Hoosiers do love a good brew or two — but not just any beer will do. In Indiana, good beer, ale and hard cider are preferred above all.
As a result, Indiana has no shortage of breweries. In fact, the craft beer industry in this state has had some explosive growth in recent years, climbing 21% since 2015 alone. Indiana now ranks 16th nationally when it comes to the number of craft breweries per capita — which is a testament to just how much Hoosiers appreciate authentic and artisanal beers and ales.
While we can’t possibly list all of the breweries and nano-breweries around, we can help you locate some of the best. Your new favorite brewery may be hiding in this list:
Deviate Brewing Co – Indianapolis
The name of this brewery is a clue to what you’ll find here: The owners pride themselves on deviating from the norms. For nearly 20 years, they’ve been serving up a rotating array of classic tastes and crazy combos with beers like Hop Supremacy or Swiss Cocoa.
18th Street Brewery – Hammond, Gary
Voted Best Brewpub in the U.S. in 2019, this pub, taproom and bottle shop knows how to make some memorable beers. While you can’t go wrong with their Flagship Beer, you can also find an extensive number of one-off brews and barrel-aged beers that are constantly being released for additional excitement and fun.
Sun King Brewery – Downtown Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel
No list would be complete without mentioning Indy’s largest brewery. This is the place to go if you want to pair your Wee Mac Scottish Ale (or one of their other select offerings) with good food, good fun and some great entertainment. They even have private event spaces if you’re looking for somewhere to hold a gathering.
Broad Ripple Brewpub – Indianapolis
Located in the heart of Indy, this microbrewery has been winning awards and hearts since 1990. There’s always IPA, Black Heart Lager and other excellent brews on tap, and people fall in love with the classic “English pub” decor of the place, which easily lends itself to intimate social gatherings. Plus, the brewpub is both dog and vegan-friendly, which puts it high on our list of “must-visit” places.
Three Floyd’s Brewing Company – Munster
It may be a bit of a trip to get to Three Floyd’s, but it’s worth it! This one-of-a-kind brewery and pub was opened in 1996 on a shoestring budget and it’s been thriving ever since. Their flagship beers, like Barbarian Haze, are always available, but you’ll also find seasonal and limited edition offerings like Crom’s Beard and Brian Boru. If you’re looking for authenticity, this is one brewery that never compromises.
Black Acre Brewing Company – Irvington
Nestled in historic Irvington, this microbrewery focuses on small batches with big flavor. You’ll find huge varieties of flavors and styles, from their Natural Liberty American pale lager to their rye IPA Saucy Intruder, although we’d recommend that you try some of their seasonal or special releases, like the One 10 coffee stout.
Bier Brewery – 65th St., Indianapolis, Carmel
Can’t sneak away from the kids? Are you looking for a family joint that still offers a selection of great local brews? Head over to Bier Brewery North in Carmel. Dogs are only allowed on the outside patio, but kids of all ages are welcome inside. They serve wine, cider, soft drinks and food — but don’t forget the beer! On Wednesdays, pints are on sale — and you’ll get a discount on Bier Flights on Thursdays.
Metazoa Brewing Company – College Ave., Indianapolis
If you want to have a good time, try some great beer and do something nice for the world, head over to Metazoa Brewing Co. A relative newcomer on the brewery scene, they’ve been donating 5% of their profits to local animal rescue organizations. Don’t pass up the chance to try some of their comically named specialties, like Ruh Roh Ale or Puppy Slumber Pater (a peanut butter milk stout that’s unique).
Mashcraft – Greenwood, Delaware St., Indianapolis, Fishers
Mashcraft locations are also billed as “family-friendly,” which makes them perfect for beer aficionados who can’t leave the kids at home when they go out. This is a great place to get experimental with your taste buds by trying some of their unique brews, like the heavy-fruited Currantly Much Better or the spicy It’s a Pepper Thing while you’re munching on wings or a burger.
Bare Hands Brewery – Granger
This is a brewery on a mission, and that mission is to make the best beer possible in small batches with the finest quality ingredients. Owned by an Indiana native, this is home-brewed beer at its finest and purest. While they have a limited distribution around the state, there’s nothing like actually visiting the brewpub and getting one of their seasonal or rotational brews directly from the tap.
Upland Brewing Co. – Bloomington, SoBro, Carmel, Fountain Square, & Other Indiana Locations
Another one of the now-classic breweries in the Hoosier state is Upland Brewing Co. What started off in Bloomington as a local brew pub for Indiana University students and local southern Indiana residents has now spread its reach across the state, bringing their Champagne Velvet, Wheat Ale and Dragonfly IPA right along with them.
Centerpoint Brewing Company – Indianapolis
This has been one of the most exciting brewpubs to open in recent years in the city. If you love the industrial look, an open design with plenty of room, arcade games and a low-key, relaxed atmosphere, you’ll love Centerpoint Brewing. Their Blood Orange IPA and Centerpoint Pale Ale are some of their best offerings, but you really can’t go wrong with anything they have.
There you have it: That’s our list of favorites, but feel free to explore all of the breweries and pubs that our area has to offer. There’s always something exciting to find in Indiana!
