Friendly Tavern

A Zionsville classic, the Friendly has been around forever! The restaurant/​bar is known for their tenderloin sandwich that’s bigger than your face and the incredible baked wings, which are my absolute favorite wings of all time. It tends to be an older crowd of regulars and can take awhile to get in to.

This place just feels like home. They always squeeze you in, waitresses are sweethearts, and the food is fresh and delicious every time. My husband and I consider this our weekly date night spot as we are newlyweds and love the lively, yet non rowdy atmosphere.

The Buffalo Shrimp! It’s gonna take 2 bites for EACH delectable shrimp… they are HUGE! The y have a traditional hot-​sauce-​and-​butter kick… but the shrimp itself is impressive!!!

Friendly both in name and reality, this local establishment on Zionsville’s charming brick street is a favorite for a reason. You can’t help but notice that the Friendly Tavern has its regulars, greeted like family by their able wait staff. The awesome thing is that the Friendly even treats new visitors that way, which is something you don’t find often these days.
On to the food, their expansive menu of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees hasn’t changed in all the years we’ve visited here. Their tenderloin is excellent, and I’d recommend substituting for the spiced Buffalo chips over kettle chips or fries. I ordered the petite sirloin, very flavorful and perfectly cooked. We saw two orders of their wings delivered to tables nearby and the portion was huge.
Save room for pie! The homemade blueberry pie with ice cream was delicious with a flaky, buttery crust.
The Friendly Tavern is 21 and over, and they are closed on Sundays.

What else can I say. We’re a huge fan of their wings!!! As of now, we haven’t tried their other menus, when I had the steak, it was ok. Will update down the road.

This is a traditional pub /​tavern, so set your expectations properly. The food is above average quality, price is just right, menu is diverse enough to feed a large group of picky eaters, and beer list solid. If you are looking for a solid burger, spicy chicken sandwich, or buffalo wings to go with some ice cold beer then the Friendly doesn’t miss. (only drawback is nobody under 18)

If you are 30 – 40 years old and eat here, you will likely be one of the youngest people in the place. Always long lines and very popular — especially amongst the senior citizen population in Zionsville. Decent selection of beer at a reasonable price. The bar and draft selection is nothing to get excited about — lots of regulars who seem to live at the bar.

Wow! This is a popular place! We got there about 5:15 on a Saturday night and there were just a few tables left. By 5:30, it was full and a line was starting to form. By the time we left, the line was out the door.
This is a friendly, regular, noisy, crowded dark bar on Main Street, not a brew pub with trendy items on the menu.
The food was good… average bar food, not «wow, this is the best sandwich I’ve had!» We had the grilled BBQ chicken sandwich and the Black and Bleu salad. Both were tasty but there was A LOT of Bleu cheese on the salad.
Service was fast and friendly. We were splitting the sandwich and salad and they brought them to the table already split which is a nice touch.

Great place to grab delicious bar food. The service was a little slow, but the food was worth the wait. They have the best pork tenderloin sandwich!

When you want a Tenderloin… this is a GREAT place.
It is ALSO a great place to go to SHARE one platter of chicken wings between two people.
PLENTY of delicious food… drinks. Its an old time place… probably haven’t redecorated in years… usually a long line to get in (at least whenever we are there it is).
Lots of stools at the Bar and think they probably have a huge list of «regulars».
Locally owned and operated. Love that it isn’t a cookie cutter chain.

So, I’m out in Indianapolis for work and I ask for a recommendation from a colleague as to a place to go. Without hesitation he said to go to the friendly tavern. After visiting there last night I understood why he recommended it. As soon as you walk in you’re treated like a regular, and the bartenders will have you laughing and having a good time all night. I had the grilled pork chops and they were some of the best I’ve ever had. The place was so good that I ended up going there tonight too. Linda, aka sassy pants as we ended up branding her was an absolute blast and her granddaughter Lauren was an absolute pleasure to talk with. I guess the best thing that I can say is that this bar is kind of like Cheers where everybody knows your name even if it’s your first time visiting. This is an absolute must visit for anyone coming to Indianapolis.

There is a reason for the long line, The Friendly has great service and good food. I have barely tried the other restaurants in Zionsville because we always go to the Friendly. My husband consistently gets the tenderloin sandwich or the buffalo wings. I mix it up, but some of my favorites include the veggie wrap, all the way chicken, the whitefish sandwich and the vegetable beef soup. I’m hesitant to sing their praises too loudly because I don’t want to wait in longer lines.

