St. Joseph Brewery & Public House

Absolutely wonderful food and service. The poutine is the best! Made with prime rib and porter beer gravy!!! The beers are amazing and house made. Whats great is this used to be a church and turned into a brewery! Restrooms used to be confessionals… Yup!

DON’T get the muscles. Prior reviews say «underwhelming». Unfortunately they’re worse. They’re terribly under seasoned and have a burnt taste. There’s chorizo in the broth that adds no flavor. :(
On the bright side, other food here is great! And the beer is great, too. And there’s Tuesday trivia.

Place is really nice, kind of thought it would be bigger inside, bar as you come in, plenty of open seating when we arrived. Couldn’t get an entrée since the kitchen wasn’t set up for that so partner and I ordered the lamb burgers, mine medium his med rare.
Mine was ok, partner didn’t care for his and only ate half, didn’t think it was that bad, friend told me it was a texture thing for him. On the plus side, the beer really was pretty good. Got a flight ⁴⁄₄ oz pours for $ 6, not a stinker in the bunch.
I’d try this in the future and hit some entrees up, service was competent, no complaints.

Beer is good, but the food and service is nothing special. I was kind of disappointed. Started with the poutine appetizer which was was not that great and cold. The flavor reminded me of beef ramen noodles. I didn’t even get a chance to let the server know because he didn’t come to check on is until I was mostly done with my meal. He walked to other tables and then would leave without even touching our table. And when I asked him about menu items and suggestions he really couldn’t answer.
I got a burger which I took two bites of before I was just completely over how basic it was. My boyfriend got the smoked tri tip beef sandwich which he actually really liked, but wasn’t blown away enough to stay for dessert so we went somewhere else. WAY over priced place.
I would say it’s a decent place for a decent beer, but have dinner somewhere else.

Harrison is an amazing bartender with a lot of knowledge of his «craft», that is all…

I’m not crazy about this place
I feel like they could have done a lot cooler things with the space, like tables on the balcony. This is probably because it’s built in an old church, but it just has a strange vibe.
The food was unimaginative, nothing I would rave about. Lacking in character for a small group, but would probably be good for a large party because of the large space. They do have a few TV’s if you wanted to watch a game. While it was quiet, I would not describe it as romantic.
That being said, I applaud them for serving their own beers alongside other breweries for comparison. But, their beer was nothing to write home about. It felt like they were undecided on whether they wanted to be a brewery or a restaurant, and did not fully execute well on either. Uncomparable to somewhere like the Yardhouse that did both well.
Service was quick and food was hot.

I like everything about this place, besides the food. It’s WAY too expensive for what you get. $ 25– $ 30 for an entrée at a brewery? I don’t think so.
The Confessional IPA is a very solid IPA. Their seasonal beers are usually pretty good too.
Converting an old church into a brewery is brilliant. Now I can tell my parents I go to church every Sunday.
If you’re not hungry and just looking to get some drinks, this place is perfect. Usually I eat dinner somewhere on Mass Ave and walk over to St. Joseph for evening beers.

This was a stop on our Indianapolis Brewery Tour. such an awesome venue! Loved going to the second level to look down and see all the brewery equipment and the architecture, stained glass etc etc. I recommend the Confessional IPA!

I really want to love St. Joseph’s. But it seems to fall short. The food is good, but not quite great. The beer-​good. Last time we went, I really enjoyed my bison meatloaf. Great gravy, and very hearty. My wife’s lobster risotto was very full of seafood, loaded with scallops and lobster. But of the four appetizers we tried, only the beer cheese stood out. Previously, the mussels were outstanding. This time, bland. I feel like this place is so close to being truly great, but for one reason or another, they aren’t over the hump.

Loving their seasonal beer «Dark Angel Black Lager». Truly one of the most delicious Indiana beers since I moved here. Their poutine is delicious too. And I love their glassware.
Tried the Mahi Mahi tacos tonight with pickled veggies as my side — delicious!

