About Mousetrap
The Mousetrap Bar & Grill (often called “The Trap”) is a legendary Northside Indianapolis music bar (capacity ~200 (www.indieonthemove.com )) that’s been a local institution since 1957 (trapindy.com ). Parked on Keystone Avenue just north of Westfield, it bills itself as one of Indy’s oldest watering holes (trapindy.com ). Over the decades the interior has been updated (new windows, carpet, 140″ big-screen TV and 20+ HD TVs (trapindy.com )), but its dive-bar charm remains. The place is famous for hearty eats (especially its Hungarian-style beef “Uncle John’s” stew and giant hand-pattied tenderloin sandwich (trapindy.com ) (trapindy.com )), strong drinks, and a packed lineup of live music. Reviewers call it a “hole in the wall” with electric vibe – great for jam bands and music lovers (trapindy.com ) (www.mapquest.com ). Musicians and fans alike hurry back for its friendly vibe; as one fan put it, it’s a “fun place for all music lovers to hang out” (www.mapquest.com ).
The setting is casual and unpretentious. Pool tables, ping-pong, dart boards and dozens of board games fill the rec room (trapindy.com ), while a long wooden bar and seating rings the music area. An outdoor deck (used for grilling and summer open jams (trapindy.com )) adds a second stage for warm nights. The overall feel is a broad‐ripple-area dive bar meets music club: colorful crowd, sticky floors, and tunes blaring from a professional sound system. Built in the mid-20th century, the building has a classic brick bar look, but with modern sound and lighting. Everything is locally operated – not a chain – giving it a real neighborhood hangout character.
Events and Programming
Mousetrap runs live music nights nearly every day of the week. It caters to jam bands, bluegrass, jazz, reggae, soul, rock, and even EDM/dubstep. A typical week looks like:
Sundays: The day is anchored by a Bluegrass Open Jam at 8pm, hosted by Flatland Harmony Experiment (and Midwest Rhythm Exchange players) (trapindy.com ). It’s a casual “Sunday Funday” free-for-all – bring your instrument and jam outdoors when weather is nice.Mondays: Trivia night at 7pm (with musical trivia) followed by Karaoke at 9:30pm . This is a weekly pub quiz and karaoke singalong rather than a concert, but it draws a crowd nonetheless.Tuesdays: “Mayor’s Ball – Jazz for the Soul” at 9pm. Jazz saxophonist Rob Dixon and Indy’s top players swing together for jazz and soul, often with a whiskey or bourbon tasting feature . Locals praise this as sophisticated counterpoint to the bar’s otherwise rockier shows.Wednesdays: Family Jam (“From Another Mother” with Mikial Robertson) at 9pm . This is a throwdown jam session with Indy’s best pickers — a free-for-all set mixing blues, rock, jam-band improv and raised glass solos. Musicians (on any instrument except drums) are invited to sit in.Thursdays: “Altered Thurzdaze” — a biweekly EDM/bass night. Local promoters (IndyMojo) bring national DJs and producers for electro, dubstep, glitch-hop, etc. The room turns into a dance-floor nightclub with special lighting, fog, and DJ booths.Fridays & Saturdays: Major live music nights. These are the busiest nights, featuring touring jam bands, bluegrass groups, rock or funk acts, and reggae. In recent years marquee acts have played here – for example, jam-bands like Dopapod (2014) and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (2015) and EDM acts like KOAN Sound (Feb 2025) (www.concertarchives.org ). Local improvised “heads-up” bands also light up the stage on weekends. Many shows have an entry fee (often covers $5–$15) and occasionally ticketed events are listed on the venue’s site or through promoters.
Special annual events include a “Thanksgiving Eve Dinner & Show” and holiday parties. Weekly staples like the Bluegrass Jam and Jazz Night are free to attend, while Friday/Saturday concerts may charge. Guests generally describe tickets in the $5–$20 range depending on the act (for example, events listed on concert promoters or Eventbrite reflect modest local cover prices). The schedule is updated on Mousetrap’s site and social media; concerts rarely sell out due to the 200-person capacity, but popular jam sessions can draw standing-room crowds early.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Mousetrap concerts are usually sold directly through the venue or via partner ticketing sites. For advertised concerts (especially on Friday/Sat), the venue often links to Eventbrite or shows a signup form on its website. You can purchase in advance online or buy at the door if the show isn’t sold out. There is no traditional box office — all entry is handled at the front door. For non-ticketed events (open jams, trivia, etc.) there is simply a drink minimum. When in doubt, check the Mousetrap’s official calendar or follow them on social media for updates on upcoming shows and ticket announcements.
