Since 1979, Union Jack Pub – Broad Ripple has been a landmark in Indianapolis. UJ's has the feel of an English pub with an American twist. We offer an extensive assortment of beers, malt scotches and whiskies. Our innovative menu offers English fare, American pub favorites and our signature deep-dish pizza.

The recipe for our famous pizza has set the bar of excellence for over 26 years; earning many “best of” awards throughout the years.  Many national chains have attempted to emulate our pizza and while it may have been duplicated it has never been replicated. To this day all of our top quality ingredients, recipes and preparations remain unchanged, still making it the best pizza in the land!

UJs is a 100% smoke-free environment. We offer family-friendly dining and an adult-friendly bar. Visit us to watch your favorite sports team on one of our 11 hi-definition televisions. While you’re here enjoy a drink and some authentic pub fare.

The History of Pubs

Among other hotly debated subjects discussed within the walls of a local pub, the argument for the importance of the English Pub as a community center is historically proved.  Much more than an establishment where drinks and food are consumed, the pub has been the meeting place for friends and strangers alike.    A venue where business and city planning was, and still is, discussed, colleagues also came together to mull over current events.   Travelers have known for centuries that they could locate warmth, nourishment and rest within the walls of a local pub.  And, of course, neighbors found a place to celebrate small victories and discuss tragedies, throughout war and peace.

Edgar, King of Kent regulated the size of drinking vessels during the tenth century.  This vessel was passed around the alehouse, each consumer’s portion measured and marked by a peg.  Drinkers often drank beyond their appropriated measure, taking the next drinker ‘down a peg or two’.

Christianity brought a new taxation on ale in order to raise funds for church building; the brew becoming known as ‘scot ales’.  Some brewers made ale secretly to avoid the church tax.  Customers of these early tax evaders were accused of drinking ‘scot free’.  

Growing industries and population began to pollute the water supplies during the Middle Ages.  As ale became the only safe drink, alehouses took on a more important role within society.

The reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603) brought prosperity.  As the professional class developed, so did the need for a high class meeting place that became known as the tavern.  The alehouse was a place of necessity where the poor were sheltered, spending what little money they had.  The tavern was a place for leisure and pleasure where the lawyers, bankers, writers and civil servants met to eat superior food, drink ale and wine while relaxing in comfortable surroundings. 

In the City of London, Dr. Samuel Johnson stated “…No, Sir; there is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or inn.”  It is safe to assume that the elite of England structured many ideas of growth in the comfort of a pub.

Although many variations and evolutions presented themselves throughout the centuries, the style of 20^th Century pubs reflected a more wholesome, romanticized view of the Olde English Pub.  Today the pub still fills a special need as a meeting place for friends to enjoy good food and drink.  We hope you enjoy your visit to Union Jack Pub.  We look forward to meeting your needs in the best of English traditions. 

Brenda Rising-Moore
Tom Campbell
Proprietors