Fort Wayne, Indiana’s second-largest city, offers many fun nightlife options. This Midwest city has bars for every taste, whether you like cocktails, beer, quick bites, sports, comedy, or live music.
New bars and old favorites keep the city’s bar scene growing. There are places to grab a drink before a show, lively places to hang out with friends, and trendy places to try new drinks and entertainment.
Based on our personal experience and online reviews, we’ll show you the 13 best pubs and bars in Fort Wayne. Read on to find your spot and have fun!
Guide to Pubs and Bars in Fort Wayne
The Brass Rail
Discover the nightlife at The Brass Rail, a legendary fixture among bars in Fort Wayne. This dive bar’s doors open to a world where history blends with a live music rhythm.
In the bar’s intimate performance space, you can enjoy live shows featuring local and touring rock, metal, and punk bands.
The Brass Rail hosts various music events and photoshoots, making it a popular destination for music lovers. Complementing the entertainment, the bar has a friendly staff and a smoking patio for patrons. Inside, you’ll find diverse music playing from different genres.
The drink menu offers different choices, including craft beers, seltzers, ciders, and specialty cocktails like the Blue Hawaiian. The Brass Rai is a must-visit bar for experiencing Fort Wayne’s nightlife scene.
Deer Park Irish Pub
Nestled in Leesburg Road, Fort Wayne, Deer Park is an inviting Irish pub with a great selection of craft beers, comfort food, and live music events. With voted as the #1 Craft Beer Bar in Indiana by Forbes & Craftbeer.com, it’s a haven for beer lovers.
This snug space offers a diverse menu of traditional Irish dishes and over 300 craft beer options. The inviting interior and live music events create the perfect setting for unwinding and drinking.
Whether you’re a pet owner looking for a pet-friendly venue or a music lover seeking open mic nights, Deer Park has something for everyone. When in Fort Wayne, don’t miss the chance to experience this gem among the vibrant Fort Wayne bars.
Conner’s Rooftop
Looking for a trendy rooftop bar in Fort Wayne to enjoy a relaxing evening out? Check out Conner’s, one of the most famous rooftop bars in the city, situated on the 7th floor of the Hampton Inn & Suites downtown.
With its various craft beer and cocktails, small bites, and rooftop patio with open fire pits and views of the Fort Wayne skyline, Conner’s has something for everyone.
Sip on a classic margarita or signature old-fashioned while you enjoy the ambiance. The bar hosts live music and DJ performances to keep the atmosphere lively.
If you’re looking for a unique rooftop bar experience, Conner’s spacious and relaxing rooftop patio is a top choice.
Come for the drinks and food, and stay for the sweeping city views at this premier destination among bars in Fort Wayne.
Dash-In
Dash-In is a cozy little cafe and craft beer joint tucked away downtown on Calhoun Street. This casual eatery, which feels like your living room, opened in 2013. Inside, you’ll find art for sale lining the warmly lit walls and a rotating lineup of over 20 craft brews on tap.
Sip on one of 50+ beers, wines, or ciders – they’ve seriously got a ton of options! Feeling hungry? Grab one of their epic grilled cheeses, a hearty breakfast sandwich, or a steaming bowl of tomato bisque.
Sometimes, Dash-In hosts live musicians. And during big games, they’ve been known to offer drink specials. It’s a laidback spot to hang with friends, bite, and try a tasty local brew.
So, if you find yourself in the Fort looking for good comfort food and brews in a chill atmosphere, stop by Dash-In!
The Pub at 1802
The Pub at 1802 is one of the most popular sports bars in Fort Wayne, known for its laid-back ambiance, great menu, and lively vibe during games.
This local favorite supplies indoor and outdoor seating options for taking in all the sports action across its many TVs; with various bar food classics like burgers, pizza, and wings, The Pub at 1802 aims to satisfy.
You can enjoy a wide selection of ice-cold beers, classic cocktails, and other adult beverages as they cheer on their favorite teams. Specials rotate often, so there’s always something new to try with the game.
Sports fans can catch every play, from basketball to baseball, and events and weekly specials keep the crowds animated all season long.
Henry’s Restaurant
Family-owned since 1959, Henry’s is a popular tavern-style bar and restaurant in downtown Fort Wayne. They provide signature drinks and American fare in a comfy pub stage featuring wood booths and a long bar.
You can find a selection of drinks, including draft beer, scotch, martinis, and cocktails. Don’t forget their menu specials, like pizza, stuffed burgers, buffalo chicken, waffles, cheesecakes, and more.
The bar has a lovely atmosphere with wood decor and multiple rooms, including a huge U-shaped bar that extends across the front. Inside and outside seating is available.
As a great place to spend a late night out in Fort Wayne, Henry’s hosts events and has weekly specials to keep the atmosphere lively and engaging. It’s no wonder it’s considered one of the best bars in Fort Wayne.
Charlie’s Place
Charlie’s Place is in the old Flashback building at 4201 North Wells Street. Opened in 2019 under new ownership, it has a fun, casual vibe with a huge outdoor patio, perfect for imbibing cocktails and catching up with friends.
The drink menu focuses on unique, handcrafted cocktails like their famous “Watermelon Sugar” and “The Beth.” Small bites and entrees range from loaded tots and wings with their jalapeno drizzle to the massive, indulgent breakfast burger.
Weekend brunch brings excellent bottomless mimosas plus breakfast tacos and other morning favorites. Expect a lively crowd dancing to a great playlist from the 80s and beyond at night. Special event nights include karaoke on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
With great drinks, tasty food, and a lively indoor ambiance, Charlie’s Place is a versatile Fort Wayne hot spot, perfect for brunch, drinks, or late-night revelry. Put it on your must-visit Fort Wayne bars list for good times with old and new friends!
