You’ve probably seen the photos. That moody, wood-paneled aesthetic and those massive pine trees surrounding a brick manor in Michigan City. People talk about The Brewery Lodge and Supper Club like it’s some secret society clubhouse for craft beer lovers, but the reality is a lot more grounded than the Instagram filters suggest. It’s a 12-suite boutique hotel tucked into 40 acres of Northern Indiana wilderness, and honestly, it’s one of the few places in the Great Lakes region that manages to feel upscale without being incredibly stuffy.
Most "lodges" in the Midwest fall into two categories. They’re either flickering-neon motels with a deer head on the wall or $600-a-night resorts where you feel like you can't touch the furniture. This place hits a weird, perfect middle ground.
The Vibe at The Brewery Lodge and Supper Club
It's quiet. Like, really quiet. When you pull up the long driveway off Highway 212, the noise of the nearby Indiana Dunes and the Michigan City outlets just... vanishes. The main building is a renovated 1930s home. It doesn't feel like a Marriott; it feels like your rich uncle’s hunting cabin, provided your uncle has impeccable taste in interior design and an obsession with local IPAs.
The heart of the experience is the "Supper Club" part of the name. Forget what you know about those old-school Wisconsin supper clubs with the relish trays and the dusty curtains. This is a modern evolution. You’ve got a hand-crafted bar, a massive fireplace that actually puts out heat, and a terrace that looks out over ponds and woods. It’s intimate. Some might even say small, but that’s the point. You aren't fighting a thousand other tourists for a steak.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
Let’s get real about the food. Supper clubs live or die by their kitchen, and the chef here focuses on what I’d call "refined comfort." We’re talking about hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and pasta that doesn't taste like it came out of a box.
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One thing people get wrong is thinking this is a "brewery" in the sense that they are fermenting vats of grain in the basement. It’s not. The "Brewery" name refers to its sister properties—Zorn Brew Works and Shoreline Brewery are nearby—and the lodge acts as a curated hub for the best craft beers in the region. They have a rotating tap list that showcases the heavy hitters of the 219 area code. If you want a flight of local stouts while sitting on a leather sofa, this is your spot.
Why the 12-Suite Limitation Matters
You can’t just book a room here last minute on a Saturday in July. With only 12 suites, the place is constantly at capacity. But that’s the secret sauce. Because there are so few guests, the service is weirdly personal. The staff knows if you’re there for an anniversary or just to hide from your kids for 48 hours.
The rooms themselves? They aren't cookie-cutter. You’ve got high-end linens, weirdly comfortable mattresses, and views that make you forget you’re only an hour and a half from downtown Chicago. Some rooms have soaking tubs; others focus on that rustic, beamed-ceiling look. It’s moody. It’s dark woods and soft lighting.
It's the kind of place where you actually end up talking to the people at the next table. Maybe it’s the beer, or maybe it’s just the fact that you’re all trapped—in a good way—in this secluded pocket of woods.
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The Logistics of a Great Lakes Getaway
If you're planning a trip, don't just stay at the lodge. That's a rookie mistake. Use it as a base camp. Michigan City has been going through a bit of a renaissance lately. You’re minutes away from the Indiana Dunes National Park, which, despite being the "newest" national park for a while, still feels rugged and massive.
- The Beach: Mt. Baldy is close, but check the NPS website because the trails to the top are often closed for restoration. The beach at the base is still world-class.
- The Beer: Head into town to Zorn Brew Works. It’s a restored 19th-century brewery building with a massive beer garden.
- The Shopping: If you must do the outlets, do them early. Then retreat back to the lodge before the crowds get insane.
Honestly, the best way to do The Brewery Lodge is to arrive at 3:00 PM, check in, grab a drink, and literally don't leave the property until check-out. There are hiking trails right on the 40 acres. You can see deer, hawks, and the occasional grumpy turkey.
A Quick Note on the "Supper Club" Culture
People get confused about the dress code. It’s the Midwest. You’ll see a guy in a $1,200 suit sitting next to a guy in a flannel shirt and clean work boots. Both are welcome. That’s the beauty of a supper club. It’s "fancy" enough to feel like an event, but casual enough that you don't feel like an impostor.
One thing to keep in mind: the restaurant isn't just for hotel guests. Locals from South Bend and Chesterton drive in for dinner. This means the dining room can get loud and energetic. If you want a silent, monastic meal, eat early. If you want to feel the energy of a Saturday night in Indiana, 7:30 PM is your sweet spot.
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Is It Worth the Price Tag?
You’re going to pay more here than at a chain hotel by the highway. Obviously. But you’re paying for the lack of friction. No elevators filled with screaming kids, no "continental breakfast" consisting of a stale bagel and a yogurt cup.
The value is in the atmosphere. It’s one of the few places in the Midwest that feels like a Pacific Northwest retreat. It’s rainy days and whiskey. It’s heavy blankets and the smell of pine.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Book the Dining Reservation When You Book the Room. Don't wait until you arrive. The Supper Club fills up with locals, and hotel guests don't always get automatic priority if the books are full.
- Ask About the Shuttle. Sometimes they run a shuttle to their sister brewery, Zorn. It’s a game-changer if you want to experience the Michigan City nightlife without worrying about an Uber (which can be notoriously hard to find in the woods).
- Check the Event Calendar. They do live music on the terrace. It’s usually acoustic, usually local, and usually excellent.
- Explore the Trails. Don't just stay in the bar. The 40 acres are there for a reason. Bring actual shoes, not just flip-flops, because the terrain is real Indiana woodland.
The Brewery Lodge and Supper Club isn't trying to be a mega-resort. It's trying to be a very specific thing for a very specific type of person—someone who wants a cocktail in the woods and a comfortable bed to crash in afterwards. It succeeds because it doesn't overcomplicate things. It's just good food, good beer, and a lot of trees.