Indianapolis, Indiana. Typically you think of The Indianapolis 500, Jim Nabors, and corn. Unless you’ve visited Indianapolis, you might not know it’s a convention town, second only to Las Vegas. Home to some of the most amazing start ups and social media savvy people, Indianapolis has created the first Super Bowl Social Media Command Center. Follow the #super46 hashtag on twitter for all the latest news by the most connected people in the city before and during the game. Hosting Super Bowl 46 is huge for the city. While there is so much to do (zip lining anyone?) and see (LMFAO, Bret Michaels and the oddest assortment of bands I’ve totally forgotten about En Vogue, Morris Day and the Time, and Indy native comedian Mike Epps), if you’re reading Girls Pint Out and headed into Indy for a visit, let me give you an insiders look at some things to hit up while you’re in town. Most visitors guides I’ve seen have pointed guests to St. Elmo’s, the Indianapolis institution with searing hot shrimp cocktail sauce and great celebrity watching. While St. Elmo’s does serve some craft beer including local GABF Gold Medal winning juggernaut Sun King Brewing, they miss the mark with frosted pint glasses. Super annoying. Slippery Noodle Inn, just down Meridian Street also gets huge nods and we understand that. It’s a hub for jazz and blues with historic appeal. But you’re not going for the beer.
Here’s a Girls Pint Out list of places craft beer fans must visit while in town. This is not a comprehensive list of all the breweries and bars in town. I know you know you’ll go to Sun King, Flat 12 and if you’re smart Bier Brewery. I’m highlighting some things that might be easy to over look with so much to do and see. These local spots offer something different and unique to the typical sports bars and hyped up venues around Super Bowl Village. Act like a local and drink like a local.
1. Black Market
922 Massachusettes Avenue
Open Tues-Sat
21+ only
317.822.6757
http://www.blackmarketindy.net/
Black Market serves some of the most innovative food we’ve seen in a while. On top of the cool, you need to know where you’re going to know where you’re going vibe, the beers stand up the food. Black Market does an excellent job of creating a tap and bottle list that will make any craft beer drinker happy a restaurant cares as much about the libations as they do their cuisine.
2. Mac Nivens
339 Massachusetts Avenue
Open Daily
21+ only
317.632.SCOT
http://www.macnivens.com/index.php
Mac Nivens is the Scottish-American pub locals go to setting their cravings for Scotch Eggs. No one does them better. The vegetarian French Onion Soup is also a hit. Pair both of these with any one of craft beers on Mac Nivens extensive craft beer menu. They typically feature local brewery’s selections you can’t find anywhere else, not even brewery tasting rooms. Mac Nivens also has alcohol infused desserts – totally worth the splurge.
3. Tomlinson Tap Room
222 East Market Street – second level of City Market
Open Mon-Thurs 2-9pm
Open Fri-Sat Noon-9pm
21+ only
317.423.2337
http://www.indycm.com/tomlinsontaproom/
This is a true hidden gem in Indianapolis’ growing craft beer community. The Tomlinson Tap Room is a joint venture between Indianapolis City Market and the Brewers of Indiana Guild. You’ll find 16 taps of Indiana craft beer including Bloomington Brewing Company, Bee Creek Brewery, Three Floyds, Mad Anthony, New Albanian Brewing Company, Crown Brewing Company, Peoples Brewing Company and more. The list is always changing and bartenders Kristin and Ben will be able to explain every single one of them to you. Flights are available which I highly recommend to experience as much Indiana liquid culture as possible.
4. The Mousetrap
5565 North Keystone Avenue
Open Daily
21+ Only
317.255.3189
http://www.themousetrapbar.com/
The Mousetrap has daily features such as Acoustic Bluegrass Open Jam on Tuesdays and Triva Nights but the night to go is Thursday nights for their IndyMojo presents Altered Thurzdaze. Each Thursday night you can hear some of the best local DJs spin Dubstep and Electronic music while you enjoy $3 craft beer pints including Three Floyds, Sierra Nevada, Bells and New Belgium. While some of the craft beers are standards there are also great specialties like Hopslam and Gumballhead, and the opportunity to listen to some of Indy’s local DJs is totally worth it.
5. Tavern On South
423 W. South Street
Open Mon-Sat
317.602.3115
http://tavernonsouth.com/
Warm and inviting while under the shadow of Lucas Oil Stadium, Tavern on South boasts a huge craft beer menu with a focus on Midwestern offerings. I was pleasantly surprised the first time I ate there by their updated American classics and fresh herb tossed french fries. Sit at the granite bar and try to guess everything in the giant urns that are filled with liquor infusions for cocktails. The tenderloin sliders are a take on the quintessential Indiana sandwich and pair perfectly with a pint of beer.
The craft beer scene in Indianapolis is growing by leaps and bounds and if you have a chance to visit during the Super Bowl please try to visit locally owned establishments and try out Indiana craft beers. Use the #IndianaBeer hashtag to show everyone you know what you’re talking about! We’re extremely proud of all the Indiana breweries that have contributed to make Indianapolis a craft beer destination to visit.
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