Red Hot Best 2021: Northern Michigan’s Top 7 Breweries

A record-breaking 16,000 people voted in MyNorth’s 2021 Red Hot Best Awards, recognizing winners from across seven regions and 46 different categories in Northern Michigan. The categories include everything from healthcare and frontline workers to takeout and hiking trails. This is how we celebrate Northern Michigan! 

Searching for the full winner’s list? Here are the Red Hot Best Winners 2021: The Best of Northern Michigan.

Above the Bridge 

Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub, Paradise

Full of rustic, woodsy Upper Penninsula Michigan charm, Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub is a necessary stop while visiting Tahquamenon Falls. Fill up on delicious pasties, a UP staple, and try one of several types of beers brewed on-site. The indoor atmosphere reflects the beauty and natural landscape that sits just outside of the microbrewery’s doors – you just might not want to leave! 

Benzie & Leelanau 

Hop Lot Brewing Co., Suttons Bay

Experience one-of-a-kind microbrewing right off of M-22 at this year-round beer garden in the woods. Reserve your own igloo during the winter or grab a seat next to a fire pit and stay warm with one of their delicious craft beers on tap! With plenty of delicious small plates available and a beer for just about every taste palette, a good time is nearly guaranteed at Hop Lot! 

View the full list of Benzie and Leelanau Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.

Related Read: Have You Seen Hop Lot Brewing Co.’s Remodeled Beer Garden? It’s Amazing.

Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington 

Ludington Bay Brewing Co., Ludington

Ludington Bay Brewing Co. is all about local. Striving to locally source their ingredients and materials, Ludington Bay brews their beer right on the shores of Lake Michigan in downtown Ludington. A brewery with a more modern industrial atmosphere, you can order one of the 20-24 brews on tap daily while enjoying the outdoor patio deck in the summer. Dogs are welcome! 

View the full list of Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington Red Hot Best winners.

Charlevoix & the Chain of Lakes 

Short’s Brewing Company, Bellaire

Although they have since grown into one of the largest brewing companies in Michigan, Short’s Brewery Company has not forgotten the hands-on, mom-and-pop shop approach to brewing that got them started. Enjoy live music, delicious pub eats, and plenty of fun when you visit Shorts and order one of the 20 made-in-house beers on tap. Feel free to purchase and take home as many bottles, cans, growlers, or half-gallon jugs that will fit in your car! 

View the full list of Charlevoix & Chain of Lakes region Red Hot Best winners.

Gaylord, Kalkaska & Grayling 

Paddle Hard Brewing, Grayling

Just two blocks away from the kayaking haven on the AuSable river sits Paddle Hard Brewing; a woodsy-industrial chic gastropub in the heart of downtown Grayling. Whether you come via car, kayak, or snowmobile, Paddle Hard’s 20 taps featuring in-house and regional craft beers and unique artisan flatbreads make it a must-stop destination. 

View the full list of Gaylord, Kalkaska and Grayling Red Hot Best winners to find the best golf courses, events and more.

Petoskey, Harbor Springs & The Straits

Petoskey Brewing, Petoskey

Located inside a historic brewing building built circa 1898, Petoskey Brewing decided to get the beer flowing again by opening another brewing company and restaurant inside the very same building in 2012. Their industrial taproom right off of M-119 serves up unique in-house craft beers and some of the best burgers in Northern Michigan.

Looking for the best beaches, wineries and more? View the full list of Petoskey, Harbor Springs and The Straits Red Hot Best winners.

Traverse City 

The Filling Station Microbrewery, Traverse City

This flatbread-microbrewery combo inside of a historic train depot is a favorite among Traverse City natives and tourists alike. Order from delicious wood-fired flatbread pizzas and the 20 microbrews on tap, both made from the freshest ingredients possible. 

Searching for more of Traverse City’s top beaches, breweries and more? View the full Traverse City Red Hot Best winners list.