Bars, Pubs & Breweries

A hoppy brew makes for a happy night or day, and there are plenty of well-crafted beers to be had in Elkhart County. Artisans have spent years coming up with one creation after another and in doing so, have honed their brewing skills for visitors to enjoy. While checking out the local microbrew scene is a great way to wind down from a day at the shops or hiking our gorgeous trails, it’s also worthy of a day of exploration all on its own. We have labels you won’t find on store shelves when you return home. So bring your friends and raise a glass to the best breweries around.

Goshen Brewing Co.

A pair of Goshen College alums came back to make their dream come true when they opened Goshen Brewing Co. What was once an abandoned industrial space has been transformed into a lively atmosphere where you can bring all your friends, or wind up making new ones. Some of their more unique offerings include the Big Bad Wolf, which is a bacon milk stout, and Für Sure, a refreshing German pilsner. And if you’ve got an appetite, you can be sure to find something from their kitchen, which includes delicacies like smoked pork shoulder and organic fries.

Common Spirits

Also, in Goshen, Common Spirits is anything but common. A local couple repurposed an old bank (the safe from 1849 is still there) and created a relaxed and open space where you can enjoy a drink or two. They feature four taps which rotate between regional favorites, and if you want to go old school, they’ll pop open a can of Old Style. They offer a diverse snackable menu, featuring fan favorites like Frito Pie and Vietnamese Street Fries.

Elephant Bar

Elephant Bar in Goshen offers an eclectic mix of old favorites and hard-to-find brews. Guinness for the stout lovers, and PBR draft for those wanting a blast from the past. A Raspberry Smash cider is often on tap right next to Gumballhead wheat beer. They don’t have a kitchen, but everyone is welcome to bring their own food from the many great restaurants in the neighborhood.

41 Degrees North

Craft beers and classic comfort food are on tap in Middlebury at 41 Degrees North. Regional breweries, including Founders and Yuengling, fuel the taps while the kitchen fuels your body. Beer battered pickles and the Big 41 Burger are popular faves.

Iechyd Da Brewing Company

There’s just something about originals, and Iechyd Da Brewing Company is Elkhart’s first and oldest brewpub. The beers have creative names to match their creative flavors. There’s the Big Pit porter, the Truth Serum nut brown, and Takes 2 to Mango DIPA. There are plenty of treats on the menu, including hummus and 12” pizzas.

Ruhe152 Brewery and Distillery

For a relaxed atmosphere and cold brews, check out Ruhe152 Brewery and Distillery in Nappanee. Twelve craft beers rotate through the taps, including Embrace the Pace, a chocolate milk stout, and the Crimson Celt, a mild red Irish ale.

And remember, if you’re looking for something specific or a favorite from before, it’s always a good idea to check the breweries’ websites before heading out. A lot of microbrews rotate their taps by season or demand.