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Ann Arbor beer’s history dates back to the 1800s, when the city’s German immigrant population established several small breweries. Despite this early success, Ann Arbor’s beer industry would suffer through Prohibition from 1920 until 1933, when President Franklin Roosevelt signed an act legalizing alcohol again. With prohibition over and America ready to drink again, local breweries began to open up once again in Ann Arbor.
We’ve put together a list of our favorites. If you’re looking for a new spot for your next happy hour or a weekend night out, these breweries are sure to have something for you.
1. HOMES Brewery
If you’re into hop-forward ales and sour beers, HOMES Brewery is the place to visit. It’s located on Jackson Avenue and features an industrial style building with vibrant taprooms decorated with colorful graphic arts, ample indoor seating, and a beer garden. You can find 8 to 14 beers on tap along with gluten-free options and Asian-inspired street foods on their menu. In addition to beer, HOMES Brewing Company also offers hard seltzer and other drinks from their sister company Smooj. With the opening of HOMES Campus—a café, restaurant, and event place—this brewery becomes one of the local’s gathering hotspots.
- Crowd Favorite: Same Same Different IPA, 6.8% ABV. A full-bodied Indian Pale Ale with refreshing citrus and tropical flavors.
- Highly Recommended: Metaform, Sour, 6% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: HOMES does not accept table reservations.
- Fun Fact: HOMES Brewery’s name represents the five great lakes, Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.
Hours: Open Tue-Thur 4pm–11pm, Fri & Sat 11am–12am, Sun 11am–10pm, Mon Closed
Address: 2321 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Contact: 734-954-6637 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
2. Jolly Pumpkin Brewery
This funky brewpub in the Main Street neighborhood offers tasty rustic beers and serves high-quality foods with vegetarian options! Jolly Pumpkin specializes in Belgian-style beers and sour ales and is famous for its truffle fries and pizza. This brewery has a two-story taproom with plenty of indoor seating, two bars, and a rooftop deck. The cozy, dark, and warm interior exude a classic and intimate vibe where you can enjoy 16 rotating beers on taps or handcrafted cocktails at the bar. You can also hang out at their rooftop patio during warm months.
- Crowd Favorite: Oro de Calabaza, Belgian Ale, 8% ABV. A strong Golden Ale with peppery and spicy notes.
- Highly Recommended: Bam Biere, Farmhouse Ale, 4.5% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Jolly Pumpkin rooftop patio opened at 4 pm, make sure to come early to grab a seat.
Hours: Open Tue-Thur 4pm–10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm–12am, Sun & Mon 12pm–10pm
Address: 311 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Contact: 734-913-2730 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
3. Wolverine State Brewing Co.
This Ann Arbor brewery offers more than just a place to drink but a community gathering spot for its laid-back atmosphere. Wolverine State Brewing is Michigan’s first microbrewery dedicated to producing crisp and clear lagers, smoked BBQ, and some of the best nachos in town—all perfect for eating while enjoying the brewery’s award-winning beers.
This brewery also features a game room, live music, TVs for sports events, and mouth-watering food. If you are looking for a place to throw a party, Wolverine State also has a private event space called the Gulo Room which can accommodate up to 51 persons.
- Crowd Favorite: Massacre, Dark Lager, 14.5% ABV. A full-bodied Imperial dark lager with notes of dark chocolate and aged in Bourbon barrels.
- Highly Recommended: Gulo Gulo, Lager, 6.7% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Wolverine State offers brewery tours, both private and public.
Hours: Open Tue-Thur 3pm–10pm, Fri 3pm-11pm, Sat 12pm–11pm, Sun 12pm-9pm, Mon Closed
Address: 2019 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Contact: 734-369-2990 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
4. Grizzly Peak Brewing Co.
Since 1995, this century-old brewery has provided tasty craft beers, delicious foods, and a cozy place to hang out. Nestled in downtown Ann Arbor’s historic German restaurant building, the Grizzly Peak Brewery offers visitors a comfortable atmosphere that combines fine dining with a friendly staff.
The brewery serves five to six rotating beers on tap at any time and sells crowlers of its signature brews—a great way to take your favorite beer home with you! If you’re not much of a beer drinker but still want to hang out at the brewery, head downstairs for wine by the glass or bottle.
- Crowd Favorite: Steelhead Red, Red Ale, 5.5% ABV. A malt-forward red ale with notes of caramel and a sweet finish.
- Highly Recommended: Urban Warbear, IPA, 5.5 % ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Grizzly Brewing Company accepts reservations for indoor seating, but the outdoor patio works on a first-come, first-serve basis. Brewery tours are offered as well.
