Great Lakes Breweries
When you think of the Great Lakes region, what comes to mind first? Boating? Snow sports up north? World class golf courses? Did you know our region is home to multiple award-winning breweries? It’s true! Our region is home to hundreds of exceptional breweries from small nano-breweries like Batch Brewing in Detroit to the bigger players like Bells Brewing and Founders.
This month we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites from all over the region, ensuring no matter where you are, you’re never far from exceptional craft beer. What are some of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!
Baffin Brewing
25113 Jefferson Ave
St Clair Shores, MI 48081
Baffin is a microbrewery on the East Side of Michigan. Joseph Dowd and Evan Feringa began brewing together in their college apartment at Michigan State University in 2009. They now bring their passion and brews to St. Clair Shores and South-Eastern Michigan!
Baffin is known for their delicious offering and their clever names. Mango Unchained, Cherry Underwood, and Macho Man Shandy Savage are just a few.
Shorts Brewing Company
121 N Bridge St
Bellaire, MI 49615
Shorts Brewing in Bellaire, Michigan has been one of the region’s fastest growing breweries. Even through the pandemic they continue to expand. With year round favorites like Soft Parade and seasonal releases like Superfluid, they truly offer something for everyone.
Oddside Ales
41 Washington Ave STE 160
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Oddside began in 2010, as a micro-brewery producing craft beer from the pub located inside the historic piano factory in Grand Haven, Michigan. They quickly outgrew the pub’s brewing capacity and now, after three different expansions, brew from their own 44,000 sq. ft. facility.
The best part: you can get all of their delicious offerings to go!
Saugatuck
140 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Saugatuck started in 2005 with 31 combined rotating taps plus hard cider and a variety of wines. The Saugatuck Brewing Company (SBC) now has a large family friendly pub, outside patio plus a secondary tap room dubbed “The Barrel Room” for multiple different dining and drinking experiences in one building. Saugatuck operates on a 45 barrel Brew System with 960 barrels of Fermentation Space and the ability to age over 400 wood barrels at one time.
Cheboygan Brewing Company
101 N Main St,
Cheboygan, MI 49721
Cheboygan Brewing Company first began in 1872 when the town of Cheboygan played an important role in the logging industry. The brewery grew from there but closed in 1911 as the lumber business moved on.
In 2011 two entrepreneurs who were inspired by the heritage of the original Cheboygan Brewing Company and the beauty of Northern Michigan, decided to open the brewery once again. They assembled a dynamic team of Michiganders to transform Cheboygan Brewing Company from its original German traditions to the modern alehouse it is today.
When you’re there get a Blood Orange Honey—trust us.
Goose Island Taproom
1800 W Fulton St,
Chicago, IL 60612
In the windy city? You’ve probably heard of Goose Island brewing. They’re famous for their urban wheat beer, 312 but have a diverse offering including seasonal brews. Started in 1988 and growing ever since, Goose Island is a must-drink if you’re in Chicago.
Great Lakes Brewing Co
2516 Market Ave.
Cleveland Ohio 44113
Started in 1986 by two brothers in the Ohio City neighborhood in Cleveland. The brewery has over 2 decades of brewing under their belt and have an impressive offering. Get an Edmund Fitzgerald Porter while you’re there. You know, for when the November Gales come early.
Broken Bat
135 E. Pittsburgh Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53204
Broken Bat is in a city with a rich history of brewing. The vision of lifelong friends Tim Pauly and Dan McElwee, Broken Bat Brewing Co. provides its patrons with an amazing atmosphere, access to the brew house and fermentation tanks, an indoor wiffleball field, as well as TVs showing that days’ sports or events. A few specialties on tap give a tip of the cap in homage to America’s Pastime.
North Peak
400 W. Front St.,
Traverse City, MI 49684
North Peak started in 1997 in an old Candy factory in Traverse City, Michigan. They grew and grew, finally out-growing their space in old-mission peninsula. In 2013 their brewing facilities moved to Dexter, Michigan where they could produce enough suds to satiate the masses. Worry not! They still maintain a brewpub in Traverse City for you to enjoy while up north either visiting for fall color tours, or up for snow sports.
Our favorite? Diabolical. Aptly named, so watch out!
What are some of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!