Going with the flow at Teays River

Look out, Wabash River. There’s a new body of water in town — or an old one. Well, sort of.

Confused yet? It’s pretty simple: Without the Teays River, there’s no Wabash River. In the Pleistocene Era, the Teays was eastern North America’s dominant waterway. But not even a mighty river can withstand the destructive power of glaciers, which laid waste to the original river and rendered it a valley. Now, it’s an aquifer that provides water with which Teays River Brewing and Public House pours a copious craft beer selection on Lafayette’s south side. 

With signature selections available every day and rotating small batches, there’s a pint for all palates. I prefer the lighter side — like the Camelop cream ale or Golden Years, a British Golden Ale with a bit of a citrusy finish. Whatever your preference, there are enough flavors to keep you guessing … and going back for another round. You can find a full list of Teays’ current beers on their website, and they have a full complement of craft cocktails. (There’s also tasty water for canine companions on a dog-friendly patio, which you still have a few more days to enjoy.)

Teays’ food menu is also a force to be reckoned with, a slew of selections ranging from Southern heat to vegetarian treats — nearly all choices available with substitutions for those with food sensitivities. The smoked wings are perfectly crispy, with the Hell Fire Reaper rub variety creating a near-panko crust of potent, pungent heat. (Avoiding meat? Try the Cauliflower Wings.) Short-Faced Bear Fries, the Teays River rendition of poutine, are a can’t-miss appetizer — served with your choice of potato and meat and slathered in cheese. (Pro tip: Go for the sweet-potato fries to add a sweet texture to this stupendous appetizer.)

Teays offers a dozen “handhelds,” including pulled pork, grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, burgers (with Impossible Burger swaps available) and a sandwich with jackfruit, a fruit often used as a meat substitute. The Ultimate Beer Burger infuses Teays’ bread and butter into a burger through a stout bun, beer bacon and onion jam, hop mayo, and beer cheese on a beer-infused steak burger. There are also plenty of flat pizzas, with gluten-free crusts available. Loaded with mozzarella, fontina and parmigiana reggiano, the Pesto Chicken Pizza is a gooey, zesty delight.

[widgetkit id=”127″ name=”2019-09-TeaysRiver”]