In the movie classic “Casablanca,” sooner or later, “everyone comes to Rick’s.” Humphrey Bogart played bar owner Rick Blaine, and for expats, the magic allure was the familiar home-away-from-home aesthetic. That’s what Rick Simon and his wife Julianna wanted when they opened Nicky Blaine’s Cocktail Lounge in 1998, the name a riff on Bogart’s character. In Indianapolis, everyone comes to Nicky’s for a post-work drink, dinner, or a final late-night stop—especially if they love whiskey.
The bar sits directly beneath Monument Circle, the downtown roundabout that earned Indiana its state motto, the “Crossroads of America,” as the intersection of the two major east/west and north/south routes before interstate highways. It is within walking distance of one of the nation’s most revived downtowns, including all the major hotels, NFL and NBA stadiums, and the convention center. Beyond the low-key front door is a flight of stairs whisking visitors into a huge subterranean escape—over 10,000 square feet, broken into room after room, all filled with comfortably worn leather couches and easy chairs. Despite its vastness—there are more than 50 full-sized couches flanked by marble-topped cocktail tables—the divided layout offers a sense of intimacy wherever you sit. Indianapolis is famous for hosting the nation’s largest single-day sporting event, the Indy 500, and most of the artwork and décor is automotive themed: display cases of trophies, models, helmets, gloves, driving shoes, and even a race car hood on the wall.
Like Bogart’s joint in “Casablanca,” they serve a lot of Martinis, but the whiskey selection is extensive, and they focus on classic cocktails. The collection is mostly limited to scotch and domestic offerings, with 36 labels from Scotland, including a separate page of five Islay single malts, such as Lagavulin 16 year old. There are 32 ryes and bourbons, including their own single barrel bourbon, a 120 proof 2021 Knob Creek bottling ($16/2 oz.), and High West American Prairie ($12). Prices are quite reasonable, though there are still some splurge offerings, like a pour of Macallan 30 year old for $600.
Likewise, almost all the cocktails are $12-$15, and the signature whiskey drink is a not-so-classic take on the classic Old Fashioned (Makers Mark, orange bitters, muddled orange slice, cherry, sugar cube, and splash of club soda), but they also offer several other interesting options, including a mixed Martini, the Lil’ Smoke, that blends Stoli vodka with Isaly scotch and olives. The Kentucky Mule is a twist on the Moscow version made with Jim Beam and ginger beer in a copper cup with lime wedge, the A-Buck mixes Knob Creek, fresh lime juice, and ginger ale, while Abe’s American Cousin combines Basil Hayden with a splash of Tuaca and fresh lemon juice. One classic you don’t see much anymore, the Rob Roy, is prominent here on the cocktail list, using Johnnie Walker Black, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters.
Some whisky fans also enjoy cigars, and Nicky Blaine’s has one of the most extensive selections in town, with more than 100 options. There is also a restaurant, and the menu skews casual comfort and finger foods, with lots of charcuterie platters, dips, nuts, and hot starters such as egg rolls, bruschetta, and French bread pizza. It all adds up to quite the haven for whisky lovers. Open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 4 p.m. until midnight on Sundays,
