In just four to six weeks, Indianapolis beer geeks will be able to get their hands on fresh growlers of Upland beers from the kitschy confines of their new retail space in the Uptown Business Center at 49th St. and College Ave.
In selecting a location for their expansion into Indy, Upland wanted to make sure they were a bit off the beaten path, specifically not competing with the bar scene in Broad Ripple. 49th and College seemed ideal to them: an up-and-coming intersection in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood with some cool old storefronts and low rent to try out their concept. This intersection also has some other new projects in the works, with Greg Hardesty looking to open a new restaurant on the NE corner of the intersection soon, as well as preliminary plans to rebuild the NW corner with a mixed residential and retail project called The Uptown.
Upland's concept for this space is pretty simple, if hard to describe. They'll serve beer, but they're not a bar. They'll serve food, but they're not a restaurant. The best way to describe it is that they're going for the feel of a coffee shop with an emphasis on beer. You'll be able to grab a beer and relax in a funky chair or just walk in with a growler and head home to enjoy some fresh Upland beer there. Food options are not yet solidified but will include things like hot/cold sandwiches, soup, coffee and milk.
Love the furniture and decoration of bygone eras? Then you'll love the interior of this cozy space. Whether you call it "classic" or "dated", there's no doubt that the decor will get people talking and leave an impression.
One small gripe: Upland needs an awning (maybe one is in the works?). The only thing indicating what's inside the storefront is a small neon sign in a recessed window above the door. That's not very good visibility, particularly for advertising to all the cars that pass by each day. (Upland has informed us that they "will have two signs that are very visible, just closer to when actually open."
Otherwise, job well done Upland! Stay tuned -- we'll let you know when Upland plans to officially open their doors.
Good news here. The first time I saw the sign for Upland here, I was pretty giddy.
ReplyDeleteOn the upcoming place on the Northeast corner: I'd like to see them close off their small parking lot and have a large patio there, but I'm probably asking too much. That group of buildings needs a lot of love.
While I am happy to see Upland moving in to the Indy area.. I am a bit skeptical about the decor and plan they have. It doesn't sound like something I would go out of my way for like I would for a true Upland bar/grill. On a positive, it may on the way home for the little lady so a steady supply of Upland growlers would be a nice thing!
ReplyDeleteI'm moving to this neighborhood, and I love to hear the 49th and College intersection referred to as "up-and-coming." This place looks awesome, and within stumbling distance of my new house! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI have high hopes for this venture, but I am skeptical about the prospects for the revitalization of this corner. The liquor store on the NE corner is super sketchy, especially after dark. And the old vacant KFC (that was briefly Uncle Artie's BBQ) is an eyesore. I really hope that these development efforts will make a change for the better...
ReplyDelete**Yawn**
ReplyDeleteI'll just drive the extra 5 minutes it takes me to get to the brewery...
seriously, Scott? *yawn*? The view from your high perch must be awfully scenic.
ReplyDeleteAt least I'm not hiding behind a shroud of anonymity.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, the view is good from my perch. Lately there's been a nice breeze, and some damn good brews to go with it.
But truth be told, I think the money going into this new "Business Center" could have been used better elsewhere. I know Upland is expanding their brewing capacity and adding a brand new bottling line. You'd think they'd want to focus on those things first? And I'm also not sold on the location for their new venture...
The location might not be ideal, but I think giving Indianapolis residents the opportunity to buy Upland growlers locally can't hurt. This also might increase their brand presence and I'm excited that I can serve Upland from growlers at my upcoming fall get togethers. I don't see myself hanging out there, but I will definitely be buying growlers there.
ReplyDeleteI think it's awesome they're adding something to 49th and College. The old KFC has been replaced by a "Just Wing'n It", which is an excellent, cheap wing place - Upland beer right across the street is a great addition. (The liquor store is kinda rough lookin, but hopefully that will change as more businesses move in)
ReplyDeleteGlad Upland is moving into Broad Ripple tho, the more exposure their beer gets the better.
Settle down Scott and enjoy that drive to Bloomington and everyone else can all enjoy Upland beers in our neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteIf the brewery is only 5 minutes further away for you, then I don't think you were their target consumer anyway.
Why do people always need to be critical of everything they have nothing to do with? Why do you care out their bottling line or capacity? If you were employed by them, then maybe you could have a gripe. You somehow found a flaw in more beer coming to Indy. Real nice.
