The Scene: Books & Brews

Books & Brews, which was on KickStarter late last year, opened a few weeks ago. As you can probably guess from the name, they are a unique business, combining two subjects close to my heart: books and beer.

The front section is a used bookstore, with a wide selection of used books on handmade shelves.

Passing through a door in the back of the bookstore, you will discover the bar area.  Once again, this features handmade furniture, and a large garage door at the back, which is opened in good weather.  There is also a large window behind the bar, allowing you to see into the brewing area.

They opened with several guest taps, as well as four of their own beers on tap:

• The Little Beer That Could Pale Ale (6.2% ABV, 35 IBU) - a Centennial hopped pale ale
• Toil and Trouble Dark English Ale (4.8% ABV, 20 IBU) - a Northern English Brown with extra caramel malt
• Lord Byron's Breakfast Ale (4.8% ABV, 20 IBU)
• Clifford the Big Red Ale (7.4% ABV, 13 IBU)
  
  

After a couple weeks, they added Hop's Cradle DIPA (7.2%, 85 IBU) - a DIPA hopped with Centennial and Cascade, currently on a nitro tap. Last weekend they added Shogun Soba Ale - an amber ale brewed with buckwheat, giving it a salty-sweetness (for everyone who ever dipped their french fries in their Frosty...).

 

In addition to the beer, they have food, which is almost entirely locally sourced, including:

• Smoking Goose Meats
• Trader's Point Creamery Cheese
• Ludwig Farmstead Creamery Cheese
• Broad Ripple Chip Company Chips
• Amelia's Breads and Cookies

 

In addition to selling books, beer, and food, Books & Brews is excited to host events.  You can see more details on their calendar.  They are also interested in ideas from the community, so if you have a good idea for an event, let them know.  They have many regular events, including:

• Monday - Book Club
• Tuesday - Tabletop Games
• Wednesday - Trivia, Crafts
• Thursday - Open Mic
• Friday - Live Music
• Saturday - premium events (e.g. author readings/signings, children's readings, etc.)
• Sunday afternoon - Live Music