Buzz With a Side of Caffeine: Hybrid Coffee/Cocktail Shops in Indy
I’m not usually one to fall for “trends,” but there’s one trend I’ve found myself falling more and more in love with lately: the coffee shop/cocktail bar hybrid.
This isn’t a new concept in Indy — I’ve heard stories from friends of old hangouts with late night coffee and alcoholic beverages. But these shops keep popping up, and I’m loving it.
Some offer a space where you can work well into the evening, if you’re more of a night owl worker, while others ask that guests put their laptops away after a certain time. Some have live music on certain days of the week, while others are more daytime-focused.
Regardless of their rules, all of these spots are making creative coffee drinks and strong cocktails — so they’re the perfect place to start and end your day.
Parlor Public House
Parlor Public House is a beautiful space with loft vibes, lots of plants, and a huge amount of space to work or relax in. Located on Ohio Street downtown, it’s easily accessed from any downtown Indianapolis neighborhood.
A coffee shop by day, I know I can always count on Parlor for a creative coffee drink with unique flavor combinations like rosemary-infused Blue Mind coffee with prickly pear, cumin, and oat milk, or earthy hojicha mixed with orgeat, beet juice, and oat milk.
After 5 PM, Parlor becomes a 21+ bar, offering classic cocktails, wine, mocktails, and a rotating variety of seasonally inspired drinks. Naturally, they make a mean espresso martini, offering your choice between cognac, vodka, bourbon, and tequila for the spirit. Thursday night is jazz night, and Parlor is truly the perfect place to enjoy good music and good drinks after hours.
Parlor Public House, 600 E Ohio St Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Coat Check Coffee
New to the coffee/cocktail hybrid scene is Coat Check Coffee, a Mass Ave staple in the Athenaeum. Open just until 4 PM Monday through Friday, Coat Check may not be a late-night spot, but their cocktails are worth taking an early happy hour. Their hours are extended until 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Their classic lattes and espresso drinks are created at such a high level that it’s almost hard to order something other than a coffee when I visit, but their cocktail menu is focused and delicious. Their take on a classic Mai Tai is well done (and strong!), and you can’t go wrong with a rum-based espresso martini. Make sure to try the Gin & Tonic Remedy, which features mint and Sencha green tea.
Remaining true to the heritage of the Athenaeum, Coat Check also sells several German wines.
Coat Check Coffee, 401 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Skosh
Want the feeling of a bar without the booze? Skosh is for you.
Skosh is hard to characterize — it’s part coffee shop, part bakery, part consignment shop, and somehow, it all works. Everything inside the shop is for sale!
Skosh’s coffees are always done well. I usually go for a cortado or drip coffee when I’m there, but they also offer a variety of seasonal and specialty drinks. It’s obvious that they take care when creating their drinks, as they make their syrups from scratch.
They’re open until 9 PM, so if you’re looking for an alcohol-free, caffeine-free drink, check out Skosh’s Slow Bar menu. They have mocktails inspired by favorites like a cosmo and margarita, as well as their own unique N/A beverages, ranging from tropical to herbal.
Skosh, 2555 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Almost Famous
Another Mass Ave-must is Almost Famous. Part cocktail bar, part tapas bar, part coffee shop, part performance venue, there’s a lot going on here. Almost Famous offers a strong lineup of coffee drinks during the day, with a menu organized into short, concentrated espresso drinks and long drinks like a classic latte. Chai, matcha, and other teas (including caffeine-free!) are also on the menu.
Because they’re a tapas bar, Almost Famous’ wine menu focuses heavily on Spanish wines. They also have an entire menu dedicated to negronis, plus a list of delicious-sounding, balanced mocktails.
Almost Famous, 721 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
When you want a caffeine buzz with your booze buzz, where do you go? Send me a message on Instagram to tell me which spots I should add to the list.
