Bloomington is known for many things, one of which is beer. We have five local breweries and have even been named one of the best small beer cities. Each place is different and definitely worth trying out. At each location, there are a variety of activities and food to try. To make this experience even more worth it, there is the Bloomington Ale Trail experience. Travel to each of the six locations (our 5 and one native to another southern Indiana town), get your "passport" stamped, and at the end turn in your completed passport to receive your prize. For more information visit the Bloomington Ale Trail website. 

Upland Brewing Co. 

Upland Brewing Co. is one of five breweries that calls Bloomington home. The brewpub is where you can try their delicious food. We suggest the pork tenderloin if you're feeling extra "Indiana." They also have an awesome dog-friendly patio. Next door to the brewpub is The Wood Shop. This is where Upland produces their sour beers. Stop in for a tasting or a tour (but we, of course, suggest both). 

Switchyard Brewing Company

Family-friendly Switchyard is the newest addition to Bloomington's brewery lineup. The space acts as both a brewery and a co-working space for professionals of all kinds to work, collaborate, and create. Switchyard encourages you to bring your pups, hang out. Test your knowledge at trivia nights, listen to some live music, or even join in on one of their yoga sessions. Because it is pet-friendly, they only have snacks, but there is always a food truck right outside serving up some delicious eats. 

Function Brewing

Function Brewing is run by a husband and wife power duo. The brewery specializes in small-batch beers with four core options and eight rotating beers. The environment is very relaxed and the food is delicious. So next time you're there, you have to try one of their tasty appetizers (our favorite is the Goat in a Jam). 

The Tap

The Tap is definitely a favorite among students and alumni. It's a perfect place to cheer on the Hoosiers with their huge selection of beer and awesome food. The Tap has over 60 beers on tap, 18 of which are their's brewed right next door. Weeknights you can join in on trivia to win big. Doing the Ale Trail during the weekend? Live music is always playing at the restaurant Thursday through Saturday. Oh, and don't forget to try the classic Tap Fries (you'll thank us later). 

Big Woods

Although Big Woods beer isn't brewed in Bloomington, it is still native to Southern Indiana. The original Big Woods Brewery is just about 30 minutes south in Nashville, IN. At the Bloomington location, though, they have dozens of different beers on tap. It's also such a cozy place to grab a bite and get a drink because it's an intimate space. Everything on their menu is locally sourced and created with the beer enthusiast in mind. Try their Go Big burger is you're up for a challenge. 

Bloomington Brewing Company

Bloomington Brewing Company (BBC) is under the One World umbrella with Lennie's and Pizza X. It is not only Bloomington's first brewpub but southern Indiana's. There, they have about 15 beers on tap and a menu filled with both midwest staples and globally inspired dishes. The brunch menu is also insane. Lennie's and BBC also just moved too so on their new patio you can enjoy a good meal and a cold one while looking out onto bustling Kirkwood Avenue.