Indianapolis recommendations?

I may get flamed for this, but good luck. That being said I did not make it to Deviate, which I hear is decent. I'm pretty spoiled living near Transient/old nation/bells and I get to Chicago a lot. The only places that are worth while in Indiana are 3F and 18th street as far as I am concerned.

 

Deviate for sure and it is not a serious detour from I-65-S when driving back from Chicago (they are happy to let you open bottles there too if you drop them off behind the bar and they pour). From there I'd either circle around to the east side I-465 and hit Black Acre, or take 465 the other way to the west side and hit Daredevil.

Alternatively, could drive south to the Koelschip from Deviate and it is a quick shot from there back to 65-S on your way home. Also Taxman on the southside is worthwhile, especially if you are looking to eat.

 

You might try this link. The only one I've been to is St. Joseph's. It was a bit above average IMO.
http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/drinks/best-new-breweries/

 

there are no places in Indy that make a NE IPA. Indiana City claims to make one....but they don't....and it's not even a killer IPA.

I echo the previous recommendations. Daredevil is very worthy of a stop and they do crowler fills which is really handy. I also recommend Black Acre, Black Circle, and the Koelschip.

 

What he said...if anyone knows beer in Indy, it's Mr. Myers!

 

Reviving this.......I'll be in Indy next month (Feb 15-16). I last visited Fall 2016 and was able to make it to Deviate (favorite of the stops), Black Acre, Koelship / Central State, Daredevil, LaMargarita Fountain Square, and Parti Pak North. This trip I'll be staying right by the airport and possibly will not be renting a car. Looking for new places I did not visit last time. Any good shops around to pick up bottles / cans to have in my hotel during the stay, restaurants / bars with solid taplists, or breweries. Does not look like much around from what I have researched so far.

TIA!

 

Rock Bottom downtown (yes you read that right) for killer NE IPAs among some other excellent offerings. The rest of your list is on point. If you're downtown, Tap Mass Ave (guest taps only) and Tomlinson Taproom are also good spots.

 

Rebar downtown is kinda cool. They have about 20 self serve taps with a pretty good selection. Food is above average bar food.

 

If you're truly looking for NE IPA, I would recommend a stop by 450 North near Columbus. It's just off of I65, out in the country. Brick oven pizza is also very good there.

Another option is Rock Bottom downtown Indy.

 

Literally, a block from Tomlinson tap (which is only Indiana taps) is Crown liquors which would be a good bottle shop option if you want to combine trips. Additionally, a mile north of Deviate is another Crown. Not really any good options close to the airport so vehicle or Uber. Perhaps someone can be plied to drive you around for some Answer/Veil/Hardywood crowlers/cans : )
Hmm. . . . did I just invent Beer-ber?

 

Another underappreciated brewery is Round town, downtown near Lucas Oil stadium. Head brewer brewed at Oaken Barrel, RAM, and Rock Bottom before opening up his own place. Beers are solid.

 

Sorry the 450 recommendation would only really apply to the OP on his way back to Louisville. Please disregard.

 

Was just going to post the same thing since be in Indy for 4 days starting on feb. 14th. Who brews the best high abv non ipa beer in town that I need to try?

 

Deviate will have the best black and brown in Indy. Central state for sour.

 

I agree with prg. Can't go wrong with his recommendations.

I'll add that Upland also has good sours. Taxman should be available around the city if you're looking for Belgians, otherwise it's a decent drive south of the city (worth it in my opinion).

If you're looking for a variety of Indiana beers (some of the best breweries are Northwest IN, near Chicago) Tomlinson Taproom is all Indiana brews. They're on Untappd if you want to check beforehand.

 

Unfortunately I have not been to Veil or Answer recently and live an hour away so have nothing currently.

I'll be flying in this week and looks like I may have a 4-5 hour window Wednesday afternoon from 11am - 3-4pm to check out some spots. No rental and since I'm staying near the airport looks like I'll have to Uber and would like keep it fairly close. I have not done a lot of research on the breweries themselves other than what I know but if I am wanting to keep my stops walkable once I get dropped of it looks like Flat12, Sun King, Metazoa, Indiana City, Tow Yard would be completely doable if the rain holds off. Thoughts on these places?

 

I still recommend Tomlinson's and was there a couple of days ago. There tap list is on their twitter feed. Some 3 Floyds, Sour note (18th St), and Bare Hands on tap currently.
I would skip TowYard from a beer standpoint. BA Timmie at SunKing is worth a stop as is the Quad. Another consideration would be Rock Bottom as the brewer there has been killing it recently. BA Niko Liko and "hazy IPA" Tone it Down, I am told are good.
Haven't been to Flat12, Metazoa, and Indiana City so will let others chime in.

 

If you're out by the airport, you are in a beer wasteland and while downtown is your best bet for multiple options, you're looking at $40-$50 plus for an Uber round trip. Daredevil in Speedway is a very solid choice and would more than likely be a decent amount cheaper from a ride perspective.

 

Thanks. I was figuring Uber would be around $40 RT so still on the fence on that. I visited Daredevil a couple years ago when I was in town and was looking to check out new spots but maybe a return trip is in the cards since it's been so long. Otherwise, maybe I can get lucky coming across some local (and fresh) packaged stuff somewhere nearby to the hotel to enjoy while I'm around.