Michael Sherfick's 1718 Bates-Hendricks HouseBar at 1718 S. East St., 317-744-0004, http://1718hb.com

Little neighborhood bars are the best, especially when no-fuss food is involved, say from-scratch chicken salad on a grilled cheese. That's the case at this old house just south of Downtown Indianapolis.

Michael Sherfick and Gabby Sherfick revamped the circa-1900 place, preserving its wood floors and maintaining a picket fence outside. It's almost like going to your parents or a good friend's house to watch the game and raid the fridge.

The menu changes weekly, but there's always a soup of the day, never fancy and tasty with a ham and cheese sandwich. Everything goes well with craft beers on tap, a handful of wines and old-school craft cocktails sure to make Dad happy.

https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/dining/restaurants/2019/12/02/indianapolis-restaurants-new-places-for-celebrating-family/4295724002/