Where to Drink Near Gen Con: Gather 22 Is the Local Hub You’ll Wish You Found Sooner
- Madeline Curtis-Long
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
Just 10 Minutes from the Indiana Convention Center, This Indy Favorite Is Pouring Limited-Edition Cocktails for Gen Con Week Only
By the time your dice are down, you’ll need a drink—and ideally, one that comes with real flavor stats.
If you're heading to downtown Indianapolis for Gen Con 2025, chances are you’ve already mapped out your panels, playtests, and merch runs. But the real insider move? Planning your post-con unwind.
Tucked just east of downtown in the historic Fall Creek neighborhood, Gather 22 is quietly becoming one of Indy’s most talked-about cocktail bars. And from July 31 to August 3, they’re going all-in with a limited-edition menu crafted for Gen Con attendees—complete with game-themed cocktails, slushees, and mocktails that hit like a critical success.
An Off-Map Bar That Feels Like a Hidden Tavern
While most convention-goers stick to the Mile Square, locals know that the best food and drink in Indianapolis often sits just outside the downtown loop. Gather 22 is a quick 10-minute drive or $10 Uber from the Indiana Convention Center—close enough to be convenient, but far enough to feel like a true side quest.
With an open-air backyard, curated cocktail menu, and rotating creative programming, Gather 22 feels less like a restaurant and more like a gathering point for people who get it—including Gen Con veterans, first-time attendees, and hospitality-loving nerds in full cosplay.
Gen Con Drink Specials: July 31 – August 3 Only
Their exclusive Gen Con cocktail menu is a playful mix of high-level pours and flavorful surprises.
Expect bright blue vodka blends, citrusy CBD slushees, and a strawberry-hibiscus number they’re calling Deathtouch for good reason. Non-drinkers are covered too, with a spritz-style mocktail called Natural 20—proof that you don’t need alcohol to charm the table.
Whether you're rolling deep with your adventuring party or flying solo after a long day in the dealer hall, these drinks are designed to help you recharge your spell slots—or at least your social battery.
Why This Spot Should Be on Every Gen Con Itinerary
✔️ 10 minutes from the Indiana Convention Center
✔️ Indoor and outdoor seating
✔️ Free parking + ride share–friendly location
✔️ Cosplay welcome, vibes on point
✔️ Highly rated by locals on Google and OpenTable
So if you're searching for:
"Best bars near Gen Con Indianapolis"
"Where to drink near Indiana Convention Center"
"Gen Con themed cocktails in Indy"
"Indy nerd bars with good drinks"
…you’ve officially found your answer.