By Jon Shoulders
»Weekend soirées … end-of-workweek gatherings … hump-day outings … there are always plenty of reasons to break away for some liquid refreshment any day of the week. Fortunately, drink specials and extensive menu selections are by no means in short supply throughout the south side’s bevy of beverage hot spots.
Bar Rev at Revery
Revery is relatively new to the southside scene, having opened in the fall of 2014, but the drink menu at Bar Rev, which offers a speakeasy vibe combined with a modern aesthetic, packs plenty of potable punch. Current customer faves include both classics and custom concoctions like the Cucumber Gimlet, the Mezcal Margarita and the Old Fashioned. Open Tuesdays through Thursdays, 4:30 to 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 4:30 to 10 p.m. Restaurant lunch hours are Tuesdays through Fridays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 299 W. Main St., Greenwood, (317) 215-4164, reverygreenwood.com
Bonefish Grill
A large selection of wines, martinis, beers and signature cocktails mean Bonefish’s drink menu rivals its food menu in terms of sheer size and variety. Customer favorites include the Wild Orchid Hawaiian Martini (complete with an edible floating orchid garnish), the Fresh Pineapple Martini and the Mule — Bonefish’s take on the classic Moscow Mule consisting of house-made ginger syrup, fresh mint and candied ginger. Open Sundays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Mondays through Thursdays 4 to 10 p.m.; Fridays 4 to 11:30 p.m.; Saturdays 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. 1001 N. State Road 135, Greenwood, (317) 884-3992, bonefishgrill.com
Buck Creek Winery
More than just a wine production facility, Buck Creek Winery offers free live music from April through September, and $5 tasting packages that include six wine samples. Recurring favorites from the wine list include the Road House Red, a sweet option made from Concord grapes, and the Der Champion, a semi-dry white wine with melon and peach flavors. Open Sundays 1 to 6 p.m.; Mondays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 11747 Indian Creek Road South, Indianapolis, (317) 862-9463, buckcreekwinery.com
Bar Louie
Daily specials abound at Bar Louie, including $5 signature margaritas on Mondays, five-beer buckets for $6 on Wednesdays, and $5.25 martinis and half-priced wine bottles on Thursdays. Choose from 36 signature drinks including the Berry Mojito, the Mango Margarita and the Strawberry Lemonade Sangria — a house favorite available by the glass or pitcher. Open Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. 1251 N. U.S. 31, Greenwood, (317) 215-5400, barlouieamerica.com
Tropical Lounge at Lotus Garden
Amidst the Tropical Lounge’s casual atmosphere, those thirsty for variety won’t be disappointed. The bar menu features traditional cocktails, daiquiris, wines, champagnes and specialties like the Top Shelf Margarita and the Flaming Tiki Bowl, which consists of eight liquors and serves up to four people. The beer selection includes $3.75 imports and $3.25 domestics. Open Sundays through Thursdays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 49 W. Mercator Drive, Greenwood, (317) 881-5531, lotusgreenwoodsouth.com
