The 5 Best Coffee Shops in the Greater Indianapolis area

My personal recommendations for the best coffee spots in Indianapolis

Iman Tucker | DJ IMN. TCKR
5 min readOct 27, 2021
Iman Tucker | DJ IMN. TCKR @ Indie Coffee Roasters in Carmel, IN.
photo by: Jenny Tod

For all my coffee shop lovers out there, I created a list of my 5 personal favorite coffee shops in the greater Indianapolis area. I’ve lived on both halves of the city and have done my best to hit as many different shops in the area. This list is to help give you some recommendations of shops you have to check out. Whether you are just passing through the city, staying for a visit, or have made Indianapolis your home, this was made for you.

1. Indie Coffee Roasters

Carmel
220 E Main St, Carmel, IN 46032

Indie Coffee Roasters ICR located in Carmel, IN.

Where do I start? This list is in no particular order but this is my personal favorite shop in the Indianapolis area. From the ownership, to the store layout, to the people. Indie Coffee Roasters (ICR) is the spot I find myself at the most. Even better, they roast their own beans in the store. Each season the staff adds a handful of speciality drinks that always keeps the experience fresh and gives the customers something to look forward to.

Community and conversation is a big piece of their business model.The employees are always checking in on you providing refills and waters when needed. They do a great job of making their patrons feel valued and a part of something bigger than just coffee.

Not to mention their coffee is amazing. They have beans from all over the world and blends that I have never seen before my time coming into the shop. Their seating is appropriate for groups of 3–5 and there is always space for fellowship. If not, the staff does their best to accommodate. Located on the north side of Indy, ICR is a must stop shop.

2. Java House

Broad Ripple
965 E 64th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Java House — Indianapolis IN Coffee Shop in Broad Ripple

With several locations throughout the city, Java House is an entire experience in itself. Their rustic design, with a touch of the coolest decor and lighting, is a spot I enjoy stopping in. I picked the Broad Ripple location as my favorite thanks to their garage style shop with doors that open up to give patrons that indoor/outdoor experience when working. They are located right on the Monon Trail adding to the atmosphere the shop already creates.

Instead of roasting their beans in hot water, they steep their beans in cold water for 12+ hours. The difference is tasted. You get a rich & smooth experience. They have one of the most unique presentations with their large selection of tasty drinks served hot, iced, or even in a nitro.

Java House also has locations in Midtown Carmel and Clay Terrace on the north side as well. They have k-cups, beans, and tons of options to take home and recreate the experience.

3. Commissary

Downtown
304 E New York St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

commissary in downtown indianapolis, where is mike g special drink
photo by: Mike G

A small but mighty shop, the Commissary is a spot I do my best to pop by whenever I am in Downtown Indianapolis. What I love most about their offering is the unique business model they have. Coffee shop and Barber Shop all in one. However, if you’re not looking forward to the busy-ness of both, it is structured where it feels like two isolated, separate functions.

They do a great job of allowing influencers in the city to feature special drinks. Leaders in the community like @whereismikeg have crafted some of the coolest drinks you will find in the city.

Also, can I mention they also have matcha? I just got hip to the matcha game thanks to the reference of a friend, but now, it is something I look forward to often when choosing a coffee shop to visit.

Let me not forget about the vibe. The exposed brick and urban vibes makes for a coffee shop that makes you feel cool the moment you step through the doors.

4. Bovaconti

Fountain Square
1042 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203

bovaconti coffee shop in fountain square indianapolis in

A locally owned shop in the heart of Fountain Square, Bovacontu offers a selection of coffee roasted exclusively by Indiana owned roasters. History is a big part of their story, taking up the historic Bovaconti Jewelers building, every bit of their interior design was crafted to create an atmosphere to encourage guests to stay a while.

From coffee, to juices, to kombuchas, Bovaconti has a large selection of energy boosting drinks. They have tons of Italian-style beverages that will make you want to come back, and come back frequently at that.

Simply put, Bovaconti is a gem in Indianapolis. If you’re in the area you have to go check it out.

5. Palor Public House

Downtown
600 E Ohio St Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46202

palor public house in downtown indianapolis coffee shop

Palor Public House is the spot to be. If the photo doesn’t do it justice I’m not sure what else would. The Palor is an open concept coffee shop that also provides cocktails and event space. I’ve never used the space outside of the coffee and workspace, but I understand why it is such a big player in the city’s community spaces.

The coffee shop is made for social media. They curated an experience and design that is fitted perfectly for creating content. The decor and furnishing are ideal for colorful, interesting aesthetics. I’ve never created content here, but I can see why it’s so popular.

Even if you aren’t a content creator, this spot is worth checking out. The vibes and naturally lit space will bring your creative side out, and who is to say what you will create here! Their drink selection is also large and they have a menu unlike any other shop in the city.

In conclusion, the city has tons of awesome shops to check out.Whether you’re looking to grab something quick on the go, hang out and meet people, or lock in and get some work done, any of these shops (as well as several others) are worth checking out.

Iman Tucker a proud member of Believe Brand Co.

Believe Brand is a faith based apparel company who exists to allow others to express their faith and contribute to local causes through the proceeds.

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Iman Tucker | DJ IMN. TCKR

Indy based Entrepreneur and DJ writing about everything brand building, music, and tips to more fulfilling life.