On today's Dopest we're covering:
The Commodore — Fountain Square’s speakeasy that is decked out for Halloween
Indianapolis Taco Week— bringing you $3 tacos from Indianapolis’s most popular taco joints.
The Baker’s Library — local gluten free and celiac baker worth the hype
Thanks for reading!
-Hillary
Food & Drink
The Dopest Speakeasy 🍸
The Commodore
Trick or treating is behind us. But a hidden speakeasy fully decorated for Halloween with craft cocktails? That's the adult upgrade we deserve. The Commodore in the Fountain Square Theatre Building — built in 1871, entered through an unmarked door at the end of a winding hallway — is already one of the most atmospheric bars in Indianapolis. Right now, dressed up for the season, it's something else entirely.
Via @thecommodore_indy
Dim lighting, black-and-gold accents, plush leather sofas, art on the walls and fully garnished in Halloween decor. Bills arrive tucked inside children's books. The guest logbook is styled like an old AOL Instant Messenger screen. The bartenders are essentially chemists who have curated a collection of rare spirits you won't find anywhere else in the city. The Espresso Martinis and Old Fashioneds are exceptional. The seasonal cocktails are worth the trip alone. I know trick or treating is a thing of our past, but maybe The Commodore can transport us to our own grown up version of Halloweentown. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 5pm to 3am. Find the door. You'll know you're in the right place when you think you're in the wrong one. 📍 1107 Prospect St The Dopest Tip: Enter under the Duckpin Bowling sign. Follow your way through the hallways to an unmarked door. If you think your lost, you're probably closer than you think. |
Events
The Dopest City Wide Food Event 🌮
Indianapolis Taco Week
$3 tacos. Seven days. The whole city. Indy Taco Week runs October 12–18 and it is exactly what it sounds like — participating restaurants across Indianapolis serving their own spin on the taco for three dollars each. Condado, Julieta Taco Shop, Cholita, Gather 22, Bakersfield, and more. Download the app, map your week, and go eat tacos like it's your job.
Via @julieta_tacoshop
Check in at four or more restaurants and you're entered to win $300 in restaurant gift cards. The person with the most points at the end of the week gets crowned the Biggest Taco Lover in Indianapolis — which is an honorary title that should absolutely go on a resume. A few ground rules: tip generously (you're getting a $6+ taco for $3, act accordingly), order a drink and some sides, be patient with the staff, and go early because these will sell out.
📍 Julieta Taco Shop, Condado, Gather 22, Cholita, Bakersfield, etc
The Dopest Tip: Plan in advance! If you're anything like me, you’ll hit up Julieta Taco Shop more than once.
Food & Drink
The Dopest GF Bakery ✨
The Baker’s Library
When Indy local Jenna got diagnosed with celiac disease, she did what any reasonable person would do — she spent years baking every day until she figured out how to make gluten free food taste genuinely good. Not "good for gluten free." Just good. The Bakers Library is the result of that obsession.
Via @thebakerslibraryindy
If your only experience with gluten free baked goods is cardboard-adjacent disappointment, Jenna's brownies, cookies, cinnamon rolls, whoopie pies, and breads will recalibrate your expectations entirely. Everything is 100% gluten free and almost all of it is seasonal — which means the menu keeps changing and you have a standing excuse to keep coming back. We love to see locals pushing culinary boundaries in a way that opens up new flavors for everyone, including people with dietary restrictions.
Find her at the SoBro Farmers Market or reach out directly. Fair warning: her market stash sells out fast and it will not wait for you.
📍 SoBro Farmers Market Oct 7 4:30-7:30 | Broad Ripple Farmers Market Oct 10 9am-12
The Dopest Tip: Follow @thebakerslibraryindy for upcoming menu drops!
Events 🗓️
The Dopest This Week
Craig Robinson | Helium Comedy Club | Thursday
Harvest Nights | Newfields | through Nov 1
Cottage Home Block Party | Cottage Home | Saturday | 5-11pm
Heartland Film Festival | City Wide | through Oct 18
Broad Ripple Farmers Market | 6001 N Rural St | Saturday | 9-12
Indy is always up to something.
So are we.
See you next week! — Indy's Dopest
Got a friend who thinks Indy is boring? Forward this.
We'll take it from there.
