Livery is a Latin American–influenced restaurant at 720 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202, beside Massachusetts Avenue in the Chatham Arch neighborhood. Opened by Cunningham Restaurant Group in 2016, it occupies a late-19th-century building once used to house horses. Travelers come for empanadas, tequila cocktails, and rooftop dining in a converted stable that feels distinctly different from a conventional downtown restaurant.
What to Expect at Livery
The kitchen draws from several Latin American traditions rather than presenting a single national cuisine. Empanadas are a signature starting point: order different fillings for the table before moving to larger plates. Dishes associated with Livery include skirt steak with chimichurri, red drum, and roasted cauliflower; preparations and availability change with menu revisions. The appeal is the contrast between crisp pastry, bright sauces, vegetables, and richer grilled or roasted proteins. Vegetarian diners have options beyond a side salad, but vegan requirements and gluten restrictions deserve a direct conversation with the kitchen, particularly around pastry, sauces, and shared fryers.
The two-level setting retains the character of its working-building origins, with exposed brick and a more intimate scale than many purpose-built dining rooms. Upstairs, the all-season rooftop patio adds an outdoor-facing setting without making the restaurant exclusively a warm-weather choice. Tequila is central to the bar program: compare styles neat or choose a tequila-based cocktail alongside dinner. This is a lively dinner-and-drinks address rather than a quiet tasting-menu restaurant, especially during the prime evening seating. Smart-casual clothing fits comfortably; formal dress is unnecessary.
- Empanadas: Filled pastry is a defining order and an easy way to begin a shared meal.
- Skirt steak: Chimichurri brings a herbaceous counterpoint to one of the restaurant’s recognizable larger plates.
- Tequila selection: Explore the spirit neat or through the cocktail list, rather than treating the bar as an afterthought.
- Rooftop patio: The upper-level dining area offers an alternative to the downstairs room; request your preferred setting when reserving.
- Historic stable conversion: The building’s equestrian past explains the restaurant’s name and gives its brick interior genuine local context.
Livery at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 720 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Chatham Arch, beside the Mass Ave Cultural Arts District |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Thursday 4–10 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 4–11 p.m.; Sunday 4–9 p.m. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; moderately priced table-service dining, with cocktails and shared starters adding to the bill. See the official menu for current prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | College Avenue bus corridor; check IndyGo Route 17 and current stop locations. Metered street parking and paid parking around Bottleworks are nearby. |
| Official Website & Phone | Livery Indianapolis; +1 317-383-0330 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead for Friday and Saturday dinner, particularly if rooftop seating matters to you. Arriving near the 4 p.m. opening is a practical choice for an early meal before a show or a less compressed evening. Use the official Indianapolis location page to book the correct branch. For larger celebrations, the restaurant accepts event inquiries through its private-dining page. Mention dietary restrictions and seating preferences before arrival rather than relying on a last-minute table change.
College Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue provide the main approach; consult IndyGo for current Route 17 service and stop placement. Drivers should allow time for metered spaces or paid Bottleworks-area parking rather than expecting an immediately available space outside. Because dining occupies two levels, wheelchair users and travelers avoiding stairs should request step-free access and an appropriate table, and discuss rooftop access directly with staff. Pair dinner with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail along Massachusetts Avenue, the shops and architecture of Bottleworks roughly five minutes away, or the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre about a 10–15-minute walk southwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Livery open, and when is the best time to visit?
Livery opens daily at 4 p.m., closing at 10 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 11 p.m. Friday–Saturday, and 9 p.m. Sunday. Choose an early weekday dinner for a more relaxed start, and check holiday schedules before traveling.
How expensive is Livery, and should I reserve?
Expect a $$ restaurant rather than a fixed-price tasting menu. Reservations are advisable for weekend evenings; consult the official menu for current dish and cocktail prices.
How much time should I allow for dinner?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for shared starters, main courses, and drinks. Add extra time if you want a separate rooftop drink or have a larger party.
Is Livery suitable for families and visitors avoiding stairs?
Families can dine here, although the evening atmosphere also attracts cocktail drinkers and date-night diners. Its two-level layout makes advance discussion of wheelchair access, stroller placement, and stair-free seating important.
When planning your Indianapolis travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Indianapolis, pair this stop with standout local spots including Garfield Park, Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, Mesh, and Indianapolis Fire Fighters Museum (nearby).
