Kilroy’s to add new bar in downtown Indianapolis

IU alumni and current bar owner Paul Murzyn decided Indianapolis was the perfect place to create a neighborhood bar with a name familiar to many Bloomington residents – Kilroy’s Bar & Grill.

Murzyn is planning for a Nov. 1 opening at the bar’s new location on 201 S. Meridian St., right in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The new Kilroy’s is moving into the building left vacant by Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill.

Murzyn said the expansion of Kilroy’s is a process long overdue since many IU alumni move to Indianapolis after graduation. He said he thinks it would be enjoyable for Indianapolis-based alumni to have a hangout with a familiar name.

The new Kilroy’s will feature some characteristics of the Bloomington-based bar, Murzyn said, including a similar laid-back atmosphere, large bar area and plenty of cozy booths.

Murzyn said they will also have the bar’s famous stuffed breadsticks, an extensive list of 120 shot varieties, 40 kinds of Long Island Iced Tea, pizzas and sandwiches.

“Kilroy’s is going to be a great place to catch a game. We’ll have big-screen TVs,” Murzyn said. “We’re opening with what we think Kilroy’s is in Bloomington, and we’re bringing it to Indy.”

When Murzyn decided he wanted to open the new business a year ago, he approached current Kilroy’s Bloomington owners Bill and Linda Prall, who have owned Kilroy’s for 35 years.

The couple will be the main investors and partners with Murzyn for the new business.
“I told them I wanted to uphold what they built, and it definitely took them a while until they made sure I was running a good business,” Murzyn said.

He said they have been instrumental in getting the business going.

“They are fantastic, and I lean on them for advice,” Murzyn said.

Murzyn said the only difference to Kilroy’s in Indianapolis will be prices. He said the economy is different in the capital city because they will be dealing with people in the workforce and not just college students.

Murzyn said he envisions opening a new Kilroy’s every two years, and eventually he wants to expand to Chicago.

He said his main priority is to keep the bar’s original concept – simplicity.

“What they started, obviously they’re doing something right,” Murzyn said. “Our goal is to continue the good name that they have and give people the same good food, drinks and service and a good time.”