18th Street Brewery

I haven’t had the food here, but their beer, atmosphere, and service are great. I really liked my saison, and my friend’s double IPA was absolutely delicious.

Thank you for being open on Memorial Day. Driving out there from Chicago was well worth it. Thank you Taylor. You made it memorable and made a fan out of me.
I’ll try the other 18^th street next time.

Recently visited their new location in Hammond! Friendly service and great brews! Try everything!!! It’s all good!

I’m a fan of the beers. Last visit I tried a Blackberry Sour and fell in love. I’ve been on the hunt for fruit sours ever since with no luck.
So, 5 stars for the beer.
Sigh. Sadly the rest of the 18^th Street Experience does not live up to the beer. The bartenders are not friendly even though they are knowledgeable about the beer. The pub is, well, really crappy. I supposed they are going for some grunge-​chic thing that I don’t get but it’s cold and ugly.
I’ve tried to get food here but it never works out. Either the menu has NOTHING I want (quite a feat since I’m a pretty adventuresome eater) or they are serving ONLY BRUNCH. The food choices do seem to be pricey for pub food.
My hope is that the owners read their reviews and upgrade the kitchen and bar. With so many choices in the NWI Beer Circuit, it is hard work to make it and even more difficult to bring people to Gary. Oh, sorry. MILLER.

What a great addition to Miller. Great selection of beers and they now offer wine and cocktails. Fun food options. Looking forward to their expanded restaurant coming soon.

Cool place, good beer, so so service. We came on a Sunday afternoon driving from Indy– Chicago. Beer loving husband had heard about this place and wanted to check it out. We went inside, took a seat at the bar and took a few minutes looking at the menu. The bartender came up to us and pretty much just said, «What do you want?» and we ordered. Not sure we ever got checked in with again until we told her we wanted to take some beer to go and a check. It was a pretty minimalistic experience, but I think we were hoping for a little bit more from a local brewery. We were interested in the beer, the history of the place, the things that make them 18^th Street Brewery… but we just didn’t get there. We didn’t really start the conversation either, so I guess I can’t blame them. Would definitely go back and try more beers.

Good beer and great people.
The hours are a little wonky but it’s worth it.
I strongly encourage any one to try it.

Had a smoked beer there, recently, and it was tasty.
This guy walks to the end of his driveway to fetch the paper. Seeing a snail on the paper, he flicks it off and heads back up the driveway.
Two years later, the doorbell rings and the guy answers the door. It’s the snail, and the guy says, «what?»
The snail says, «wtf was that for?»

One of the top 5 best stouts I’ve ever had. On our way from Portland to South Bend we stopped at 18^th. My husband found this brewery when we were living in Oakland, CA and he happened to stumble upon one of their brews at a local grocery store. We haven’t been able to find it in the PNW so it was priority that we stop off in Gary on our way to visit family. The Hunter was UNBELIEVABLE — if I didn’t have to drive, I probably would have drank another one. We also tried a couple of pale ales they had on tap that day and were very impressed.
They were sold out of the Hunter coffee but we managed to do some digging and found a place in South Bend that still had a few in stock. They made it safely back to Portland. We will absolutely be back the next time we’re in town. I wish all beer could be this tasty!

The one beer I tried was excellent — I believe it was the Sour Note with lemon zest. Very refreshing, very interesting taste. I would give 5 stars for quality, but the rest of the experience left a lot to be desired.
For a local brewery, I expected a little more of a welcoming/​interaction with the bartender. I assume that a good number of people walking through the door have never been there before, so would it kill you to have bartenders make at least one recommendation? Or interact with the customers in some way?
The food — never got a chance to try it. We came in at 9:00 pm on a Saturday night and were abruptly advised by the bartender that the kitchen was closed (and after that, saw people eating… ???). Upon further review, the establishment’s website says that their kitchen is open until 11:00 pm and that a snack menu is available daily until close. And, that we could have done carry out from Miller’s Pizza. So… We ended up leaving to go find food because no one working there gave us any options to spend more money on food there.
Lastly, the seating is very uncomfortable. It’s obvious that they don’t want people hanging around for more than one drink. If I ever do go back, it would only be to get beer to go.

I’ll cut to the chase. 4 – 5 stars for the beer/​food and 2 – 3 stars for the service. Whoever is brewing the beer has a talent. I tried 4 different beers and wasn’t disappointed. They were a little pricey…$ 6 for a pint or a snifter. The food was solid. Keep in mind the menu changes.
I hated the service. I’ve never felt so invisible. The ladies behind the bar never acknowledged me, even with an empty glass. I had to yell my annoyed «excuse me» to get attention.

