BODHI sits on Massachusetts Avenue where 21-and-over crowds pack in for Thai dishes inspired by family recipes passed down through generations and craft cocktails that actually taste like something worth waiting for.
The drunken noodles here are the most ordered dish at a place where people show up at 7 PM on a Friday, see a 90-minute waitlist, and decide to stick around anyway.
The braised chicken yellow curry gets called the best curry people have ever eaten, with fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs swimming in golden curry that you spoon over jasmine rice until the bowl is empty.
Recently started taking reservations, which changed everything for locals who had been putting this women-owned restaurant at the bottom of their must-visit list because they didn’t have time for the lineup.
Why This 21-Plus Spot Changed Indianapolis Thai Food
They build cocktails with real technique, like the Herb & Leaf with tarragon and curry-infused gin that tastes herbaceous and bitter instead of syrupy sweet like most bar drinks.
The kitchen lets you control spice levels from mild to serious heat, and when you order level 3 on the chili basil pork, they actually deliver flavors that one regular called a masterpiece.
Family recipes passed down through generations mean the pad thai tastes different from other Thai spots in town, with portions large enough that certified pad thai lovers get disappointed ordering it anywhere else after trying BODHI’s version.
How a Women-Owned Bar Became Mass Ave’s Thai Destination
BODHI launched as a 21-plus Thai craft cocktail bar on Mass Ave, combining vibrant creative cocktails with a curated wine list and local craft beers alongside dishes that tell stories of flavor and balance.
The women-owned and operated concept built a reputation quickly, with moody art and warm lighting creating an intimate romantic atmosphere where the fancy cocktail bar vibe matches the food quality.
Now accepting reservations after years of walk-in-only service, the restaurant on Instagram shows off plating so gorgeous that people mention the presentation before they even talk about how the food tastes.
Food Highlights
- Drunken Noodles: The most ordered dish comes with your choice of protein and spice level that actually delivers on heat when you ask for it, with wide rice noodles wok-tossed with Thai basil and vegetables in portions large enough to share or take home leftovers. 🍜
- Braised Chicken Yellow Curry: Fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs swim in golden curry with carrots, potatoes, and onion that one server calls his favorite dish, with jasmine rice served separately so you can control how much curry soaks into each bite. 🍛
- Papaya Salad: Shockingly delicious with perfect balance between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy that makes this more than just a starter, using fresh ingredients and thoughtful execution to turn a simple salad into something people can’t stop talking about. 🥗
- Spring Rolls: Five crispy perfect rolls filled with vermicelli and vegetables come with sweet plum sauce that’s addicting enough to order a second round, and these come out fast which helps when you’re very hungry. 🥟
- Chili & Basil Pork: Order this at heat level 3 and prepare for flavors that stick with you long after the meal ends, with pork stir-fried with Thai basil in a sauce that balances heat with depth instead of just burning your mouth. 🌶️
- Massaman Curry: Unique and tasty with braised beef that’s earned its own following among people who want something richer than the other curry options, bringing peanut-based sauce with sweetness that plays well with the savory beef. 🥜
Atmosphere
The restaurant sits at 922 Massachusetts Avenue in a space with low warm lighting and moody art that creates an intimate romantic vibe perfect for date nights.
The bar lined with bottles and greenery along the walls adds to the fancy cocktail atmosphere, while seating stays tight enough that you’re definitely not bringing a large group here.
The 21-plus-only policy means no kids running around, and the stylish warm environment works equally well whether you snag a tiny table or end up at the bar watching bartenders build drinks with actual technique.
Bottom Line
Visit BODHI for drunken noodles and braised chicken yellow curry in a women-owned Thai craft cocktail bar that’s worth the wait on Mass Ave.
Family recipes passed down through generations prove that thoughtful bold beautifully executed dishes create flavors that stick with you long after the meal ends.
The craft cocktails built with real technique, 21-plus atmosphere, and recent switch to accepting reservations make this Indianapolis spot worth planning your evening around. 🌟
Address: BODHI
922 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202
📞 (317) 941-6595
🕐 Mon, Wed-Thu: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Fri-Sat: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Sun: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Closed Tue
21+ only | Women-owned | Family recipes | Craft cocktails | Reservations accepted | Spice levels available
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