I remember the first time I walked past 304 E New York St in downtown Indianapolis. I almost missed it completely.
There was this tiny staircase leading down, and honestly, if someone hadn’t told me about Commissary Barber & Barista beforehand, I would have kept walking without a second thought. But that’s exactly what makes this place so special.
It’s one of those hidden gems that Indianapolis does so well, where you feel like you’re in on a secret the moment you discover it. The exposed brick walls, the hum of conversation mixed with the gentle whir of espresso machines, and yes, the sound of clippers buzzing in the connected barber shop create this atmosphere that’s unlike anything else in the city.
Whether you’re a Mass Ave regular or just passing through downtown Indy, this coffee shop deserves a spot on your must-visit list. I’ve been coming back for months now, and each visit reminds me why Indianapolis has such a thriving local coffee scene.
The Hidden Basement Location Creates An Exclusive Vibe
Walking down those stairs feels like entering a different world. You’re literally going underground, leaving the busy streets of downtown Indianapolis behind with each step.
The entrance at 304 E New York St doesn’t scream for attention, which is precisely the point.
Once you reach the bottom, the exposed brick walls immediately catch your eye. They give the space this raw, authentic character that no amount of modern renovation could replicate.
The ceiling height is perfect, not too low to feel cramped but intimate enough to feel cozy.
I’ve brought friends here who had no idea this place existed, even though they work just blocks away. Their reactions are always the same: surprise followed by delight.
The Cultural Trail runs nearby, making it easy to stop by during a walk or bike ride through the city.
The layout feels deliberately casual. You can grab a seat near the window and watch people’s feet walk by at street level, which sounds odd but actually adds to the underground speakeasy charm.
Street parking is available with meters out front, though I’ve found it easiest to visit during off-peak hours when spots open up more frequently.
Unique Seasonal Drinks You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
The seasonal menu at Commissary is where the baristas really show off their creativity. I’ve tried the rosemary fennel latte, and it completely changed how I think about coffee flavor combinations.
These aren’t your typical pumpkin spice or peppermint mochas.
The ube latte has become something of a signature drink here. That beautiful purple color comes from purple yam, and the flavor is subtly sweet and earthy at the same time.
I’ve seen it mentioned in countless reviews, and for good reason.
Then there’s the pandan latte, which brings this unique Southeast Asian flavor to Indianapolis coffee culture. The bright green color is natural and eye-catching.
Both drinks work beautifully with their oat milk option if you prefer non-dairy.
What impressed me most was the Blossom Baby matcha from a recent seasonal rotation. The baristas clearly put thought into balancing flavors rather than just chasing Instagram-worthy colors.
Even their Earl Grey latte, which sounds simple, gets elevated with careful attention to brewing temperature and milk texture. The pineapple ube combination shows up frequently as a favorite among regulars, mixing tropical brightness with that distinctive ube creaminess.
Barber Shop And Coffee Shop Under One Roof
How many places let you get a fresh haircut and an expertly crafted latte in the same visit? Commissary figured out this genius combination that makes perfect sense once you experience it.
The barber side and coffee side operate as separate businesses but share the same welcoming space.
I’ve watched people come in for their monthly haircut with Bobby or one of the other skilled barbers, then grab a Bourbon Salted Caramel Latte while they wait or after their appointment. The stylists, including Michelle, Nick, Katie, Kendall, and Phil, have built loyal followings because they’re not just technically skilled but genuinely friendly.
The vibe is more like visiting a friend’s place than a typical salon. Conversations flow naturally between clients and barbers, creating this community atmosphere that extends to the coffee side too.
You might come in as a stranger, but regulars often strike up conversations while waiting for their drinks.
Both sides clearly care about their craft. The barbers take pride in delivering sharp fades and clean cuts, while the baristas obsess over extraction times and milk steaming techniques.
This dual focus on quality creates an environment where excellence is just expected.
Meticulously Crafted Coffee That Takes Time
Service here isn’t fast, and that’s actually a compliment. The baristas take their time with each drink because they’re making something worth waiting for.
