Breweries In Detroit Area: Where to Visit
The Motor City has been making a comeback over the past decade, in more ways than one. So let’s talk about the beer scene, which officially began at the end of 1992, when Traffic Jam became the first brew-pub in the state of Michigan. Although I’m not sure what Frankenmuth Brewery has been considered all these years, so that may be another post. We’ve had some good times visiting breweries in Detroit area, and I have a feeling there will be many more.
Summer of 2019 we spent a day visiting several breweries around Detroit, along with Two James Distillery, Henry the Hatter hat shop, and American Coney Island.
Breweries in Detroit
Batch Brewing Co
What better way to start off, than with our favorite?? Both Matt and I agree Batch Brewing has been the best brewery we’ve visited IN Detroit.
From the Corktown location, the atmosphere, the brews, and even the food, Batch Brewing has it all. Be sure to try their beer slushies, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised! Even Matt like them.
As for the food, plan to come hungry. During our first visit, we tried the Batch Pretzel, Chorizo Dip, Nachos, and Tacos.
Eastern Market Brewing Co
A brewery that may have started out as just something fun to do, has turned into the epitome of everything Detroit stands for. Eastern Market Brewing prides themselves on choosing a location known for brewing history. Building relationships with community vendors at Eastern Market has allowed them to utilize local ingredients, something that means a lot to them. Both the brews and atmosphere were great, and we hope to get back again! Maybe on a day the market is open.
Founders Detroit Taproom
Back in summer of 2018, we went out for a night to the Founders Brewing Tap Room in Detroit. Just a block away from the new Little Caesars Arena, home to both the Red Wings, and the Pistons. Happy we were able to get in to check it out, since we weren’t able to get seats at the main location in Grand Rapids. But sadly, this location is now CLOSED.
Summer and outdoor seating at it’s best in Michigan. It was a great time, but I have to admit, I am a bigger fan of the smaller breweries and their uniqueness.
Breweries in Detroit Area
Dearborn
Dearborn Brewing
Right on Michigan Ave, in Downtown West Dearborn, my sister and I stopped in during summer of 2019. Every beer we tried, we liked! Thanks to our wonderful beertender, we even liked some we never would have tasted. During conversation with our beertender, I even found out we attended mission trips through the same organization.
In addition to the friendly atmosphere, it’s great to see them supporting local artists in multiple ways. Dearborn Brewing Mug Club mugs are beautiful artistic glasses, the wooden flight boards are made by another local artist. I actually met him that night. Also, there are chalk walls for anyone to show off their talent.
Downey Brewing
Hands Down, our favorite brewery around the Detroit area. Each time we’re up in Michigan, we make it a point to stop in. You can read all about why we love this place so much in our Downey Brewing Company Review.
Plymouth
Arbor Brewing Company
Arbor Brewing has a home location in Ann Arbor, but you can also find them about a 30 minute drive west of Detroit. Not knowing much about Arbor Brewing before meeting up with friends, it turned out to be a great place!
Another place you may want to come to hungry, the food is excellent! The pulled pork, and tortilla soup were so good, and some of the best chicken tenders I’ve ever had. I know, chicken tenders may not be anything special, but when you can make them significantly better than what everyone else makes, that means something.
Wyandotte
Wyandotte Beer Company
Another place you may want to come to hungry, the food is excellent! The pulled pork, and tortilla soup were so good, and some of the best chicken tenders I’ve ever had. I know, chicken tenders may not be anything special, but when you can make them significantly better than what everyone else makes, that means something.
Bucketlist Breweries in Detroit
Atwater Brewery
Atwater Brewery was originally founded with the intent to bring back a lager made famous by Stroh’s Brewing Company, the first mass produced beer in Detroit.
With several locations in Detroit, we’ve heard great things about them. Hoping to get there this summer, and take in the sights and tastes on their rooftop bar.
Brew Detroit
Not too far from Batch Brewing in Corktown, Brew Detroit packs a pretty impressive brewery resume with it’s employees. Also, knowing their relationship with Batch, I’m sure it’s another brewery we will love. With a beer named Campin’ Beer, I’m certainly intrigued!
Detroit Beer Company
You can find Detroit Beer Co a short walk from both Comerica Park, home of the Tigers, and Ford Field, home of of Lions.
Not a brewery I’ve actually heard much about, but we’d still love to check it out. Maybe we’ll get to a Tiger game next time we’re in town!
Motor City Brewing Works
Final Thoughts on Breweries in Detroit Area
Our bucketlist is only compiled of breweries in Detroit, because it would become a very long list to name them all in the area. When we get back to visit Michigan in the summers, it does make me miss living there. Summers in Michigan are great!
You always look like you’re having the best times wherever you go! I don’t drink beer, but your travels are so much fun. The food here looks amazing! I would love to try the chorizo dip since I grew up eating chorizo.
Thank you so much!! Makes me happy to know it comes across that way. That’s my goal!!
What a fun way to tour Detroit! Those flights look like they have some great beers!!
Best part is hanging out with family!!
Hard to beat a great set of breweries! Detroit is definitely not the place that immediately jumps to my mind.
I can understand why, but now you know they have a lot to offer!!
Cool idea….Beer Slushies!! Sounds like the Detroit area is certainly a draw for beer lovers!
It’s always so lovely to see a city making a comeback. Craft breweries seem to have popped up every where. Tampa has huge craft brew scene, and my little town has 7 or 8 breweries in it! Kinda crazy!
Wow, I had no idea that Detroit had so many breweries. I still haven’t been to Michigan but when I go, we will have to check some of these out!