Club Soda
Step into Club Soda; this is your go-to spot for sizzling steaks, refreshing cocktails, and live jazz. Located in downtown Fort Wayne, Club Soda exudes a modern yet nostalgic vibe that would make the Rat Pack feel at home.
Their martini and craft cocktail Menu showcases their dedication to quality and creation, offering a drink tailored to every palate.
The ambiance at Club Soda is truly enchanting, with live jazz adding to the supper club atmosphere. It’s the ideal setting to unwind and revel in the Fort Wayne bar scene.
This venue is not just a restaurant or a bar; it’s where delectable cuisine, exceptional drinks, and captivating music converge to create unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re dropping by for a quick bite or planning to revel into the night, Club Soda is the place to be among the bars in Fort Wayne.
Mad Anthony Brewing Co
A celebrated brewpub chain in Fort Wayne, Mad Anthony Brewing is a haven for beer and food lovers. This establishment has become a staple in the city’s bar scene with a prime location at 2002 Broadway, Fort Wayne.
Boasting a full-service bar, a small brewery, and a family-friendly dining area known as The Munchie Emporium, it caters to every visitor.
The venue’s unique charm extends to its dining room, adorned with the names of patrons who have achieved membership in “The Heineken Club” by consuming twelve Heineken beers in one sitting. Their in-house handcrafted root beer and red cream soda are also a hit among visitors.
Mad Anthony Brewing is not just a place to savor handcrafted beers and delectable food; it’s also a hub for entertainment.
From open mic nights to live concerts featuring talented artists like Mike Conley and the Dave Nelson Jazz Trio, something exciting always happens at this gem among the Fort Wayne pubs and bars.
07 Pub
07 Pub is a chill spot on Broadway in Fort Wayne that’s been open for a few years. It’s got a nice neighborhood bar vibe with signature drinks and friendly service.
They’ve got a solid selection of 12 craft beers on tap, plus all the usual domestics, a full bar, and fun cocktails like blueberry lemonade and bloody mary.
It’s a fun place to catch the game with all the TVs playing sports, and they host events like trivia nights to get people engaged. Sometimes, they’ll have live music, too, which is dope.
If you’re looking for solid pub grub and drinks with a lovely ambiance, 07 Pub is a winner. Stop by for mouthwatering wings, pizza, and more, play vintage arcade games, and hang with the friendly bartenders.
The Club Room at The Clyde
Nestled in the heart of Fort Wayne, The Club Room is a hip new spot for craft cocktails and live entertainment.
The creative menu offers tasty shareables like pretzel bites with beer cheese fondue and signatures like The Clyde burger stacked with two beef patties, bacon jam, and onion hay.
And you can’t miss their unique craft cocktails like cucumber jalapeño margarita or smoked old fashioned.
Almost every evening, The Club Room features live music from jazz and blues to rock bands and singer-songwriters on their intimate stage.
It’s a great venue to discover talented local artists while you relax over good drinks and food. They also host fantastic events like paint nights, trivia, and open mic comedy.
J K O’Donnell’s
Tucked away in downtown Fort Wayne, J K O’Donnell’s Irish Ale House brings a bit of Ireland to the Midwest.
With its warm, cozy atmosphere and wide selection of beers, this authentic Irish pub aims to make you feel like you’re across the pond.
Sip on one of their Irish choices, like Guinness or Murphy’s, or try a seasonal cider. Pair it with their take on classic pub grub like fish and chips, bangers and mash, or their loaded Irish nachos.
Looking for entertainment? Catch a match on their TVs, challenge your friends to a game like darts, or stop by on the weekend to catch live music.
J K O’Donnell’s is the perfect place to grab a pint after work, meet friends for a casual dinner, or enjoy the lively Irish pub environment.
Black Dog Pub
Located on Covington Road, the Black Dog is a relaxing neighborhood pub serving cold beers and mouthwatering eats for years. Step inside, and you’ll find a laidback atmosphere with friendly staff and regulars bellied up to the pub.
This is the perfect place to grab a pint of one of their rotating craft drafts or local microbrews and pair it with some of their oversized sandwiches like the Big Ass Tenderloin.
If you come by on the weekdays, you can enjoy live piano every second Thursday and live bands on Fridays. So, next time you’re cruising down Covington, hit this hidden Fort Wayne pub for a fun time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(Q1). What types of drinks are available at Fort Wayne pubs and bars?
From craft beers and cocktails to wines and spirits, these spots have something to cater to every taste. Some establishments also offer non-alcoholic drinks and unique house specials,
(Q2). Where can I find Irish pubs in Fort Wayne?
Two popular Irish pubs to check out are Deer Park Irish Pub and J K O’Donnell’s Irish Ale House. Both offer an authentic Irish atmosphere with draft beers, ciders, classic Irish dishes, and entertainment.
(Q3). What are the best sports bars in Fort Wayne?
Some popular sports bars include The Pub at 1802 and 07 Pub. These bars have plenty of TVs to catch all the games, serve bar food and drinks, and often have specials during big sporting events.
(Q4). What bars host events like trivia or open mic nights?
Fort Wayne bars hosting fun weekly events are The Brass Rail, Mad Anthony Brewing Co., 07 Pub, and The Club Room. You can find open mic comedy, live music, trivia nights, and more.
(Q5). Can I find a rooftop bar in Fort Wayne?
Conner’s Rooftop Bar, located downtown on the 7th floor of Hampton Inn & Suites, is considered one of the premier rooftop bars in Fort Wayne. It offers craft cocktails and beers, shareable bites, fire pits, and panoramic city skyline views.
Note: Business statuses can change. We recommend verifying any establishment’s current location and operational hours before planning your visit.
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