Screenshots from fan reviews confirm that Mousetrap is 21+ (trapindy.com ). To guarantee entry on busy nights, arriving early is wise. Doors typically open around 8pm for music shows. Popular blues/jazz nights may even start a little earlier. If tickets do go on sale (via an organizer’s page), they usually appear a few weeks in advance. Frequent attendees advise signing up on the venue’s newsletter to get “Event Reminders” and to watch for presales. Overall, booking at The Mousetrap is straightforward – just plan ahead on high-profile concerts, and otherwise pay at the door.
Seating and Layout
Inside, the Mousetrap offers bar stools and a few high-top tables lining the perimeter, but it’s primarily a standing-room music venue (www.indieonthemove.com ). There are no fixed seats in front of the stage – a wooden floor area stretches out from the small stage (which is up just a step or two). Guests often stand or dance close to the stage for shows. The long bar runs along one wall, with seating around it. Against another wall are pool tables, dartboards and games (trapindy.com ) (so those areas see people shooting pool or playing darts during breaks). In warm weather an outdoor deck (with picnic benches) lets you watch jams from outside (trapindy.com ).
Acoustically, the Mousetrap is loud and lively. The sound system is tuned for rock and jam music. If you prefer a balanced mix, the sweet spot is a few feet back from the speakers (often around the bar area). Near-stage has the most volume and crowd energy, which fans love for dancing. The upper-level balcony (if open) offers an overview but is not typically used – most prefer floor-level. For viewing, the center floor by the stage is best for immersive live music, while sitting on a bar stool or at a side table gives a calmer vantage point. Note: People often move around, so there’s no “bad seat,” but latecomers on sell-out gigs end up standing at back or outside.
Getting There and Parking
The Mousetrap is located at 5565 N. Keystone Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220 (trapindy.com ) (just above 56th Street). It sits on the east side of Keystone Ave in the Glendale/Nora district, about 3½ miles north of downtown Indy. The area is car-centric, and there is an on-site parking lot for guests (plenty of free parking in the lot directly behind and alongside the building, as well as street parking on nearby side roads). There is no parking fee – just park and walk in. Note that weekend nights can fill the lot; overflow street parking is usually available.
By public transit, IndyGo buses run nearby. Route 26 (Keystone Crosstown) runs north-south on Keystone Ave and stops within a block of the bar. The Red Line bus rapid transit (College Ave) and Route 19 (Broad Ripple/Broadway) are a short walk (each about 0.5-1 mile away). If coming from downtown or the airport (about 12 miles south on I-465), rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are common – simply enter “Mousetrap Bar & Grill” at Keystone & 56th. The bar also provides a drop-off area near the front door. Cyclists can reach it via the nearby Monon Trail (exit near Westfield Blvd). In practice most visitors drive or catch a cab/bus to the Keystone/Glendale area. From suburbs (Fishers, Carmel, etc.), take Keystone south; it turns into College Ave (Red Line corridor). The location is easy to find on GPS by the address above.
Inside the Venue
Upon entry you’ll find a cozy dive-bar atmosphere. There’s no security pat-down, but staff will check that everyone is 21+ (ID required) (trapindy.com ) and collect any cover charge. The bar menu is casual American and praised by patrons. In addition to the famous stew and tenderloin, the menu includes burgers, wings, sandwiches and salads (trapindy.com ). Reviewers especially recommend the “hand-patted” burgers and the huge hot wings – comfort foods to enjoy while listening to tunes (trapindy.com ) (www.mapquest.com ). Food is served all night (open kitchen until closing), so you can dine during the show or grab a late-night snack. The bar offers a full range of beers (domestic and craft), cocktails, and a rotating selection of bourbons and whiskeys (featured on jazz tasting nights ). Non-alcoholic choices and daily specials (like soups and homemade meatloaf) are available too.
The atmosphere is lively and friendly. Expect dim lighting, rock or bluegrass posters on the walls, and music blaring from the speakers. Crowds often start off mellow (many come for dinner first) but build energy by late night (www.mapquest.com ). Restrooms (men’s and women’s) are located off the main floor. Coat check is not provided, so keep track of jackets or leave bulky items in your car. Wireless internet is not advertised, and cell service is decent indoors. A merch table is sometimes set up near the front for bands. You’ll also find a jukebox or live DJ on quieter occasions. Overall, expect a relaxed rock-joint vibe – people hanging out by the pool tables between sets, dart games mid-show, and bartenders mixing drinks to a soundtrack of jams. Tradition holds that this is a place to cut loose: dancing is common, and even shy visitors end up clapping and singing along by night’s end.
