10 Breweries You Have to Try in Metro Detroit

The craft beer craze is sweeping Michigan and it is clear the mitten was made for handcrafting some of the best brews in the land. Bolstered by the Great Lakes and nurtured by the glacier-rich soil, here awaits a brewer's paradise. With countless varieties of styles and tastes, Detroit is on tap to pour your new favorite.

 

1. Atwater Brewery – Downtown Detroit

Located in Detroit’s Rivertown district, few breweries offer a drinking experience quite as unique as you’ll find at Atwater. In the corner of the brewing warehouse is a small bar and selection of taps, including their famous Dirty Blonde, among others — great for a full immersion in Michigan brewing culture.

 

2. Detroit Beer Company – Downtown Detroit

For those of you who enjoy microbrews and baseball, the Detroit Beer Co. is located within easy walking distance to Comerica Park, so you can try some of Michigan’s finest before heading into the ballgame, including the People Mover Porter and the Detroit Dwarf.

 

3. Jolly Pumpkin – Midtown Detroit

This Michigan staple is in bustling Midtown Detroit. Pair your craft brew with truffle fries – you won’t be disappointed. During the warmer months, enjoy the patio and the people-watching.

 

4. Motor City Brewing Works – Midtown Detroit

If the name Ghettoblaster doesn’t ring a bell, it should. Stop by this Midtown hotspot for a pint and for one of their famous brick oven pizzas. The hard ciders are also top-notch, as well as the top-level outdoor porch seating.

 

5. Woodward Avenue Brewers – Ferndale

The WAB, as it’s called by Ferndale locals, sits just north of 8 Mile and serves beers ranging from a Detroit Maiden IPA to the Woodward Avenue Blonde and a Passenger Porter to seasonal brews.

 

6. B. Nektar Meadery – Ferndale

OK, so mead isn’t beer, but it’s in the ballpark. This Ferndale institution is a must-see for any beer connoisseur, with mead recipes that will amaze and delight. The tasting room has limited weekend hours, but bottles are sold widely through the region.

 

7. Royal Oak Brewery – Royal Oak

Located in the heart of downtown Royal Oak, Royal Oak Brewery is known as much for their beer as they are for their food and the atmosphere. Order a Pappy’s Porch Sippin’ Porter to go along with an order of Brewer’s Bread, and take an outdoor seat on the back deck.

 

8. Dragonmead Microbrewery – Warren

Widely regarded as one of Michigan’s best microbreweries, Dragonmead’s unassuming exterior in Warren holds the mystery of medieval- and fantasy-inspired beer recipes, including a Dragonslayer Altbier, Lancelot’s Cream Ale, and the Final Absolution Belgian Style Trippel.

 

9. Rochester Mills Beer Co. – Rochester

Clean beer varieties such as the Lazy Daze Lager and Pleszures Pale Ale, as well as their menu of American-style food, have earned this brewery a reputation as another one of Detroit’s great neighborhood bars.

 

10. Liberty Street Brewing Company – Plymouth

Arguably the best come-as-you-are neighborhood brewery in metro Detroit, Liberty Street Brewing specializes in small-batch beers and keeps hard ciders on the menu as well. Liberty Street has a limited food menu but allows patrons to order in from restaurants around Plymouth. Where everybody knows your name …

 

As an honorable mention, Nancy Whiskey, a bar with Irish shenanigans 365 days a year, knows how to have a good time. Seating is limited, but once you’re in, you won’t leave until closing time! Live bands rock out the night with old party favorites. This family-run bar invites you in the minute you step foot inside.