Sobro (short for "South Broad Ripple", and obvious homage to "South of Houston" Soho) is a micro-neighborhood primarily located within the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood of north-central Indianapolis, IN., USA.
Precise origin of the term has yet to be determined, but by the late 1970's/early 1980's it was a common identifier used by a bohemian/misfit crowd of musicians and artists centered around the Crazy Al's pizza joint/nightclub, which was located (in two different locations through the years) at the intersection of 54th St. and College Avenue, Sobro's epicenter.
Precise boundaries of the area are disputed, but generally: the northern boundary is Kessler Avenue, the western is (conservatively) Meridian St. or (wildly disputed) Butler University bordering the Rocky Ripple neighborhood. Southern boundary is (conservatively) 46th St. and (not so widely-disputed) 38th St. The Eastern boundary is Keystone Avenue or, perhaps, as far east as Allisonville Rd.
Like it's NYC forbear, Sobro in it's early days as a relatively affordable habitat for students, artists, and musicians, anchored by the long-time Atlas Grocery. Now, it's a bustling cultural hotspot full of restaurants, nightclubs, specialty shops and parking issues.
Long-time anchor businesses include (but are not limited to): The 60-Minute Cleaners, The Jazz Kitchen, The Aristocrat restaurant, The Red Key Tavern, The Bottle Shoppe, Moe and Johnny's and Cornerstone Coffee, Hit City Recording Studio, Bokay Florists (which have moved from longtime 54th and College location to the extreme northwest corner of Sobro at Kessler and Keystone) and Habig Garden Shop.
Newer business include (but are not limited to): The Fresh Market grocery, Yat's, Taste and Recess restaurants.
Record stores: Luna Music, Vibes Music.
Live music can be found most nights at: The Jazz Kitchen, Local's Only and the Mousetrap. Occasionally, at the Aristocrat as well....
