The last handful of years I've started a thread about this time of the year to get the latest and greatest news on the Indy beer scene. This will be my 8th 500. Over the years, the Indy beer scene has really grown and impressed me, and I'm hoping that hasn't changed in the last year! What are some of the must visit craft beer establishments around the city that someone coming to town for the weekend should head to? I have my list of staples - Deviate, Black Acre, and Daredevil on Carb Day or Legends Day On my list for this year are The Koelschip and Brew Link (I'll be staying out in Plainfield), looking for suggestions!
You’ve got a pretty good list there. Just down the street from The Koelship is Mashcraft on Delaware. I really like it there. It’s comfortable and the beers are always solid. Nothing crazy or beer geek-y, but good styles executed well. Plainfield is a dead zone as far as I know. Brew-Link is the only place I know. If I had the startup money I would put a place in Avon with the amount of people that live out there. Downtown is Tomlinson Tap room in the city market. All Indiana craft beer bar. Sun King has a good setup with 18 taps or more and the new Goose restaurant in there. Mass Ave has several beer centric places: MacNivens, Chatham Tap, St. Joseph’s - a brewery in an old Church.
Ah, yes Mashcraft on Delaware was on my list. I've been to St. Joseph's before, really cool space, but not sure I'll have time to get back there. Brew Link was only on my list because of the proximity to where I'm staying, but I'll definitely be driving into the city for most of my beer stops. Cheers!
Was just going to suggest The Koelschip before fully reading the whole post. If you haven't looked yet, they're selling mixed cases of Central State stuff this week for $75, which will save ya some money. Besides them and what @TheodorHerzl mentioned, there's Black Circle (good beer, excellent food, a handful of pinball machines, etc.), Fountain Square area (New Day for Mead & Cider, Kuma's for burgers/Metal, La Margarita for good beers/mexican food), and more.
Though it has been several years since I've been there, Black Swan brewpub in Plainfield has pretty solid beer and food. DJ McAllister, the owner and brewer, has always brewed some good beer. Nothing mind blowing, but an option if you are using Plainfield as your base.
You've listed many of my favorites: Black Acre, Daredevil and Deviate. One beer to keep an eye out for, Bear Republic released a special "Racer 500 Indy Pale Ale (IPA)" in Indiana this month. I don't think it has any reviews yet on here. Enjoy the race!
