Michigan is home to some amazing breweries. If you are visiting a city, lake town, or small town, chances are there’s one of the best Michigan breweries nearby. There’s even a brewery with the proud title of the “best beer in America” four years running.
Having a beer at a craft brewery is easily one of the best things in Michigan. We have you covered if you are searching for the best breweries in Michigan.
The Best Michigan Breweries
Blackrocks Brewery, Marquette
- Address: 424 N 3rd St, Marquette (GPS)
- Style: Microbrewery Taproom
- Hours: Monday (4:00 pm – 11:00 pm) Tuesday – Sunday (12:00 pm – 11:00 pm)
- Website: Link
Blackrocks Brewery has quickly become the go-to watering hole for Marquette residents, serving craft beer in a repurposed house. The home has been carefully renovated to create a neighborly vibe, making it a fun place to visit at any time of year, and one of the best things to do in Marquette.
Blackrocks is one of the best Michigan microbreweries with a simple taproom, cozy outdoor seating, and live music from Thursday to Sunday evening. Beers to enjoy while listening to the music include their 51K IPA, Coconut Brown, Grand Rabbits, Nordskye, and Potter’s Porter. The tasting room is also open seven days a week so that you can go behind the scenes.
Bell’s Brewery, Kalamazoo
- Address: 355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo (GPS)
- Style: Taproom & Pub
- Hours: Monday – Tuesday (Closed) Wednesday – Thursday (3:00 – 9:00 pm) Friday – Saturday (12:00 – 10:00 pm) Sunday (12:00 – 7:00 pm)
- Website: Link
With the lofty title of Michigan’s oldest craft brewery, Bell’s Brewery sits comfortably on this list. They make some of the best beers in Michigan, which many find hard to argue. Since opening its doors in 1985, Bell’s Brewery, located within the Eccentric Cafe and General Store, has created wonderful brews that aren’t available anywhere else.
They’ve also gained national success with their famed IPA, the Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, which has been named the best commercially distributed beer in the U.S four years in a row.
The brewery has a spacious beer garden and a lively atmosphere, not to mention their well-appointed concert space. The Eccentric Cafe delivers on its name with unconventional but delicious meals. If you’ve been inspired to create your own beer, the General Store sells all you need to set up a home brewery.
Right Brain Brewery, Traverse City
- Address: 225 E Sixteenth St, Traverse City (GPS)
- Style: Taproom
- Hours: Sunday – Wednesday (11:00 am – 9:00 pm) Thursday – Saturday (11:00 am – 9:00 pm)
- Website: Link
With a wonderful location in downtown Traverse City, Right Brain Brewery is well-known for tying local flavors to their brews. Because of this, beers from Right Brain Brewery have a unique palate. Don’t be surprised if you stumble across the tastes of cherry pie, asparagus, or…pork.
Aside from the interesting yet fantastic craft beers, the brewery’s location makes it a happening place to visit post-work or on the weekends and comes with an unpretentious atmosphere.
As aficionados for anything odd, weird, and creative, you will pair your pint with local art along with an arcade and board games. If you visit this city, don’t miss this place, it’s one of the best things to do in Traverse City!
Grand Armory Brewing Co, Grand Haven
- Address: 17 S 2nd St, Grand Haven (GPS)
- Style: Taproom
- Hours: Monday (3:00 – 9:00 pm) Tuesday – Friday (3:00 – 10:00 pm) Saturday (2:00 – 10:00 pm) Sunday (2:00 – 8:00 pm)
- Website: Link
Many of the best breweries in Michigan have a unique story to tell, with renovated homes and OG breweries already on the list.
Yet Grand Armory Brewing Co may have the best story of them all. Located just steps from the waters of West Michigan in Grand Haven, the brewery is within a former military armory that is over a century old.
You can often find these beers at bars around Michigan, and with a replica of an artillery shell for a tap handle, you won’t miss it. Yet nothing beats kicking back in an old fort and trying their Juice, Pineapple Grindage, or Crop Duster Citra IPAs.
Founders Brewing Co, Grand Rapids
- Address: 235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids (GPS)
- Style: Taproom
- Hours: Sunday – Wednesday (11:00 – 9:00 pm) Thursday – Saturday (11:00 am – 11:00 pm)
- Website: Link
If Bell’s was the original craft brewery in Michigan, then Founders Brewing Co is the transcendent star. For over twenty years, Founders Brewing has been honing its craft and garnering a loyal following that has seen the Grand Rapids brewery become known across the United States.
