Lane Gastropub is owned by the same people behind Scarlet Lane Brewing. This women-owned brewery and eatery serves the same delicious beer alongside small shareable plates. 

Across the street is a longstanding neighborhood favorite: West Fork Whiskey. You can sip on artfully crafted cocktails made with locally distilled whiskey—or simply enjoy one of their seasonal canned cocktails, like Mint Condition in the spring and summer. 

But one of the most welcoming spots in the city is Greg’s (Our Place) on the corner of 16th and Alabama Street. Since it opened in the 1980s, Greg’s has been a place where the LGBTQ+ community can call home, creating a safe environment for an evening out. The outdoor patio space is secluded and full of greenery, so be sure to grab a beverage from one of their three bars and stick around for a drag show!

The Old Northside is a neighborhood where everyone can feel at home. 

From the foodies to the fitness fanatics, the Old Northside truly has something for everyone. Our neighborhood tends to be overlooked compared to other areas around downtown Indianapolis, but that just means that our home is a hidden gem. 

Even though we’re in the heart of Indianapolis, the Old Northside maintains a peaceful atmosphere with a neighborly charm. Our community has plenty of affordable apartments in historic buildings, and there’s always something new to learn and experience. 

Our centralized location is also the perfect jumping off point to explore the entire region. You can easily drive wherever you need to go thanks to the interstate or simply ride your bike downtown along the Monon. The Old Northside is also connected to the city by the IndyGo Red Line—a rapid transit bus that runs from Broad Ripple to Fountain Square! 

With amazing restaurants and even better neighbors, I honestly love living in the Old Northside. Every time I’m out for a stroll, I find myself admiring the tall trees and towering Victorian houses that give our neighborhood its unique character. Because everywhere I go, I find new ways to appreciate this place I call home.