Where to Get the Best Old Fashioned in Midtown Carmel
Published July 13, 2026
If there's one cocktail that defines a good night out in Midtown Carmel, it's the Old Fashioned. Bourbon, bitters, a little sugar, done right — it's a simple drink that separates the great bars from the average ones. We rounded up some of Midtown's best spots for one, from the polished lounges to the casual patios along the Monon.
Lone Pine
Lone Pine in Carmel City Center is the one to beat. The steakhouse is helmed by Josh Mazanowski, a James Beard-nominated beverage expert and co-owner of Indianapolis favorite Beholder, and it shows — this is hands-down some of the best bartending in Midtown. Pair a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned with a locally sourced steak and you've got one of Carmel's best nights out.
1933 Lounge by St. Elmo
Tucked into the Arts & Design District, 1933 Lounge leans into its post-Prohibition roots with a speakeasy vibe, firepits on the patio, and a serious bourbon list. It's the sister concept to Indianapolis institution St. Elmo Steak House, home of the famous "Pop's Old Fashioned" — reason enough to expect a top-shelf version here.
Anthony's Chophouse
With sweeping views over downtown Carmel, Anthony's Chophouse pairs its steakhouse menu with a well-regarded house Old Fashioned that regulars call out as a favorite. Perfect for a classic, dressed-up night out.
Josephine
The newest name on this list, Josephine brought French flair to Main Street in Sophia Square in early 2025. The cocktail menu leans French-inspired, but the bar program is strong enough across the board that an Old Fashioned here comes with a little Parisian polish.
The GOAT
Right on the Monon Greenway in the heart of Midtown, The GOAT is the neighborhood's favorite tavern for a reason — smash burgers, a stacked bourbon selection, and a laid-back patio scene. It's the low-key, no-fuss option when you want your Old Fashioned with a side of people-watching.
Adagio Lounge
Inside Hotel Carmichael, Adagio Lounge is all grand piano, wood-burning fireplace, and Great American Songbook standards. It's the most refined stop on this list — order an Old Fashioned made with New Riff bourbon and settle in.
Also Worth a Stop
Sun King Spirits, right next to Midtown Plaza, distills its own whiskey on site and offers an "Old, Old Fashioned" on its classics menu — about as fresh as it gets. Fork + Ale House, just steps from the Midtown green space, mixes specialty cocktails alongside its house-brewed beer list. And 101 Craft Kitchen rounds things out with chef-driven small plates and a happy hour bar worth building a night around.
Plan Your Crawl
All nine of these spots sit within a short walk or bike ride of each other along Midtown's core — making for an easy self-guided Old Fashioned crawl next time you're looking for an excuse to explore the neighborhood. Have a favorite we missed? Let us know in the comments.
Sources: opentable.com, visithamiltoncounty.com, 1933lounge.com, anthonyschophouse.com, josephinecarmel.com, thegoatisdope.com, hotelcarmichael.com, sunkingbrewing.com, forkalehouses.com, 101craftkitchen.com