Growing up, I got to see my dad’s brewing passion firsthand. What started as little science experiments in our kitchen soon turned into an entire passion project. He decided to renovate the entire upstairs of our house, a task that seemed insane at the time. But before I knew it, he had built a full bar, complete with taps and kegs, and turned our home into his own brewery.
My dad’s excitement for brewing quickly rubbed off on me, and after moving into town, I couldn’t wait to dive into the local brews and pick up some new tips to bring back to our family recipes. To do that, I set out on a bar crawl, visiting five different breweries around the Greater Lafayette area.
Brokerage Brewing Company: My first stop was Brokerage Brewing Company, the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re at a friend’s house. They’ve got two flagship beers that stick around all year, but they’re always brewing other seasonal drinks. If beer’s not your thing, they’ve even put together a small wine list. With food trucks, live bands, and karaoke nights, there’s always something fun going on. I love a lighter ale, and I enjoyed their fruited IPA “See You on the Summer Side” as summer waned.
Teays River Brewing and Public House: Teays River Brewing and Public House got their name from the Teays River Valley, which provides the water used in brewing Teays River beers. They have a full-sized bar where you can get an up-close view of the steam-fired kettles and learn about the brewing process. There’s also a full-service restaurant with outdoor seating, and for barbecue rib night, it gets packed. Teays is known for its lively trivia nights- patrons are encouraged to dress the theme. One staff member loves experimenting with new flavors for her homemade cheesecakes, which you can find on sale right there in the restaurant. And when it comes to their food, their homemade beer cheese and chips are a must-try.
People’s Brewing Company: People’s Brewing Company, once an old Sears warehouse, has transformed into a popular brewery with a full tasting room. They offer tours of their 20-barrel brewhouse and daily tastings in their taproom, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at their brewing process. In addition to offering their beers on tap, they now can and sell several of their own brews. One of their notable features is a spacious outdoor patio where they host local concerts, with tickets available for purchase.
Lafayette Brewing Co.: Lafayette Brewing Co. sits right in the strip of downtown Lafayette on Main Street. As the first brewery to receive Indiana’s small brewers permit back in 1993, they’re now the second oldest operating brewery in the state. They brew all their house beers in a 7-barrel brewhouse, focusing on traditional methods and adding flavors through a draft infusion system that features hops, coffee, and spices. On “Mug Night” you can get $2 off your drink with a LBC logo mug. If you’re unsure of what you want, try one of their beer flights. I suggest adding either “Star City Lager,” “Catherine’s Crush,” or “Eighty-Five.” My favorite part of the building is a “hidden” gaming area near the back with multiple arcade machines like “Pac Man” and “Donkey Kong.”
Thieme & Wagner Bar: For my final stop, this brewery was only a couple doors down from Lafayette Brewing Company. Thieme & Wagner Bar is a dive into brewing history, with roots stretching back to the Victorian era. Their Lafayette location, added in the summer of 2016, carries on their brewing tradition that began in 1863 when the company was first founded in Tippecanoe County. The brewery’s roots trace even further back to Germany, where founders Frederick A. Thieme and John H. Wagner originally began their craft. This 6th-generation brewery keeps the legacy alive by decorating its space with vintage photos and artifacts from the original Thieme & Wagner Brewery, along with historic images of Lafayette. The brewery offers a light menu of sandwiches and crafts traditional German-American lagers right in the basement of the restaurant. If you’re a fan of pineapple, I suggest trying the T & W Tropical Sour. This place is perfect for a casual drink and a touch of nostalgia.
The Tap: Although this restaurant isn’t classified as a local brewery, I included The Tap as a bonus destination worth visiting if you’re in the area. Located just off Chauncey Avenue near Purdue’s main campus, The Tap carries a selection of 90 hand-selected brews, some straight from its Bloomington Brewery, and a pub-style food menu to complement your beverage. For something different, try one of their blended drafts (a mix of draft beers layered for a new flavor) or beer shots (a smaller, high-ABV mixed beer). The open dining room is packed with flat screens, making it a go-to for catching live sports, especially Big 10 games. With live music on the weekends, trivia during the week, and a super cozy patio, it’s a great place to kick back with friends!
I met some incredible people who are part of these historic local spots, and now I can say I’m more knowledgeable about the brewery business than my dad– Ha! Be sure to explore even more breweries around Greater Lafayette, and stay tuned to Home of Purdue for more local adventures!
