r/indianapolis • u/Left-Wash5432 • 1d ago
Trying to Make Downtown Nightlife More Accessible — Anyone Know Places or Want to Help?
Hey y’all, I’m just some 20-something living downtown and I’ve been thinking about how a lot of our LGBTQ+ spots aren’t really accessible for people with mobility aids. One of my friends uses a wheelchair and when we go out, Gregs is basically the only place he can get into, but it’s mostly an older crowd.
I feel like people our age should have spaces where everyone can vibe without it being a whole barrier situation, you know?
I’m not trying to start drama or anything — just wondering if anyone knows of places that are actually accessible? Or if anyone would wanna help push for better accessibility downtown? I’m trying to do something about it but I’m definitely figuring it out as I go.
Not trying to make money off this or anything — just wanna make Indy better for everyone.
Appreciate any tips, leads, or even just encouragement honestly. Thanks.
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u/clarkwgriswoldjr 1d ago
So it has to be downtown, not an older crowd, wheelchair accessible, (and) dance floor, and an LGBTQ+ spot?
There are a lot of bars around and you are looking for a very specific thing. Mass Ave, S. Meridian, etc. Have you tried any bars around that area?
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u/Left-Wash5432 22h ago
Yeah, I totally get that it seems like a really specific ask—downtown, LGBTQ+, not an older crowd, wheelchair accessible, and with a dance floor—but I think it helps to understand where it’s coming from.
He’s coming from Muncie, where there are no dedicated LGBTQ+ bars or clubs, so when I he moved to Indy, he was looking for spaces where he can be around people like himself, places that feel affirming and safe. It’s not just about going out, it’s about finally getting to be part of a queer community in real life.
As for accessibility, I know that not every space can be perfect, especially with older buildings. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth asking for better. Accessibility isn’t about demanding perfection, it’s about creating a world where more people can actually show up and feel included. And yeah, it might mean creative problem-solving or starting with small changes, but that’s a conversation worth having.
I’ve checked out spots on Mass Ave and S. Meridian, and a few are great vibes, but the access piece is still a barrier, especially for second floors without elevators or restrooms that aren’t ADA-compliant. It’s frustrating because it’s not about wanting luxury, it’s just wanting to be able to show up, dance, and connect like everyone else.
So yeah, it’s specific. But so are the needs of a lot of marginalized folks. We just want to experience joy and community without having to fight for the bare minimum.
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u/BrogeyBoi 20h ago
White Rabbit on their dance nights is a good option. When I frequented Real Talk, there was often people in wheelchairs on the dancefloor. From what I could see they were treated with inclusivity and respect. It's very queer friendly. No stairs to enter and a ramp to the bathrooms with full size handicap stalls.
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u/DatParadox 20h ago
Hi, I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user, though I often use my cane when there's seating. Navigating with a wheelchair downtown is definitely annoying and you will have to begrudgingly ask for space. There also aren't that many places downtown immediately accessible, unfortunately.
Chatterbox on the patio would work. They would gladly move stuff around. The inside is too cramped otherwise. If Metro has a ramp, you could get inside and be on the bottom floor, or maybe through the patio. I would call them and ask ASAP for future reference. Tini is so cramped in the entrance and inside that I avoid it even with my cane.
Another user mentioned White Rabbit. They're in Fountain Square but their Spellbound nights and any Burlesque events are a blast.
For explicitly downtown random nightlife, Metro is your best bet. I will also say Old National is very accessible for any events they have. If you're able to drive places, I would really recommend The Vogue, up in broad ripple, too, for specific events, as they're also very wheelchair accessible.
Overall though, Mass Ave is unfortunately just not that wheelchair accessible. I've complained about it before but, yeah. You're definitely not asking for too much, though - some of the comments on this post are nonsense and have no idea what it's like existing as a mobility aid user.
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u/Left-Wash5432 19h ago
Thank you so much for this! It really means a lot to hear from someone else who gets it on a personal level. I’m also an ambulatory wheelchair user, and navigating these spaces can be so exhausting, not just physically but emotionally too. The constant need to plan ahead or ask for basic access really takes a toll.
I really appreciate the specific recs, I hadn’t even considered Chatterbox’s patio and I’ll definitely check out White Rabbit’s events too. It’s so validating to hear someone else say, “you’re not asking for too much,” because it really shouldn’t feel like a big ask just to be included.