Some girls and I came here for dinner and drinks around 9pm on a Friday and wasn’t busy so that was surprising!
Loved how they transformed the church into this one of a kind restaurant. The atmosphere was welcoming and I’m glad they had tvs since there are times when you want to eat and watch a game and what not.
I did like how they had all these different options for food so everyone can find something they liked/​into.
My buffalo chicken salad was very good and the blonde beer was also great!
My friends weren’t impressed with their food choices and when I tried them I wasn’t either so that’s why I’m giving them 3 stars. Will for sure come back but no rush.

My visit to the relatively new St. Joseph Brewery & Public House, which opened in 2015 in the 500 block of North College Avenue, was probably a little unfair to the establishment.
After news of an unexpected death in the family last night and a particularly long day at work today, I was tired, crabby, depleted and really just needing a decent meal and some rest. I contemplated visiting another restaurant where I had a coupon, but I had this weird hope that my spiritually depleted self would be replenished by a gastropub/​brewery set in what started out as a late 19^th century Catholic parish that would last with various functions until 1949 and becoming administrative offices for Catholic Social Services for a while longer.
The team behind St. Joseph has maintained both the spiritual roots of the beautiful church, restoring it far beyond what one might expect, while updating it considerably to allow for its function as a gastropub/​brewery.
I was all prepared, quite honestly, to be critical. Given the age of the area, I’d assumed accessibility would be an issue and «bar food» can be very hit-​and-​miss. Then, I arrived.
They have a small, narrow parking lot next to another building undergoing renovation currently (apartments or condos, it seems). There’s only 1 accessible spot, but it’s clearly marked (though the concrete paint is faded) with a metallic sign. Even better? They have outdoor dining that allowed them to construct a beautifully done wheelchair ramp AND they have push-​button automation for their door.
What bar EVER does that? WOW.
As you enter, there’s a small hosting area. They’ve maintained the openness of those old grand churches, though near the altar is where they maintain their brewing area with a bar area, area for tables, and area for some wooden booths comprising the «sanctuary.» There’s two wooden staircases that lead to a balcony area, called the loft, that can accommodate a private party for 20 – 25 — this is the only public area that it appears is not wheelchair accessible. While I might ordinarily complain, St. Joseph has gone above and beyond and I made sure they knew it was appreciated.
The lunch menu consists primarily of sandwiches ranging from $ 9 – 13 with one side. At 5pm, entrees kick in with most of them going from $ 16 (a German Sausage plate) to $ 35 (Bacon-​wrapped Filet Mignon). They also have salads, appetizers, a late night menu, a kids menu and a Sunday brunch. They observe Sabbath on Mondays (i.e., they’re closed). They do, of course, have beer & spirits and, yes, they do brew their own. As I was already in a funk, I decided beer was not a good option.
I ordered a «Cab» grilled chicken breast — Avocado & bacon club with Swiss cheese, basil aioli on whole wheat bread. I chose fries as a side, lightly seasoned leaning toward but not quite shoestring. I, of course, ordered my usual unsweetened tea. The meal was $ 10, the drink $ 2.50 and everything came in just over $ 13 without tip.
I wasn’t completely sure about the sandwich, but it was flawless. Every element was woven together beautifully, though it’s a slightly messy sandwich for a slightly spastic person for me. Plus, the serving size was better than expected. The fries, while not the best I’d ever tasted, were a very nice complement to the sandwich. The iced tea was great and I did get two refills including one after I’d paid the bill. I also got a glass of water.
Lindsey, my server, was friendly and helpful. She knew the specials and could describe them. She didn’t drop me after I paid — a huge plus. Beyond Lindsey, I arrived early in the dinner hour and got to see how employees interacted. They seemed genuinely team-​oriented. I didn’t see attitudes, bickering or conflicts. When I picked a table near the hosting area, employees who’d been having a conversation there moved slightly — this may not have been to preserve the peace of my meal, but it was great etiquette.
The atmosphere is beautiful. They have a handful of televisions, though they also have areas you can sit and avoid the televisions. The acoustics, it is an old church, do skew a bit loud but I could hear just fine and overhead music helped.
I wrestled between a 4 – 5 star rating. I was pleasantly surprised — the food was delicious, the service was friendly yet not pretentious, the atmosphere was calming and, yeah, I felt in a better mood after I left than when I went in. The dedication to accessibility really impressed me and Lindsey’s maintaining service even after I’d paid was much appreciated because, quite honestly, I just needed to relax and linger before dealing with a funeral.
Five stars it is.