If I was hosting a beer awards ceremony and was handing out an award for «Beer of the Year» it would go to 18^th Street — Deal with the Devil followed by a «Best in Show» for — Galaxy Slayer. Both of these beers I can’t stop thinking about. Deal with the Devil is incredibly aromatic. Can this be made into a cologne? Very crisp, nice dry hop finish, lots of tropical fruit! I’m basically in love with this American Pale Ale. I only purchased two bombers when I stopped in and wished I would have purchased more.
I also have a high appreciation for this breweries overall creativity, packaging design, and showcase of local art. At my recent visit they were highlighting Anthony Lewellen, simply gorgeous work that (to me) plays into the urban landscape of the city. His work really ties into the graffiti street theme that works perfectly with this breweries niche. You will find art all around this brewery including the outdoor patio. Lot’s of eye candy to enjoy!
When you visit be sure to check into what is available for carryout, details can also be found online. They sell by the can, bottle, and 32oz howler. Be sure to stock up! They also have excellent merchandise (love their caps), musical features on the weekend, and the outdoor patio is pet friendly, each pet will receive water and a dog treat. We’re from Indianapolis and this is well worth the 2:30 hour drive! Cheers to 18^th Street! Thank you for being awesome and making some of the most excellent beer in this state!

18^th Street Brewery is literally the only reason one should stop in Gary. I’m actually sad that such beer is associated with «Scary Gary», because their brew is far from scary. Rather, I’d use the words «complex», «layered», and «earthy» to describe such impressive Indiana beer. Hanging out in their tap room one afternoon, I had the pleasure of drinking the Cockfight Farmhouse Ale and Hunter Orange Milk Stout, and by the time I had to go I regretted not packing a cooler to keep a growler cold. It was so sad parting with such crazy-​good brews, especially since the selection in Indy is limited. Still, 18^th Street’s website lists where I can find bottles if their finest craft, so you know I’ll be on the lookout for some to take home and revel in deep maltiness.

Quick update: the brunches here are amazing. The chicken and waffle with Sriracha maple syrup are amazing. I must reiterate that I’ve tried old fashioned at some fine craft cocktail places from NYC to Chi to Nola and these are right on par.

This beer from 18^th is quite possibly some of my favorite out there right now. So much so that they distribute to Indiana only, meaning I have had to drive twice now down to Gary to purchase beer to go from theme
It’s worth the trip here, Chicagoans. Trust me!!! The Cherry, Vanilla and Coconut Hunter are incredible Milk Stouts. I was never a fan of milk stouts until the Hunter was introduced to me. Other favorites of mine are the Cone Crusher IPA and the Sex and Candy. I recently picked up some Rise of the Phoenix IPA and I have to say, it wasn’t my favorite.
But these guys are doing it right. If you close your eyes in the brewpub area and open them, it feels like a hipster bar in the heart of Logan Square, no doubt.
The food is ok, tacos especially. It’s compliments the beer enough, which is what my five star review is for. LOVE that they have a guest tap that is usually three floyds or another awesome brewery. If you’re a beer buff like I am, the cat’s out of the bag on 18^th!!! Get there soon bc there will be lines out the door like three floyds brewpub!

Dull.
Following my thirst I ventured to 18^th Street Brewery and stayed just long enough to finish one drink and decide to never return.
Atmosphere:
You get the feeling you are drinking in a family friend’s basement. Drop panel ceiling. Limited seating. Cliques of friends who make it clear they don’t know you and an overwhelming feeling you want to leave. This bar has so little personality that you can only stay to marvel at the mediocre service or the equally uninteresting food.
Food:
Laughable. Like seriously don’t even bother. The «big ass pretzel» is salt free and medium size at best. While it is warm the shitty velvetta it comes with in a plastic to go cup taste like degraded rubber.
Moving forward to their attempt at Turkey hoagie. I couldn’t pretend this was good. The turkey was cold/​luke warm. The cheese was barely melted. The store bought chips heaped on the plates were the only good thing. At the first bite I asked for the check and was googling directions to were I would actually eat dinner.
Beer:
So if you can’t be comfortable, you can’t eat, at least you can enjoy the beer, right? WRONG! Nothing on the ever changing menu comes in a pint glass. While my beer, a tart/​sour berliner weisse was decent it wasn’t worth the weak ass bar nor the shitty food.
I was happy not to have a pint to choke down, so I could leave for a land of better food and even better beer.
Overall:
don’t waste your money, don’t waste your time, don’t waste your thirst at 18^th street brewery.