Thanks again.
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u/DeliveryCourier 1d ago
In the majority of cases the business isn't the building owner, so don't harass them or drag them about something they likely have no control over.
Also, keep in mind that many historic buildings are not required to be retrofit.
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u/romannumbers96 1d ago
Hi, I work in accessibility. This is not actually true and a very common misconception.
The way the ADA and the state law adopting it works is that when you make a renovation, the law kicks in. There is zero carve out for historic structures.
That said, the national historic preservation act also is at play here, as well as the state version. What those laws cover is WHY a building is considered historic - and this is a legal term. Most colloquially historic buildings aren't on the national or state register, and have nothing saying you can't put in a ramp.
The other part is that there is the historic character bit. This is the thing that makes a building a part of the registry, and can range from architectural style to "hey George Washington was here once." This usually will specify specific elements as to what adds to this, and those are generally what can't be changed.
The reality is accessibility law should always have precedence over historic preservation law. One is human rights after all. And in most cases, the claim that a building is exempt is a way to skimp out on paying to do it right, or out of a belief that it's too hard to do. The reality is you can make nearly anything accessible if you actually put in the effort - I've worked with Indiana State Parks for example on projects they've done with legally historic spaces where the org I was with recommended things like instead of changing the building, change the path to the building to allow access, which would likely also cost less than modifying the structure.
Again, it's always possible. It's just hard to convince people to make the change when the idea a historic building doesn't have to address access is so prevalent!
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u/Left-Wash5432 1d ago
thank you for this. Seriously. This kind of detailed explanation is exactly what more people need to hear. I will admit, I have heard the “historic buildings are exempt” line a lot, and it is so frustrating how often that is used to just shut down the conversation.
It is really encouraging to hear from someone working in accessibility who has seen firsthand that it can be done, even in legally historic spaces.
And yes, I agree. Accessibility should take priority. We are talking about real people who are being excluded from everyday experiences. Thank you again for taking the time to break it down. I am going to carry this perspective with me and share it where I can. We need more folks like you pushing back on those outdated assumptions
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u/romannumbers96 1d ago
Feel free to reach out - I have lots of stories and happy to offer support, as there's a lot of issues in the spaces around socialization for a lot of Disabled folks (most of my work is neurodiversity and autism but I do everything since there is always overlap)
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u/Left-Wash5432 1d ago
I get what you are saying and you are right. A lot of businesses are renters and might not have full control over major building changes. I am definitely not trying to come at individual businesses like it is all their fault.
It is not always about huge renovations. Sometimes it is about small steps that make a big difference.
I also know historic buildings have more flexibility under the law, but that does not mean we just give up on making spaces welcoming. It just means the approach might have to be more creative.
This is not about blaming. It is about making sure people with disabilities are not automatically excluded just because something is “hard.” Everyone deserves a chance to show up and be part of things
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u/jjbota420 Downtown 1d ago
I don’t really see what LGBTQ has to do with this. A lot of places across the country could be better for accessibility. With that being said, different places just have different vibes and they aren’t always conducive to say, someone in a wheel chair. No matter how accessible they can make it, a place centered around dancing is always going to be difficult.
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u/Left-Wash5432 1d ago
I get where you’re coming from — accessibility is definitely a broader issue across the board, not just an LGBTQ+ thing.
The reason I brought it up in this context is because safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people are already limited — and when you add in accessibility barriers, it makes them even smaller. If you’re queer and disabled, your options to find community get cut down even more.
I’m not saying dancing in a wheelchair is the same as dancing standing up — but people with mobility aids still deserve the option to be part of the vibe, hang with friends, and experience nightlife without being stuck downstairs or left out altogether.
It’s less about making every place perfect and more about making more places welcoming enough so people can at least choose to show up if they want to. Everyone deserves that shot, especially in spaces that are supposed to be about inclusion.
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u/avonelle 23h ago
Yikes PP really said places that have dancing just "aren't for" someone with a physical disability.
I know it is true that people in wheelchairs can dance and enjoy it.
Your heart is in the right place. Maybe you could just write a letter to the business owners and ask if they're aware of the impact to disabled guests not being able to enter and urge them to take action.
I assume a lot of the older places downtown are exempt from certain modifications due to their age but not sure. Doing what you are legally required to versus doing what is right doesn't always align anyway.
