Best 9 Breweries in Ann Arbor MI: A Guide for Beer Lovers
Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a city that is known for its vibrant craft beer scene. With so many breweries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go for a pint. Luckily, there are plenty of top-rated breweries in Ann Arbor that are worth checking out.
One of the best breweries in Ann Arbor is Homes Brewery. Located on Ann Arbor’s west side, Homes Brewery is known for its creative and delicious craft beers. Their selection of beers changes frequently, so there is always something new to try. In addition to their beer, Homes Brewery also offers a variety of tasty food options, including sandwiches, tacos, and salads.
Another popular brewery in Ann Arbor is Wolverine State Brewing Co. This brewery is known for its lagers, which are brewed using traditional German techniques. The taproom at Wolverine State Brewing Co. is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot to hang out with friends over a pint. They also offer a variety of food options, including burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers.
The Craft Beer Scene in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor has a thriving craft beer scene that caters to beer lovers of all tastes. The city is home to a variety of breweries, taprooms, and beer bars that offer high-quality craft beer options.
Craft beer enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of beer styles, from classic IPAs and stouts to more experimental brews. Many of the breweries in Ann Arbor use locally sourced ingredients to create unique and flavorful beers.
One of the most popular breweries in Ann Arbor is Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, which has a cult-like status among craft beer fans. The brewery is known for its barrel-aged sour beers and has won numerous awards for its innovative brews.
Other notable breweries in Ann Arbor include Wolverine State Brewing Co., which specializes in lagers, and Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, which offers a diverse selection of beers and a lively atmosphere.
In addition to breweries, Ann Arbor also has several craft beer bars that offer a wide range of beer options from local and national breweries. The Beer Grotto is a popular spot for craft beer lovers, with a rotating selection of 48 beers on tap.
Top Breweries in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor has a vibrant beer scene with several top breweries in and around the city. Here are some of the best breweries in Ann Arbor that are worth visiting.
Jolly Pumpkin
Jolly Pumpkin is a brewery and restaurant that specializes in sour beers. They have several locations in Michigan, including one in Ann Arbor. Jolly Pumpkin’s beers are known for their unique flavors and high quality. They also serve delicious food that pairs well with their beers.
Website: https://annarbor.jollypumpkin.com/
Address: 311 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
Homes Brewery
Homes Brewery is a popular brewery in Ann Arbor that offers a wide variety of beers. They have a spacious taproom with a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Homes Brewery’s beers are known for their unique and complex flavors. They also offer food from a rotating selection of food trucks.
Website: http://homesbrewery.com/
Address: 2321 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, United States
Townies Brewery
Townies Brewery is a cozy neighborhood brewery located in downtown Ann Arbor. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Townies Brewery’s beers are known for their balance and drinkability. They also have a small menu of food that pairs well with their beers.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/towniesA2brewing?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Address: 2350 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, United States
Wolverine State Brewing Co
Wolverine State Brewing Co. is a popular brewery in Ann Arbor that specializes in lagers. They have a spacious taproom with a lively atmosphere. Wolverine State Brewing Co’s beers are known for their smoothness and drinkability. They also offer food from a rotating selection of food trucks.
Website: http://wolverinebeer.com/
Address: 2019 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, United States
Grizzly Peak Brewing
Grizzly Peak Brewing is a brewery and restaurant located in downtown Ann Arbor. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Grizzly Peak Brewing’s beers are known for their balance and drinkability. They also serve delicious food that pairs well with their beers.
Website: http://grizzlypeak.net/
Address: 120 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
Arbor Brewing Company
Arbor Brewing Company is one of the oldest brewing companies in Ann Arbor. They have multiple locations in and around the city. Arbor Brewing Company’s beers are known for their unique flavors and high quality. They also serve delicious food that pairs well with their beers.
Website: http://www.arborbrewing.com/
Address: 720 Norris St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, United States
734 Brewing Company
734 Brewing Company is a small brewery located in Ypsilanti, just outside of Ann Arbor. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. 734 Brewing Company’s beers are known for their balance and drinkability. They also have a small menu of food that pairs well with their beers.
Website: https://www.734brewing.com/
Address: 15 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, United States
Third Monk Brewing
Third Monk Brewing is a brewery and taproom located in South Lyon, just outside of Ann Arbor. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Third Monk Brewing’s beers are known for their unique flavors and high quality. They also have a small menu of food that pairs well with their beers.
