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I don't make it down to this cigar bar often, but when I do, I savor it like a fine cigar (I'll be here all night, folks!) The atmosphere is laid back (aided drastically by the deep, plush couches), with nice ambient touches and great, chill music.
I've been many times, and went for my bachelor party. The staff is polite, the cigar and martini selections are great, and the people watching is top notch for Indy.
A terrific selection of scotch is another good reason to go. Can't wait to return, now that I remember what I've been missing on the north side of Indy!
We stopped at Nicky Blaine's after a very nice dinner.
We were enthusiastic at first: A fantastic lounge environment, comfortable chairs, dim lighting, Frank Sinatra on the radio. Romantic. We ordered drinks from an indifferent server which were perfectly mixed and tasty.
Now, being non-smokers from Illinois, it is a little shock to the system to be stuck in a smoke-filled room, but, hey, it's a cigar bar, right? At first we thought it added to the ambiance, fitting in perfectly with the aesthetic of the place.
But then--suddenly--the music went from soft Frank to several notches too loud drum and bass. Talk about ruining what appeared to be a very carefully cultivated mood. The unfortunate thing was that we were thinking about having a couple more drinks (which were quite good, I should mention again), but the change in music and the dismissive waitstaff really drove us out the door.
I highly reccommend the Blondie Cigar and the Pomegranate Martini.
This bar is very sexy to say the least. It is a perfect end for a romantic night out downtown. Dim lights, plush couches a little black dress and just a generally swanky atomosphere make this one of my top 5 bars in the city.
Nicky Blaine's
Well....was in town for a weekend from Chicago and find myself in Nicky Blaines on a Saturday night. The only bar in town that isn't filled with young kids/rednecks!!
Overall it's a cool place just to kick back and enjoy a drink....but on the downside.... I found the bartenders having bad attitudes and acting like complete A-holes!! (They think this place is a top NYC bar/club....dude it's Indy not NYC or Chicago) also find it funny that others in bar acting like complete tools.....sitting at the bar with sunglasses on at 1:30am?!?!
Again, it's a cool place for Indy....but just be ready for bad service from the tool bartenders if they don't know you.
Where else in Indy can you pretend you are Frank Sinatra?
Great spot, good cigar selection, comfy sofas, could live there!
What a crazy place. We closed it out on a Wednesday night as an after party to the Conseco party. The dirty vodka martini was great. Well made, top shelf vodka. I wasn't paying, so I have no idea how expensive it was, but it was pretty fun. It's pretty dark and loud. I had no food. They seemed a little frazzled w/the party of 50 or so people who mobbed it around 11pm. But they were very nice and accommodating.
Again, not a 5 star b/c of Indiana's smokey atmosphere.
A place to be the civilized kind of liberal -- complete with a portrait of JFK behind the bar. Be sure to dress to impress.
I'm also all for the smoke-free law that will hopefully pass through all of the bars -- with Nicky Blaine's as an exception. The cigar menus are a trademark of this place.
Great cocktail menu, awesome bar food (cheese plates!), and a nightly (I think?) performances from jazz musicians.
Ok, so I'm writing this from the perspective of a hospitality industry employee. So I have a little different view of this place than most. But I still love it.
Let me start out with telling why I only gave four stars and not five, and it has nothing to do with smoke. I hate the decor of this place, the red lighting and the somewhat tacky retro-chique louge atmosphere could have kept me out of this place forever, but I find my self going in week after week to visit Indy's best bartenders.
If you have an aversion to smoke, stay clear. This is a Martini and CIGAR BAR...for anyone who complains about the smoke, you're just being silly, thats like complaining about the noise at a Colts game. The bar makes not apologies about, nor do they try to hide the fact that they are in fact one of Indy's finest purveyors of fine smoking products.
That being said, lets get on to the good stuff. As I said before the 'tenders at Nicks are my favorite in the city. Funny guys with a somewhat cynical view of the world they work in. If you wanted to come up with a group of guys to work in a place that were more different that the somewhat pretentious clientèle, you couldn't do better than Mr. McVey. A really friendly, easy to get along with kinda guy who digs soccer and a good drink.
