Indy 500 Weekend

http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/indiana-trip.292081/#post-3650425

http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/indianapolis-suggestions.272835/

 

Black Acre Brewing is fast becoming my favorite Indy brewery. They make some really great, small batch brews in a big variety of styles. Its maybe 2-3 miles east of downtown on Washington St. As an added bonus, there's a fantastic pizza place called Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza right next door.

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/26934/ Black Acre

Remember you can't bring glass bottles in the speedway, even in your cooler. Has to be cans. I'll probably bring in cans of Hinchtown Hammer Down from Flat12 Brewing as a tribute to James Hinchcliffe after his horrific accident in practice yesterday. Sounds like he's out for the rest of the season. There are some craft beer trailers around the speedway serving local stuff.

 

Crown Downtown would be your best bet.

 

I would post something in the Regional IP trade forum. I'm sure there are a lot of people who love some Surly cans for the race.

 

You can also bring in plastic howlers available from most breweries. Black Acre's are glass though as an FYI. Bring some with you if you have them.

 

Champps on the northside still had Bourbon County on draft as of Monday.

 

Congrats on marrying into such an awesome family! I'm a travel agent and huge racing fan from Indy. I'll be there Sunday! Below is my list of recommendations for the city. I'm mostly familiar (most of my recommendations) are on the NW, N, NE, Central, & E sides of town. DM me if you want my cell #. I'm happy to give you tips on the fly once you're hear. Any chance you're going to drive though Decorah, IA?!


Breweries:
Indianapolis has something like 40 breweries within 465 now. Naturally some are more prolific than others. There are some bigger names you’ll hear more frequently that I think are worth skipping, however I’ll still mention them below.

Sun King:
I’m sure you’re heard of Sun King. I love what they have done for the common beer scene in Indy. I do not love their beers. They’re big, highly awarded, and easy to find especially downtown. The brewery is on the East side of the ‘downtown’ area. Worth skipping. Growler fills, bottle, and can sales.

Flat 12:
Flat 12 is one of my favorite IN breweries. There tasting room is close to downtown. They have great variety. Walkabout (Tasmanian hop) & Half Cycle (IPA) are my favorites; be warned that bottled Half Cycle tends to blow up on the pour—buy cans if you so choose. Growler fills, bottle, and can sales.

Bier Brewery:
Another of my favorites, this is on the northeast side, so a little bit of a drive. They do not have full pint service (because they don’t sell food) or sell bottles; growler & bullets only. They brew 140 different beers a year, and they’re all really good. Growler fills only.

Fountain Square:
This one is widely popular especially in the hip Fountain Square neighborhood. I don’t enjoy any of their beers, but that’s simply because I prefer F12’s when drinking local. Growler fills and bottle sales.

Tow Yard:
This is a cool location near Lucas Oil Stadium (the Luke). Their beers are decent at best, but this is a convenient downtown location.

Chilly Waters:
New tasting room on Virginia Ave (between downtown and Fountain Square). Beers are forgettable but they’re brand new and no gimmicks. The upside to this place is Hotel Tango Distillery across the street which I’ll mention later. Growler fills only.

Upland:
Famous for their sours, Upland has a small tasting room between Downtown and Broad Ripple (Butler’s college town). I haven’t been, but their beers are easily some of the best in the state if not the Midwest. Unsure about onsite sales, but you can find their stuff at most area stores.

Scotty’s Brewhouse/3 Wise Men:
This local chain has a downtown location and brewery in Broad Ripple. Their beer is just ok, their food is better. Good for a group. Growler fills only.

Brugge brasserie:
Another of my favorites and local staple, their Triple de Ripple just won best beer in Indy. All Belgium styles, great food, worth the trip to Broad Ripple. You can only buy the Triple in a bomber onsite.

