The HI-FI

Man, I LOVE this place. As a musician, I’m probably harder on music venues than the general public. You go to a music venue to hear music, and if the sound person doesn’t know what they’re doing, it can ruin an otherwise good night out.
And, it’s pet peeve time. If you’re at a show, and can’t hear the band clearly, it’s likely NOT the bands fault. We musicians are at the mercy of the sound person. Good… REALLY good sound people are hard to find. The Hi Fi has STELLAR sound people.
One thing keeps me from giving it a 5 star rating. There aren’t enough seats. I’m older, and standing for long periods isn’t just inconvenient for me, sometimes it’d painful due to multiple pins and screws in one of my legs. I just can’t stand for a 2 hour show as I used to, and, unfortunately, that appears that may sometimes be the only option here.

First visit to the HI-​FI was a Tom Waits tribute show, and it most certainly will not be my last. The talent and acoustics were great. Nice bar, and a killer bartender that managed to keep up with what seemed like 20 patrons at a time. While he did keep up, the only criticism I’d give is that they really should probably have two bar tenders working on such a busy night.
Definitely recommend keeping an eye on their Facebook page so you don’t miss out on any upcoming shows. This is a great option for a relatively inexpensive excuse to get out and see some of Indianapolis’ arts & entertainment.

This is my all time favorite concert venue. It’s a great atmosphere as it is both upbeat and low key at the same time. Be are and get there at least 20 minutes before the concert because it fills up fast. Beers are typically local, but a little pricey. However tickets to the concerts are more than reasonable. Service at the bar top is always good. As it is in fountain square, it makes for a great week day date to eat next door at Pure Eatery before heading in for the concert.

This was a crazy cool venue. Small but really made me get to listen to the music. I went on a random night to attend a Drum and Bass DJ night and it was my first of any kind. The dance floor was fun and the drinks were great. There is even a restaurant in the same building that i fantastic to eat at if you are waiting for something to start there as well. The guy at the door charged more than what was listed online but only by $ 2.00 but they didn’t accept cards which is all I had so I had to go to the ATM across the street. It was a very welcoming environment and I would definitely see another show there.

I love this little venue. I say little because it’s basically a shotgun room leading straight back to the stage with a long bar running along one side of the room and a very limited number of stools lined along the opposite side of the room. Yes, it’s mostly standing room unless you arrive really early to snag one of the few stools. The bar has a nice selection of craft beer, and at times, has a couple of liquor drinks on tap such as Kissing Booth Punch; or you can choose your poison from the full service bar. The staff generally does a great job keeping up with the crowd. There’s no problem hearing, as the acoustics boom through the n. arrow room. It’s a nice place to catch some live music and maybe catch a first glimpse of tomorrow’s next sensation.

Located in the heart of Fountain Square, the HiFi is a natural «hipster» haven. Bands range from folk to indie pop to country. I’ve gone to several concerts of bands I’d never heard of — it’s always a good time, but then again I love live music.
They also have special nights like Motown Monday’s where local DJs play with mixing Motown tunes with current beats.
They have a decent selection of local brews on tap, as well as a full bar. It’s loud, but it’s a concert hall. If that’s not your cup of tea, you may want to being ear plugs.
All in all, the HiFi is a great place to discover new music with an affordable ticket price.

I’ve been to two shows at this venue, and it is quickly becoming my favorite spot for live music in Indy. The venue space is intimate, efficient and minimal. It’s all about the music. From the impressive calendar of upcoming shows to the friendly staff and clientele, music lovers can expect to rekindle their passion with a visit to the Hi-​Fi.

I’ve lived in Indianapolis less than four months and have already seen two shows here! Both were excellent. They book great talent, the sound is consistently clear, and it’s a small, intimate venue. This makes even small shows feel well-​attended and energetic. Drinks are fairly cheap, and the bartenders are quick and friendly. The venue is in the same building as several other businesses, and the entrance is shared with Pure Eatery.
I have a few minor grievances that I can get past because both of my experiences here have been so positive. But anyway, worth mentioning. It gets pretty warm in there, even with a small crowd. Also, the bathroom situation could be better. The bathrooms are in the hallway behind the stage, which is technically outside of the venue, so you have to chug your drink or leave it with a friend. I also think they should use wristbands or easily washable stamps when they ID; I’d prefer not to have leftover permanent marker on my hand/​wrist the following day.

Great venue for music, the sounds was incredible and since it’s small there really isn’t a bad spot in the house. Biggest complaint… you have to push through the crowd to go to the restroom. It’s actually easier to step outside and walk through the Red Lion since they share a bathroom. Great location in Fountain Square.
Walk in and usually there is a hostess station to sell tickets. Sound stage is in the front of the space, while the stage is in the back (east side). Bar is on the right or north wall.