Two things also stand out to me about Nicky Blaine's that the average person may not be aware of. One, they have the best Italian sub you can buy...anywhere...ever...period. The Vesuvius Sub is amazing, and if you order it with out the peppercini's I will personally break a chair over your head. The second thing is the perfect height of the bar in relation to the chairs that after a long day of waiting tables allows me to relax my head on my arms and feel perfectly comfortable while I knock back some Bud Diesels.
This is no doubt one of my favorite local haunts, although you won't find me there on a weekend night, if for no other reason that the general Nicky's crowd is a bunch of wannabe high-class desk jockeys trying to impress....? Anyway, if you can handle the d-baggery that tends to come in to Nick's then check it out on the weekends when it's packed, otherwise, come during the week when business is a little lighter and you can get to know you bartenders and bar backs a little better.
P.S. don't get pissed if the guy washing glass ware won't get you a drink, he isn't allowed.
Yep, Nicky Blaine's is teh swank. I pretty much love it, but then, I'm a classical violinist. Of course I feel at home with swank.
Yes, you should dress up a little bit to come here. Thank God there are still a few places around where you can. If I had my way, people would still wear evening gowns and white ties to the opera, but sadly, those days are long gone. Anyway, you don't need to get that fancy for Nicky's, but gentlemen, do throw on some khakis at least, and ladies, feel free to dust off that little black dress.
Yes, it's smoky. It's a cigar bar. If you don't like cigars, this isn't the place for you. I'll admit to enjoying the occasional cigar, indelicate as that is. It seemed to me that they have a good selection, but then, I'm no expert.
Once upon a time, by which I mean January, there was live music here several nights a week. I haven't been there for awhile, so I don't know what it's like now. But I would imagine there's still a band playing at least on the weekends.
If you like upscale, gangster-ish atmosphere and good martinis with cool names like "Maneater," you'll dig Nicky Blaine's.
I must reveal my bias. I would prefer a dive bar more a swanky upscale establishment any day. When I ended up at Nicky Blaines the other night with a group of folks I didn't know all that well, I was a little...well, lets say concerned...that this place wasn't my style. Let there be no mistake, don't expect to walk into Nicky Blaines and see a bunch of Indiana dudes wearing jeans and t-shirts. This is a fairly classy place full of suits and designer outfits worn by a clientele that has some cash to throw around. You might feel out of place here if you are a more dive bar type of guy.
As for our group, we took over one of the back rooms and enjoyed the fairly comfy couches. Being a moron and feeling like I should order a drink to fit the atmosphere, I ordered a scotch on the rocks (which of course I hated, not having a taste or any experience with scotch). The music was at a good level for conversation and we enjoyed ourselves for the most part.
When it comes down to it, Nicky Blaines just isn't my cup of tea. The room was filled with cigar smoke and I reeked of it the next morning. The bill was high and the service was mediocre.
It's a martini, cigar bar. Can I start there? You will smell like smoke when you leave, but that being said, this is the BEST martini bar in Indy. It is in a fantastic old downtown building decorated with plush comfy couches, gorgeous hardwood, dark carpets and a long, wide bar.
There is a cover, it fluctuates but is usually around $3. If you WANT a table, either reserve one or get there early. The martini menu is extensive with a wide array of choices. The bartenders are hot, the waitresses wear all black and slink through the bar with several drinks per trip not spilling a drop. It's impressive. And for making a large table of women specialty drinks, it doesn't take very long and I find this to be the best part. They understand that people don't like the wait.
On top of that, for those who enjoy something other than a vodka or gin martini, they have a fantastic whiskey list with top shelf choices, and of course, the cigars. Ahhh...my non-smoking hubby cannot pass them up. They clip them fresh for you and allow you to choose from a variety of flavors.
With the piano playing in the background, the dark lighting and the sexy atmosphere, if you can't get yourself laid after a date here, you probably can't get laid.
Perfect for a starter place, an ending place, bachelorette parties, sexy dates, meeting rich, older men, gorgeous bartenders, and numerous other celebrations.
If you are downtown and need a hot spot, don't miss this. Dress to impress. No ripped jeans here....just popped collars and slinky dresses.
