Traverse City, Michigan: Top 6 Craft Breweries
- Lindsay & Justin
- Feb 17, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 11
Traverse City is a northern Michigan city home to the ultimate trifecta of Noms, Brews, & Views. With delicious wineries, breweries, breathtaking peninsulas, tropical waters, and magnificent beaches, this Midwest city has much to offer for any vacation. Below outlines six Traverse City breweries we believe to be a must-visit.
1. Hop Lot Brewing Company
Recommended Brew: The North Porter [Porter 7.0% ABV]
One of the coolest breweries in the area, located alongside the scenic M-22 with an awesome beer garden and patio. Located among the North Woods with firepits, igloos, and live music, Hop Lot is fun any time of year. We recommend trying The North Porter. With deep roasts and hits of chocolate, this porter will keep you feeling cozy next to the bonfire.
J&L Recommended: Amazing atmosphere
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2. Lake Ann Brewing Company
Recommended Brew: Jungle Fungus [IPA 5.3% ABV]
If you are looking for a brewery that will give you the classic "up north" feel, Lake Ann is the place to go! Specializing in American ales, meads, ciders, and wines, Lake Ann has an option for everyone. Grab a burger or pizza from the neighboring Stone Oven restaurant and head over to Lake Ann's outdoor beer garden where they host regular summer concerts. There is no better place up north to enjoy great beer and live music! Try their flagship IPA, Jungle Fungus, made with Mosaic and Simcoe hops and citrus notes.
J&L Recommended: Classic "up north" experience
3. Cherry Republic Brewing Company
Recommended Brew: Big Bad Apple [Cider 6.9% ABV]
Big Bad Apple is a semi-dry cider made with, of course, Michigan cherries. A one-of-a-kind Michigan cider perfectly paired with any outdoor activity. Cherry Republic is not just a microbrewery, but also a winery, bakery and overall Michigan cherry shop born from the cherry orchards of Leelanau County. A quaint little village in Glen Arbor, stop at the Great Hall to sample over 200 types of cherry products or the Public House for brews and cherry-inspired meals. Much more than a microbrewery, Cherry Republic is fun for the whole family!
Tip: Check out the Olympic sized pit spitting arena!
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4. Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant & Brewery
Recommended Brew: A Division of Magnitude [Sour 6.6% ABV]
Jolly Pumpkin is one of our favorites! With several locations throughout Michigan, each has their own charm and character. The Traverse City Jolly Pumpkin on Old Mission Peninsula is a beautiful restaurant with "up north" character, outdoor dining, and views of the magnificent Grand Traverse Bay. Don't just take our word for it, this brewery was rated the 4th best brewery in the nation in USA Today's 2018 brewpub rankings! Try their popular sour, A Division of Magnitude, with grapefruit, white grape, peach and papaya!
Awards: rated the 4th best brewery in the nation!
5. The Filling Station Microbrewery
Recommended Brew: Iron Junction Bourbon Stout [Imperial/Double Stout 9.5% ABV]
Located along a railway and right off of the TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) bike path & Boardman River bike path, this brewery has unique tasty brews and delicious pizza to pair! We recommend trying the rocket pizza, which was incredible down to the very last bite! If room left over, you may also consider having their dessert pizzas, such as the S'more Caboose. With knowledgably, friendly, and helpful staff, this microbrewery is high on our list whenever traveling close to the Traverse City area. Brew lovers may be interested in trying the Iron Junction Bourbon Stout which has been aged in oak barrels for 3 months. This stout is chocolatey, sweet, smooth, and delicious.
Tip: This brewery is alongside a bike trail so easy to add to your next bike & brew!
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6. North Peak Brewing Company
Recommended Brew: Diabolical [IPA 6.66% ABV]
North Peak Brewing Company is located downtown Traverse City in an industrial building remodel, giving it charm and character. A full service restaurant with tasty food options as well as brews, we would recommend heading here earlier in the day before it gets packed. While you are here, be sure to try the Diabolical, a dry-hopped IPA made with Michigan grown Chinook and Cascade hops, containing a citrus pine aroma.
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Any questions on planning your trip to Traverse City? Let us know in the comments below, we respond to every single one 👇
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