Front Page Sports Bar and Grill

Mass Ave has changed over the years. Some would argue that it’s better now than it was 10 or 15 years ago. Others, like me, would argue that it’s becoming too commercialized as the rest of the city catches on about how amazing Mass Ave is. I remember the days when Mass Ave was the «artsy» district and the mainstream people were up in Broadripple, leaving the «artsy» people at The Abbey or The Metro alone. Remember Asesop’s Tables, The Abbey or Gaia Winery? Those of us who grew up on Mass Ave do, and we miss them!
As Mass Ave continues to change in the name of progress for the city, I continue to watch the local establishments slowly fading away as the chains come in.
Soon, we will be forced to say goodbye to another mainstay on Mass Ave, Front Page Sports Bar and Grill as another chain forces it way onto the Ave. Those evenings spent outside on the patio dancing and singing along to the live music are almost a distant memory. Chats with friends over countless meaningless topics, or walking by and catching a friend you haven’t seen relaxing on the patio will soon come to an end.
Front Page has always had a great selection of beers, daily drink specials, and service that is consistently above average. I’ve never eaten anything here and can’t recall ever seeing someone actually eating anything, so this is a drinking only place for me. Well, it was… back when there was still some soul left on Mass Ave.
Note: This Reviewer still holds a grudge against Mass Ave’s transformation, resulting in his inability to get a decent slice of Raspberry Cheesecake since The Abbey closed in the early 2000’s.

I’ve never been much of a fan of Front Page. The service is normally slow, and often the bills are messed up. I think it’s gotten somewhat better from a recent visit, but since they’re closing in a couple weeks time it really doesn’t make too much of a difference now. Personally I won’t miss it.

Capping off the south end of Mass Ave, I’ve enjoyed my visits here both early in the evening and as the night is winding down.
There are a few reasons as to why I usually find myself here. One, the live music that they have going on in the patio is always great. They have a big outside area, and you can enjoy their talented bands if you catch them on the right night. A lot of times it is more of a blues type group, and it is a nice setting to enjoy a beer. Another thing that draws me in is that it is usually a good go-​to spot to find a table, even with a larger group, when everything else is getting pretty full. This is a pretty large space relative to other businesses on Mass Ave, but it doesn’t always seem to pull a huge crowd, so usually it is a little calmer than other places around it. The atmosphere reminds me of Old Point Tavern just up the road, with an unpretentious feeling and a fun crowd that is just looking to grab some drinks and enjoy their company.
Aside from those few things, there isn’t a lot that overly distinguishes this bar from any other sports bar. They do have enough TVs to always catch a game here, and they get a nice crowd for Colts games or other big local events. I haven’t ever eaten here, but it is has the typical greasy bar food menu that most places like this has. They have drink specials, but they are never that great and usually include typical light beers or popular hard alcohols. Their beer selection usually includes a handful of things that are outside of the most generic menus, but it is low on the list of places I would recommend to get a craft beer on Mass Ave, although that list does include a lot of tough competition so it may not be a fair comparison. One unique thing is that the building is actually pretty cool, and definitely has a historic feel to it. It has a ton of dark wood inside, with a large bar and plenty of seating. Like I said earlier, their large outside area is something that is hard to find around Mass Ave, but it will fill up early in the evenings during the summer, especially when they have their music going.
The wait staff here has always done pretty well. This isn’t a place I would ever expect top notch service, but I usually don’t have to worry about sitting around with an empty beer, and the bartenders are outgoing.
The neat building, large outdoor space with live music, and laid back atmosphere make this place a solid 4 star Mass Ave bar that I always feel is a good reliable go-​to place to get some beers with friends.

Enjoying my whiskey sour.
They offer a variety of sports on the screens. The place is huge inside, and they have a lot of outside seating.

For a sports fan, this is a great place to get good bar food and a great selection of drinks. The bartenders and staff are great and they carry many local beers on tap. Stop in for the next sporting event because they have the TVs covered

Service was SLOW. Waitress had a horrible attitude. Food was garbage (we’re talking Sam’s club frozen fried food). Ordered the fish and chips, 3 of the 4 pieces of fish were spoiled tasting. Would not return, odd vibe.

Great sports bar!
Decent food!
Lots of Tv’s
Cool Memorabilia!
Cheap Brews!
Good Bloody Mary’s
Nice staff!
Only thing keeping it from being 5 stars, was the bathroom situation! They must have had a sewing back up or something! It smell ferocious in there!
But I really dig this place! and I bet that smell is temproary!

For someone who doesn’t usually like sports bars, I really like this place. It’s big, inside and out, but never feels too loud, too crowded, or too sparse. The space has enough different zones that you always feel pretty at home. For a sports bar, it’s got a great food and drink selection, and despite having a ton of big screen TVs, the volume is never too loud to carry on a conversation unless it’s a really bar-​encompassing game, like a World Cup match. I don’t mean «for a sports bar» in a derogatory way, by the way — but different bar styles have a different priorities, and this one definitely doesn’t seem to confined to the mold.
One of the best things about Front Page is its huge patio. Every once in a while they have some live music, which happily livens up the whole block, but is usually low-​key enough that it doesn’t get in the way of conversation. It would be awesome to have temporary TV access on the patio for a big game, but in general I’m glad that there’s a zone of the bar without TVs — especially outside, where it would be annoying to neighbors and pedestrians.
Nice spot, especially for big gatherings and big games. You really can’t go wrong.