Nearby Amenities
The Mousetrap sits in a mixed commercial area. Within walking distance are chain restaurants and local bars. For pre-show dinner, guests often head a block east to Glendale Town Center (less than 0.3 miles) where you’ll find PF Chang’s, Five Guys, Chipotle, and other eateries. Toward 56th Street there’s a mix of sit-down places (pizza, Mexican and American diners) and fast-casual spots. A notable local neighbor is Glendale Brewing Co. (about a mile southwest on Keystone) with pub fare and craft beer. For a quick bite, curbside BBQ trucks or pizza delivery options serve the area as well.
If you need nightlife after the performance, broad Ripple Avenue (to the southeast) is about 2 miles away with late-night bars and clubs. The Hunt Club (tavern) and Stadium View Sports Grill are closer (half-mile west on 56th) for post-concert drinks. Taxis and rideshares line up along Keystone; they run late (bars stay open until 3am) though service can slow around 2-3am. Booking a ride or having a designated driver is smart if you plan to stay late.
Hotels within a mile include the Sheraton Indianapolis at Keystone Crossing (just south on Keystone) and Residence Inn/Embassy Suites on 62nd Street. These are convenient for out-of-town guests. Generally, planning to arrive 30–45 minutes before showtime is wise: you can grab a table, park easily, and avoid missing an opening act. For downtown tourists, The Mousetrap can be reached by a 10-minute drive north, or by taking the Red Line to 66th Street and a short bus or car-ride north. Many midwestern visitors love that it has an authentic local feel, in contrast with cookie-cutter downtown clubs.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Mousetrap’s charm lies in its deep roots and eclectic culture. It’s not just a bar but a live-music incubator. In a city where few independent bar venues survive, Mousetrap stands out for sustaining decades of house music nights. It helped shape Indy’s jam and jazz scene: touring jam bands often include prized gigs here, and local legends (like Rob Dixon) have built residencies. The blend is unique – mornings devoted to comfort food and sports, nights to vibrant concerts. Its famous beef stew and tenderloin sandwich are local lore, tying the bar to Indy comfort-food traditions (trapindy.com ) (trapindy.com ). Patrons often wear joke T-shirts or pet Cadillac keychains – a quirky trademark of the bar.
Architecturally it’s a classic corner pub with a neon sign and vintage beer mirrors (no frills, just pride). People say the place has real soul: “electric vibe” and “bands can’t wait to come back” (trapindy.com ). The large HDTVs, multiple games and trivia keep it a neighborhood sports hub too. Its role in the community is cultural: college students, forty-somethings, and retirees mix together. Insider lore includes legendary nightly jam sessions: it’s said musicians would drive hours to play impromptu sets here. Locals love the weekly traditions – for example, an open bluegrass jam on Sunday that has been going since the 2000s. Even the staff are longtime fixtures: regulars know the bartender by name and the desk seems to attract storytellers.
Famous performances include early appearances by future jam-band stars (for example, members of the Midwest Rhythm Exchange) and big names like Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (2015) (www.concertarchives.org ). It’s a crossroads of Midwestern music culture. The venue’s friendly dive-bar attitude – cheap drinks, casual dress code, welcoming crowds – makes it feel like “home field” to performers and fans. All these factors (history, nightly music mix, and hometown pride) combine to make The Mousetrap special on Indy’s live-music map.
Visitor Tips and Information
Before you head out, remember The Mousetrap is strictly 21 and over (trapindy.com ). Bring a valid ID – they card everyone. The dress code is jeans/casual; work attire isn’t needed and flashy outfits are rare. Since it’s a late-night club, expect dim lighting and loud music – earplugs are an option if you’re sensitive. The venue has no coat check or lockers, so travel light. Night-life etiquette applies: tip your bartenders, don’t block doorways, and be prepared to move for others. Smoking (if allowed) will be outside – use the outdoor deck area. Pets are not admitted, but service animals are welcome by law.
Common pitfalls: Trying to arrive at the last minute on a packed night can lead to a long line, so allow extra time if it’s a big concert. Conversely, if you come before 7pm on weekdays, you may find just a few diners and no band yet. Cover charges (if any) are paid at the door. You may want cash for tip and cover, but the bar takes cards too. Cell service is okay, and they do not offer customer Wi-Fi, so set up any app (Lyft, Spotify) beforehand.
If you want the best experience, check the website for the weekly schedule: for example, Mondays are trivia/karaoke nights, Tuesdays are jazz nights, etc. Plan your party accordingly. Many fans say it’s worth ordering the stew or tenderloin – it’s part of the tradition (trapindy.com ) (trapindy.com ). Finally, leaving your own ear plugs can prolong your hearing: the speakers get loud during peak sets! Otherwise, just bring good vibes. People come here to drink, eat, chat, and most of all to dance and jam – so be ready to have fun and maybe learn a new fiddle tune on a Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the address of The Mousetrap?
