According to some, the Varsity Lounge, located at 1517 North Pennsylvania Street, is Indianapolis’ oldest gay bars. The bar was originally named Zen Dells’ Tavern in the 1938 City Directory, but by 1941 was renamed the Varsity Bar. The bar is in the Old Northside Historic District as well, but it was not originally deemed historic due to the recent date of its construction. The front façade was altered at some point with the windows covered up. By early 2016, the bar was closed and the building was for sale.
Image courtesy of Kurt Lee Nettleton.