As the third-largest city in the country, there aren’t many reasons why you would leave Chicago. Maybe you spend the holidays with your family or take that Euro vacation you’ve been planning for years. But in terms of getting on Amtrak—and officially out of the city limits—there has to be something good to pull you away.
And we might have just the thing.
Indianapolis-based Ash & Elm Cider Co. landed at No. 10 in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Cidery. While it’s not the No. 1 title, the top-10 finish gives cider fans a specific reason for an Indy trip.
Why Ash & Elm Cider Co. made the list
Founded by husband-and-wife team Aaron and Andréa Homoya, Ash & Elm makes modern ciders from Midwest apples, never from concentrate. The company describes its ciders as all-natural and naturally gluten-free.
Start with Sunset Tart Cherry if you want a fruit-forward pour, or look for Del Camino Pineapple Tepache, infused with pineapple and tamarind.
Both caught the attention of 10Best, which also singled out the cidery’s food. The Indianapolis taproom pairs its rotating cider selection with dishes such as tacos, flatbreads, salads, and house-made dips, with gluten-free and vegan options.
Getting there from Chicago
Amtrak’s Cardinal runs directly between Chicago Union Station and Indianapolis, so you don’t even need a car to get there.
The catch is that it departs only three days a week; check your outbound and return dates before building a weekend around it.
The trip is around a $40 ticket—but double-check when booking. The Indianapolis Amtrak station is at 350 S. Illinois St. Ash & Elm’s Indianapolis taproom is at 1301 E. Washington St. Just a warning (so you won’t get mad at us): you’ll still need to arrange the final leg from the station to the restaurant.
Plan the visit before it’s too late
Also make sure you visit this year, because you may not have the opportunity in 2027.
Fox39 reported that the Indianapolis location is slated to close at the end of 2026, while the company also operates a Carmel restaurant-bar.
Ash & Elm currently lists its Indianapolis hours as Tuesday–Thursday, 4–9 p.m.; Friday, 4–10 p.m.; and Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. It lists Sunday and Monday as closed.
