In 2024, breweries are much more than just a place to drink beer.
In fact, a portion of the brewery clientele these days don’t even touch the stuff. They’re visiting for great food, gorgeous patios, fun games, hopping events, and even cocktails. We still love craft beer in West Michigan, don’t get us wrong, but that alone is no longer enough to get most people off the couch, so the offerings keep expanding.
That said, we wanted to highlight just a few of the local breweries who are going above and beyond beer to be a pillar of the community. Here’s our guide to taprooms with not just excellent brews, but food, events and other perennial draws as well.
Harmony Brewing Co.
1551 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids
At Harmony, it’s not just about the pizza (though, let’s be honest, their wood-fired pies are reason enough to visit). The vibe here is warm, inviting, and perfectly suited for an evening spent outside on the patio. On Second Saturdays, grab a brew and a slice, and stick around for the open jazz jam—an opportunity for players to call tunes and play with the house band, and for everyone else to sit back and enjoy the music.
Saugatuck Brewing Co.
2948 Blue Star Hwy, Douglas / 140 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo / 2004 Lake Michigan Dr., Grand Rapids
If you love options as much as you love beer, Saugatuck Brewing’s trio of locations has you covered. Like a trusty road trip playlist, their beers offer a little something for everyone, whether you’re chilling by the water in Saugatuck, exploring Kalamazoo, or hitting the bustling scene in Grand Rapids (in what was formerly known as Creston Brewing). The great part of multiple locations is that you can find your favorites, like the Oval Beach Blonde or bold Bonfire Brown, all over.
Old Mill Brewpub & Grill
717 E Bridge St., Plainwell
Step back in time at Old Mill, where history is literally built into the walls. Set in a beautifully restored mill built in 1869, this brewery oozes charm and character, with exposed brick and rustic beams. The four-story building was once the largest buckwheat flour mill in the country. Of course, they also have tasty food and a wide variety of craft brews!
City Built Brewing Co.
820 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids
City Built isn’t just a brewery—it’s a community hub. From the welcoming atmosphere to the kid-friendly menu, it’s a place for everyone. Their Puerto Rican-inspired dishes like yuca fries, fried plantains and tacos are the perfect accompaniment to their creative brews. The tap list has a lot of variety, from lagers to fruited sours to porters—not to mention a number of zero-proof (aka non-alcoholic) options! Plus, you can eat your food outside to enjoy a view of the Grand River.
Speciation Artisan Ales
3721 Laramie Dr. NE, Comstock Park
There’s always something brewing at Speciation—and it’s not just the beer. Their calendar is packed with events, from bird trivia to nature nights to mobile saunas and more, with their wild ales and natural wines front and center. Their patio is the ideal spot to kick back and sip on something experimental while enjoying food from the in-house kitchen, Oso Provisions.
Broad Leaf Local Beer
2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, Kentwood / 443 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids
Broad Leaf is like a playground for adults, with pickleball courts at the Kentwood location and arcade games at the Westside location. It’s not just beer they’re brewing here; they’re also shaking up house-made cocktails and serving spirits that take your night to a whole new level. And the Westside location has a rotating kitchen with local chefs, plus extreme milkshakes from Shake Party, not to mention the spacious, beautiful patio right downtown.
Pigeon Hill Brewing Co.
500 W Western Ave, Muskegon
Nestled in Muskegon, Pigeon Hill is all about blending beer with good times. Head to their Brewer’s Lounge to get casually competitive, whether it’s a round of darts or kicking back with a board game. Or check out Socibowl, which has duckpin bowling, darts, pinball, and oversized yard games. It’s “a big kids’ wonderland.” Pair that with a constant rotation of events—live music, trivia, and more—and it’s a place where you can let loose and enjoy life one pint at a time.
Bell’s Brewery
355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo
Bell’s isn’t just a brewery—it’s a destination. Known for their iconic brews (Two Hearted, anyone?), they also throw some of the biggest concerts around. Their expansive outdoor space is made for summer, where you can grab a taproom-exclusive beer and groove to live music as the sun dips below the horizon. And the food is excellent, to boot!
Short’s Brewing Co.
121 N. Bridge St., Bellaire
In the picturesque town of Bellaire, Short’s is as much an experience as it is a brewery. Famous for pushing the boundaries of beer-making, you’ll find inventive flavors that you won’t get anywhere else. A trip here feels like a mini-vacation (and if you’re up in Bellaire, you’re likely on vacation), complete with friendly faces and an always-electric atmosphere. We’re excited for February, the “Short’s-est Month,” kicking off the brewery’s 21st anniversary campaign.
Wax Wings Brewing Co.
3480 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo
Rustic, intimate, and brimming with charm, Wax Wings is Kalamazoo’s hidden gem. With its small, cabin-like feel, it’s the perfect spot for events like board game nights, a darts league, or even a quirky speed dating session. This unassuming spot is packing serious craft beer heat, too—it’s rated the best brewery in Michigan on Untappd, and for good reason.
Odd Side Ales
41 Washington Ave, Grand Haven
Odd Side Ales knows how to push the envelope. Their bold and creative beers are a reflection of their playful, innovative spirit. Whether you’re sipping on something daring, like a peanut butter stout, or enjoying a game of darts with friends, Odd Side offers a little something unexpected every time. It’s the perfect mix of laid-back fun and boundary-pushing brews.
Greyline Brewing Co.
1727 Alpine Ave NW, Grand Rapids
Greyline is all about keeping it simple—and sometimes, that’s just what you need. Their beers are rock solid, their outdoor area is cozy with firepits and live music, and the whole vibe is just easygoing and relaxed. If you’re looking for a spot to hang out with good company and a great, consistently quality beer in hand, Greyline’s got you covered.
Third Nature Brewing Co.
7733 Childsdale Ave NE, Rockford
Surrounded by trees and trails, Third Nature feels like a peaceful escape into, well, nature. With a massive outdoor area right off the White Pine Trail, it’s a perfect place to refuel after a bike ride or hike. Their firepits, picnic tables, and family-friendly setup make it a great gathering spot. Plus, with Eastern Kille Distillery just down the road, you can easily make it a full day of exploring and sipping.
Archival Brewing
6266 W River Dr. NE, Belmont
At Archival Brewing, they dig deep into history to inspire their beers, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about their inviting outdoor space. This spot is tailor-made for outdoor fun year-round, with firepits, yard games, and a dog-friendly policy that lets you bring your furry friends along for the ride. Their beers might be a nod to the past, but the good vibes here are firmly rooted in the present.
Küsterer Brauhaus
642 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids
Step into Küsterer Brauhaus, and you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a Bavarian beer hall. Authentic German beers and hearty plates of schnitzel and pretzels await, along with a lineup of lively events. From Oktoberfest celebrations to cozy evenings with live music, Kusterer Brauhaus brings a slice of Munich to GR.
Watermark Brewing Co.
5781 St Joseph Ave, Stevensville
A breezy haven in Stevensville—perfect for stopping by on your way to or from Chicago—Watermark is all about laid-back fun. Their patio is huge, with lots of seating fully outdoors, featuring multiple fire pits, and a spacious four-season room. On top of that, their beer is creative and innovative, truly offering something for everyone.
