8 restaurants in the Indianapolis area that mix food and sports
Have you ever wanted to play a sport but couldn’t decide where you wanted to eat after? Well, these restaurants in Indiana have solved the problem.
A growing trend in the United States, restaurants have combined sports and food so everything you need is in one place. Offering variations of sports like volleyball, golf or pickleball, commercial venues are taking notice that people love to mix dinner with a little competition.
Here are six places where you can satisfy your taste buds and show off your athletic skills:
Topgolf
Address: 9200 E. 116 St., Fishers, IN, 46037, 765-212-3488
On the web: topgolf.com
One of the most popular venues in Fishers, Top Golf is hard to miss while driving northbound on I-69. While jamming to some music and munching on a fried chicken heat-wich, families and friends can swing at golf balls just like they do at a driving range. Each bay, or sitting and golfing area, allows for up to eight people, however only six can be playing at one time. Top Golf has technology to track each swing, giving someone a score based on how close they are to the designated targets. Pricing is based on hours spent in the bay but varies by the day and time of play.
Pinheads Sand Volleyball (and bowling)
Address: 13825 Britton Park Road, Fishers, 317-773-9988
On the web: bowlatpinheads.com/sand-volleyball
If you don’t mind diving into the sand, Pinheads in Fishers has sand volleyball courts available to rent. There is patio seating near the courts where players can have a meal or a cocktail from Alley’s Alehouse. Additionally, Pinheads offers Friday and Saturday night open play for those 21 and older.
Of course, Pinheads also has several bowling alleys if sand volleyball isn't your thing.
MashCraft
Address: 11069 Allisonville Road, Fishers, 317-863-5165
On the web: mashcraft.com
What goes better than beer and sports? At MashCraft in Fishers, the restaurant has combined pickleball and craft beers. After enjoying a cherry wheat craft beer — or before — you can hit the pickleball courts with family and friends. If you are an Indy Pickleball Club member, Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. are known as MashCraft night. Members can enjoy fun pickleball competition and delicious food. Be sure to call ahead to see if courts are open and bring your own pickleball equipment.
Chicken N Pickle (opening in 2025)
Address: Fishers District, just off of I-69 on 116th street
On the web: chickennpickle.com
With the rise of pickleball nationally, including in Central Indiana, the highly anticipated Chicken N Pickle is expected to open its doors in Fishers in 2025. Sourcing food from Indiana farmers and offering pickleball courts among other sports, this restaurant will be a wonderful venue for a night out with friends and family. Donning highlighter green chairs, the restaurant will serve food items such as wood-fired rotisserie chicken, pulled pork and grass-fed beef sandwiches.
Back 9 Golf & Entertainment
Address: 1415 Drover St., Indianapolis, 317-912-0920
On the web: back9golf.com
Back 9 Golf & Entertainment challenges families and friends to see who the best golfer is. With games like bullseye, destroyer and the longest drive, players see who can hit targets accurately and drive the ball the farthest. This driving range wouldn't be complete without the Back 9 Bites and Cocktails. Choose from the shrimp po' boy or the crispy pork tenderloin and wash it down with daily drink specials such as Tee-Quila Tuesdays or Absolut Sundays.
Nevermore Union Station
Address: 302 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, 317-426-3871
On the web: nevermoreunionstation.com
A venue inspired by Edgar Allen Poe, Nevermore Union Station has duckpin bowling, food and a rooftop bar. The restaurant has a variety of tasty food options including chicken and waffles, street tacos, pizzas and their signature Nevermore burger. If you would rather just relax with a cocktail, the venue has several rooms to kick back in including the library, the man cave, the garden room and the great room. Part of the fun is the exploration.
Birdies
Address: 632 E. State Rd. 32, Westfield, 317-706-4906
On the web: birdiesindy.com
If mini golf is more your speed, Birdies has you covered. Their grill house offers an All-American burger, pretzel burger, and teriyaki chicken and pineapple skewers among other food items. Pricing varies depending on age, and there is an option to play 18 or 36 holes.
X-Golf
Address: 14511 Clay Terrace Blvd., Suite 120, Carmel, 317-669-2422
Address: 313 Marketplace Mile, Suite 120, Plainfield, 317-742-7080
On the web: playxgolf.com
Looking for an indoor experience: Carmel and Plainfield's X-Golf features a golf simulator that measures swing accuracy and lets you digitally travel to golf courses across the world. Paired with beer, cocktails and standard bar food like pizza and chicken tenders, you can beat the heat while still showing off your golfing skills.
Contact IndyStar reporter Nic Napier at nnapier@gannett.com or at 317-879-6885.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis food: 8 restaurants that mix food and sports
