A Smoky Heaven: Nicky Blaine’s in Indianapolis

 

Author’s Note: Thanks to my full-time and freelance jobs, I have traveled extensively throughout the United States. I have visited every major city multiple times, and many small towns in between. For each destination, I always try to see something different. This is the first in what I hope to be an occasional series of articles about some of the uniquely American places I have been, and if possible, you should try to visit as well.

I was all set for a trip to San Francisco, when my boss told me that I was being sent to Indianapolis instead. As soon as I heard “Indianap,” I gleefully thought to myself “I get to go back to Nicky Blaine’s.” After I got the reassignment, I immediately contacted two of my best friends, Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy, who live in Indianapolis, to let them know I was coming to town. Where we were going to eat was not important, but it was naturally understood that after dinner, we were going to Nicky Blaine’s.

Fingers (not his real name) hosts one of the leading conservative talk shows online, called “The Snark Factor.” Tony is the host of a very popular morning talk show in town, on WIBC-FM. Tony also happens to be an expert on cigars. He always has a supply on hand, and is more than happy to share them. He also hosts a podcast, where he talks about cigars. His knowledge comes in handy because Nicky Blaine’s is a cigar bar.

Let me get one thing out of the way: I hate smoking. Despise it. I hate the smell of a smoky bar, want to just throw away smoke-smelling clothes, and would never be with a woman who smokes (and thankfully, Mrs. Gray does not). I have never smoked a cigarette in my 44 years on this planet, and never will. I do have much more tolerance for cigars, but even so, I only smoke one a year. They usually give me a headache, and I don’t like the taste in my mouth the next day.

If there is one thing I hate more, it’s smoking bans. If given the choice, I normally stand on the side of freedom, and if people want to smoke, they should be free to smoke. If a bar or restaurant wants to ban smoking, great, it’s their business. I know it will never change, but governments need to get out of the banning business, especially when they enjoy so much tax revenue from the products they want to take away from people.

Oh, and I hardly ever drink. I have only been really drunk a handful of times in my whole life.  Even though I am a fairly large guy, one stiff drink can start to put me out. I have a very low tolerance for alcohol, and as a “Type A” person, I am wary of giving up control of my faculties.

Now, knowing how I feel about smoking and drinking, you may wonder why I would look so forward to going to a cigar bar. It’s because Nicky Blaine’s isn’t merely a cigar bar, it’s an amazing experience, and one of the hippest and coolest places you’ll ever visit.

I often say that I was born at the wrong time. My father grew up in 1940s Manhattan, and I really wish I could have been there to see it myself. I have an old soul, and I love Sinatra, impeccably-dressed men with fedoras, and women looking their best, even for a trip to the supermarket. The time of “the Greatest Generation,” when people were tough, the government stayed out of people’s lives, and freedom was a given. A time when advertisements included doctors actually touting the “health benefits” of cigarettes, and there was no such thing as whipped cream-flavored vodka. When I go to Nicky Blaine’s, I feel like I am living in that glorious past.

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After dinner, Tony, Fingers, and I walked the few downtown Indianapolis blocks to Nicky Blaine’s. The doorman said there was a $5 cover. Tony handed him a $20 bill and said “thank you” with a tone of voice that conveyed “keep the change.” The doorman instinctively understood.

Nicky Blaine’s is down a flight of stairs, and with each step, you feel that you’re going back in time a decade. After you descend the steps, and open the ornate doors, you go inside, and the time travel feels complete. The first thing you notice is the smell of the smoke. This is the one place where that doesn’t bother me in the slightest. The experience is worth the extra wash cycle when you get back home. Then you notice the lighting. It is dimly lit to where you can see everything, just not all of the details. You see all the people, but can’t fully make them out. It provides a sort of anonymity to where if you don’t want to be bothered, you’re not going to get bothered.

It is a huge space, filled with different passages and side rooms. Everywhere, couches enrobed with buttery leather. The walls are deep, dark wood. There’s lots of red and brass. It’s exactly how you might picture a mob-run supper club in the 1930s. It’s beautiful. And with bright lighting, it’s probably even moreso.

