Carmel has quietly become a hotspot for craft beer fans, offering everything from cozy taprooms where locals gather to expansive brewery-restaurant combos serving up inventive pints. Whether you’re searching for a dog-friendly patio or a rotating tap list packed with award-winners, you’ll find plenty to love in this city’s growing brewery scene.
Let’s get to it.
Moontown Brewing Company Carmel Taproom
Tucked beneath The Signature Apartments, Moontown Brewing Company Carmel Taproom focuses on one thing, beer. The compact space seats about 45 guests, making it easy to enjoy a craft lager without jostling through a crowd. The atmosphere feels welcoming and casual, perfect for anyone who values comfort over fancy attire.
All taps feature Moontown brews with ten rotating lines and four side-pulls for specialty selections. The tap list leans toward lagers and German styles. Moonlite cream ale has racked up medals, while a smooth Märzen or Kölsch often shares space with hazy IPAs. Hop lovers gravitate to Cecil or Southernhemispherichazemuzik, and those craving dark beer can sample the Into the Void porter or Choco Deece milk stout.
Trivia night runs every Thursday and several couches invite guests to linger. Outside food is allowed since snacks from local vendors can sell out fast. This unpretentious taproom consistently delivers high-quality beer and comfortable seating. It is the kind of spot where new visitors start considering the beer club before they even finish their first pour.
Bier Brewery Carmel
A family-run operation, Bier Brewery Carmel combines friendly service with a solid lineup of German-inspired brews. Dogs are welcome on the patio and water bowls stand ready by the tables. The outdoor seating area fits families and their pets comfortably.
Since 2010, the brewery has earned nearly a hundred awards for beers like Weizengoot Hefeweizen and Special Kolsch. The South Simcoe Hazy IPA, at 5% ABV and 40 IBU, draws attention with its bright, hop-forward character. When pumpkin season arrives, the award-winning Pumpkin Ale makes a comeback.
Indoors, live music events and rotating taps keep the lineup fresh. Mug Club members get 20-ounce pours and early access to new releases. The staff balances the busy weekend energy with a welcoming tone that never feels too cool to work the room. Between German classics and experimental batches, this brewery offers a beer for every palate without ceremony or pretense.
Sun King Carmel
Sun King Carmel unites a brewery, distillery, and mini food hall in one spacious venue. The taproom offers ample seating for large groups, along with an upstairs deck overlooking the Monon Greenway. Guests can choose a table near the pizza window or perch by the trail entrance.
The beer lineup includes year-round staples like Sunlight Cream Ale and Wee Mac Scotch Ale. Seasonal releases venture into sour fruit blends, coffee-infused stouts, and Broadway-themed brews. Family-friendly hours extend until 9 PM, making this a popular stop for pizza from Queenie’s or burgers from BEAST.
On the dog-friendly patio, ping-pong tables and yard games keep visitors entertained. Free Wi-Fi makes it easy to work for a while or plan the next events. Beyond beer, the distillery bar serves Indiana-inspired spirits and cocktails. Barrel-aged beers sit alongside hop-driven IPAs for enthusiasts who seek complexity or bold bitterness. Trivia nights, live music, and tapping parties ensure the calendar stays busy and the experience feels fresh.
Upland Carmel Tap House
Upland Carmel Tap House delivers a mix of lively energy and neighborhood comfort. The tap list features core beers from Upland Brewing Company, including Dragonfly IPA and Champagne Velvet. Seasonal experiments range from barrel-aged releases like the 11% Teddy Bear Besos to bright fruited sours on warm days.
Food options lean casual and local. Burgers, salads, and fish & chips highlight seasonal produce and regional farms. Lunch specials under ten dollars make midday visits a bargain. Outdoor seating welcomes dogs and groups returning from the Monon Trail.
Inside, patrons might spot cyclists in full gear or a family enjoying brunch. The folding chairs and sofas create an easygoing setting that appeals to regulars and newcomers alike. On Fridays, live music and extended hours give the space extra buzz. Whether cracking open an IPA after a trail ride or settling in for Sunday brunch, this tap house strikes a balance between Bloomington quirk and Carmel polish. It feels familiar fast, making it a reliable stop for beer lovers and food fans.
Fork and Ale House
At Fork and Ale House in Midtown Carmel, the neighborhood vibe meets a broad beer selection. Owners have offered house-brewed beers since 2019, with core titles like Beehive Blonde, Wicked 7 Wheat, and Winking Cedar Brown Ale. Seasonal taps include New England-style hazy IPAs and classic English browns. Fans know to expect a Pumpkin Ale each autumn and occasional winter Scotch Ales.
The menu complements the beer focus. House-smoked meats anchor sandwiches and plates, while family pizza dough produces crisp, chewy pies. Craft burgers highlight local cheese and greens. Kids’ activity sheets keep little ones busy and open-air seating on the Monon Greenway invites dog-friendly dining.
With over 45 beers on tap or in bottles, this spot encourages sampling across styles. Patio games like ping-pong and bocce add casual fun. Summer concerts and pool table tournaments bring the community together. Whether enjoying a wheat ale with breakfast or a barrel-aged stout at night, Fork and Ale House feels like a place to catch up and unwind without pretension.
