Nothing against Chicago’s craft beer scene, but after you’ve downed Daisy Cutter at Half Acre and savored Revolution’s porter Eugene straight from the tap, you may crave some variety. And the next great brewing hot spot just might be northwestern Indiana. Don’t believe it? Jump into the car (bring a designated driver) and check out these brewpubs, listed by the drive time from the Loop.

Time from Loop: 50 minutes

Perfect for: Bearded and tatted types curious about Gary nightlife

The story: In May, Food & Wine called two-year-old 18th Street—named for founder Drew Fox’s former Pilsen address—a “brewery to watch.”

The suds: Six edgy varieties on tap, including two sours and a potent coconut milk stout

The scene: Artsy 20- and 30-somethings sitting around low tables in an unadorned, dark space

Order: Temporal Purgatory, a 5.9 percent session pale ale (also available in 32-ounce howler)

  Outdoor seating
  Food
  Beers for sale

Time from Loop: 55 minutes

Perfect for: Beer-loving foodies who have plenty of time to spare

The story: The influential 3 Floyds began brewing here in 1996, well before craft beer mania took hold.

The suds: About six year-round standbys and an admirable roster of barrel-aged brews.

The scene: Despite its location in an industrial park, this place teems with visitors. With a menu created by star chef Mike Sheerin (Embeya), scoring a seat can take hours.

Order: Zombie Dust, a hard-to-find 6.2 percent pale ale

  Food
  Tour

Time from Loop: One hour, 10 minutes

Perfect for: Just about anyone—even large families

The story: Tim Walsh and Dave Bryan opened this brewpub in their quaint hometown seven years ago.

The suds: Up to 20 draft options, which tend to stick to the basics (IPAs, cream ales) rather than tilt toward excess

The scene: Choose between the sunny patio with long tables, the attractive bar with a view of brewing equipment, or the homey restaurant. There’s even a video game room for the kids.

Order: Special Forces, a 6.4 percent American-style IPA

  Outdoor seating
  Food
  Beers for sale
  Tour
  Growlers for sale

Time from Loop: One hour, 15 minutes

Perfect for: Shoppers and sports fans

The story: Brewing vet Sam Strupeck opened the place a decade ago near Michigan City’s popular outlet mall.

The suds: Always a dozen beers on tap, many of them twists on reliable favorites. (Think a lower-ABV take on a typically heavy IPA.)

The scene: This Revolution-style space has an expansive main room with tons of TVs, including two massive screens with sports on steady rotation.

Order: Seven Red, a rye ale with seven malts

  Outdoor seating
  Food
  Beers for sale
  Growlers for sale

Time from Loop: One hour, 30 minutes

Perfect for: Those just discovering life beyond Budweiser

The story: The name (pronounced “Twisted Kate”) refers to co-owner Kate Boshaw, who opened the spot with her husband, Michael, in 2013.

The suds: Up to a dozen brews, many of which (cocoa stout, peach wheat ale) sound like dessert

The scene: This compact storefront brewery, adorned with flags and military paraphernalia, attracts a chill crowd by day and a lively one by night (thanks to frequent live music).

Order: Monroe Street, a 6.6 percent wheat IPA

  Food
  Beers for sale
  Growlers for sale