Hidden Gem Breweries Worth a Pint in Michigan

Discover the hidden gem breweries in Michigan, from Southeast to Northern Michigan, each offering unique beers and experiences. The Craft Grille in Livonia and Mothfire Brewing Co. in Ann Arbor are just a couple of the many must-visit breweries.

Southeast Michigan

The Brewing & Distillation Technology program at Schoolcraft College has been winning awards for years, and they have been doing it with three flagship beers: 275 Kolsch-Style, Haggerty IPA and College Pale Ale. Seasonal rotations also make the list, as well as a selection of wines and craft mocktails. Beers to-go are available for purchase.

Mothfire Brewing Co. – Ann Arbor Opening their brewery and taproom in 2023, Mothfire Brewing is really coming into its own and making some of the state’s best beers. The IPAs are all favorites (Luna Daze, Simi and LoLo Lit Haze), but watch out for imperials in Two James bourbon barrels and their series of Berliner Weisse Sour Ales.

Ogma Brewing Co. – Jackson Located in downtown Jackson, the owners like to say they are “delightfully different and dangerously delicious.” Along with about six beers on tap (Doom Claw IPA and Hellion Wølv dark lager are highly recommended), they offer a stellar food menu, including braised beef nachos, Polish fried rice, spicy sushi bowl, Sunday brunch items and more.

East Central Michigan

Oracle Brewing Co. – Saginaw Located in the heart of Old City Saginaw, Oracle opened in 2017 and since then has helped establish the local scene. Fans are loving their C-Beans coffee stout with seven variations, including a Bourbon Imperial aged in Valentine Mayor Pingree Bourbon Barrel. Oracle Brewing Co. also gives back to their community with their Saginawesome blonde ale recently raising money for local charities.

Loggers Brewing Co. – Saginaw Ever have a Nutella Doppelbock? Throw in popular takes on lagers, IPAs and the popular Tittabawassee Brown with local coffee, as well as Shandys (winter and Cherry Lemon), and you have another reason to visit Saginaw. They also offer a wide variety of fruit wines (watermelon, rhubarb, elderberry, peach, to name a few) by the pour and craft sodas.

Three Bridges Distillery & Taproom – Midland Cocktails, beer, seltzers, spirits, shandys, wine and even shots make up a huge menu that also includes wood-fired pizzas. Located only a few blocks from Dow Diamond (home of the Great Lakes Loons baseball team), this is a perfect spot before or after a game. We recommend the Belgian witbier or the tasty Spruce Tip ale.

Mi Element Grains and Grounds – Midland They use Michigan grains in their beer. They use the spent grains in their bakery. And they use Michigan coffee in their shop. They also feature at least two live entertainment acts each night. What’s not to love about this place? Although they only have about four beers on tap, you can’t go wrong with the Pint of Gratitude IPA or the anniversary collaboration with the Midland Daily News called Red All Over.

West Central Michigan

Archival Brewing – Grand Rapids Along with an elevated food menu, co-owner Levi Knoll is single-handedly pioneering “historical beers.” He researches a style, he creates the beer and then he puts it on tap. At times he might be the only brewery in the country making the beer. Recently we loved his Finnish farmhouse ale made with fresh juniper berries and anything from his S.M.A.S.H. (Single Malt, Single Hop) series. Archival Brewing is located on a former golf course with a spacious patio.

Kuster Brauhaus – Grand Rapids The brainchild of Dave Ringler, who a few years ago launched a popular German brewery in Cedar Springs, brings the same love for great beer to the booming west side of Grand Rapids. Though it offers many of the same beers, as well as a scaled down menu, the German beer hall vibe is unmatched. The Küsterer Märzen could be one of the best in the U.S.

Burzurk Brewing – Grand Haven Opened in 2020, this funky taproom has fostered an inclusive space known for lively conversation, great food trucks and a tap list of at least 10 beers, as well as a cider and seltzer. The No. 1 seller is Kickin’ the Donkey, a Mexican lager that the locals can’t get enough of.

Greyline Brewing Co. – Grand Rapids Opening in 2015, Greyline is not necessarily new to Grand Rapids, but over the years it has stuck to its original concept of not getting too big and remaining a neighborhood brewery. Along with live entertainment and a regular crowd, the brewery just keeps making exceptional beer. We recommend: Mosacca IPA, Solshine Wheat and Kona Brown, a coffee ale named after the brewery’s beloved dog.

Third Nature Brewing Company – Rockford This outdoor biergarten, which opened in 2019, is known for its vibe, food and beer. They’re not afraid to try something new, creating a juicy South Korean IPA (Jeju IPA) and their beloved Cukes of Hazzard, a German Hefeweizen that tastes as refreshing as it sounds.

Southwest Michigan

Seedz Brewing – Union Pier This small-batch brewery surprised a lot of people in early 2024 when a national publication named it Best New Brewery in America. It’s easy to see why. Not only do they use locally sourced ingredients, they create an experience. Each pour of their Czech- and German-style lagers take about 5-7 minutes, which creates a frothy head and memorable taste.

River St. Joe – Buchanan Located on the beautiful, certified organic Flatwater Farms, River St. Joe is a farmstead brewery destination that offers a picturesque setting with ingredients grown right on the farm. Along with an extensive food menu, the brewery utilizes 15 hop varieties for a wide range of beers, from sour and wild ales to saisons and porters. The blueberry shandy is made with homemade lemonade. A beautiful destination.

Northern Michigan

Biere de Mac Brew Works – Mackinaw City The brainchild of father-and-son team George and Danny Ranville has grown steadily since opening in 2017 with their popular and oh so tasty Blueberry Wheat beer. It makes up nearly two-thirds of their distribution. But in the tap room they shine with artisan French/Belgian beers, including their award-winning Fleur de