Best Downtown Indianapolis Breweries

Looking to grab a pint of delicious local beer in downtown Indy? Check out a local's guide to the best breweries in Indianapolis!

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Looking for the best breweries in downtown Indianapolis?

With our German roots, Indianapolis certainly has more than its fair share of delicious breweries. From multi-destination brands to tasting rooms and spots where you can smell the fresh hops, I've rounded up my favorite Indianapolis breweries you can visit during your time in the Circle City!

Looking for Indianapolis date night ideas check out my top 10 ideas in the Circle City!

Best Breweries in Indianapolis

Fountain Square: Upland

A classic Indiana brewery, Upland was born in Bloomington and has slowly conquered Indianapolis, as well, with its straight-forward brews and heartland-inspired dining options. Upland's Fountain Square location is its newest, and it's fancy enough to rival the Bloomington headquarters.

Recommended brews:
Dragon Fly IPA: classic, drinkable IPA
Champagne Velvet: German style lager based on a historic Indiana recipe

Learn all about a trip to Fountain Square, Indianapolis!

Fountain Square::
​Fountain Square Brew Co.

For another fun spot in Fountain Square, stop by Fountain Square Brew Co., to try some beers you've surely seen on tap throughout the city. Fountain Square Brew Co. has the hip vibe you'd expect in this area of the city, and it's not all flash. Fountain Square never fails to please, with consistently delicious beers.

Recommended brews:
Workingman's Pilsner
​Hop for Teacher Pale Ale

Fountain Square:
​Chilly Water Brewing Co.

One of my favorite spots in the city, Chilly Water Brewing Co. is a low-key brewery with good food and better beer. Settled in a unique spot, largely overlooking several entrance and exit ramps to the interstate, it's a lot more cozy than you might expect.

​Grab the Fire on the Mountain hummus - this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Recommended brews:
Built to Last Pilsner
Blood Orange IPA

Downtown: Taxman Brewing Company

Focusing on Belgian-inspired traditional ales, Taxman Brewing Co.'s chic City Way location has the best food of any spot on this list. Their hearty brunch will set even the most ambitious drinker up for a successful day of brew sampling. If you happen to be staying at The Alexander, this should be the first spot you visit.

Mass Ave-ish: Sun King

For a classic warehouse-like brewery feel, plenty of board games, and space to spread out and make an afternoon of it, check out Sun King's downtown Indy location.

It's worth noting that the Sun King downtown location *does have food,* Nacho, an off-shoot of Fountain Square's La Margarita.

Recommended brews:
Pachanga
Sun Light Cream Ale
Osiris
​Wee Mac​

Mass Ave:
​St Joseph's Brewery & Public House

​Remaking a church on the edge of Mass Ave, St. Joseph Brewing's ambiance is distinctly cool. With the organ still visible in the back, you might feel slightly guilty about grabbing a day-time drink, but have a second and you'll feel better. Or head to one of the two large patios.

​Not a huge beer fan? (One wonders why you're reading this post), but come by on Sunday for the Bloody Mary bar!

Recommended brews:
Cornerstone Kolsch
​Confessional IPA

Learn all about Mass Ave's best restaurants!

Holy Cross: Flat 12/RAD

Just a bit outside of the city to the West, literally on the "other side of the tracks," is Flat12/RAD. With good beer, Mario Kart, and plenty of quiet, outdoor space to relax, RAD is a great place to spend a quiet Sunday afternoon, and support a good cause (they raise money to support youth sport engagement).

Recommended brews:
​Hinchtown Hammer Down

New: Brew Link Brewpub (Canal)

And, finally, on the other side of the city, just off the Cultural Trail, and near the Canal, is Brew Link Brewpub, a relatively new addition to the downtown drinking scene. It's dog-friendly and has a great patio.

Recommended brews:
We've only been once, so I'm not able to make recommendations just yet!

For more on exploring the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, check out the full post!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hope you enjoy your Indianapolis brewery tour as much as we always do! Let me know your favorite Indianapolis breweries in the comment section below!

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