As we enter full force into fall, thoughts of beer enter some of our minds more and more frequently, as we sit around the campfire at night or watch football on weekend afternoons, or for no explainable reason at all.
According to historicevansville.com, commercial beer brewing in Evansville, Indiana, dates back to the late 19th century, when in 1877, the Great Western Flour Mill on Fulton Avenue was converted to a brewery. It was owned and operated by Ulmer and Hoedt for several years before they built a new brewery on Fulton Avenue. Eventually, thanks to an apparent price war, several breweries merged to become the Evansville Brewing Association in 1893.
When Prohibition started in 1920, the company renamed itself “Sterling Products Co.” and diversified their product line to survive the changed marketplace. When Prohibition ended in 1933, the company became “Sterling Brewers Inc.” until they declared bankruptcy in 1997. Fortunately for us, in the 23 years since, a number of local breweries have grown-up to fill-in the void. Even compared to 15 years ago, micro-breweries have recently proliferated in the Southwest Indiana region, and here are some of our favorite places (in alphabetical order) to grab a pint with friends and clients or a growler to take home:
Carsons 2404 Lynch Road, Evansville (812-759-8229) Spacious Tap room and extensive patio; Food trucks and live entertainment. Tap room is open for tours, flight samples, growler fills, keg rentals, package and apparel sales. Specials on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. 22 current beers on tap plus one guest brew. From American Lager to Barleywine, Stouts, IPAs, German brews and more. Also offers sangria and local wines for non-beer drinkers. Open Monday-Friday 3PM-10PM; Saturday 1PM-11PM; Sunday 1PM-10PM.
Damsel 209 North Wasbash Avenue of Flags, Evansville (812-909-1956) A family friendly microbrewery and restaurant located near the Franklin Street Strip on Evansville’s West Side. Full food menu in addition to house made beer, wine and liquor. Outdoor patio and balcony seating. 16 of their own beers on tap, plus mainstream commercial bottled/canned beer offerings, small wine list and spirits/cocktails. Proudly serving chef-inspired pub fare, handcrafted beer, along with hosting events, games and more. Hours: Monday-Thursday 11AM-10PM; Friday-Saturday 11AM-11PM; Sunday 11AM-9PM.
Haynies Corner Brewing 56 Adams Ave, Evansville (812-909-2668) In the heart of the Haynie Corner district, this brewhouse features 8 house beers, and 4 Guest Taps. They also serve limited wine and lard liquor. No food, but they host food trucks on weekend nights, and encourage carry-out from near-by neighborhood restaurants, sucha s Bokeh Lounge, Sauced, or Waltons. They host trivia nights and offer pub games and board games for your entertainment. Nice vibe for hanging out with friends. Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 4PM-9PM; Friday 4PM-11PM; Saturday 2PM-11PM; Sunday 2PM-9PM. CLOSED Monday and Wednesday.
Myriad 101 SE 1st St, #1 (in the McCurdy Bldg), Evansville (812-402-1515) In Downtown Evansville, Myriad keeps 12 taps of their own brews and some guest craft ciders. From Hefeweizens to Stouts, IPAs to milder ales. No food, except they host occasional food trucks, including Donuts and Drafts on Saturday mornings, and Waffle Brunches on Sundays. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4PM-10PM; Friday, 4PM-11PM; Saturday 2PM-11PM; Sunday 2PM-9PM. Dog friendly.
Turonis 412 N Main, Evansville (812-424-9871); 8011 Bell Oaks Dr. in Newburgh; 4 N Weinbach Ave. Brewing beer locally for 24 years; 5 beers at all three locations. 3 signature brews and Two taps rotate with seasonal and local favorites. Known for their growlers and of course the ultimate beer food: Pizza! Sunday-Thursday, 11AM-9PM; Friday-Saturday 11AM-10PM.
Henderson Brewing 737 2nd Street, Henderson (270-200-4314) The first craft brewery in Henderson. Guests will find a wide variety of beer styles brewed on premise to sample and simple snacks like soft pretzels and Metzger’s Beer Cheese available for purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring or order in their favorite food to enjoy. Their taproom is kid and dog friendly and features a patio area with picnic tables and cornhole boards. Also offers bottled beer and growlers to go. Their facility also houses their three barrel brewhouse. Tours are available during regular business hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 4PM-10PM; Friday, 4PM-10:30PM; Saturday 12PM-10:30PM; Sunday 12PM-10PM. Monday CLOSED.
In Jasper
Schnitz Pub 2031 N Newton St., Jasper, 47546 (812-848-2739) According to their Facebook page, “The Schnitz Pub features craft and domestic beer, wine, full bar, an original menu of appetizers, burgers, & an old Jasper favorite pizza recipe in a family friendly atmosphere!” Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 4PM-8PM; Friday-Saturday, 4PM-9PM; Sunday 4PM-8PM. Monday-Tuesday CLOSED.
St. Benedicts Brew Works 860 E 10th St., Ferdinand, IN 47532 (812-998-2337) “Located in the beautiful rolling hills of Ferdinand, Indiana, our brewery is dedicated to creating delicious craft beers and serving delectable comfort food to feed our community. Pray, work, brew. . .that’s our motto.” As of this writing, the Brew works as 7 beers on tap of various flavors and their food menu includes appetizers and pizzas to. They also host music events, runs, and other community building fun. Hours: Sunday 12-9; Monday-Wednesday 11AM-8PM; Thursday-Friday 11AM-10PM; Saturday 10AM-10PM.
In Vincennes
The Vincennes Brewing Company 124 Main St. Vincennes 47591 (812-316-0485) A lot of new things are happening at Vincennes Brewing Company, which offers fresh, locally crafted beer, local wines, and a selection of bottled craft beer at their tap room in Vincennes Indiana. Craft beer bar and brewery specializing in Indiana and Midwest craft beers, Indiana wines, and Midwest spirits. New fall brews have arrived, and their beer menu is extensive. Hours: Wednesday-Thursday 3PM-10PM; Friday-Saturday 11AM-Midnight; Sunday 11 AM -10 PM.