I think my expectations for 18^th Street were too high. Their beer, pretty damn good. Emphasis on damn. Their brewery/​tap room? Ehhh…
Perhaps I shouldn’t have started out my day at Greenbush, but I did. While their beer isn’t always 100, their brewery is cozy and it’s Michigan, so they’re really earthy and friendly and for some reason I find that charming. Anyhow, we stopped here on the way back this time and I walked in and… Gary. Alright. Whatever. Beer is good so I’ll be happy, right? Ehhh…
The bartender kept talking about how busy it was, but I had to keep looking around to find whatever crowd she meant because I think at most 2 people would come up and wait. In fact the whole reason a whole 2 people waited was because the bartenders purposely wouldn’t turn around. Whatever, I sat there enjoying my fresh ass beer in what felt like the local VFW, if the local VFW was sky blue. Or ocean blue. Or whatever blue that was. If «small town» was their intent, they succeeded.
The bar stools were terrible, even with all my natural padding. I guess that’s how they keep people rotating. I finally headed to the bathroom and when I left I noticed a whole additional room that resembled a cafeteria at my elementary school. It definitely had a different feel to it.
I’ve seen some basic ass breweries, but even Tighthead pulled it together enough to have a decent looking tap room with bartenders who could handle an actual rush, and they don’t even serve food, let alone overpriced food. I guess I can say their attention is clearly on the beer, and at least it pays off in that regard. Glad I finally got to check out 18^th Street, but I doubt I’ll be rushing back any time soon.

I’ve definitely drank in people’s unfinished basements that were nicer than the inside of 18^th Street. Just Gary being Gary?
We’ve all been to that dudes house where he started renovating, but stopped midway through because he couldn’t find the time, or he got in over his head. That’s what 18^th Street reminds me of. If that weren’t enough, they’ve managed to select a color for the walls I would have chosen when I was 6. It looks like it should have some toy airplanes hanging from the ceiling. Or some Spongebob and Pokemon posters. Given that, it makes me laugh how «metal» they’re trying to be with their sinister beer names and artwork, but you walk in and you feel like there should be an «IT’S A BOY!» banner hanging above a crib.
By no means am I saying I’m too good for this place. I’ve just been to places, breweries in particular, that looked nicer and smelled better. Sure, the beer is what matters. But if I’m going to stop in and stay a while, I like to be comfortable, and feel like I’m somewhere adults like to be. But despite the raggedy atmosphere, I can appreciate that it’s different. And it most certainly is that.
Service seemed to crack under the pressure
of the Friday after work crowd. It took a while to be acknowledged at certain points, and the lady seemed disoriented. They got it together though and prevented it from being a disaster.
They’ve developed a nice little reputation with their beer. It’s clear though they’re still relatively small time, so hopefully one day they can do this place up to make it, you know, nice. C’mon Gary. You don’t HAVE to be so Gary.

The first time I ever heard of 18^th Street was at the beerfest this summer. My husband beelined straight to their booth. My ears have been perking up as I hear more and more about them all over Indianapolis. Needless to say, we were headed home from Chicago and where did we have to stop? No brainer.
The taproom is a nice sized room. There were only 4 beers on tap (2 DIPAs and 2 pale ales). We tried both DIPAs and 1 of the pale ales. No complaints at all. Very good and average prices. I was disappointed they didn’t have any bottles for sale, but that’s OK. You win some and you lose some. We did hear that they are going to be distributing more to Indy.
There is a separate room to eat that kids are able to be in. It is a weird room, and if you were sitting in there with your family I think you would just feel segregated and you don’t get the real feel of the place. Maybe the food is just that good… we didn’t try any, but will make an effort next time! We will definitely return!

This place has become the Chuck E. Cheese of breweries. The entire front room is formally advertised as «kid friendly» and there’s even a children’s menu, including a $ 5.00 PB&J. Sharing a bar, tavern, tasting room, or saloon with children is one of my biggest pet-​peeves and usually a deal breaker.
Also, carry-​ins from local restaurants like Miller Pizza Station or Miller Bakery Café are no longer allowed since 18^th Street now offers a limited menu of overpriced sandwiches. Bummer… the food from the aforementioned restaurants is much more desirable.
The beer at 18^th is just OK and rotates constantly… if you find a favorite, don’t expect to enjoy it the next time you’re there. The ideology at 18^th is more like a glorified homebrewer’s playground rather than an established tap house or tasting room; just a bunch of expensive experimental beers without much consistency. The bartenders are super chill and very friendly but the owner has a temper. I don’t usually get personal on Unilocal,but as a business person, he probably shouldn’t take comments about his establishment so personally nor should he whine so publicly. In my opinion, a place like Greenbush in Sawyer, MI has a much more positive, lucrative, and inviting business model.
Although 18^th Street is just over a mile from my house and one of the very few nightlife options in Miller, I’m taking a break from it. That’s saying a lot considering a) I enjoy going out regularly b) most of my friends love to imbibe at 18^th Street and c) I’m even a Local One-​Eight (mug club) member. Instead, you can find me at the Bakery Café or the Flamingo, whom I will gladly continue to support.