The cocktail menu is just as creative as its morning counterpart.
Indianapolis’ Parlor Public House (600 E. Ohio) takes the slogan "Coffee 'Til Cocktails" seriously. With an extensive coffee and cocktail menu, this space has become a favorite of Indy residents and is a must-see when visiting the city.
Parlor Public House is located in what was once a coffin warehouse and, more recently, a ping-pong bar. White walls, tall industrial ceilings, and large windows create a loft-style feel while providing ample light for the plants that fill the space.
Small living rooms—with mustard-yellow and green couches, coffee tables, consoles, and table lamps—give the expansive space a cozy feel. The bar is the main focal point, with a moss green herringbone backsplash and open shelves that hold liquor, wine glasses, and plants that cascade from the top shelf. Brass pendant lights hang over the bar, which hums with people working on laptops during the morning hours.
The coffee menu, displayed in Scrabble tiles near the door, includes seasonal drinks with monikers that are creative spins named after people. Hannah, for instance, is a cold brew drink with a banana, French vanilla syrup. Peter, Brad, and Jenny is a liquid version of the classic PB&J sandwich, with espresso, peanut butter powder, and a blackberry jam swirl.
Coffee is sourced from local roasters. The espresso comes from Blue Mind Roasting, the medium roast from Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company, and the light roast from Coffeehouse Five.
As quick as a Cinderella transformation, at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday, the Marzocco espresso machine is shut down, making way for the the cocktail bar to swing into action at 5 p.m., when the blackout blinds are lowered and the music starts pumping. There is live music on Thursday nights.
And it shouldn’t be surprising that the cocktail menu is just as creative as its morning counterpart. Libations include Chasing Pleasure (with mezcal, grapefruit, rose, lime, and habanero bitters) and the Sensei (with Hendricks, sake, cucumber simple, and lime). There are also several options for draft and bottled beer, as well as a wine list with reds, rosés, whites, and prosecco.
No matter the time of day, Parlor Publichouse buzzes with people–working, holding meetings, or just socializing. Brad Whitehurst has been working at the publichouse since it opened in August 2021 and says it’s interacting with the people that he enjoys the most.
There are regular workshops and pop-ups on bonsai, macrame, candles, plants, and more. You can check to see if there are any offerings that coincide with your visit online.
Jen Roberts writes on a variety of topics including arts and culture, travel, and local and global social issues.
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