I’ve seen people mention in reviews that ordering can be slow, but they always add that they don’t mind because the quality is there.
Pour over coffee is available for those who really want to appreciate the bean selection. Watching a barista carefully control the water temperature and pour pattern is almost meditative.
They source locally roasted beans and clearly understand how to bring out the best flavors.
Even a basic vanilla latte becomes something special here. Real vanilla, not syrup from a bottle.
Some drinks come with an orange peel garnish that adds aromatic oils when squeezed into the cup. These little details matter.
The cold brew is consistently smooth, and they’ve experimented with creative offerings like Espresso Cola that sound unusual but actually work. The full espresso bar means they can handle traditional orders or get adventurous with seasonal specials.
I appreciate that they’re particular about their craft, just like I am when I’m brewing at home.
Perfect Spot For Remote Work With Great WiFi
Finding a coffee shop with reliable internet in Indianapolis can be hit or miss, but Commissary delivers. I’ve taken video calls here without any connection issues, and the bandwidth handles multiple people working simultaneously without slowing down.
The noise level hits that sweet spot where it’s not library-quiet but also not so loud you can’t concentrate. There’s this gentle buzz of conversation and the espresso machine that actually helps me focus better than complete silence.
The exposed brick and comfortable seating make it easy to settle in for a few hours.
Seating by the windows offers natural light filtering down from street level, which I find way better than fluorescent overhead lights. You can watch the world go by at ankle level while you work, which provides just enough distraction when you need a mental break.
The shop opens at 8 AM on weekdays, perfect for getting a head start before meetings. Weekend hours start at 9 AM, and they stay open until 6 PM daily.
This makes it ideal for both morning productivity sessions and afternoon coffee dates. Several reviews mention meeting new friends here, which speaks to the welcoming local crowd that frequents the place.
Outstanding Pastries And Food Options
The coffee cake here is legendary. Multiple reviews call it a must-have, and I completely agree after trying it myself.
It’s large enough to share between two people, which makes it a great value. The vegan coffee cake option means everyone can enjoy it regardless of dietary preferences.
Love Handle provides a brisket breakfast burrito that pairs perfectly with morning coffee. It’s substantial enough to count as a real breakfast, not just a pastry to nibble alongside your latte.
The menu rotates with seasonal offerings, so there’s always something new to try.
I’ve seen Mochi Donuts do pop-ups here, which brings even more variety to the food selection. The orange cranberry cake gets specific praise for its soft texture and balanced tartness from the cranberries.
These aren’t mass-produced pastries sitting under a glass dome all day.
The vegan muffins offer quality options for plant-based eaters without feeling like an afterthought. Everything I’ve tried has been fresh and clearly made with care.
The small but thoughtful food menu complements the extensive drink selection without trying to be a full restaurant. You’re here for the coffee first, but the food definitely enhances the experience.
Authentic Local Crowd And Community Feel
The regulars here create this welcoming energy that makes newcomers feel comfortable immediately. I’ve struck up conversations with complete strangers while waiting for drinks, something that doesn’t happen at corporate chain coffee shops.
The downtown crowd that frequents Commissary represents the best of Indianapolis’s creative and professional community.
People genuinely seem happy to be here rather than just grabbing caffeine on autopilot. The baristas remember regular orders and ask about your week, creating personal connections that keep people coming back beyond just the quality drinks.
It feels less like a transaction and more like visiting a neighborhood gathering spot.
The location near Mass Ave and the Cultural Trail means you get a mix of artists, young professionals, and downtown residents. Everyone from solo laptop workers to groups catching up on weekends fills the space throughout the day.
The atmosphere stays consistently welcoming whether it’s a busy Saturday morning or a quiet Tuesday afternoon.
This sense of community extends to both the barber and coffee sides. Clients often become friends with their barbers and fellow regulars.
It’s the kind of place where Indianapolis locals feel proud to recommend to out-of-town visitors as a true representation of the city’s character.
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