Rachel SmithFinding the perfect spot to unwind with a cold pint is a serious mission. The best beer gardens in Indianapolis offer fantastic brews and mouthwatering bites that rival any top restaurant.
Sometimes, a rich stout or a tangy sour is the perfect follow-up to a heavy meal at your favorite Italian restaurant in Indianapolis. Luckily, this city has a pouring station for you if you’re craving a quiet afternoon with a crisp lager or a vibrant evening out.
To help you find your next stop, I’ve scoured the city to find the most scenic and flavor-packed spots for your next weekend outing. Let’s raise a glass to the top outdoor havens!
How much does a night out at a beer garden cost in Indianapolis?
A typical night at an Indianapolis beer garden costs between $25 and $60 per person for a few drinks and a meal.
Prices in this area are generally lower than in coastal cities, but they can climb during special events or at higher-end establishments that offer full dinner menus.
| Visit Type | Average Cost |
| Casual Visit (Drinks & Meal) | $20 – $50+ per person |
| Beers (Per Drink) | $4 – $8 |
| Food (Appetizers & Entrees) | $13 – $40 |
| Event Entry/Cover Fee | Free – $15 (varies by event) |
| Private Rental (Small Event) | ~$700 + drink packages ($30-$35/person) |
| Private Rental (Large Event) | $1,500 – $5,000+ total |
1. The Rathskeller Biergarten
Website: https://rathskeller.com/banquets-and-weddings/beirgarten/
Address: 401 E. Michigan Street
Contact: 317-636-0396
Hours: Lunch every day 11:00am to 3:00pm, Dinner Sun-Thu 3:00pm to 9:00pm, Dinner Fri-Sat 3:00pm to 10:00pm, Kellerbar Mon-Fri 11:00am to close, Kellerbar Sat-Sun 11:00am to close
The Rathskeller Biergarten delivers a highly authentic German-style biergarten experience in a historic setting, which is a rare treat in the Midwest. Stepping into this 19th-century Athenaeum building instantly transports you to a Bavarian-style festival.
They offer an extensive selection of over 50 imported beers to perfectly pair with massive plates of schnitzel and bratwurst. The space’s dual nature allows you to enjoy a casual outdoor afternoon or transition inside for a refined dining experience.
I recently stopped by for an afternoon pint, and the vibrant, communal energy combined with the live polka music was incredibly infectious.
However, the venue’s immense popularity means it gets exceptionally crowded and noisy during peak hours, making it difficult to find a quiet corner.
Had great atmosphere and beautiful architecture!
What a gem to find! This historical building had great atmosphere, and beautiful architecture! Such a great place to enjoy a traditional German meal. The food was very good, and service staff were very friendly and informative on history of the building. The bar was ver6 unique and the ballroom was beautiful. It was definitely a unique dining experience!
MsVic, Review
The food was authentic, plentiful and delicious
WOW! What an awesome place! Very old (but beautiful and clean) there are ghost stories to be told if you’re interested! The service was outstanding! The food was authentic, plentiful and delicious! I cannot recommend this place more highly!
Dwy, Review
2. St. Joseph Brewery
Website: https://www.saintjoseph.beer/
Address: 540 North College Avenue
Contact: 317-602-5670
Hours: Mon-Thu 11:00am to 10:00pm, Fri-Sat 11:00am to 11:00pm, Sun 11:00am to 10:00pm
St. Joseph Brewery stands out for offering a unique experience inside a historic church, merging stunning design with a relaxed patio.
Enjoying a cold India Pale Ale (IPA) inside this beautifully converted nineteenth-century Catholic church is an architectural treat you won’t soon forget!
The venue cleverly splits its outdoor space into a dedicated beer garden and a comfortable patio, catering perfectly to casual brunches and large group gatherings.
Guests can sip award-winning, house-made craft beers while enjoying seasonally updated menus that satisfy a wide range of cravings. Leashed dogs are enthusiastically welcomed outside, which adds a wonderful layer of inclusivity to the casual atmosphere.
Keep in mind, however, that the outdoor seating is highly weather-dependent, and the surrounding neighborhood often presents frustrating parking challenges for newcomers.
Nice staff and great beer and food options.
Excellent vibe, delicious fresh beer at one of my favorite breweries in downtown Indy. I love St Joseph’s vibe and setting. Good outdoor seating options when the weather is nice, cool indoor seating in the church when the weather is less than ideal. Nice staff and great beer and food options. Highly recommend the beef poutine for a starter and lamb burgers if you love flavor. Will return!!
Erich Meyer, Google Review
food was delicious
Such a cute idea to turn an old church into a brewery. And you can really tell they respected the sanctity of the space when renovating it.
The food was delicious and they were pet friendly with a cute side patio for outdoor seating so I can’t really ask for much more. Highly recommend the beef poutine!
Definitely worth a stop in on a slow weekend afternoon!
