Fine Dining and Craft Beer: Euphoria

If you're like me, constantly disappointed by modest-to-non-existent craft beer lists at local fine dining establishments, you'll be happy to know that Indy now has at least one solid option: Euphoria. Located on the second floor of Buggs Temple at the head of the Central Canal (337 W. 11th St., (317) 955-2389), Euphoria features a menu of dishes created by Chef Brad Gates. The style is varied, but dishes have an emphasis on locally-grown ingredients.

Until recently, Euphoria and Creation Cafe (the casual dining, downstairs neighbor to Euphoria) featured different beer menus. Creation Cafe's selection was larger, while Euphoria had a smaller set of more expensive options. About a month ago, Creation Cafe's menu was tweaked and expanded. Apparently that entire pumped up menu also made its way over to Euphoria, not replacing, but added to the small set of expensive options they already served. That simple switch -- a logical one given that both restaurants are run by the same management -- instantly makes Euphoria's beer menu among the best, if not THE best, of all fine dining restaurants in Indy.

If you've been to Creation Cafe recently, the current Euphoria beer menu should look familiar. Here's a sampling (all bottles):

Warbird T-6 Red Ale
Warbird Thunderbolt Wheat
Upland Wheat
Upland Dragonfly IPA
Three Floyds Alpha King
Three Floyds Gumballhead
Bell's Two Hearted Ale
Bell's Oberon
Founders Dirty Bastard
Founders Porter
Anchor Steam
Horse Piss Golden Lager
Stone Ruination IPA
Lindemans Framboise
Delirium Nocturnum
Chimay Red

Like the food menu, you'll notice that the beer menu has an emphasis on local and regional offerings. As an added bonus (if the beer menu wasn't enough of a draw), Indianapolis is currently in the middle of Devour Downtown -- two weeks where downtown restaurants feature three-course menus for $30. If the regular menu at Euphoria is a little too pricey, now is the time to try it out (see their special menu here). Beers are not included in the $30, but they're very reasonably priced (ask for the separate cocktail and beer menu).

Euphoria is open Tuesday to Saturday, 4-10pm, and Devour Downtown ends on Sunday the 23rd, so you've still got five days left. Try a Founders Porter with the Chocolate Cake "Cappuccino" -- you won't regret it.