Renowned for their big flavors and brash beers, this brewery is arguably why Grand Rapids became Beer City, USA. Any craft beer connoisseur should have this town high on their bucket list, and Founders Brewing should be stop number one. Come for the All Day IPA and stick around for the barrel-aged Backwoods Bastard.
Barn Brewers Brewery, Lawton
- Address: 114 Main St, Lawton
- Style: Taproom
- Hours: Varies
- Website: Link
Once a renowned gathering place in Lawton a few decades ago, the barn has undergone a renaissance, transferring from the local pub to one of the best breweries in Michigan. Barn Brewers Brewery upholds the traditions of the past, offering a social atmosphere and live music. But adds in great beer and delicious eats on Fridays and Saturdays.
When enjoying the live music, kick back with one of their signature brews. Barn Brewers covers most flavor profiles in its long list of craft beers with its Bourbon Barrels, Train Wheel, Barn Light Smash, and EPA. Come for lunch on Friday or Saturday for BBQ and Mexican cuisine.
Ascension Brewing Co, Novi
- Address: 42000 Grand River Ave, Novi (GPS)
- Style: Taproom/Pub
- Hours: Tuesday – Thursday (4:00 – 10:00 pm) Friday & Saturday (12:00 – 10:00 pm) Sunday (12:00 – 8:00 pm)
- Website: Link
A neighborhood brewpub with an amazing selection of craft beers, Ascension Brewing Co has something for everyone. After opening in 2015, the brewery has quickly found its feet in Novi and has become known for having an innovative tap list to complement its rotation of craft beers.
Ascension Brewery likes to push the boundaries and find imaginative ways to create different flavors and styles. Popular craft brews include their Kilgore Nitro Stout, Cumberland Blues Sour Gose, and Rumpus Time Saison. The beers are rotated consistently, so come with a sense of adventure and let the beer guide you.
Big Lake Brewing, Holland
- Address: 13 W 7th St, Holland
- Style: Tavern/Taproom
- Hours: Monday – Saturday (11:00 am – 10:00 pm) Sunday (11:00 am – 9:00 pm)
- Website: Link
Born from three engineers, two brewed their own backyard beers. Big Lake Brewing is a passion project coming to life in Holland, Michigan. The original system was a half barrel placed in a garage and has grown into a fifteen-barrel, 7,000 square foot brewery—all of this since 2009.
If that doesn’t show that dreams do come true, well, it does show the power of tasty craft beer. Alongside their full kitchen, Big Lake Brewing offers the full spectrum of beers, from their amber ales, Breakwall IPA, and even their own take on the traditional shandy.
Brewery Terra Firma, Traverse City
- Address: 2959 Hartman Rd, Traverse City (GPS)
- Style: Taproom
- Hours: Sunday – Thursday (12:00 – 8:00 pm) Friday & Saturday (12:00 – 10:00 pm)
- Website: Link
On ten acres of land, Brewery Terra Firma offers one of the best outdoor patios on our list of best breweries in Michigan. The acreage isn’t just for you to enjoy, however, as Terra Firma is a certified farm that produces its culinary-style beers using its very own land. Terra Firma also uses a unique water capturing system that repurposes excessive water to be used on their crops.
Aside from the patio, Terra Firma has a vibrant and modern taproom, which is where you’ll find their specialty brews. Try the Black Bikini Coconut Porter or the Manitou Amber Ale, paired with your favorite BYO food. After a meal at one of the best Traverse City restaurants, one of the best things to do is head here!
Dragonmead Microbrewery, Warren
- Address: 14600 E Eleven Mile Rd, Warren (GPS)
- Style: Brewery/Pub
- Hours: Tuesday – Thursday (3:00 – 10:00 pm) Friday – Saturday (1:00 – 11:00 pm)
- Website: Link
Harboring one of the longest lists of craft beers of any brewery on our list, Dragonmead Microbrewery promises not to disappoint. Such is their extensive list that the brewery has a homegrown take on almost any beer style you can think of, from ales to lagers and ports.
Since opening, Dragonmead has gone on to win two Beer World Cup gold medals, including one for their iconic Final Absolution brew. The brewery also provides an inviting selection of wines and meads that hark back to medieval times.