The Mousetrap Bar & Grill is at 5565 N. Keystone Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220 . It’s on Keystone just north of Westfield Blvd, in the Glendale/Nora area on Indy’s north side (trapindy.com ).
How can I get to Mousetrap by public transit?
You can reach Mousetrap via IndyGo bus. Route 26 (Keystone Crosstown) stops near Keystone & 56th, right by the venue. Nearby options include Route 19 on Broad Ripple Ave. The Red Line bus is on College Ave (0.7mi east) if you need it. Otherwise rideshares (Uber/Lyft) or driving are more convenient, since it’s more of a car area.
Is parking available at The Mousetrap?
Yes, there is a free parking lot right at the venue for guests. Additional street parking is also available on nearby side streets. Parking is first-come, and it can fill up on busy Friday/Saturday nights, so arrive a little early if possible.
Does The Mousetrap have assigned seating?
No, The Mousetrap is general admission. It’s mostly standing room with a few stools and high tables. Live shows have an open floor in front of the stage where guests stand or dance. For a seat, you can pull up a bar stool or park yourself at a table along the side, but it is not a reserved-seating venue.
Is there a cover charge or tickets required to enter?
That depends on the event. Regular open-night events (like trivia, karaoke, open jams) usually just have a drink minimum; no extra fee at the door. Featured concerts on Friday/Saturday often require purchasing a ticket or paying a cover at the door, typically in the range of $5–$20. Check online for each show. If a ticket is needed, it’s handled via the venue’s website or a linked ticket service.
When do tickets for shows go on sale?
Tickets for upcoming concerts are usually sold a few weeks in advance. promovents or Mousetrap’s site will announce when they’re available. In many cases you can also just pay at the door the night of the show. For big-name events, it’s safest to buy early online. Keep an eye on Mousetrap’s official calendar or social media for presale dates.
What is the capacity of The Mousetrap?
The Mousetrap holds about 200 people (www.indieonthemove.com ). Because of this relatively small size, big shows can feel packed. On a sold-out night, space can get tight near the stage, so arriving early for a good spot is recommended.
Do I need to buy food or drinks to stay for music?
Yes. The Mousetrap is a bar & grill, so like most such venues, you must purchase at least a drink (or food) to remain. On concert nights this is usually enforced by a drink minimum or cover. If you’re just there for dinner (e.g., before a show), ordering off the menu is fine. In any case, tipping and buying a round is appreciated.
What is the age restriction at The Mousetrap?
All Mousetrap shows are 21 and over only . It’s strictly a 21+ venue (no minors allowed) (trapindy.com ). Make sure to bring a government-issued ID or passport; they check IDs at the door.
Is there a dress code for events?
No formal dress code. The Mousetrap is casual: most people wear jeans, T-shirts, hoodies or concert gear. It’s common to see band T-shirts, flannel or sports jerseys. You should be comfortably dressed for dancing or sitting at a bar. Avoid anything too fancy – it’s a dive-bar vibe. Comfortable shoes are good if you plan to stand or groove on the dance floor.
Are outside cameras or recording devices allowed?
Small personal cameras and smartphones are generally fine for casual photos. However, professional cameras (with detachable lenses) or video cameras may be restricted, especially for ticketed concerts. Always check the specific show’s policy before recording. Typically, patrons film short clips on phones at their own risk, but please be courteous to others and performers.
Is The Mousetrap wheelchair accessible?
The Mousetrap is a single-story building with one main entrance. There may be a small step or two up to the doorway, so accessibility could be limited. It’s best to call and inquire (317-255-3189) about current access accommodations. Inside, space between tables should accommodate wheelchairs, but the stage area is crowded during shows.
Can I bring food or drinks purchased elsewhere?
No. Mousetrap policies disallow outside food or drinks. Everything you consume should be purchased on-site. They have a full kitchen and bar, so you can safely leave belongings in your car and buy snacks/drinks inside.
What time does The Mousetrap open and close?
General hours (for dining and bar service) are about 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. daily (trapindy.com ). For shows, most nights begin around 8-9pm. Last call is at 2:30 am and closing at 3:00. If there’s a late-night concert, they may extend closing by a few minutes, but plan to wrap up by 3am.
How early should I arrive for a popular show?
For big shows, many fans recommend arriving up to an hour early. Popular Friday/Saturday acts can draw lines at the door before opening. Getting there 30–45 minutes ahead of showtime typically ensures you’ll get in without rushing and can choose a good spot near the stage. If you arrive too late, you might end up standing all the way at the back.