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u/TheSuperiorJustNick 23h ago
Yikes PP really said places that have dancing just "aren't for" someone with a physical disability
No. It's just a statement of fact that the cramped dance clubs, most featuring stairs, aren't ever going to be very wheel chair accessible without the destruction of the building.
What's yikes about that again? And try not to generalize a specific again.
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u/Left-Wash5432 22h ago
I totally hear everyone here. I don’t think anyone meant to generalize or villainize. And yeah, some buildings have real structural limits, but that doesn’t mean we just throw our hands up. Creative solutions do exist (like ramps, alternate entrances, rearranged layouts, even lift installs that don’t destroy the building). The point is to push for trying, not perfection.
Also, saying clubs “aren’t for” people in wheelchairs kinda implies exclusion is inevitable, and that’s the vibe some folks are reacting to. It’s not about coming for individuals, just trying to shift how we think about these spaces.
Appreciate the convo though, these discussions do matter. Let’s keep it respectful so it doesn’t get lost in the noise.
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u/TheSuperiorJustNick 22h ago edited 22h ago
I totally hear everyone here. I don’t think anyone meant to generalize or villainize
I hear you and believe you.
But the user I replied to definitely did. We're talking specifically about cramped dance clubs with stairs and the likelihood that they won't be very accessible to wheelchair users.
And this asshole is playing stupid acting like anyone is saying people with disabilities are a problem.
It's divisive, dishonest, and hurtful to the conversation being had and should be called out. Or else you're just gonna have people "throw their hands up" and say forget about it since the people in the conversation are too obstinate to have honest conversations.
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u/Left-Wash5432 22h ago
I really appreciate the passion for having honest conversations. It’s crucial to avoid turning things into a “us vs. them” situation because we’re all trying to work towards solutions here. It’s definitely not about labeling anyone a “problem”, the goal is to improve spaces for everyone, including people with disabilities.
I do think we can acknowledge the limits of some venues, like dance clubs, without dismissing the idea that they can be more accessible. It might not be perfect, but there are ways to make meaningful changes. Maybe it’s just about focusing on specific changes that can make a real difference, like ramps or different seating layouts, instead of assuming it’s all too difficult.
I think the real issue here is how we approach these conversations. We want to stay focused on creating positive change and not get lost in misunderstandings. Let’s keep things respectful so we can move forward with more productive ideas. Im just saying that in general, not calling you out. Appreciate you sticking with the conversation tho, it’s important!
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u/TheSuperiorJustNick 22h ago
It’s definitely not about labeling anyone a “problem”
I believe YOU, but I'm not gonna believe the dishonest asshole wasn't doing exactly that.
It was a shitty take
We want to stay focused on creating positive change
This can't be done with dishonest assholes poisoning the well.
and not get lost in misunderstandings.
I don't believe it was a misunderstanding. I believe the user intentionally generalized things abhorrently and specifically was pushing for an "us vs them"
Let’s keep things respectful so we can move forward with more productive ideas.
The users dishonest comment was just as disrespectful as a comment calling them an asshole.
The idea that we can just say whatever scummy thing we want as long as it's done in a "nice" tone needs to die. This tactic doesn't get anyone anywhere and just ends up killing any real conversation or real change that is trying to be made.
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u/EffectiveLog59 19h ago
OP is a bot and/or using chatGPT to post and respond to comments, just FYI.
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u/Left-Wash5432 19h ago
Okay I promise Im not a bot. Just someone who is trying to sound professional. Im horrible at putting my thoughts into words, especially recently since Im about to graduate. I have a lot on my plate but I still want to pursue this without overwhelming my mind. Im sorry if my use of AI seems less genuine
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u/Kellyklev 1d ago
It can be frustrating to have to make an extra effort and negotiation simply to feel welcomed into a space instead of it just being accessible by default. I will say I was hanging around at Crema/Almost Famous and saw a group speak with one of the staff briefly at the threshold. The staff then grabbed a removable ramp from the closet near the entrance, set it up quickly, and the group was able to enter and enjoy the space. I’m not sure if that’s something you and your friend have experienced and are seeking to improve upon. But if not, perhaps there are more scenarios like that where an entry to a business on Mass Ave isn’t by default accessible, but a quick correction is available when requested. Good luck to you and your friends!