You are greeted by model-looking hostesses, who take you to your booth. Once you’re seated, don’t even think about moving, or maybe pulling up an extra chair. It is just understood that you ask first. One violation of the unwritten rules, and you’ll get a gentle warning. Continue to ignore the rules, and you’ll probably find yourself putting on your jacket and exiting the premises.

The tables are covered with huge cigar ashtrays, and menus that look like books from an old Italian library. Thick listings of all the cigars they offer, and all of the classic drinks they pour. Nicky Blaine’s is the kind of place where you drink Jack Daniels on the rocks or a Manhattan. You’d probably be embarrassed to order anything garnished with a stick of fruit.

On the last page of the drink menu, the “Policies” are listed. They are fantastic and remind you who’s in charge. Some of the policies:

  • Dress code is business casual at manager’s discretion
  • Clean up fee will be assessed at manager’s discretion
  • We have a set music format
  • No refunds on alcohol
  • We are not responsible for your likes and dislikes

In other words, listen to what we’re playing, know what you want to drink, and don’t complain about what you get. In a world that tends to coddle and give in, Nicky Blaine’s is definitely not a safe space.

This becomes evident when the waitress comes to take your order. Every waitress I have had at Nicky Blaine’s has been a gorgeous combination of Flo (“kiss my grits”) from the 1970s TV show “Alice,” and a server at any classic deli in New York City. David Letterman once described someone as “gruff, but loveable,” the perfect description of a Nicky Blaine’s waitress. They’ll smile at you, but you could easily screw that up. You get the sense that there is a clock ticking, and they don’t have much patience for slow ordering or a lot of questions. It’s glorious.

In my rush to order, I defaulted to a bottle of light beer. Tony immediately and loudly expressed his displeasure, and I knew I made a huge error in judgment. I quickly tried to recover, and ordered a Jack and Diet Coke (give me a break, I’m diabetic). Being the expert, he ordered the cigars for the table.

The waitress returned with the perfect tray of classic drinks and cigars. She asks you if you want your cigar cut or punched (Tony said cut). Then, she whips out what seems like a nuclear-powered lighter, that turns your cigar aflame in record time. But, try to make sure it stays lit. Upon asking for another light, she reluctantly gets out a wooden match. You seem to only get one chance with the pocket inferno.

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At last, a table covered with heavy glasses of alcohol, cigars lit, and all three of us sunken into comfortable couches. Smoke billows, and with the lighting, makes it hard to see, even across the booth. But, while you’re at Nicky Blaine’s, you truly feel that life is good. And it is. How could it not be? You’re in maybe one of America’s most perfect bars, laughing like crazy for hours with some of your best friends, bathed in retro cool that is actually retro cool — nothing fake or contrived anywhere on the premises.

I asked Nicky Blaine’s owners Simon and Julianne Robinson why it was such a special place. They told me:

Nicky Blaine’s brings back the fine art of conversation in a cool, vintage atmosphere. We are known for our beautiful, relaxed atmosphere, where everyone can feel like a VIP. We have been a staple of Indianapolis’s nightlife for over 16 years, and a top date destination, due largely to our ability to cater to those looking for an intimate evening, or the perfect setting for a large social gathering. Business deals are made here, couples are engaged, many a birthday and all other types of celebrations have become tradition for us. Unlike noisy nightclubs, you can actually hear yourself having a good time.

They added that they’re proud of be part of downtown Indianapolis, and are grateful for people like me who continue to visit and re-visit them.  They should be proud, and at this point, it would be impossible for me to visit Indianapolis without visiting Nicky Blaine’s.  It would be like visiting Rome, but skipping the Coliseum.

To find out more, go to their website.

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Pictured, that fantastic night at Nicky Blaine’s (l-r): Tony Katz, Cameron Gray, Fingers Malloy.

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  1. The King Prawn Inactive
    The King Prawn
    @TheKingPrawn

    Beautiful description. I had a pipe while reading it, that’s more my style.

    • #1
  2. Jimmy Carter Member
    Jimmy Carter
    @JimmyCarter

    Tony Katz and Fingers Malloy? Sounds like a couple of pool hustlers.

    I’ll second the “beautiful description.”

    Cameron Gray: Nicky Blaine’s is the kind of place where you drink Jack Daniels on the rocks or a Manhattan. You’d probably be embarrassed to order anything garnished with a stick of fruit.