Broad Ripple Brewpub:
Are you seeing a trend in the Broad Ripple locations yet? This was Indiana’s first microbrewery. They medaled at GABF before it was cool (like 1993). This places hold a special place in my heart. Good variety of beer, true UK style ales (ESB is hand pulled), good food, cool atmosphere. I learned to play darts in the back room. Growler fills only.

Triton Brewing:
They have a tasting room at the brewery near Ft. Ben and tap room in Broad Ripple. They make ok stuff. Rail splitter is by far their most popular beer; a 7 something % IPA. Growler fills and bottle sales.

Indiana City:
This is a relatively new joint too. Near downtown. Pretty good beers—definitely have improved in the last year. Growler fills only.

Black Acre:
**Already been mentioned** This is in Irvington, so it’ll be a little bit of a drive for you. Very cool vibe, really nice beers, good food. If you’re on the east side, worth the stop. Growler fills only.

Saint Joseph:
This place literally just opened. I haven't been but the pictures of it look amazing. It's in an old church downtown.



Bottle Shops:

Sobro Liquors:
This is cash only store, but they have a nice selection. Def a diamond in the rough.

Stoney’s Still Liquors:
I’ll put this lightly… this is kind of in the hood. I’ve only been twice, but it has quickly become my favorite shop.

Whole Foods:
This will be a hike from downtown, but they actually have a nice selection. As the cheese counter if they have any beer hidden behind the counter. This is where I find my Zombie Dust.



Food:
Indy has some great food. Mass Ave, Broad Ripple are going to the two neighborhoods I focus on here.
Both are cool areas, worth just walking up and down—tons of great restaurants and bars.

Yats:
You cannot visit Indy and not eat here once. This is a local Cajun & creole place. Great for lunch. They have locations all over.

Goose the Market:
European style sandwiches, amazing meat and artisanal grocery items, interesting but limited beer selection in the basement.

20 Tap:
This is another favorite—in Sobro. They have a wonderful rotating beer selection and great food. Good luck getting a table for more than 4 people.

Hopcat:
A new to Indiana chain. 130 taps, pretty good food.

Rathskeller:
This is a German restaurant that I love. Good dinner hall, good food and beer, but it’s pricey. Kurt Vonnegut hung out here.

Milktooth:
This is between downtown and Fountain Square. Super trendy breakfast and lunch place. So good.

Bluebeard:
This is named after Kurt Vonnegut’s book. Super pricy, super hip, my favorite restaurant in the city. I haven’t been for lunch but their luncheon menu offerings look great.

Hotel Tango:
This is Indiana’s first craft distillery. The building itself is VERY cool. Good hooch, but pricey. It’s right next to Milktooth, Bluebeard, and Chilly Waters.


Here is a link to the BA Indy page:
http://www.beeradvocate.com/place/city/41/

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Have a great time!

 

Do you even Indy bro???

 

Nice rundown.

But you point him to Stoney's Stills and don't mention the Steer In? For shame.

 

Too bad the Daredevil Speedway location isn't opening until after the race. They make some solid beers. (available at most liquor stores in the area however.)

 

I haven't been to the Steer in since I was in grade school. I always hit Stoney's after the Steer is already closed. I'd like to go back though.

 

I'm a bit surprised it has taken this long for them to finish it. I remember walking by there on race day last year and being really excited about the great location. They do make some good beers.

 

Damn it man! Lets keep Whole Foods as our little secret(not so sure it's a best kept secret anymore) LOL

 

The zoning and planning took longer than we expected for the new brewery. Instead of breaking ground in July which we thought would be the case when we closed on the property last February, 2014 it ended up being September when dirt started moving. When you build something this large from scratch it takes time and you do not make up lost time. We are very happy with the outcome and look forward to having everyone visit. The first brewing starts next week and in about a month we will fully move everything from the existing location to our new home. Opening day is June 17th... more info at daredevilbeer.com/taproom

 

St. Joseph had some nice beers for just starting. Fairly crowded mid-afternoon.

 

Looking forward to visiting next month, best of luck for the opening.