Entry No. 17 — the Indianapolis file — filed under: speakeasy
The Inferno Room
One of the Midwest's most aggressively immersive tiki dens, The Inferno Room is packed floor-to-ceiling with authentic Papua New Guinea tribal carvings and glowing tropical decor.
The story
You step off Virginia Avenue in Fountain Square directly into a dim, feverish shrine to exotica. The Inferno Room abandons standard Midwest bar decor for something far more committed: floor-to-ceiling Papua New Guinea tribal carvings that gaze down through low tropical light while vintage soundscapes hum through the speakers.
Rather than leaning on cheap party-store props, the venue functions almost like an obsessive, dark-lit artifact vault. Behind the bar, the liquid lineup follows suit with serious, rum-heavy classic tiki builds—including house-made Zombies and drinks served actively engulfed in flame.
What it's like
Prepare for a crowd on Friday and Saturday nights; wait times frequently stretch past 30 minutes if you arrive during peak hours. Your best bet is dropping in early on a weeknight, grabbing a spot under the glowing tropical fixtures, and ordering a flaming cocktail while the exotica tracks do the heavy lifting for the room's atmosphere.
The move: Order a flaming tiki cocktail or house-made Zombie while surrounded by authentic South Pacific artifacts and vintage exotica soundscapes.
- 📍 Fountain Square
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 902 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- The Commodore — Just two blocks away inside the Murphy Arts Center, you can swap flaming rum drinks for a dark, plush speakeasy tucked behind an unmarked door.
- The Vault Indy — Head south into Bates-Hendricks to keep the hidden-venue theme going at a women-owned speakeasy guarded by a keypad door.
- Wiseguy Lounge — Trade tropical rum for over 400 bourbons hidden behind a pizzeria back door on Mass Ave.
Good to know
What should I order to get the full experience?
Go for a flaming tiki cocktail or their house-made Zombie to see the bar's ritual craftsmanship in action.
How busy does it get?
Weekends get packed fast, and you can expect a wait of 30 minutes or more for a table. Show up early or swing by mid-week if you prefer quiet artifact-gazing.
Where exactly is it located?
You'll find it in Indianapolis's Fountain Square neighborhood at 902 Virginia Ave.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · visitindy.com · Reddit · Yelp
last checked: 2026-07-21