Growing up in Indianapolis, I could not turn 21 fast enough in order to check out this swank martini and cigar bar. As soon as you step in, you know you are hanging with the cool kids, and in the good way, not the snobby elitist way. Everyone is incredibly chill here, not quite a Beatnik bar, but you dig?
I frikkin love this place. I feel so swanky sitting there with my Betty Page Cosmo and my Montecristo White.
Their meat and cheese platter is delicious and the chocolate cake dessert (can't think of the name) is rich and evil.
I do admit that the ventilation could be a bit better, but what do you expect at a cigar lounge?
What a swank location...
Too bad they charge cover on Friday and Saturday night...
The quintessential classy, martini bar in Indianapolis. One of the most legendary spots where famous people, thinkers, drinkers and influencers have gathered over the years to drink martinis and smoke cigars.
Located across the street from where it once sat, this dungeon bar is truly one of the sexiest places you'll ever go. The servers and bartenders are the best in the city, with the highest standards of service you'll find. This place is pure class.
The caveat is that it is a cigar bar, and one of the most popular places in Indy to order and smoe cigars. It's even common to see women smoking on them, as this place has developed a repuation as one of those places 'you should try.' Many come here regularly, and my friends have a tendency to go there after a nice meal downtown and on friends' birthdays. It just has that special place feeling and you can really treat yourself there to great drinks, and the atmosphere is one of a kind.
The basement level, dimly-lit bar has a dark tone with a lot of wood and dark red decor. It's an old school, almost country club feel and is definitely equally as classy.
Be sure to look for the painting of the famous American leader above the bar. This is definitely a place to visit if you're in from out of town. It's located just off the Monument Circle. Usually a jazz band on the weekends and a cover (5 or 10 bucks) to get in. Seems to really be perfect in the winter, probably because it's so dark and underground. Anyway, this is an awesome place to drink. Take a group.
Overall the place has a really nice decor, and seems like a trendy place. The martinis were really good.
The reason why I am giving the place two stars was because of the smoke. When we walked in, it was smoky. But it got worse. It was crowded and my friends and I we were seated in the back. Well... nearby us two large bachelor parties ordered the biggest cigars on the menu. The ventilation is very poor, and my group was engulfed in clouds of smoke. It was horrible. I could barely see in front of me, my eyes started to burn, I was coughing profusely, and afterwards my clothes reeked of smoke. Another bad part was the booth was too narrow. Our group did not have enough room for our legs, and we had to wedge our feet under the table. Our feet were hurting badly afterwards.
We could not stand the smoke any more and decided to leave right after our first martini. Another group was entering as we were leaving. By this time the smoke clouds had extended to the entire bar. The other group turned around and demanded their $5 cover per person back. I wish I would have done the same thing.
If Nicky Blaine's installed a better ventilation system or went smoke free, I would return.
But I since the smoke was so horrible, if nothing changes, I will not return.
It's a shame, because if it wasn't for their smoke problems, it would have been a nice place.
This is officially my favorite bar anywhere, ever. Descending down the stairs into the dark, plush, jazzy interior of Nicky Blaine's is like stepping into a Mafia movie. Lounge on a couch or at the huge bar with a cocktail and a cigar and enjoy life.
The incredibly professional and sweet bartender at Nicky's served my date and I two of the best Manhattans I've ever tasted, and believe me when I say I've tasted quite a few. Soft jazz soothed us as we sipped our top-notch cocktails and made us feel like fancy folk.
I will be visiting Nicky Blaine's every single time I return to Indy. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
I always felt like I was in the middle of a cutting-room floor "Godfather" scene here at Nicky Blaine's... or that Frank, Dean or Sammy were going to walk through the door any minute.
I don't remember the service being outstanding - in fact, the bartender was kind of a jerk who refused to believe I was 21 - but the ambiance and the drinks make up for that. This is kind of a chill place where you wouldn't want a cocktail server all up in your grill, anyway.
My first time here, I had the unfortunate combination of a chocolate martini and a vanilla cigar, which resulted in me making a "return deposit" in the parking lot behind Nicky's. Classy.
