Traverse City, which Draft Magazine named “one of 3 emerging beer towns,” boasts 11 microbreweries across town from eclectic to traditional. Check out the list of Traverse City microbreweries below for a taste of the beer scene. (Click here for tons more about northern Michigan beer)
Brewery Ferment
511 S. Union St. | Traverse City
Located in Old Town, Brewery Ferment has five flagship beers on draft along with rotating specialties and bottled conditioned beers. They offer a small menu of bar snacks, and outside food is welcome. This boutique brewery has picnic table-seating on the front sidewalk and also features handmade beer gear, including hop jewels, beer-inspired Michigan apparel, designer dresses and recycled grain bag accessories.
Brewery Terra Firma
2959 Hartman Rd. | Traverse City
An airy tasting room vibe with a full-on microbrew pub selection, you may sample beers, enjoy locally-made snacks and/or bring your own food with you. There is seating for 60 inside as well as six picnic tables out on the patio. Take home growlers are also available. Check out this Q&A with founder & head brewer John Niedermaier.
Earthen Ales
1371 Gray Dr., Suite 200 | Traverse City
Earthen Ales is a brewery and taproom located “under the water tower” at the historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons. The husband-and-wife brewing team serves up innovative and well-balanced beers with a sense of place. Snacks are available or get a bite to eat from one of the neighboring restaurants.
Jolly Pumpkin
13512 Peninsula Dr. | Traverse City
The Jolly Pumpkin, Restaurant, Brewery, and Distillery takes great pride in their beers and production methods, focusing on open fermentation, oak aging, and bottle conditioning. Not only is their process of brewing beer an art, but they are also known for their artistic labels as well. Check out this Q&A with founder and brewmaster Ron Jeffries.
Mackinaw Brewing Company
161 E. Front St. | Traverse City
Mackinaw Brewing was the first brewpub to open in downtown Traverse City and specializes in hand-crafted brews, delicious smoked meats from its on-site smokehouse, and a fun relaxing atmosphere. Lunch and dinner are served all day.
Monkey Fist Brewing Co.
329 E. State St. | Traverse City
Traverse City’s newest brewery Monkey Fist is located, along with several eateries and shops, in the indoor State Street Marketplace. This craft brewery and taproom brews on-site. Patio seating is available along State Street. Check out this inside look at the State Street Marketplace and Monkey Fist Brewing Co.
North Peak Brewing Company
400 W. Front St. | Traverse City
North Peak Brewing Company always has several different brews on tap daily with their award-winning handcrafted beer brewed on-site, plus a full bar. Join them for lunch or dinner, and enjoy live music on the deck when the weather warms.
Rare Bird Brewpub
229 Lake Ave. | Traverse City
The Rare Bird Brewpub’s mission it to provide an unsurpassed dining and drinking experience in Traverse City. Along with their foods, you can enjoy their unique brews, such as Afternoon Delight Cream Alea, Pants Party American Pale Ale or their Schadenfreude Chocolate Milk Stout. Check out this Q&A with head brewer Tina Schuett.
Right Brain Brewery
225 E. 16th St. | Traverse City
The beer selection is constantly rotating, serving 15 to 25 of their own craft beers on tap at all times. Right Brain, which is just south of downtown Traverse City, serves appetizers, sliders (Fridays & Saturdays) and their signature Waffle Sandwiches. Check out this Q&A with head brewer Nick Panchamé.
The Filling Station Microbrewery
642 Railroad Pl. | Traverse City
The Filling Station features a rotating list of at least 10 craft beers, along with their wood-fired flatbread pizzas and fresh salads. Located just off the TART Trail in the railroad district of Traverse City with a view of Boardman Lake.
The Workshop Brewing Company
221 Garland St. | Traverse City
With their motto of “Nature. Community. Craft.” the Workshop Brewing Company offers their “old-fandangled” brews that are paired up nicely with their “One-Handers,” convenient-sized sandwiches that fit in one hand. Soups, salads, and a fantastic kids menu are also available. Across from the Open Space. Here’s a Q&A with founder Pete Kirkwood.