Drop into this sleek brewery in a former VFW post on the banks of the St. Joe River in South Bend, and you will likely hear a question you might not expect in the home of Touchdown Jesus: “Would you like to see the vegan menu?” But the unexpected is exactly what owners Sean Meehan and Andy Walton have been brewing up since they purchased the historic building in early 2013. Their funky beer list ranges from the Wampus Monster Double IPA highlighting hints of gooseberry and lychee to the coffee-toned Peggy Lee Brown Porter. And while you can pair these pours with such fresh, health-conscious dishes as cashew pad Thai, a couscous-and-tofu salad with cherries, and the “Vurger” concocted from sticky rice and edamame, there are plenty of smoked and grilled items, too. That includes a slow-cooked brisket plate served on a plank with hunks of sourdough and fingerling potato salad. In fact, chef Alain Helfrich seems bent on stretching diners’ ideas of what pairs with beer, right down to dessert—perhaps smoked pear and granola with a bourbon barrel–aged imperial stout? 1047 Lincolnway East, South Bend, 574-217-0881
Hours
Sun.–Thurs. noon–10 p.m., Fri.–Sat. noon–midnight
Drive Time
2 hours 45 minutes
Know Before You Go
Crooked Ewe serves only the 21-and-older crowd.
What’s Your Hurry?
Drop in at the sprawling South Bend Farmers Market—especially for the Hungarian pastries and German meats. 1105 Northside Blvd., South Bend, 574-282-1259
