Hendricks County, Indiana, has been a great launching pad for successful microbreweries such as Brew Link, Mind Over Mash and Black Swan.
So, if you are looking for a place to enjoy beer in Hendricks County, here are my six go-to, locally owned establishments for a frosty, malt beverage.
1. Brew Link Brewpub
Following a move to the western edge of Plainfield at 4710 E. U.S. Highway 40, Brew Link expanded their operation to include a brewpub with a solid menu of food options to go along with their great mix of craft beer creations.
As far as their craft beer selections go, I highly recommend starting with a flight to figure out what you might like. Their brews on tap do change but some of the most common that have become mainstays include How Now Brown Cow (a salted caramel brown ale), Nutter Butter (a chocolate peanut butter porter) and their Ivory (a white stout with vanilla, chocolate and coffee).
Children are welcome.
2. Mind Over Mash Brewing
The only option on this list that doesn't serve food, Mind Over Mash, 486 Southpoint Circle, Brownsburg, does allow and even encourages visitors to bring in outside food by providing phone numbers, websites and menus of local restaurants that deliver right to your table, to pair with their craft beer.
As for their beer, they offer a selection of custom options ranging from light ales to super dark, hoppy brews. You can choose to go with a flight of tasters or purchase a taster of a few brews. What's on tap changes frequently as well, but one of their most popular is their blonde ale, Lazy Saturday.
3. Books & Brews
Our final option really provides craft beer drinkers an opportunity to enjoy a good brew and quality family time.
Books & Brews, 1551 N. Green St., Suite I in Brownsburg, offers a unique concept of books, board games, brews and food.
The beers are even named after book titles including Cream & Punishment (a cream ale), Shogun Soba Ale (an amber ale brewed with buckwheat), Nancy Brew & The Hoppy Boys (a citra-hopped pale ale), Clifford the Big Red Ale (an Irish-styled red ale) and Charlie & The Chocolate Stout (a chocolate milk stout).
This is just a mere sampling of the amazing dining destinations where you can enjoy craft beer in Hendricks County. For more options, check out the Bars and Brewpubs page on the Visit Hendricks County website.
4. The Mason Inn
This 21-and-over bar/restaurant in the small town of Pittsboro is now smoke-free and offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with TV's to watch sports.
The bar menu consists of a wide variety of bottled and tap beer including local brews such as Sun King.
5. Rusted Silo Southern BBQ & Brewhouse
This amazing BBQ hangout, 411 N. State St. in Lizton, also offers about 200 different craft beers in cans and bottles from all over the country. The list is extensive, but includes every variety you can think of including pale, blond and brown ales, dark lagers, porters, stouts, ciders and so much more.
But you seriously must stay to try out the BBQ as it has been voted best in the Indianapolis area. Mouthwatering BBQ and endless craft beer...how can you go wrong?
6. Cunningham Restaurant Group
Boulder Creek, BRU Burger, Charbonos, Stone Creek
Hendricks County is proud to be the original home of the Cunningham Restaurant Group including four current restaurants in three of our towns, all of which have have bars in addition to their dining areas and offer local and Midwest craft beer selections to accompany their upscale dining options.
I would recommend any of them depending on where you are in the county. If you are up in Brownsburg, you will want to check out Boulder Creek Dining Company, 1551 N. Green St., Suite D. If you are in Avon, stop by Charbonos, 128 N. State Road 267, Suite 102. If you are in Plainfield, make sure to pop into The Shops at Perry Crossing and visit Stone Creek Dining Company, 2498 Perry Crossing Way, or BRU Burger Bar, 2499 Perry Crossing Way.
They all have become favorite places to dine because of their award-winning food, but their beer selections are enjoyable for craft beer lovers.