Website: http://www.thirdmonkbrewingco.com/
Address: 228 S Lafayette St, South Lyon, MI 48178, United States
Mothfire Brewing Company
Mothfire Brewing Company is a small brewery located in Ann Arbor. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Mothfire Brewing Company’s beers are known for their unique flavors and high quality. They also have a small menu of food that pairs well with their beers.
Website: https://www.mothfire.com/
Address: 713 W Ellsworth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, United States
Overall, Ann Arbor has a diverse and exciting beer scene with several top breweries worth visiting.
Unique Features of Ann Arbor Breweries
Beer Gardens and Outdoor Seating
Ann Arbor breweries are known for their outdoor seating areas and beer gardens. Many breweries have spacious outdoor areas where visitors can enjoy their drinks in the fresh air. The Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, for example, has a large beer garden that is perfect for enjoying a pint on a warm summer day. Similarly, the Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery features a spacious outdoor seating area with picnic tables and umbrellas.
Live Music and Events
Live music and events are also a common feature of Ann Arbor breweries. The Arbor Brewing Company, for instance, often hosts live music events featuring local artists. The brewery also hosts trivia nights and other events throughout the year. Wolverine State Brewing Co. is another popular spot for live music, with regular performances by local bands and musicians.
Dog-Friendly Breweries
Many of the breweries in Ann Arbor are dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their furry friends along for a pint. The HOMES Brewery, for example, has a dog-friendly outdoor area where visitors can enjoy a drink with their pups. The Bill’s Beer Garden is another popular spot for dog owners, with a spacious outdoor area that is perfect for dogs to run around and play.
Overall, Ann Arbor’s breweries offer a variety of unique features that make them stand out from other breweries in the region. Whether you’re looking for a spacious outdoor area, live music, or a dog-friendly atmosphere, Ann Arbor’s breweries have something to offer for everyone.
Food at Ann Arbor Breweries
Ann Arbor’s breweries are not just for beer lovers, but also for foodies. Each brewery offers a unique food menu that pairs perfectly with its craft beer selection. In this section, we will explore the different food options available at Ann Arbor’s breweries.
Gastropub Menus
Many of Ann Arbor’s breweries have a gastropub menu that offers elevated pub fare. Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, for example, has a menu that includes items like smoked brisket nachos, wood-fired pizzas, and burgers made with locally sourced beef. The Session Room also has a gastropub menu that features items like crispy Brussels sprouts, Korean BBQ wings, and a vegan black bean burger.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, Ann Arbor’s breweries have plenty of options. Wolverine State Brewing Co. has a vegan menu that includes items like the Beyond Burger and vegan mac and cheese. Arbor Brewing Company also has a vegan menu that features items like vegan chili and a vegan reuben sandwich.
Food Trucks
In addition to their in-house menus, some of Ann Arbor’s breweries also host food trucks. HOMES Brewery often has food trucks parked outside their taproom, offering a variety of cuisines like tacos, BBQ, and Korean fusion. Bill’s Beer Garden also hosts food trucks on occasion, with past options including wood-fired pizza and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.
Brews to Try in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is home to some of the best breweries in Michigan, and there are plenty of brews to try when visiting the area. Whether you’re a fan of sour, hop-forward ales, dark beers, barrel-aged brews, or gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone.
One popular option for sour beer lovers is Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery, which offers a range of sour beers that are brewed in oak barrels. Their Oro de Calabaza and La Roja are two of their most popular sour options.
For hop-forward ales, check out Homes Brewery, which has gained a reputation for brewing some of the best IPAs in Michigan. Their Citra and Mosaic IPAs are both highly recommended by beer enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for dark beers, Wolverine State Brewing Co. is a must-visit. They specialize in brewing lagers, but their Dark Lager and Massacre Black Lager are both excellent options for fans of dark brews.
For barrel-aged beers, check out the offerings at Arbor Brewing Company. Their Velvet Hammer and Olde Number 22 are both aged in bourbon barrels, giving them a unique flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
Finally, for gluten-free options, check out the beers at Biercamp. They offer a range of gluten-free beers, including their popular Gluten-Free Pale Ale.
No matter what your beer preferences are, Ann Arbor has plenty of options to choose from. Be sure to try a few of these recommended brews when visiting the area.