Old Boy’s Brewhouse Inc, Spring Lake
- Address: 971 W Savidge St, Spring Lake (GPS)
- Style: Brewery / Pub
- Hours: Thursday (4:00 – 8:00 pm) Friday & Saturday (12:00 – 9:00 pm) Sunday (12:00 – 5:00 pm)
- Website: Link
Opening in 1997 as a family-friendly brewpub, Old Boy’s Brewhouse keeps that spirit alive to this day. Old Boy’s is a local favorite among residents of Michigan’s spring lake, producing handcrafted beers alongside their unique canine-inspired layout.
The brewery also offers guests an extensive menu featuring all your favorite American eats, while local musicians add to the atmosphere on the weekends. Both pair perfectly with their Conner’s Kolsch golden ale, Lucky Marge’s lager, and their Attaboy Amber.
Seedz Brewery, Union Pier
- Address: 16321 Red Arrow Hwy, Union Pier (GPS)
- Style: Taproom
- Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday (4:00 – 9:00 pm), Saturday (12:00 – 9:00 pm) Sunday (12:00 – 7:00 pm)
- Website: Link
For a brewery so young (opened in 2021), Seedz Brewery has sure made an impact on Michigan’s craft brewery scene. Seedz Brewery is a great place to enjoy a German-style beer under the sun, featuring a spacious wooden patio surrounded by towering trees.
The brewery connects a mid-west vibe to their selection of German, Belgian, and Nordic-inspired beers. Their overseas flavors and styles, such as hefeweizen and pilsner, allow you to travel across the pond without leaving the state. The classic beer handles and penchant for a foamy top help complete the experience.
Watermark Brewing Co, Stevensville
- Address: 5781 St Joseph Ave, Stevensville (GPS)
- Style: Taproom
- Hours: Tuesday – Thursday (3:00 – 10:00 pm) Friday (3:00 – 11:00 pm) Saturday (11:00 am – 11:00 pm) Sunday (11:00 am – 9:00 pm)
- Website: Link
In the heart of Stevensville, Watermark Brewing Co pours anything from foeder-aged sours to dark lagers and classic session IPAs. But their outdoor patio and green space is the perfect spot in town to enjoy a cold pint, while on frosty nights, their fire pits are communal gathering spots and a place for conversation.
Watermark Brewing offers events almost every night of the week, whether live music or even a charity run. Come for the beer and stay for the fun, incredible food trucks included.
Odd Side Ales, Grand Haven
- Address: 41 Washington Ave STE 160, Grand Haven (GPS)
- Style: Taproom
- Hours: Monday – Thursday (11:30 am – 11:00 pm) Friday & Saturday (11:30 am – 12:00 am) Sunday (11:30 am – 10:00 pm)
- Website: Link
In Grand Haven, there is a brewery whose entire premise is to keep things interesting. Sure, they have the usual selections on tap, from their tasty citra pale ales to fruited beers, but that isn’t how their fame grew.
Odd Side Ales isn’t afraid to go there, and there is no better example of their endeavors than the Hipster Rye Brunch Stout. Featuring bacon, maple syrup, and coffee; but it did win a medal at the Great American Beer Festival. Odd Side also has a thriving line of seltzers and an expansive outdoor patio to enjoy.
Three Blondes Brewing, South Haven
- Address: 1875 Phoenix St Suite B, South Haven (GPS)
- Style: Taproom
- Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday (11:30 am – 9:00 pm) Thursday (4:00 – 9:00 pm) Friday – Sunday (11:30 am – 10:00 pm)
- Website: Link
It is a literal sister act at Three Blondes Brewing with siblings Amanda, Carrie, and Megan, teaming up to open a brewery where they grew up. Three Blondes Brewing is about more than just delicious craft beer with a strong sense of local pride. It is about community and heading here is one of the best things to do in South Haven.
With locally based products used in their brews and wonderful menu, Three Blondes has become the crown jewel of South Haven beer and hospitality. To get into the spirit, try their blonde ale or their popular sugar-infused Imperial IPA.
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Paw Paw Brewing Co, Paw Paw
- Address: 780 S Gremps St, Paw Paw (GPS)
- Style: Taproom / Pub
- Hours: Monday – Thursday (11:00 am – 9:00 pm)
- Website: Link
With its eye-catching yet down-to-earth exterior, Paw Paw Brewing Co initially looks like a simple mom-and-pop shop. But this locally owned and operated brewery is so much more. On the Paw Paw River banks, the brewery has a great range of craft beers, from IPAs to stouts.