ATMOSPHERE. St. Joseph Brewery has an incredible atmosphere since it is located in an old, renovated church. The building was very nicely restored and I believe it is almost all original except for some stained glass that was removed. Obviously there are some other major changes that took place to convert this church into a modern day brewery and restaurant, however you still feel as though you are very much inside a traditional church building.
St. Joseph has surprisingly good food for a brewery. I have visited for both dinner as well as Sunday brunch and have had great meals on both occasions. If I had to recommend one or the other, however, I would choose brunch. There is a nice variety of options on the menu for every type of brunch-​goer including vegetarian, sweet, and savory. I would also say that the mimosas are great and are served in large, oversized wine glasses.
The opening of St. Joseph brewery in this neighborhood just off of Mass Ave is a great addition to the area. Because the outside of the building has been maintained, the architecture of the old church only adds (does not detract) from the character of the neighborhood.

The neatest restaurant I have been to in a while! You might pass by thinking that it is just another church on the corner of your neighborhood street, but it is actually a restaurant and brewery. I was just here recently with a friend and we had a great time! The architecture and décor is absolutely amazing. Not only is the location awesome, but the food is fantastic as well. I ordered the turkey melt sandwich (I know not very spontaneous but it sounded good at the time), and I loved it! Their side of fries have a tangy seasoning on them to give it that extra kick. Their menu has a lot of options and variety, which is good for any picky eaters (like me).
Of course they have a long list of beers and wine, as well. Tip: They have a deal where you can buy a growler for full price and then get it refilled for a discounted price on specific days. Pretty neat!
Stop by with a group of friends sometime soon to admire the beautiful architecture and enjoy good food and alcohol!

St. Joseph Brewery is definitely a must if you’re in Indy! I’ve stopped for beers before, and I’m always impressed, but this is the first time my girlfriend and I stopped in for food and beer. The building is gorgeous for one, located off the main Mass Ave. strip. As soon as we walked in, we noticed a ridiculous amount of people and an overwhelming smell of fish. But this didn’t stop us from wanting some delicious foodstuffs!
We both ordered the Cornerstone Koelsch and drank them as we looked through their menu. I also highly recommend their Confessional IPA! So good. After a while of deciding, we finally ordered. Again, as great minds think alike, we both craved lamb, so we ordered the Vikings Farms lamb burger prepared with feta cheese, arugula, red onion, and Harissa aioli served with a side of crispy fries. This burger was easily one of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten in my 28 years of living. I annihilated every last bit of it. I was very, very impressed with the flavors of this meal. Upon return, it’ll surely be hard to not order this again. If you don’t mind the smell of fish and are craving some good food and beer, St. Joseph’s is the place!

Went here last night for the first time. Location is decent going street parking but there valet. The wait for a table for 2 was 30−45min so we got a drink at the bar. Bartenders were cool and one let me taste a few hard cider options before choosing the one I liked. The bar area could get a little crowded.
Food. We got a rock shrimp appetizer which was just ok. Lamb burger and fries were my main course. It was just ok as well. I prob should have gotten it medium well instead of well but I’ve had bad experiences in the past with uncooked lamb. Dessert was warm apple cake with ice cream and candied bacon. This was the best thing we had all night but bacon wasn’t our version of candied.

Two words, SUNDAY BRUNCH! I went this past weekend and the brunch options are delicious! I had the Goose Market Chorizo & Yukon Gold Potato Hash and it was mouth watering. My friend had the special and I can’t remember exactly what it was, but he loved it.
I ordered a Beer flight too, which are the discounted special on Sunday! Their beer selection has gotten much better than when they first opened, so if you haven’t been back in a while, I would check it out again.
Keep in mind they are only serving brunch from 10 am-​1pm so plan accordingly!