    And a Manhattan is garnished with a cherry. Just saying…

    • #2
  3. David Sussman Member
    David Sussman
    @DaveSussman

    Fantastic!
    I listen to Fingers/Snark. Love when Schlichter calls in.
    Where did Katz’s podcast go?

    • #3
  4. Percival Thatcher
    Percival
    @Percival

    If I still smoked, it would be a pipe too, but I might stretch the rules for the occasional cigar.

    Tunes are important. Swing? Bebop? Cool? The first Barry Manilow song I hear, I’m pulling the fire alarm and stalking out.

    • #4
  5. Salvatore Padula Inactive
    Salvatore Padula
    @SalvatorePadula

    Nicky Blaine’s is awesome.

    • #5
  6. Little My Member
    Little My
    @LittleMy

    Are ladies allowed? Even if they don’t smoke cigars?

    • #6
  7. Pony Convertible Inactive
    Pony Convertible
    @PonyConvertible

    My clock radio alarm is set to Tony Katz. He always starts my morning. He’s great. You need to get him on Ricochet.

    • #7
  8. Larry3435 Inactive
    Larry3435
    @Larry3435

    Lovely post.  It is why I also like to travel.

    But you don’t mention the job that keeps you on the road like this.  I was thinking that since your friends are name Tony and Fingers, maybe mob hit man?  The picture of Tony and Fingers did nothing to disabuse me of that suspicion.

    • #8
  9. American Abroad Thatcher
    American Abroad
    @AmericanAbroad

    Cigars with friends is one of the true joys in life.  Better yet at a place like Nicky’s.  It is on the to-do list if I am ever in Indianapolis.

    • #9
  10. Cameron Gray Inactive
    Cameron Gray
    @CameronGray

    Jimmy Carter: And a Manhattan is garnished with a cherry. Just saying…

    Your point is taken, Jimmy

    • #10
  11. Cameron Gray Inactive
    Cameron Gray
    @CameronGray

    Percival: Tunes are important. Swing? Bebop? Cool? The first Barry Manilow song I hear, I’m pulling the fire alarm and stalking out.

    It’s all Sinatra and standards.  I don’t think you have to worry about Barry.

    • #11
  12. Cameron Gray Inactive
    Cameron Gray
    @CameronGray

    Little My:Are ladies allowed? Even if they don’t smoke cigars?

    Yes, of course.  There were tons of women all over the place, smoking and not smoking.

    • #12
  13. Eeyore Member
    Eeyore
    @Eeyore

    Larry3435: But you don’t mention the job that keeps you on the road like this.

    Get ready to have your envy meter click up a notch or two, Larry. He doesn’t just get to appreciate fine cigars and likker, he gets to hang out with guns – lots of guns. Cameron works and travels for the NRA. And he does a great job, both in front of and behind the camera.

    • #13
  14. Cameron Gray Inactive
    Cameron Gray
    @CameronGray

    Eeyore:

    Larry3435: But you don’t mention the job that keeps you on the road like this.

    Get ready to have your envy meter click up a notch or two, Larry. He doesn’t just get to appreciate fine cigars and likker, he gets to hang out with guns – lots of guns. Cameron works and travels for the NRA. And he does a great job, both in front of and behind the camera.

    Thanks, Eeyore.  That is very kind of you. Cameron

    • #14
  15. Larry3435 Inactive
    Larry3435
    @Larry3435

    Eeyore:

    Larry3435: But you don’t mention the job that keeps you on the road like this.

    Get ready to have your envy meter click up a notch or two, Larry. He doesn’t just get to appreciate fine cigars and likker, he gets to hang out with guns – lots of guns. Cameron works and travels for the NRA. And he does a great job, both in front of and behind the camera.

    Well, according to the left, that is the same as mob hit man.  ;)

    • #15
  16. Percival Thatcher
    Percival
    @Percival

    Cameron Gray:

    Percival: Tunes are important. Swing? Bebop? Cool? The first Barry Manilow song I hear, I’m pulling the fire alarm and stalking out.

    It’s all Sinatra and standards. I don’t think you have to worry about Barry.

    Excellent.

    • #16
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