If there’s one thing we know about Indy, it’s this: We love our beer.
In fact, the Circle City was named the No. 7 best beer city in the US, thanks to the 30+ taprooms across town serving up locally brewed pints. Hold our beer while we walk you through each and every Indy brewery. Bottoms up.
Young legends (0-9 years in business)
St. Joseph Brewery | The historic church this microbrewery calls home was built in 1879. It pays cheeky homage to its unique history with brews like “St. Juicifer” and “Pew Buster.”
Guggman Haus Brewing Co. | Germany meets Denver meets Indy at this family-owned brewery. Its main taproom has a full-service kitchen inside, and right next door is a coffeehouse for caffeine lovers.
Garfield Brewery | This 21+ neighborhood brewery prides itself on well-balanced, approachable beers. It frequently ventures out into the community and can often be found at local festivals.
Metazoa has one of the hottest dog parks in town for playful pups.
Photo by @lilyflower30
Metazoa Brewing Co. | While most of the breweries on our list are dog-friendly, Metazoa really leans into its animal-loving brand. Its taproom has a popular dog park, and it donates 5% of its profits to animal and wildlife organizations.
Big Lug Brewing Co. | Owners Ed and Eddie (no, there is not an Edd involved, to our knowledge) are the masterminds behind this brewery. Its patio opens right up to the Monon Trail so you can walk, run, or bike home.
Black Circle | This brewery opened in 2016 and started producing its own spirits as well in 2022. As “Indy’s home for heavy music,” its event calendar is a nonstop lineup of heavy metal + drag shows.
Deviate Brewing | Owners Mike + Greg started their craft beer journey in the early 2000s. The brewery is fully committed to its name, promising to always deviate from the norm and produce new brews for those with adventurous palates.
Centerpoint Brewing Co. first opened its taproom doors in October 2016.
Photo by @centerpointbrewing
Centerpoint Brewing Company | This brewery is driven by its owner’s engineering background to achieve the perfect balance of flavors in every glass. Bonus: Its Broad Ripple taproom is located inside 317 BBQ for a perfect culinary pairing.
Blind Owl Brewery | The Binford neighborhood loves this spot — especially thanks to its seasonal outdoor patio with cozy fire pits, bocce courts, cornhole, and giant Jenga. It also claims to have the best pretzels in Indy.
Indy icons (10+ years in business)
Chilly Water Brewing is located right in the heart of Fountain Square.
Photo via @chillywaterbrewing
Chilly Water Brewing Company | Founded in 2014, Chilly Water is notable for its love of music, which is evident in its branding, beer names, and regular live music lineup. It has brewed 80+ types of beer in its 10-year history, with 12 different types always on tap.
Daredevil Brewing Co. | This “aggressively fun” brewery has helped make Speedway’s Main Street a year-round destination. It’s known for its famous Lift Off IPA, diverse German-style lager program, and delicious smashburgers.
Sun King Brewery | When Sun King rolled its first kegs of beer out in July 2009, it was the first full scale production brewery in the Circle City since Indianapolis Brewing Company closed its doors in 1948. It’s now the largest brewery in the city and second-largest in the state, with six locations here and one in Florida.
Scarlet Lane Brewing Company | Established in 2014, the home of the “official beer of horror” is female-owned and operated. It’s also the home of Sammy Terry, an old-school horror theater host who’s been haunting Indiana televisions since 1962.
In good weather, nothing beats a meal on Upland Fountain Square’s patio.
Photo by @uplandfountainsquare
Upland Brewing Co. | Upland began its story in Bloomington in 1998, and by 2004, its distribution had reached all 92 counties of Indiana. It focuses on constantly experimenting and innovating with local ingredients, and is especially beloved by sour fans thanks to its wide array of sour ale options.
Fountain Square Brew Co. | This neighborhood staple has been “keeping it weird” since 2012. It’s brewed 1500+ batches of beer and since changing hands in 2023 is a woman- and Latin-owned family business.
Triton Brewing Company and Bistro | The taps here keep a constant rotation of “Ol’ Stables” (flagship beers) and “Deployments” (seasonal beers). The brewery is also passionate about good food, in more ways than one: 100% of its spent grain goes to local farms to be used as feed for cattle and poultry.
Bier Brewery | Bier Brewery has been family-owned and operated since 2010 by the Connor family. It added a third location this year in Noblesville with an outdoor biergarten, ping pong table, and dog park.
Books & Brews | This brewery is perfect for those who like their literary-themed ale with a side of $3 used books. It also hosts weekly open mic nights and on Wednesdays and Sundays, kids eat free.
Broad Ripple Brew Pub | An English-style pub with a vintage feel, Broad Ripple Brew Pub hit the scene as Indy’s very first brew pub in 1990. On Wednesdays, its brews are $2 off from 4 to 8 p.m.
Mashcraft Brewing | Mashcraft is big on variety, with ever-changing beers that have won dozens of awards. Bonus: All three of its taprooms can be rented for private events.
Can’t decide which beer to try? Get a flight.
Photo by @thetapbeer
The Tap | Since 2012, The Tap has expanded from a passion project to a four-location brewery. Its newest spot is in the Indianapolis International Airport, meaning you can grab a flight before taking a flight.
Twenty Below Brewing | Located in the basement of craft beer bar Twenty Tap is its own small brewery. You can always find its seasonal and experimental styles on tap alongside other popular local brews.
Did we miss your favorite brewery? Interested in seeing another guide for Hamilton County? Let us know.