What do you do with an old run down church? Turn it into a brewery of course! St. Joseph’s is a unique experience and one that everyone needs to try.
Walking in you are met with laughter and conversation. The ceiling was kept as is so the noise level can get pretty high. The bar area is a great place to taste all the house made brews.
St. Joseph’s has a number of interesting items on the menu. The appetizer section is full of fun item. The beef ribs are very tasty. The poutine is covered in a rich gravy — needs more cheese curds however. The sandwich selection is pretty good. Try the open face bison meatloaf sandwich, very good. I would recommend you tell the server to have your egg cooked over easy — you want the yolk to cover the meatloaf with its velvety goodness. Fries, skip them and order the pickled veggies! A crisp and tangy treat that is sure to please your palate.
The beers are pretty interesting. Try them all on a flight.
So why 3 stars even though I like this place? The noise level does take away from the experience and makes it hard to have a conversation. The service can be hit or miss depending on who is serving the table. I think some of the staff is still trying to find their groove which is fine. I for one will keep going!
Stop in and give it a try!

In the past, I have stopped in at St. Joseph for a beer, but last night was the first time I had eaten there. I was not disappointed.
Even though they were pretty busy (it was a Friday night at 7:30), they were churning through tables at a pretty steady clip, so we waited less than 5 minutes for a party of 5. Not bad.
The service was good, our server was very knowledgeable about both the beer selection and the food, including the specials. I tried both IPAs and greatly enjoyed both of them.
For dinner, I had the mahi mahi tacos with the pickled vegetables on the side. Food arrived pretty quickly and presentation was wonderful. I will say the portion size for the pickled vegetables, even as a side was disappointing. It came out in what was essentially a sauce cup. The tacos, however, were perfectly sufficient. The meal had lots of flavor, everything cooked perfectly. The only issue with the tacos is that the tortillas fell apart after one or two bites, so they pretty much had to be eaten with a fork. Still good flavor, though.
A bit off the beaten path, but worth stopping in.

St. Joseph’s has been on my «to-​try» list for some time now. When I learned that the owner of one of my favorite pubs, Chatham Tap, was planning to put a brewery/​higher end pub in a deconsecrated church, I knew I had to check this place out.
My husband and I hit up Joe’s on a Sunday evening. It was perfect timing on our parts because most of the city was at Lucas Oil, watching the Colts. We were seated immediately and our server was quick to approach our table.
My hubby tried the porter and I ordered their grapefruit gin martini. My husband felt that the porter was underwhelming. He’s accustomed to heavy Russian Imperial, so I think this porter was on the light side for him. As for the gin cocktail, it was a little lackluster. It was still delicious, but needed a little something more… perhaps a muddled herb or maybe slightly less simple syrup. I still enjoyed it though.
We ordered the portobello mushroom fries to start our meal off, which came with a horseradish, ranch dipping sauce and a cilantro and cabbage salad. The idea was good. But, like my martini, the individual parts to the dish need a little something more. The horseradish sauce wasn’t horsey enough and the fries could have used some kind of seasoning.
For entrees, my hubby had the burger (which was cooked just right and had a wonderful BBQ sauce on it) and I had the scallops. My dish was plated nicely and looked appetizing, but again I think it needed some seasoning as it was rather bland (even with the buerre blanc sauce.)
We ended the meal with the apple cake (served with a slice of candied bacon and ice cream) and their raisin-​less bread pudding (also al a mode.) Both were exceptionally tasty… slight preference for the apple cake which was so moist and rich.
Overall, our service was excellent and the atmosphere was very pleasant. I think though if St. Joe’s intends to be a higher-​end version of Chatham, they should consider seasoning their food a little better and maybe up their bar-​tending game. Not a bad place to enjoy a late Sunday dinner.