Went here for lunch today. Wasn’t super busy as they had just opened.
Service was decent. Food was bland, bland and uh bland. I got the fajita sirloin wrap… it tasted like a hamburger. There was zero seasoning on the meat. I could have done better at home. Everything cooked had to be frozen to table. Salt and Pepper would have gone a long way I suppose. Won’t be back here unless it’s to drink… and eat if i’m drunk and desperate.

Pretty much a standard sports bar, which isn’t meant in any sort of negative way. What sets this place apart is it’s large outdoor patio area. Great spot to sit outside and enjoy a drink, they also have live music on weekends.
Food is not bad and the menu is pretty decent for a sports bar. If you’ve got a dog, you can bring it as long as you stay on the patio.
Definitely not one of the cool, trendy spots on Mass Ave, but the patio area is well worth the visit. Only place on Mass Ave that has a patio area this good is Old Point Tavern.

Solid sports-​focussed bar with a plethora of TVs tuned to whatever event is on right now which you could want to watch. James behind the bar is a warm and personable host, and has some really good product behind the bar to pour from.
They’re open late, and I can see myself coming back with playoff season in full swing.

I only had a few beers here, but really liked the atmosphere and staff. It was busy because of March Madness, but there was never a time anyone at my table of 8 was in need of anything. People were raving about their food.

The boyfriend and I were looking for someplace to ride our bikes and watch some March Madness. This was hue perfect place for just that.
They were obviously slow so we grabbed where we could view several games at once. I wasn’t looking to drink so I just got a Diet Coke. I know this is a bar but I was disappointed by how flat my Coke was. The fizz is the best part. This was just syrup. Yuck.
The burger made up for it though. Good bar food perfect for basketball watching.
Will definitely return.

The brunch burger was absolutely excellent. Blew my expectations out of the water.
For a sports bar this place is pretty typical: chairs, tables, a bar and TVs lining the walls. For the «and grill» this place is great. I’ll definitely return for fairly quick but delicious food.

This was a nice little joint to retreat from the falling snow but for 11pm on a Friday night, it was hardly crowded. Plenty of drink options and they have Gumballhead on tap.
Service was very friendly for our drinks. Wasn’t a bad little sports bar but I don’t have any desire to revisit.

The best things about front page are their fantastic location and accessibility with entrances on two sides. Other than that they are pretty much an average sports bar. They have some local beers which is good, but their menu got smaller and less imaginative than it used to be. I am happy with the service my table got on a busy Friday night.

Ended up here with my son and friends a couple weeks ago. Decent to good draft beer selection, but truly horrible frozen, pre-​packaged bar food (in every way). All of it barely edible. TV’s are not that great, staff is not terrible but not highly competent either. Bad interior (has absolutely no interesting vibe), bad food, and nothing else to offer, this place is as close to a zero as it gets.
How is it that a dive bar exists on this part of Massachusetts Ave? IDK. I’ll never be back. It must be the dog-​friendly outdoor patio mentioned in other reviews that warrants 4 stars from all the other Unilocalers, cuz this place absolutely has no appeal. A true blah bar.

I used to come here a lot when I lived off of Mass Ave. Since then they’ve taken over the old Ritz Camera space next door, expanded, and completely remodeled. I barely recognize it. It’s really clean and bright inside now. Its also non-​smoking (as the whole city has gone) which I love. There’s a huge patio (dog-​friendly!) right on the point of Mass ave, New York and Delaware. Its right by the indianapolis star building so you get a lot of editors, writers, etc, there. Well see how the clientele changes when the Star offices move to the mall later this year.
Service is really friendly and fast. There are great drink specials every day (Monday all drafts $ 3) so you wont break the bank. They have a pretty extensive selection of microbrews on tap also.
There’s no pretension here. Just cheap drinks, good bar food and a chill space.

Front Page in one word? Unapologetic. But ya know I love it. They have the best patio to bring your dog and kick back a few beers. Pretty good beer selection. Their food isn’t anything to rave about and that’s not what you come here for. The staff is friendly and cool (and love doggies!)
Definitely a summer hangout spot for me. Need to come watch a game here.
Food/​Beer: ³⁄₅
Service: ⁴⁄₅
Location: ⁵⁄₅

The later it gets, the more acceptable it gets to be here… I can’t seem to explain it but my Mass Ave mosey often ends at Front Page. And I also can’t explain how no good decisions seem to come of my presence at Front Page. But, I can tell you they have a fantastic summer series of outdoor music performers on the patio. The corner location along Mass Ave and Delaware also gives you the sense that you’re where all the action is.
I’d venture to say I’m not a huge sports bar kind of person; however, I’ve never specifically put my finger on it. Front Page has plenty of room inside, dark lighting, nice bathrooms and fair priced drinks. My favorite part of FP is hands-​down their newly updated patio with umbrella-​d tables and chairs o’plenty.
I’d make some drink recommendations, but… again, this is my last stop.