Craft beer at Big Lug Canteen on Indy’s north side

The Big Lug Canteen is located on 86th Street, a very busy area of Indianapolis. We were in the area picking up items from an online auction and decided to try a couple of local craft beer breweries. Big Lug is a unique place offering both great beer and good food.

Helles Lager

Brew Menu Board

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Busy Bar

Our tasty bar food

 

 

 

 

 

We were seated quickly, but the place was very busy, and more patrons came in while we were there. The beer menu, as expected, was quite extensive, and Sher and I both decided on the Helles Lager, ABV 5.3%, and IBU 18. (Our server recommended this selection.) A most delightful brew that tastes good and “goes down easy”.

Outside the Big Lug Canteen

Not wanting to drink on an empty stomach, we also picked some items from the food menus. Our son and Sher went with different versions of French Fries. I had the creamy potato soup. All were very tasty. It was easy to see why this establishment was so busy on a Saturday afternoon. Big Lug Canteen is part of the Indy Craft Pass, a group of over 50 breweries and wineries in (mostly) central Indiana.

 

 

Carmel Indiana’s Bier Brewery has great food and greater beer

Carmel, Indiana is just north of Indianapolis and is known for its many establishments for eating and drinking. Recently our son drove us to a craft brewery named, appropriately, Bier Brewery. It is part of the Indy Craft Pass list of over 50 breweries and wineries in mostly the Indianapolis area.  You go, check in on a phone app and get points that you can cash for merchandise. A great incentive to check out reasonably close – by new places.

Main entrance, outdoor seating to left

Step up to the bar and place your order…

The Bier Brewery is located on the end of a nice strip mall. Getting there was something, as Carmel is known for all of the round abouts.  It was too cold for outside seating, and the roll up windows were of course closed. The bar is where you place your orders, either for drinks or food. Our bartender was a delightful lady.

Basket of fires and pilsner glass

Blue cheese burger and homemade slaw

Sher ordered a pilsner, while I chose an IPA. We both really enjoyed  our two choices. The menu for food was not very large, but anyone could find something to order. Our son ordered one of those huge fresh baked pretzels. Sher got a large basket of fries for all of us to share. The blue cheese burger and home made coleslaw sure went well with my IPA.

Maj’s IPA

We had a great time!

This establishment is quite an enjoyable place to have a beer and a light snack. There are comfortable chairs and sofas where we saw many enjoying quiet conversation with friends or working on phones or laptops. We enjoyed each others company, our drinks and the food. We also got free pint glasses as part of our Indy Craft Pass participation. Oh, and here is the link to the Bier Brewery website. Check it out sometime.

 

Craft beers at Sun King Brewery in Carmel Indiana

It was a foggy evening in Carmel, Indiana, an upscale city north of Indianapolis. Finishing our day out, we went to Sun King Brewery in the center of Carmel. They are part of the Indy Craft Pass, a group of over 50 breweries and wineries that offer a listing and directions. You check in and get points for visiting member establishments.

Outside seating, upper level balcony

Main entrance, love that face!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sher and I and our son got to Sun King about 6 o’clock, checked in on the Craft Pass app, and were seated by Chase, our server. I told Chase that when choosing a beer, I prefer one with a lower number IBU (bitterness rating). Chase checked with the bartender who recommended the Keller Haze IPA. Sher ordered a margarita.

The bar

We thoroughly enjoyed just sitting, enjoying our drinks and the company. While were were here the place began to fill up with couples and groups of folks, who like us, enjoyed the ambience of the place. Food was available from walk up windows, and what we saw looked very good, worthy of a return visit to eat sometime. We did buy a growler of Maj’s IPA to take home.

Maj’s IPA and Sher’s Margarita

Chase filling our growler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This facility is set up for both inside and outside seating. Of course the rain and fog prevented using the outside seating but the huge outdoor TV was on! There is a second level, a trivia game was underway when we were there.

“Back of house” equipment

We had a wonderful time at the Carmel version of Sun King Brewery.  (There are seven locations, including one in Sarasota Florida) We would recommend without hesitation a visit to this fine establishment. A marvelous number of beers and other drinks await you. Hats off to Chase, who took care of us while we were there. He was a part of our good time. Here is the link to Sun King Brewery.

Hot pizza on a cold night

Tonight Sher and I decided to have pizza, which sounded good on a “feels like” -7 degree evening.


Our choice pizza of kitchens this time was Pizza Hut. One sausage, one onion, and one order of bacon cheese breadsticks. My was it a yummy meal that really hit the spot on a cold night. And leftover pizza on day two always seems to taste just as good if not better than fresh…

 

 

 

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical coming to Beef & Boards February 8th

Beef and Boards 51st season continues with the Tony and Grammy Award-winning show Beautiful: The Carole King Musical opening on February 8, 2024 in Indy’s beloved dinner theater.

Marvelous music coming to B&B!

This production celebrates the life and musical legacy of Carole King, who wrote such unforgettable classics as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “Up on the Roof,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and “Natural Woman.” This is the inspiring Tony and Grammy Award-winning tale about the woman behind the music!

Beautiful headlines Beef & Boards’ 2024 Season and is on stage for 55 performances through March 30 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. To see the complete performance schedule and to purchase tickets online, visit B&B website. Now is not too early to book your time to see this wonderful show. Tickets will no doubt sell out fast for this production.