Indianapolis Spotlight: Commission Row

Commission Row is a prominent and exciting dining and entertainment complex in Downtown Indianapolis.

🏛️ Commission Row: A Multi-Level Experience

Commission Row is an elevated, multi-level dining and entertainment complex located within the Pacers Sports & Entertainment Complex at the Bicentennial Unity Plaza in the heart of the city’s Wholesale District. It is a concept by the Cunningham Restaurant Group.

What Makes It Unique?

Commission Row’s uniqueness stems from its three-tiered, integrated concept and its prime location:

1. Three Concepts in One: It offers a distinct experience on each of its three levels:

   • Commission Row (Main Level): A premier steakhouse, seafood, and raw bar focusing on high-quality chophouse cuisine.

   • Mel’s (Lower Level): An adjoining, hidden speakeasy with a sophisticated, Roaring Twenties-style ambiance, offering a curated menu of cocktails, wines, spirits, and small plates.

   • Above (Top Level): A flexible, elegant event center with a full-height glass wall and an all-season terrace overlooking the plaza, designed for private events like weddings and conferences.

2. Historical Homage: The name itself is a nod to the area’s rich past. South Delaware Street was historically known as “Commission Row,” where farmers sold their goods through resellers who charged a “commission,” establishing Indianapolis as a major national crossroads of trade.

3. Sports and Entertainment Hub: Its location next to Gainbridge Fieldhouse (home of the Indiana Pacers) and the surrounding Bicentennial Unity Plaza makes it a major social and dining destination, particularly before and after games or other major events.

📜 History

The area’s history as a center of commerce dates back to 1863, which is the foundation for the restaurant’s name.

The modern Commission Row complex itself is a very recent addition to the downtown landscape:

• Announcement/Development: The project was part of the large-scale development of the Bicentennial Unity Plaza.

• Grand Opening: Commission Row opened its doors in January 2024, strategically timed to be open prior to the NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, showcasing the city’s newly developed entertainment district.

🍽️ Highlight Menu Items

Commission Row focuses on high-quality, artfully curated cuisine with a strong emphasis on steak, seafood, and raw bar items.

• Steak & Entrées: Offers the highest quality steaks, including Wagyu Beef Tartare, a 14oz Gunthorp Farms Pork Chop, and Lamb Chops.

• Seafood & Raw Bar: Specialties include a fresh Raw Bar (featuring East/West Coast Oysters and King Crab Leg), Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Chilean Seabass, and Ora King Salmon.

• Signature Dishes: The Lobster Bisque is frequently highlighted as a luxurious and delicious menu item. Other popular items include Wagyu Meatballs and Popovers (as a starter).

• Brunch: On Sundays, they offer a highly-praised brunch menu.

⭐ Customer Feedback

Overall, customer feedback for Commission Row is highly positive, with a strong average rating (e.g., a 4.6-star rating based on over a thousand reviews).

• Positive Highlights: Patrons frequently praise the wonderful atmosphere (glamorous, sophisticated ambiance), attentive service, and the quality of the food, often describing it as an excellent choice for a special occasion. The speakeasy, Mel’s, is also highly regarded for its ambiance and cocktails.

• Constructive Feedback: Some reviewers note that the dining experience is on the pricier side, which is typical for a fine-dining steakhouse. A few isolated reviews have mentioned issues with food temperature or portion size compared to competitors.

🗓️ Significant Events

While a relatively new establishment, its creation and location tie it to major city events:

• NBA All-Star Game: The restaurant’s opening was timed specifically to coincide with the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, serving as a premier dining and hospitality venue for the influx of visitors.

• Game Day Experience: The restaurant and Mel’s Speakeasy regularly serve as key destinations for pre- and post-game crowds attending Pacers (NBA) and Fever (WNBA) games at the neighboring Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

• Large-Scale Private Events: The Above event center is designed to host significant private events, including weddings, large business conferences, and special gatherings, leveraging its capacity for up to 400 guests standing.

📍 Contact Information