Danny Boy Beer Works
At Danny Boy Beer Works in Carmel, you’ll find a brewery, restaurant, and distillery all in one space. Ten taps pour beer brewed on site, while an additional thirty guest taps rotate regularly, offering something new on each visit. They distill spirits in-house for cocktails like their award-winning Old Fashioned and experimental seasonal specials.
The food menu features burgers, tacos, and appetizer plates. Kids have their own menu with mini burgers, tacos, and mac and cheese, so families can dine together. The spacious patio overlooks a landscaped courtyard, and an upstairs loft is available for private bookings.
Entertainment schedules vary each week. Tuesdays bring trivia night challenge, Wednesdays host open mic performances, and most weekends feature live music from local bands. Beer selections range from hop-forward IPAs like the tropical Mangolorian to the grapefruit-laced Cinderella Man. Lager fans can order Hand of God Vienna Lager, while spice lovers sample MexiCali Fiesta infused with ghost pepper. The Church Milk Stout satisfies dessert drinkers with notes of chocolate and coffee. The Black IPA started as a limited release and now pours year-round with roasted malt undertones.
MashCraft Fishers
Stepping into MashCraft Fishers feels like entering a neighbor’s living room rather than a commercial taproom. The beer lineup includes five core brews and a rotating selection of seasonal and specialty beers. House experiments appear frequently, such as Jamaica Joe red ale infused with coffee and a monthly pepper brew.
Food comes from Chef Joe Hsu’s kitchen. You’ll find signature items like the Not Yo’ Mama Burger and Let Go My Tachos, which combines loaded nachos with tater tots for an indulgent twist.
Families can spread out on the outdoor patio, where dogs are welcome under supervision, and lawn games add a relaxed vibe. Weekend brunch menus feature dishes like avocado toast and breakfast tacos alongside beer flights.
Regular events bring the community together. Trivia nights test your pop culture knowledge, live music fills the taproom on Friday evenings, and you can fill a growler to take fresh beer home. Seasonal tappings and guest collaborations keep the lineup fresh. MashCraft strikes a comfortable balance between casual hangout and experimental brew hub.
Urban Vines Winery & Brewery
Urban Vines Winery & Brewery offers award-winning wines alongside a house beer program that rotates styles from light Kölsch to juicy IPAs. Their Juice Almighty IPA blends Citra and Mosaic hops, while the Old Oaken Bucket of Charms ale delivers cereal-inspired flavors. Sour beers are also on tap, with fruit-infused varieties like Tropical Getaway.
Guests can choose between outdoor seating on a spacious patio, fire pit lounges, or private igloos when temperatures drop. In summer, live music appears on most evenings, ranging from local bands to acoustic duos.
The menu features artisan pizzas, charcuterie boards, and seasonal small plates designed to pair with both wine and beer. A kids menu offers simple cheese or pepperoni pizza and soft drinks. Well-behaved dogs can join on the patio, making the space pet-friendly.
Weekly specials include Pizza and Pitcher Thursdays and Wine Flight Wednesdays, encouraging repeat visits. Special events like wine-education classes and beer pairing dinners fill the calendar. With its blend of winery and brewery experiences, Urban Vines creates a lively gathering spot for families, friends, and pet lovers.
King Jugg Brewing Company
King Jugg Brewing Company produces more than thirty in-house beers while maintaining its nano brewery charm. The tap list changes frequently, ensuring regular discoveries. Hop enthusiasts often choose Earl of Citra or Earl of Simcoe IPAs for their citrus and pine notes without excessive bitterness.
For those preferring milder profiles, lagers like Chupacabra and wheat ales such as Landowner Wheat or Fisherman’s Moon offer clean, light drinking. Fruit-forward brews include Damsel In Distress, a strawberry blonde ale, and Catapult! Key Lime Pie ale, which highlights tangy lime and pastry-like sweetness.
The menu features pizza, burgers, and wings crafted to satisfy casual appetites. Patrons report solid quality without overcomplication. A covered patio welcomes dogs, while indoor seating invites families. Live music events occur on weekends, adding energy to the space. In winter, private igloos provide unique dining experiences.
Community involvement remains central. Programs like Bikes for Kids illustrate the brewery’s commitment to local families. Growler fills and packaged cans allow visitors to enjoy King Jugg beer at home. With its rotating lineup and friendly atmosphere, this brewery keeps patrons returning for both familiar favorites and surprising oddball offerings.
Four Day Ray Brewing
Four Day Ray Brewing in Fishers operates a 24-tap tasting room showcasing only its own creations. Their lineup includes staples like Blood Orange Blonde and Track Jumper IPA, alongside seasonal experiments such as Blueberry Blonde and Orange Creamsicle Blonde. Award wins reflect the brewery’s innovative approach to classic styles.
The scratch kitchen offers cheese curds, burgers, tacos, and more, all made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Families and dogs are welcome in the three-season patio area or inside the vibrant taproom. Weekend yoga sessions, live music nights, and tasting workshops draw diverse crowds.
One standout program, “Tapped for a Cause,” donates a portion of beer sales to local nonprofits each month. Private event space upstairs accommodates birthday parties, company gatherings, and brewery tours for groups. Beer-to-go options include growlers, crowlers, and six-packs of rotating cans.
With its combination of inventive beers, made-from-scratch food, and community-focused events, Four Day Ray Brewing has become a go-to destination for Fishers residents looking for both quality pours and a welcoming atmosphere.