Can I be honest? I completely hate it. But that's just me....I hate the fact that I have to have all my clothes dry cleaned the next day or they will forever smell like cigars. That being said, I guess that's the appeal of Nicky Blaine's. Eh..
One thing i like is there laid back chill-out music that is very hard to find played at any bar in Indy unless you find it and play it on a jukebox. They are expensive, some of there bartenders have a chip on there shoulder but if you get on a couch your usually drunk by time you stand up, or tired. The next time i go i will probably just being celebrating something not just drinking to drink.
Love this place! It is a bit like stepping back in time with the great service, jazz music and cigar smoke. This place has a cool vibe and and it is great for a romantic date if you come during the week. The martinis are fantastic here and there are couches everywhere for the ladies to rest their feet after standing in stilettos. It is a bit of a more sophisticated crowd, which I like since I am not 22 anymore. Excellent place.
I love this place...it's like a piece of heaven, but in Indy. It's warm, cozy and void of all things sport related (sorry, not really). Nicky Blaine is in my top 10 coolest bar ever. It looks like it's been round almost forever, but has managed to stay hip enough for...I don't know for who, but I appreciate it.
Good cigars. Good music. Good liquor. Good atmosphere.
If you don't like people smoking cigars, you'll hate this place.
I expected to see Bobby D, pantless and wearing sock suspenders a la Casino, to walk by and comp me a room...
I have a love-hate relationship with Nicky Blaine's. I love everything about it and I always hate myself the next day. My clothes always smell like cigars and I always end up having more to drink than I probably should have. Why? Because I always have so much fun that I end up staying much longer than I'd originally planned. The couches are cozy and the drinks are yummy. I visited Nicky's often when I lived in Indy and I go back just about every time I'm in town. I can't say no. I love the martinis, love the people, love the atmosphere, and I've even been known to enjoy a cigar every once in a while. So grab a few friends, venture downstairs, grab a spot and have fun; it's inevitable.
Damn you Nicky Blaine's and your tasty martinis. I spent way too many nights in college here developing a taste for the aforementioned drinks and cigars. I always like they way everyone enters into the club, taking the long stairwell that opens up in to a beautifully designed room in the basement. Leather seats and dark wood walls make for an overly inviting space. If you are lucky, on the night you pop in they may have a live jazz band playing.
i can barely handle cigar smoke & i don't drink
but this is one of the places that the Indianapolis 500 Parade Committe took Rachael Ray when she was Grand Marshall a few years ago, she loved it
my manicurist loves the place
i'll give it another try!!! &
let you know
If you want to hit up a pretentious over priced cellar for a glass of wine or a cigar... their you go.
Nicky Blaine's is a place where you can have a nice cigar in one hand and a scotch whiskey in the other. If you don't like smoke, this is not the place for you. It's a nice place to sit and talk to people. The music is in the background just at the right level. This is the best place to go if you just came back from the steam room talking about the stock market.
I like this place. It does have a nice kind of dark cushy interior. Bartenders seemed good to me. All kinds of types in here. Some people traveling through Indy but the mood and feeling in here is great. Relaxing, fun, and just some place to have a great night out ! I think the feel of it is the best part of Nicky Blaine's.
Nice chill place. Decent appetizers, cigars and strong martinis, leather, and live jazz. Strikes me that it would be a good date place. Kinda pricey, but the ambiance and class of the place makes it worth it. Good place to sip a scotch and shoot the breeze.
Slap on some Brut, light up a stogie and grab a martini. Take a step back in time at Nicky Blaine's. This place has an amazing atmosphere and ambiance. When the jazz combo is playing, it's on and cool like the other side of the pillow... Awesome place, don't miss it if you're in downtown Indy. Incredible cigar list too.
What a great place. We were in town for the Colts game and wanted a place to hang out after dinner. They have a great drinks and cigar menu and a very cool environment.
Neighborhood: Indy Metro
Category: Dive Bars
Neighborhood: Indy Metro
Category: Automotive
Neighborhood: Indy Metro
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Indy Metro
Category: Jazz & Blues
Neighborhood: Indy Metro
Category: Nightlife
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