@Scott: I assume you mean Broad Ripple Brewpub. I do love their beer, but I think this will be a different kind of place. Hopefully, the food won't be an afterthought, like it is at BRB. It is certainly more valuable to those who live in the neighborhood, but I understand if a suburbanite wants to drive by and go to BRB instead.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of all of that, why so hostile to Upland's plans? Are you a shareholder? employee?
I like BRBP's food. I think most of us at HBG like BRBP's food. What's wrong with BRBP's food?
ReplyDeleteI don't think the food at Brewpub is an afterthought. As someone who looks for more vegetarian options on a menu they have a great selection of well thought out vegetarian options. I also think that they are trying to appeal to a wide audience and do that successfully.
ReplyDeleteI'm also confused as to how you felt that Scott was talking about BRBP? I think he meant driving to Bloomington for the Upland brewery/brewpub.
@redblacktree: BRBP??? I wasn't talking about BRBP at all... Just Upland. But, since it was brought up, I'll get Mike's back on this one. BRBP's food is pretty damn good. Their Scotch Eggs (especially on Pizza) is quite tasty and I also enjoy most of their brews.
ReplyDeleteAnd to conclude my feelings on Upland, my biggest gripe with them is the quality of their actual brews, which I consider Average at best. I'd like nothing else to get behind a local brewery that's rocking out kick ass brews, but Upland just can't seem to do that. Sun King on the other hand is another story. I'll be there getting a growler filled after work today...
@Scott: Ok, then I'm confused. When you said, "I'll just drive the extra 5 minutes it takes me to get to the brewery..." -- That meant to me that you would drive past this new location, then spend another 5 minutes driving to "the brewery." I thought the Upland brewery was in Bloomington, but I'll admit my ignorance on that one. Is it only 5 minutes from this new location?
ReplyDeleteOff topic, but I thought I'd add my $.02 on the BRBP's food. I think what Jess said is right. It's one of the few places I know I can go in Indy and get good quality vegetarian food that's not Thai or Indian. I can't say that every single dish there is a success or well-executed, but the food is definitely not an afterthought there.
ReplyDeletei don't understand the concept. is obvious they are hedging their bets here. look at the decor... looks like it came from an applebees garage sale. menu? cold sandwiches? so basically they are trucking in kegs and selling premade food... sounds half-assed.
ReplyDeleteand broad ripple brewpub has better beer AND food than Upland, by far. I don't understand upland's following. outside of their wheat, which is fine (and palatable to many), i don't see the attraction.
I can't disagree with Scott on his assessment of Upland's beers. I try to pick and choose off their seasonal offerings, which are typically pretty good. The regular lineup probably appeals to a more mass market consumer, rather than beer geeks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing.
ReplyDeleteI will do what I can to buy your beer and keep your business growing.
Plus I will spread the word to ensure that everyone is knowing.
Beer.
very much appreciate the story and the sneak peek - interesting what they're going for, sort of a new business model (at least to me). now maybe if they price their growler refills less than the BRBP...
ReplyDelete(pennypincher)
I've got some friends that live on either side of College from this location and they've never had any problems w/ the area. The liquor store looks rough but actually carries a fairly decent selection for what it is. Also with the new redevelopment projects planned I think it's a great idea
ReplyDeleteI'm excited that Upland is coming to Indianapolis! I practically live right across the street. Now I can get my dog some food at City Dogs Grocery, pick him up from the vet, grab a beer from Upland, visit the liquor store if there is a weekend event or pick up some wings, and enjoy sitting on my porch.
ReplyDeleteThis neighborhood is a great place to live. Our neighbors are welcoming and look out for one another, the businesses take care of their land and their customers, and the business owners remember me when I make a visit. We have lived here for 2 years and have never had any trouble. We walk to our friends house (1 street away) and visit the liquor store (by the way...great selection and nice people). I say, lets be grateful for Upland coming and bringing an addition to the neighborhood. Cheers.
When I first heard about this going in, I was super excited. Now I'm bummed about the food selection. I have to admit that bottled and even from the tap Upland beer is hit or miss if not from the brewery. But the restaurant in Bloomington is my favorite place to eat in Indiana. I was really hoping for the same experience.
ReplyDeleteThank you Upland. It's a great location. Lots of people live within walking distance. It will be a good non smoking alternative to Mo and Johnnies and the Red Key. I will be drinking your beer.
ReplyDelete