If you’re in downtown Fishers, it’s hard to miss Four Day Ray. And trust us, you shouldn’t. Located at the intersection of North Street and Lantern Road, the large industrial building is constantly bustling with patrons looking to enjoy the award-wining beer and delicious eats that have made Four Day Ray a Fishers hotspot.
Longtime home brewer Brian Graham and partners Mitch Ackerman, Chris Welsh, and Matt Troyer opened the restaurant and brewery in 2016. A nod to the city’s Nickel Plate Railroad heritage, the name “Four Day Ray” is actually a nickname that was given to a railroad employee who called off work one day every week. The brewery’s tagline, “Take the Day,” celebrates the three-day weekend. Like the website says: “We believe life is too short to spend at the salt mine.”
The menu, which Graham describes as a “scratch menu featuring many locally sourced ingredients,” is updated seasonally, but is anchored by the mainstay favorites, such as the massive tenderloin and diverse taco selection.
The changing seasons bring new brews to the taps as well. The most popular beer, Blood Orange Blonde, is available year-round (cans or tap), along with the other core brews, including the Track Jumper IPA and Laplander Blonde. Graham’s personal favorite? The Air Raid Pale Ale, an English Pale Ale that he describes as a “beer drinker’s beer.”
The brewery features a 24-tap tasting room for 21+, and a family- friendly restaurant (and don’t forget about the dog-friendly patio!) In the warmer months, Four Day Ray hosts live music on the patio, and year-round, a robust event calendar features food tastings, yoga and Pilates classes, and more. Friday’s feature $6 growler fills on select brews. Earlier this year, Four Day Ray expanded their take-out options to cans as well.
As much as Four Day Ray is dedicated to great beer, they are also committed to giving back to the community. Each week they host Tapped for a Cause Tuesday from 4-9 p.m. to benefit a local charity organization. A new charity is selected each month, and every Tuesday that month, 5% of food sales and $.50 from each pint purchased are donated to the organization. Interested organizations can apply on Four Day Ray’s website at fourdayray.com.