Fourteen vendors will entertain customers Tuesday when the second major component of the Bottleworks District – a food hall known as The Garage – opens its doors. The Garage sets in two former garages which first served the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and in more recent years the Indianapolis Public Schools bus facility. The new space has been historically preserved with a neo-industrial styling, with the former garage doors intact to be opened in appropriate weather.
The Bottleworks Hotel, housed in the original Coca-Cola plant, opened in late December, while the Living Room Theaters, in a newly constructed building, opened on Dec. 23.
Food providers include La Chinita Poblana, an Asian-fusion taqueria by George Munoz, owner of Festiva; J’s Lobster & Fish Market; Lick Ice Cream; Poke Guru; Azucar Morena, Venezuelan cuisine featuring arepas; Clancy’s, hamburgers; Gaucho’s Fire, Brazilians-influenced cuisine; Abbiocco, wood-fired pizza and pastas; Hard Truth Distillery; and Herculean Meal Prep, healthy meals.
Other retail outlets include Pumpkinfish, a gift store; Brick and Mortar, a barber shop; and Becker Supply Co., with outdoor wear and gift items.
Ventures yet to open include Chapati Beta, Pakistani-Indian inspired fare; The Harbour, by MacNiven’s owner Stuart Robertson; Blue Point Oyster House and Bar; and Certain Feelings Coffee Co., by the owners of Coat Check Coffee.
There’s more to The Garage than vendors. One space is set aside as a “flex” kitchen, capable of hosting pop-ups by guest chefs or cooking classes; a space which can host visiting artists; a stage for live music and DJs; and even cornhole.
The Garage is opening in a pandemic-compliant format with general seating for 280 people (compared to the “normal” capacity of about 670). There will also be patio space on three sides of the historic buildings which are united by a covered atrium.