As the best brewery in town, Paw Paw lives up to its aim of being a great place to gather, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. Their simple yet scrumptious menu perfectly complements the St. James English Mild or the Paw Paw Wheat.
Tenacity Brewing, Flint
- Address: 119 N Grand Traverse St #5620, Flint (GPS)
- Style: Brewpub
- Hours: Monday – Thursday (4:00 – 10:00 pm) Friday – Saturday (4:00 pm – 12:00 am) Sunday (Closed)
- Website: Link
Tenacity Brewing has long been the go-to for locals as the original brewer in Flint, but anyone traveling through the town should make a beeline for the offbeat pub. Inside what was once a firehouse, the brewery maintains much of its exterior look, but it is all about business on the inside.
Tenacity Brewing is renowned for its creative beers featuring complex but tasty flavors. Popular brews include the Irish Red, Honey IPA, and Tenacity Light.
The Livery, Benton Harbor
- Address: 190 5th St, Benton Harbor (GPS)
- Style: Pub / Brewery / Beer Garden
- Hours: Monday – Thursday (4:00 – 10:00 pm) Friday & Saturday (12:00 pm – 12:00 am) Sunday (12:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
- Website: Link
In what was once an old stable, it is clear how The Livery received its name. With the horses long gone, this brewery is about creating handcrafted microbrews to pair with their wood fire pizza. All up, there are almost two dozen craft beers on tap at any given time, from McGilligan’s IPA to Lotus pale ale and Harbor Shores amber-red ale.
The brewery is also home to a cafe with a great selection of sandwiches and salads. The beer garden is pet-friendly, and you’ll often be treated to delightful live music.
Trail Point Brewing Co, Allendale
- Address: 6035 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale (GPS)
- Style: Taproom
- Hours: Monday – Wednesday (4:00 – 10:00 pm) Thursday (4:00 – 11:00 pm) Friday & Saturday (1:00 pm – 11:00 pm) Sunday (1:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
- Website: Link
By opening Trail Point Brewing Co, founder Gary Knoblock hoped to impact the local community of Allendale. Trail Point has become a Michigan brewery that you should add to your list through a focus on quality and taste.
Their rotating craft brews include the 5 Gallon Pale, Judo Hop, Dr. Peelgood, and Colonel Lushfellow. Paired with a great atmosphere and food trucks almost nightly, Trail Point offers the full brewery experience.
Speciation Artisan Ales & Native Species Winery, Grand Rapids
- Address: 928 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids (GPS)
- Style: Winery / Brewery
- Hours: Monday – Thursday (4:00 pm – 10:00 pm) Friday (4:00 – 11:00 pm) Saturday (12:00 pm – 11:00 pm) Sunday (12:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
- Website: Link
It’s only right that we finish our list of the best Michigan breweries with one of the top brewpubs in Grand Rapids. Special Artisan opened in 2016 and has been serving up crazy beers from foeder-aged, and spontaneously fermented to Lambic style brewing. Many of their drinks are fall inspired, and heading here is a fantastic thing to do in Michigan in the fall.
Their odd style may not be for everyone as the flavors are strong and complex, but it is well worth the venture. Plus, their refreshing wine spritzers help balance everything out.
Michigan Breweries FAQ
What is the most popular beer in Michigan?
This is all subjective, but Two Hearted Ale by Bell’s Brewery is consistently rated as one of the most popular needs in Michigan.
What is the largest brewery in Michigan?
New Holland brewed nearly 50,000 barrels of beer in 2020, making it the state’s largest fully independent craft brewer. Bell’s Brewery Inc in Kalamazoo is the largest brewer recognized nationally.
How many breweries are in Michigan?
There are just over 400 breweries in Michigan, with about 5.5 craft breweries Per capita.
What city in Michigan has the most breweries?
Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo both have a high concentration of breweries, with Grand Rapids being dubbed “Beer City USA.”
What is the oldest brewery in Michigan?
Founded in 1862, the Frankenmuth Brewery is Michigan’s Oldest Microbrewery.
What beer is brewed in Detroit?
The Stroh Brewery Company was a beer brewery in Detroit. Strohs is owned by Pabst. Still, the name is synonymous with Detroit.
Best Michigan Breweries Map
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