Love this place! It can get a little crowded around dinner hours, but the wait is always worth it. Great service and a classic menu done right! Seriously some of the best wings in the city are right here, so good. Great burgers and specials as well. Just wish they had a larger selection of local draft beer.

Always an enjoyable evening at this establishment we’ve been popping into for 8 years or more.
I liken the Friendly to a cross between todays Pubs and yesterdays Supper Clubs. The ambience is best described as old school simple and calmly bustling, especially during weekend dinner hours. Generally, count on a 15 – 20 min wait for the dining area, but the bar and bar area tables could see less standing and more sitting time.
Menus are paper placemat easy with items ranging from prime rib and catfish to wraps and salads to sandwiches and burgers to plates with piles of wings! Prices match quality and portion IMHO. Service has always been friendly, relaxed and on point.
While this is a 21 and older bar and eatery, most patrons tend to skew well beyond that minimum!
Finally I might suggest Friendly’s signature Old Fashioned. The perfect beginning to add to good conversation and the evenings repast into the past.

Excellent food, good atmosphere & reasonable priced. Service left a lot to be desired but overall worth it. Will definitely return.

Had a great meal here, the wait staff said everything is good or they wouldn’t serve it and I believe them. A friend and I shared the grilled pork chops and roasted chicken. Both were cooked perfectly and the sides were also great. If you are indeed looking for a friendly place and good food I would highly recommend the Friendly Tavern.

Absolutely love this place! My favorite bar! Lives up to its name, friendly tavern. As a new resident in a small town like Zionsville, my sheepish entrance was warmly welcomed. Staff is always friendly. Everything I’ve tried on the menu is scrumptious, truly delicious and well done every single time.
I am a fan of their spinach dip, buffalo wings and shrimp, and their chicken cesar salad. I accompany my meal with a vodka and cranberry and i am never disappointed. Price is exceptionally reasonable and almost cheap for the great quality and service you get!

Great prices, nice atmosphere, and good service. No complaints! When my family visits from out of town we often go to the Friendly because of our many positive experiences!

This bar and restaurant can often be crowded and loud but always has good service and great food! We’ve never had a bad meal there. Slightly on the pricey side but worth it. Located in a historic building but pretty nondescript/​homey interior.
Wish there was patio seating!

Just had the patty melt. Of all the great nods this place gets, it’s by far one of the best burgers in Indy especially for the prices! My favorite dive bar in ALL Indy. The owner doesn’t know a stranger and food is best bar food Indy has and he’s giving away the food at his prices. It’s a must try and worth the trip to Zville!

Three stars certainly doesn’t mean I don’t stop here once a week for a brewskie. I do. And I like it. It’s always crowded. and if it isn’t when you arrive, wait and it will be by 7:30. The wings are delicious! The fish sammy is a good bar food fried fish sandwich, otherwise the menu is just so so. And even though I come often, I don’t find the staff to be particularly «friendly», like the name would imply. Its atmosphere is old and run down, but I guess if they keep packing them in, why spend the money…
P. S. The restaurant side (not the bar side) is for the over 60 set, so ask for bar if you are there for a bar-​type evening.

Friendly service and good food. Werent busy at all on Sarurday around 330pm. But who eats at that time? We do!
Good atmosphere. Clean and well located.

Full disclosure…
I have not been TO this eatery… but I purchased carry out. I can say unequivocally their breaded tenderloin was dry, appeared pre formed… and tasted frozen. I’m not saying it WAS frozen… or what have you, but it looked frozen. In all fairness their chicken wings looked delicious and I will definitely give the place another chance or two. I’m not telling you to avoid the place, because my coworkers love it… but I am suggesting you go for something other than the breaded tenderloin.

Love the Friendly! The pork tenderloin is excellent. There was a walleye special with a crispy fried fish, slaw (for my taste not creamy enough) and fries. The waitstaff is pleasant and attentive. Only real complaint is that it is a wee bit loud for conversation.

Amazing service and very good food. The buffalo shrimp and wings are must haves, really can’t go wrong w anything there. Love the Friendly!!!

If your looking for good old fashioned, but quality American bar food. This is the place. The steaks have a great grill crust and the crispy wings come with sauce on the side so NO MESS!