Hours: Open Sun-Thur 12pm–10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm–12am
Address: 120 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Contact: 734-741-7325 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
5. Townies Brewery
Townies Brewery is a new addition to Ann Arbor’s craft brewing scene with an industrial-style taproom and an inviting interior. This brewery is a popular spot for those who enjoy their drinks, featuring a cozy and relaxing outdoor patio and beer garden. Serving more than a dozen beers on taps, wines, ciders, and seltzers, this brewery appeals to a wide range of alcoholic drinkers.
The brewery is also a neighborhood gathering place for sports game enthusiasts, where they have large TVs and themed night events. Come here with your friends to watch the big game on their screens! This brewery is dog-friendly and has an outdoor patio. It has a warm atmosphere and is easily one of Ann Arbor’s best spots!
- Crowd Favorite: Three Dog Night IPA, 7% ABV. A medium-bodied IPA with notes of pineapple, orange, and peach.
- Highly Recommended: The Norseman, Porter, 6.4% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Townies Brewery also serves bar bites, nachos, and tacos. Food trucks are also available on schedule.
- Fun Fact: Townies Brewery’s building is the former Glasshouse Brewery.
Hours: Open Tue & Wed 4pm-10pm, Thur 4pm–11pm, Fri 4pm-12pm, Sat 12pm–12am, Sun 12pm-7pm, Mon Closed
Address: 2350 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Contact: 734-355-2827 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
6. Mothfire Brewing Company
Mothfire Brewing is a collaboration of beer enthusiasts who turn their passion for homegrown beer into a great addition to Ann Arbor’s craft beer scene. The brewery features a warehouse-style modern taproom with garage doors that can be rolled out during nice weather, allowing guests to enjoy their brew in the fresh air. They have limited indoor seating with old barrels used as tables and expansive outdoor seating, where you can enjoy your beer on the patio or lawn. Due to the limited opening schedule, this brewery offers an intimate vibe where you can chill out after a long day at work and enjoy their small batches of tasty craft beer.
- Crowd Favorite: Lolo IPA, 6.5% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Luna Daze, IPA, 7.2% ABV.
- Fun Fact: Mothfire Brewing is formerly known as Pileated Brewery.
Hours: Open Thur-Sat 5pm–9pm, Sun-Wed Closed
Address: 2290 S Industrial Hwy, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Contact: 734-369-6290 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
7. Blue Tractor BBQ and Brewery
Blue Tractor Brewery is one of the best places in Ann Arbor to eat American cuisine and barbecue, serving delectable foods, including exquisite smoked barbecue and a selection of artisan brews. Featuring a rustic industrial vibe taproom with butcher shop-style artwork on the walls and a dark ceiling interior furnished with reclaimed wood walls and furnishings. The brewery has a casual and cozy atmosphere. With ten beers on tap, you can choose a variety of brews while enjoying the barbeque at the same time if you come by on the right day.
- Crowd Favorite: Bumper Craft IPA, 6.8% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Pitmaster’s Porter, 5.3% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: The Mash Bar is located in the basement of the Blue Tractor and offers live music, cocktails, and spirits!
Hours: Open Mon-Thur 3pm–10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-10pm
Address: 207 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Contact: 734-222-4095 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
8. Biercamp
Located at South State Street, Biercamp is not your usual microbrewery serving artisan meat, cheese, jerky, and house-brewed craft beer! They specialize in small batches of 10 tasty beers on tap freshly brewed to complement their meat choices. This microbrewery is also a neighborhood favorite, serving as a drinking hub and a place to eat. Located near the center of town and has ample indoor seating and an expansive outdoor patio. Using patio heaters, you can enjoy your food and drink comfortably on the outdoor patio during cold weather. Don’t forget to try their brats and smothered tater tots; they’re delicious!
- Crowd Favorite: Vienna IPA, 6.8% ABV.
- Highly Recommended: Helles Alt, Lager, 5.8% ABV.
- Hop-py Note: Biercamp is a pet-friendly brewery that offers vegan and gluten-free options on its menu.
Hours: Open Wed-Sat 11am–7pm, Sun 11am-5pm, Mon & Tue Closed
Address: 1643 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Contact: 734-995-2437 | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Brewpubs and Beer Bars in Ann Arbor!
Another way to enjoy Ann Arbor’s craft beer scene is to visit its famous brewpubs and beer bars! Below is the list of the best in Ann Arbor!
- Bill’s Beer Garden (Instagram | 218 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104)
- Ashley’s Ann Arbor (Instagram | 338 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI)
- The Session Room (Instagram | 3685 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI)
- Rappourt Brew & Chew (Instagram | 2721 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105)