Recently saw Vanessa Carlton here! The sound was excellent, and I loved the layout. Friendly security and bartenders. Will definitely be back.

Great music venue in the heart of Fountain Square. There is always some good local/​regional acts, as well as touring artists who play at The Hi-​Fi. Shows are scheduled frequently throughout the week, and on certain nights local DJs are there to showcase their talents. Most shows are ticketed, but free shows are available from time to time, especially on First Fridays,
The venue itself is fairly small and narrow, but the view of the stage is fine from anywhere. There is also a raised area near the windows with limited seating. As far as sound, it’s actually not as loud as other indoor venues. My preference is to hang in the raised area, which is not as loud but still has a decent view. To quench your thirst, the bar is well-​stocked for mixed drinks and has rotating taps of local brews.
Next time you are up for some live music, check out The Hi-​Fi. It makes for a great stop as you hop from place to place throughout Fountain Square.

This is a great venue. What a contribution to the local Indy music scene! This intimate setting will have you up and close to hand picked touring artists, as well as high quality local acts.
You will find this traditional single store front right in the middle of lively Fountain Square, where there is more than plenty to do before and/​or after the show. The space itself is simple with clean design hosting a well balanced sound system. Seating is limited, so be advised, but who wants to stand anyways when your favorite band is killing it?
The bar has a rotating tap list of high quality and progressive beers from local breweries. Liquor is available, as well as a small selection of bottles and canned beer. Bar service has been good, even on busy nights. Make friends quick with the bar keep as there is no waitstaff. Prices are a little on the high side, so a pre-​show drink at Kuma’s Corner or Revelucion may be a good idea.

I checked out this spot to see an African Pop Band. It was a super fun night. So much so, that I can’t quite recall enough to write in a review. But I do remember it being a rip-​roarin’ good time.

Love this venue. The layout is great and I love the intimate setting and feel. They have a great lineup of bands and artists performing. It’s location is also wonderful: I can stop in at many great restaurants in Fountain Square before hand and make it to the show on time!

Great small venue to see an act. It’s very cozy and there’s a fully stocked bar with friendly bartenders. The show I saw there also had a big container of free water available to keep people from dehydrating, which was a nice touch!
Small cons are that parking near can be a bit rough. And the venue is so small that nationally touring acts who come through with 50-​watt stacks simply have too much amp for such a tight venue. I don’t mind volume, but definition is completely lost with a big half-​stack amp or two blaring away in that close a space. That’s less the Hi-fi’s fault than bands’ faults for not having equipment sized appropriately for the venue, but worth mentioning.

Cool intimate venue showcasing both local as well as bigger name bands. Lionel at the door is always friendly and quick to flash a genuine smile as you walk in to enjoy the show. The bartenders are always on their a game in the fast pace environment, and their selection of beers includes Indiana favorites from breweries like sun king and three Floyd’s (score!) as well as the «national beer of Texas» lone star. A great place to catch a show in the beautiful neighborhood of fountain square.

This is probably my favorite 21+ venue/​bar to go to for shows here in Indy. It’s a pretty good size venue, not too big, and not super small either. They host a wide range of bands or acts, so I’m sure everyone can find a show that they might enjoy here. The staff is awesome, and the sound has always been great too.
The drinks are pretty average in price, and they usually have a nice selection of beers on tap as well.

Why in the hell haven’t I been here sooner!?! Great cozy venue. Beer selection is decent. Acts are good. Great place to check out for a chill evening
Music: ⁴⁄₅
Brews: ⁴⁄₅
Service: ⁴⁄₅
Location: ⁴⁄₅

Love the venue. Love the owners. Love the different types of shows you can see. Love the variety of drinks you can get.
The décor is great and is perfectly located for First Friday events. You can grab dinner next door (on either side) before a show and enjoy affordable drinks at the show. It can be a bit loud at times for the size of the venue, but it’s much better than what the old do317 lounge was.
Shows are priced perfectly and it’s one of my favorite venues in the city! Look forward to seeing another show in the near future!

This is THE place to be on First Friday in Indianapolis. You can count on a great band playing, cold brews and cool people. On occasions they’ll have an art exhibit. I purchased my first major work from Aaron Scamihorn at his show here in August 2012 as we celebrated my daughter’s 16^th birthday.
It’s now 21+, but the kiddos can tag along and see other exhibits throughout the Murphy Arts building. Great venue!