Went in for a very late lunch. It was quiet, just a few others there before the dinner crowd. I had the mozzarella sticks, whitefish sandwich with fries, and hot tea. I was waited on and served quickly. I had told my waitress that I had to be out of there within 45 minutes and she did a great job of answering my questions and getting my order out to me quickly. FYI, with the sandwich, the usual side is some type of chips. If you opt for fries, it’s a $ 0.95 up-​charge.
In snowy weather, watch the sidewalk before /​north of The Friendly as the neighboring salon doesn’t clear their sidewalk even days after snow has fallen. I opted for walking in the street to avoid the hazard.
I know they are «The Friendly» but being called «sweetie» and «honey» that many times in 45 minutes made me cringe. Maybe dial it back a little?

The chicken wings at this place are really worth the trip. It’s a nice, often overcrowded place for lunch, and the wings are made fresh so my suggestion is to go early. But man, the batter and seasoning are good, and they’re hot and perfectly cooked. Really a treat. And they give you a lot.
They prices are cheap across the board too.

I was excited about going here after hearing for so long how great Friendly’s was/​is. I’m sorry but I wasn’t impressed at all. My table of 3 came in on a Wednesday around 6 PM. The bar area was full but not packed. Our waitress, although very nice, was slow as molasses. We ordered 3 orders of wings a large fry and a large onion ring. It took 52 minutes to get our food! (I know because I had sent a text as she was taking our order.) the fries and onions rings were okay. The chicken wings were chicken legs and the sauce didn’t come on them? And they were dry to boot. I just didn’t care for the place and feel they’re over priced for the quality.

Best hidden gem on the North side of Indy! Mostly locals go here and certain weeknights can be very busy but the friendly staff does a great job turning tables and making sure those who have a short wait feel at home.
Great food, quick service, stiff drinks, friendly management, good prices! And, for those on the go, they go great with to go orders — get the breaded tenderloin!

Man olé’ man olé’ man. I really like this neighborhood establishment. It is nostalgic, dark like most taverns and definitely friendly. Think lots of wood, casually dressed servers and paper menus.
At 5:00p on a Wednesday, this place was pretty full. It is a decent size so that was quite a surprise. I decided to belly up to the bar for a fried tenderloin sandwich and a side of buffalo chips instead of fries or kettle chips. The buffalo chips were very good and unlike anything I have ever had with buffalo in the name. The tenderloin was good but it was not the best I have ever had.
The meal without a beverage was about $ 11 which is very reasonable given what you pay for fast food at places like Five Guys, Einstein Bagel or Panera Bread. That said, I would not make a special trip to Zionsville for it, but I would would definitely pop in if I am within a 7 mile radius.
If you come in with a hearty appetite, grab a seat at the bar. There are bowls of popcorn for you to chomp on while you wait for your meal.

If you haven’t been here then GO! This restaurant is a landmark in Zionsville located on Main which is a brick paved street. Parking located in lot next door or on street if available. We love this place! On Fridays and Saturday evenings expect a line out the door as we encounter Friday night. At table in just 15 minutes and even waiting was enjoyable and went fast joking around with folks around us in line. Of course you can grab a beer while you wait. This is not a quiet, romantic tavern but loud, fun, full of laughter with good food and drinks kind of place. Clientele ages range from 21 to retirement and we love the mixture of age groups.
You’ll find quality food, consistently prepared, with a varied menu so you always know what to expect. Great food, fair price, good service unless packed and it can be bit slower but understandable. Their famous for their amazing buffalo wings and once you try them you’ll understand. Many feel they are the best in Indiana if not the best anywhere! BROASTED, not fried, and certainly enough for two with 18 – 20 large wings PER ORDER! Unbelievable price as well. A MUST TRY!
I ordered the Black Jack Chicken sandwich which relates to a Cajun spiced chicken breast with jack cheese, all the toppings including grilled onions and a side of buffalo chips. The chicken is always juicy, cooked and seasoned perfectly for me and other than the apple dumpling is probably my favorite. My husband ordered one of his all-​time favorites here which is the B.L.T. Double Decker with fries. It’s a purist BLT with lots of thick bacon, fresh lettuce and tomato (no mayo for him) on toast of your choice. No foo-​foo BLT here as he says. He believes it to be one of the best BLT’s around and many agree.
You can tell the character of the owner and employees from a small incident that happened tonight. A toothpick had broken off in the BLT and my husband NOTICED immediately and removed. No problem! Suddenly, we found sincere and truly genuine concern from our waitress, cook, and even Scott, the owner, after noticing what had happened. Even after a meal we loved, an evening filled with conversation with many laughs, we found ourselves with comp’d dinners because of the three second toothpick event. Unbelievable owners and staff here!