Dasha Tanner, Google Review
3. Guggman Haus Brewing Co.
Website: https://guggmanhausbrewing.com/
Address: 1701 Gent Avenue
Contact: 317-602-6131
Hours: Tue 3:00pm to 9:00pm, Wed-Sat 11:00am to 10:00pm, Sun 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Finding a venue with a seamless flow between cozy interiors and breezy exteriors is a massive win for weekend hangouts. Guggman Haus Brewing Co. features an expansive beer garden that brilliantly connects a historic 1916 house with a modern taproom.
The brewery focuses on community vibes, serving up to 18 house-brewed craft beers ranging from traditional staples to bold, experimental flavors.
During my last visit to their yard, sipping their hazy IPA while playing a spirited game of cornhole felt like hanging out in a good friend’s backyard.
I also appreciate the flexibility to order light on-site snacks or simply bring my own food to enjoy at the picnic tables.
Unfortunately, some patrons have flagged that beer prices lean toward the expensive side, which might deter budget-conscious drinkers.
excellent beer, garden, clean facility
Upon arrival I was treated to a flight of perfectly crafted German beers. Next up was a super soft top 10 pretzel. Both the schnitzel sandwich and the smashburger were a nice compliments to an all-around delicious dinner before going to the airport. In summary, excellent beer, garden, clean facility, good parking access, excellent beer choices, and above average menu choices. Only drawback I would say is the inside can get kind of loud.
Mark Jansen, Google Review
perfect gathering spot when the weather is nice
GREAT beer, plus local kombucha on tap! The food menu is really good with rotating specials, plus vegan options. Inside feels like a big lodge, with a cozy fireplace, high ceilings, and tons of room. The patio is a perfect gathering spot when the weather is nice. Plus it is easily accessible via bike along the recently expanded Fall Creek Trail. Truly a gem!
Amy Courtney, Google Review
4. Big Lug Canteen
Website: https://biglugcanteen.com/
Address: 1435 E 86th St
Contact: 317-672-3503
Hours: Mon-Thu 11:00am to 10:00pm, Fri-Sat 11:00am to 11:00pm, Sun 11:00am to 9:00pm
Positioned right off the Monon Trail, Big Lug Canteen acts as a perfect pit stop for thirsty locals and passing cyclists.
This bustling neighborhood hangout explicitly centers its identity on a beautifully maintained beer garden, seamlessly paired with an impressive in-house craft brewing operation.
The culinary team focuses heavily on using locally sourced ingredients to elevate classic comfort food into memorable, scratch-made bar meals.
Guests love the approachable atmosphere where you can grab a house-brewed pint and dive into a plate of hearty poutine and award-winning tenderloin.
It’s notable that their social calendar is always packed with lively trivia nights and community gatherings, keeping the energy high.
Be aware, though, that unexpected charges for beverage refills can catch patrons off guard and sour the overall value of an otherwise fantastic meal.
The server was very friendly
What an awesome atmosphere! You’ve got to try the goat ranch beer if you are a beer person! The server was very friendly, but we had to wait a while for the check. Overall a good experience and will be back!
Carson Unfried, Google Review
The beer seemed inventive
I love this place. Such a cool little brewery. They must have revamped the menu since we last went there. The food was amazing! We had the best fried cheese curds in town. The beer seemed inventive and was tastey. The burger was absolutely amazing. Definitely worth a try.
Erika Naylor, Google Review
5. Bier Brewery
Website: https://www.bierbrewery.com/65th-street
Address: 5133 E 65th St
Contact: 317-253-2437
Hours: Mon 3:00pm to 8:00pm, Tue-Thu 3:00pm to 9:00pm, Fri 1:00pm to 10:00pm, Sat 12:00pm to 9:00pm, Sun 12:00pm to 7:00pm
Family-owned operations often bring a distinct warmth that massive corporate breweries simply can’t replicate, and this is why Bier Brewery is a must-visit.
Here, they embody a strict quality-first brewing philosophy, meticulously hand-crafting every batch to ensure incredibly clean, drinkable flavor profiles.
With over a hundred styles brewed since their inception, the rotating taps guarantee a fresh tasting adventure every single visit.
Moreover, their expansive Indianapolis location features a remarkably comfortable outdoor seating environment, complete with cozy fire pits and open green spaces.
The grounds are exceptionally accommodating, with dog-friendly areas, making it a superb destination for weekend gatherings.
On the downside, some visitors have noted that certain food items carry polarizing flavor profiles. The intensely tangy wings might not appeal to every palate, and some patrons feel the beverage pricing is slightly elevated.
Great indoor space too
Bier Brewery was a Lucky find for a weekday lunch while in town for a craft retreat. I had a Friday slice of the day, Caesar salad, and a very tasty hefeweizen, all for less than $16. Huge biergarten, great indoor space too. A LOT of beers. I’m already looking forward to my next trip here.
Angela Irwin, Google Review
The food was excellent
Stopped here for lunch on a weekday, first time visiting. The outdoor space is super impressive. Feels like a true beer garden with the number of picnic tables. The food was excellent. I wished I would’ve tried the beer.
Manager’s Nightmare, Google Review
