INDIANAPOLIS – Start your engines! Indiana’s greatest month is upon us. The sacred “Month of May” brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and, most importantly, race cars to our great state.
Over 400,000 people will visit our famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway to witness the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the Indianapolis 500. The entire town of Speedway will be buzzing with excitement, as businesses capitalize on the opportunity the famed race brings to the community.
Haven’t been to Speedway in awhile? You will be shocked to see the revamped look of the area just outside the track that is now home to a number of restaurants, breweries and attractions to fit the needs of any visitor.
Below are some suggestions of fun things to do within the shadows of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Charlie Brown’s Pancake & Steak House (1038 N. Main Street Speedway, Indiana 46224)
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It’s a must to start your day with breakfast or brunch at Speedway’s iconic restaurant, Charlie Brown’s Pancake & Steak House. Inside, you will experience a diner-like feel, with great food and friendly service. You will love being surrounded by old-time racing memorabilia, including autographed pictures, cars and flags. Not only does the food taste great, it is affordable, as well. All breakfast and lunch menu items are under $10, and dinner items are under $15. Can’t make it to breakfast? Stop in for lunch – just make sure you don’t let your appetite build too long, as the restaurant closes at 3 p.m.
Dallara IndyCar Factory (1201 Main Street Speedway, Indiana 46224)
After fueling up at Charlie Brown’s, walk down the street to the Dallara IndyCar Factory. According to Google, it is only a three minute walk from Charlie Brown’s.
The Dallara IndyCar Factory is a 23,000 square foot building centered on the engineering and technology used in the Verizon IndyCar Series. Guests are welcomed to tour the facility and see blueprints and design concepts for what they’re working on. You can also relax and watch a video explaining Dallara and their involvement within the series. You will have a blast with simulators and a ride in the 2-seater, street-legal IndyCar during your visit to the Dallara IndyCar Factory.
Speedway Indoor Karting (1067 West Main Street Speedway, Indiana 46224)
A short walk south from Dallara, you will find one of the newer neighbors in the Speedway area, Speedway Indoor Karting, or SIK for short.
SIK is really neat for a number of reasons, one of which is that it is owned by former IndyCar driver Sarah Fisher. Sarah opened the doors in April 2016, and it probably comes as no surprised that it is one of the best go-kart racing facilities in the Midwest. Keep in mind that there is a junior track for younger enthusiasts. Junior drivers must be at least eight years of age and 48 inches tall.
1911 Grill (1067 N Main St, Speedway, IN 46224)
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After racing against your friends and family, you can eat at 1911 Grill, which got its name from the first contested Indianapolis 500 ran in 1911 and is located inside the facility.
Hours of Operation
Sunday – Thursday: 11 AM to 10 PM
Friday and Saturday: 11 AM to 11 PM
The Main Attraction Antique Mall (1450 Main Street Speedway, IN 46224)
A hidden gem on Main Street is The Main Attraction Antique Mall. This antique shop offers a multitude of items ranging from furniture and décor to racing merchandise and comic books. The Main Attraction Antique Mall is closed on Tuesdays, but opens from 11 AM to 7 PM the remainder of the week. This is a perfect stop for those looking for something unique to do. You might even find something you never knew you needed.
O’Reilly’s Irish Pub (1552 N. Main Street Speedway, Indiana 46224)
Looking for a fun, casual lunch or dinner spot? Look no further than O’Reilly’s Irish Pub. This new-to-Speedway restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to 3 AM and serves a variety of foods, including burgers, sandwiches, chicken, and Irish classics all under . Patrons love the fun atmosphere and open design plan, and, of course, Guinness is always on tap.
Dawson’s On Main (1464 Main Street Speedway, Indiana 46224
Dawson’s On Main opened its doors in 2006 and is truly one of a kind. Found only in Speedway, IN, this restaurant is located across the street from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and known for its delicious steaks, seafood and tenderloins. Dawson’s on Main is an affordable dinner option, with items remaining under $30. Patrons are encouraged to make reservations online and the hours of operation are listed below.
Hours of Operation
Monday – Thursday: 11 AM to 10:00PM
Friday – Saturday: 11 AM to 1:00AM
Sunday: 11 AM to 8 PM
Foyt Wine Vault (1182 N. Main Street Speedway, Indiana 46224)
Foyt Wine Vault offers a unique experience for the wine and racing lovers in your group. Owned and operated by the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner AJ Foyt, along with his son and business partners, this stop unites wine and racing in a unique way. Foyt Wine Vault is part modern wine bar and part Foyt racing museum, where visitors can enjoy a glass of award-winning wine while taking in a number of historic memories from AJ Foyt’s racing career.
Not a big fan of wine? No problem! Foyt Wine Vault offers a selection of local craft beers, as well. a must visit in Speedway.
Hours of Operation
Wednesday and Thursday: 4 PM to 11 PM
Friday: 4 PM to 12 AM
Saturday: 12 AM to 12 PM
Daredevil Brewing (1151 N. Main Street Speedway, Indiana 46224)
Calling all beer lovers! Daredevil Brewing offers a wide variety of delicious craft beers in an exciting, modern atmosphere. The 25,000 square foot facility allows guests the opportunity to witness beer production first hand, watch the big game or racing news on one of the taproom’s many TV’s, or play cornhole with new and old friends. Daredevil Brewing is the place in Speedway for great beer and entertainment. All patrons must be 21+ years of age.
Hours of Operation
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 3 PM to 10 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11 AM to 11 PM
Sunday: 11 AM to 8 PM
