Indianapolis Spotlight: St. Joseph Brewery

St. Joseph Brewery in Indianapolis offers one of the most unique dining and brewing experiences in the city.¹

Here is a detailed look at the brewery, its history, menu, and more:

⛪ What Makes St. Joseph Brewery Unique

The most distinctive feature of St. Joseph Brewery & Public House is its location: it operates inside a beautifully renovated historic Catholic church.²

• Atmosphere & Architecture: Guests dine and drink beneath stunning vaulted ceilings, arched windows, and original brickwork of the Gothic-style building, originally built in 1879.³

   

• The Altar: The brewing tanks are perched directly on a reconstructed former altar, a breathtaking sight that respectfully repurposes the space.⁴

   

• Gastropub Fare: It offers an elevated pub menu, going beyond typical bar food to include creative entrees, pizzas, and options for all palates.⁵

   

• Dog-Friendly: The beautiful outdoor beer garden is welcoming to leashed dogs, adding to its community-focused charm.⁶

   

📜 History of the Building

The building’s history is long and fascinating, stretching back over a century before it became a brewery.⁷

• St. Joseph Parish: Established in 1873, it was the fourth Catholic parish in Indianapolis.⁸ The current Gothic church, designed by noted architect Diedrich A.⁹ Bohlen, had its cornerstone laid in 1879 and was finished in 1880.¹⁰

   

• Closure and Conversion: Due to neighborhood changes and decreasing membership, the last Mass was said in 1949.¹¹ The building was deconsecrated and converted into a Catholic Community Center and meeting space until it closed in 1954.¹²

   

• Establishment of the Brewery: After sitting unused for years, local business partners saw the potential and undertook a full, detailed renovation, being careful to preserve the building’s historic integrity.¹³ Saint Joseph Brewery and Public House was established and opened in 2015.¹⁴

   

🍺 Menu Highlights and Signature Dishes

St. Joseph Brewery focuses on elevated gastropub fare paired with classic European and American craft beers.¹⁵

Highlighted Beers

The beers often carry names that nod to the building’s past:

• Year-Round Classics:

  • Cornerstone Kölsch: A crisp, golden ale (named after the church’s cornerstone).¹⁶

     

  • Benevolent Belgian Blond: An award-winning Belgian-style ale.

  • Confessional IPA: A popular, cleverly-named India Pale Ale.¹⁷

     

• Rotating and Seasonal Brews: The brewery also features a rotating list of seasonal selections, ranging from Hazy IPAs to obscure European styles like a German Zwickel.¹⁸

   

Signature Food Items

The menu is diverse and focuses on scratch-made quality:

• Starters: The Smoked Beef Poutine and Brussels sprouts appetizer are frequently praised.¹⁹ The pretzel with beer cheese is a classic pub staple.²⁰

   

• Main Courses: Popular items include the Lamb Burger, various pizzas (like the Yukon Gold Pesto Pizza), and dinner entrees such as Lobster Risotto or Mango Barbecued Salmon.²¹

   

• Brunch: They host a popular Sunday Brunch featuring items like chorizo and potato hash or huevos rancheros.²²

   

⭐️ Customer Feedback

Customer reviews are generally very positive, highlighting the brewery’s unique setting and quality offerings.

• Ambiance: The “excellent vibe” and “breathtaking space” of the old church are consistently mentioned as the top draw.²³

   

• Food and Beer: Reviewers praise the “delicious food” and “great beer,” with many noting the variety and quality of the elevated gastropub fare.²⁴

   

• Service & Hospitality: Many guests comment on the great service and the staff’s attentiveness, particularly regarding the pet-friendly outdoor seating.²⁵

   

🗓️ Events and Significant Occurrences

While the church itself has a long history, the brewery hosts regular events and provides space for private functions.²⁶

• Regular Weekly Events: The brewery hosts Music Bingo every Monday and Live Trivia Night every Tuesday, creating a lively community atmosphere.²⁷

   

• Private Events: The former Choir Loft serves as a unique and beautiful space for hosting private events like business meetings, luncheons, and rehearsal dinners.²⁸

   

• Historic Saint Joseph Hall: An affiliate event center next door, Historic Saint Joseph Hall (the former parish hall and school for boys), can accommodate large functions like weddings and trade shows, serving St.²⁹ Joseph Brewery’s beer. This Hall also holds history, having hosted the first ACLU meeting in Indiana in 1953.³⁰

   

📍 Contact and Location Information