11 Dec 1894 Lodge A Craft Beer Destination In SouthEastern Indiana
I travel through Southeastern Indiana often, and I do mean THROUGH it. I rarely stop on my way to Louisville, KY or Nashville, TN because I am always eager to get there or to get home. The section of I-65 that runs between Indianapolis and Louisville has filled my travels with gas station snacks, fountain drinks, and restroom breaks, but that is about it with the exception of New Albanian Brewing and Keg Liquors. That all changed a few years ago when I made some friends in the area and they began introducing me to some places I wouldn’t have normally found on my own!
I recently stopped by Red Yeti on my way home from Nashville, TN and found out they are going through a small brand change (more on that before Christmas). When you go in you should order one of each taco (you can thank me later). I also enjoy stopping by and browsing the shelves at Keg Liquors when I am in the area. They have some strange and mystical connection with Starlight Distributing that allows them to get in some pretty amazing and rare beers. I have heard about the unicorns that have come from this store and I have been lucky enough to find one or two myself. As I discovered, these are not the only two places worth visiting in the area.
The 1894 Lodge was reopened in the historic building at 409 E. Main St in New Washington, IN this past spring and has gone through some major changes since. Logan Hostetler recently came on as the General Manager with a resume that includes roles in the food service industry, sports facility management, and coaching baseball at all levels up to and including college. As we sat at the bar talking with Mike Hofferman of Flat 12 (@punchdataint on twitter) and local homebrewer Luke Franklin of New Hibernia Ale Works fame, Logan explained to me that the building was in pretty rough shape when they opened. Luke said he believes the renovations completed for the restaurant saved the Lodge and allowed it to continue to be a part of New Washington’s living history. You can see a lot of pride on behalf of the local community that this place still exists and does so in such good shape.
If you are not a beer nerd or have someone with you that isn’t don’t fret. The 1894 Lodge has a full bar with specialty cocktails created by the bar staff as well as a wine list. The food is better than expected with local meat from Pate Farms, vegetables from Berry Best Farms, homemade desserts, and all of these products can be found on the brunch buffet from 11am-2pm every Sunday. On top of buying from local farms, the owners of 1894 recently purchased a farm in town and plan to grow their own veggies as well as use it as a destination location for large events such as weddings. There is preparation and renovation going on at the farm as you read this, and when Logan talks about it you can tell they are planning big things.
I have a sweet tooth the size of a compact car and I own it. The minute I heard homemade dessert I was flipping through the menu to see what I could order. Then Logan offered to have the kitchen staff bring out a small slice of every cheesecake they offer. Mike, Luke, and I shared these plates so that we could all try each one and I was in heaven. I can honestly say that the cheesecake selection is worth the trip! My favorite was the chocolate covered cherry but you aren’t going to go wrong having the Irish crème, blueberry, peanut butter cup, turtle, or at Derby time the mint julep cheese cake. If cheese cake isn’t your thing, I recommend trying the homemade carrot cake after your cod loin dinner on fish Fridays. The menu is going through some changes, but I have been assured that the cheesecake will be on any menu they create.
The 1984 Lodge
409 E. Main Street
New Washington, IN 47162
Lunch: 11am-2pm Thursday and Friday
Dinner: 5pm-9pm Friday and Saturday with a Late Night menu from 9pm-11pm
Brunch:11am-2pm Sunday
Greg Hostettler
Posted at 11:37h, 11 DecemberThank you for writing this article and sharing this information on a new destination experience.
Charlie
Posted at 15:14h, 11 DecemberYou are more than welcome Greg. Just make sure to tell Logan the next time I come down I expect to have cheesecake for my appetizer, main course, and dessert!
Greg H.
Posted at 15:57h, 11 DecemberYes sir. We can make that happen.
Robin Cross
Posted at 14:20h, 11 DecemberI am from New Washington and love that they have brought this place back to life. I cannot wait to try it. You should also swing into Charlestown the next time you find yourself on Highway 62 and check out the Charlestown Pizza Company. Best pizza around, and a great craft selection to boot! Worth the stop, you won’t be disappointed.
sam
Posted at 17:01h, 11 DecemberNot a fan of Charlestown pizza. But do like the craft beers
Luke
Posted at 15:49h, 11 DecemberIt’s a righteous atmosphere to enjoy great libations. From Imperial Stouts to Weiss beers, they have at least one for everyone. If you are nostalgic you can grab a 7 oz. Little King and smile if you had one last night!
Todd Lowe
Posted at 11:00h, 12 DecemberCraft beer in New Wash?
Awesome news. I grew up in this small town and am a craft beer fanatic. I’ll make sure to stop by next time I’m in town.
Thanks for the article!
Charlie Sasse
Posted at 08:08h, 15 DecemberIf you know of other places that may not be well known, but they carry a quality line up of beer please email me at Charlie@indianaontap.com. It doesn’t matter where in the state it is and it doesn’t necessarily have to be in a small town. Just a place that may need some attention for the work that they are putting in on the craft beer front. Thanks and have a great day!