What are the best Traverse City Breweries you absolutely must check out? Well, we’ve done the work to figure that out for you! We have sampled their brews, spent time in their taprooms and read all the online reviews to come up with our take on the top Traverse City Breweries to explore this year!
Traverse City Breweries
Traverse City is a beautiful city in northern Michigan that is known for its cherries, great lakes, and outdoor activities. In the summer, people come to Traverse City to swim, fish, and paddleboard in the Great Lakes. Wintertime is just as popular with local resorts offering skiing and snowboarding runs.
Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Traverse City is a hidden gem of the Midwest. The Traverse City area is home to many local breweries and wineries that offer beer tastings and wine tours, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants.
For those who love the outdoors, the city offers miles of hiking and biking trails. There are also several local breweries along these trails that you can stop in at to taste the great Michigan suds that keep people coming back.
What are the top breweries in Traverse City?
Grand Traverse County is home to some of the best craft breweries in the state of Michigan. In fact, many people visit Traverse City specifically for the craft beer scene! Whether you’re a fan of IPAs, stouts, or sours, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to choose from. And with new breweries opening all the time, there’s always something new to try.
If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy some delicious beer, be sure to visit Traverse City. You won’t be disappointed! Below, we’ve listed some of the best breweries in Traverse City, Michigan, that you simply cannot miss!
How we picked the best Traverse City Breweries?
With every ‘top breweries’ post that we write, we make sure to do diligent online research to determine who makes it on our list. From reading online reviews and reviewing beer selections, to checking other authority websites and of course, sampling their beers. We do our best to take all the information we collect and give you our opinion of the top breweries in Traverse City.
However, we know we aren’t perfect and if we’ve missed a Traverse City brewery that you think should be on this list, contact us and let us know who the brewery is and we’ll do our best to include them!
Did we miss something?
If you think a brewery deserves a spot on our list, Vote for them! If you’re a brewery looking to update your information or get in touch, contact us!
The Best Traverse City Breweries
Alright, let’s get to it, shall we? Here’s our list of the top Traverse City Craft Breweries!
Right Brain Brewery
Right Brain Brewery located in the SoFo District of downtown Traverse City is known for its one-of-a-kind culinary-inspired brews and vow to Keep Beer Curious. They don’t use any extracts or artificial flavours and brew with ingredients made from the earth like real fruits, peanut butter, and even smoked pig bones that give the Pig Porter its unique smokey flavour!
They have a whopping 30+ beers on tap at all times, all made with whole, local ingredients in their vibrant and eclectic taproom. If you’re feeling peckish, they offer snacks inside to nibble on, but you can also bring your own food from nearby restaurants.
Customer Review: Out of all the breweries we visited on our trip this was the best one. Loved the fun atmosphere and the drinks were a unique great experience. We will definitely be back when we are in town.
- Phone: (231) 944-1239
- Address: 225 E Sixteenth St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
- Beers to Try: CEO Stout® and Pig Porter
- Website: rightbrainbrewery.com/
North Peak Brewing Company
North Peak Brewing Company is one of the oldest breweries in Traverse City, brewing beer that excites the taste buds since 1997. The full-scale brewery is located in the old Big Daylight Candy Factory, still maintaining its factory-like atmosphere with a modern industrial feel.
Their unique beers are always changing as they come up with new recipes to pair their delicious food. You’ll find a full food menu with fresh salads, sandwiches, fish and chips and more. For dessert, don’t forget to treat yourself to a specialty root beer float made with house-made root beer.
Customer Review: Great beer, great fun. Worth the visit if you’re from out of town
- Phone: (231) 941-7325
- Address: 400 W Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
- Beers to Try: Spruce Tip IPA
- Website: pub.northpeak.net/
Rare Bird Brewpub
Rare Bird Brewpub was born out of a love for rare birds and great craft beer. This downtown Traverse City microbrewery and brew pub is housed in a beautifully restored red brick building and make mouthwatering craft beers using only Michigan-grown hops and malt.
They have about a dozen of their own beers on tap and fill the rest of their 35 lines with a wide range of beers and beverages from other breweries in Traverse City and across the country. Being a microbrewery, the Rare Bird brews are only available in their taproom so you’ll have to go straight to the source to give them a try. When you visit, ask about their special where they expertly pair three beer samples with three incredible courses.
Customer Review: Honestly one of the best brewpubs I have visited! Very friendly and accommodating staff, the food was on point and the beer was fantastic. Quite the variety for all, including GF beers, NA beers and cocktails.
- Phone: (231) 943-2053
- Address: 229 Lake Ave, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
- Beers to Try: No Pressure Imperial Stout
- Website: rarebirdbrewpub.com/
The Filling Station Microbrewery
The Filling Station Microbrewery is a family-owned brewery in a former railroad station just off the TART Trail system. They serve amazing flatbread pizzas right out of their woodfired pizza oven that pair superbly with their mainstay and seasonal beers.
You’ll have the choice to take a seat on their lovely patio with views of Boardman Lake or indoors for a chance to catch some live music. All in all, The Filling Station Microbrewery is a great spot to grab an expertly crafted craft beer.
Customer Review: Five stars all around! Service was friendly and fast, food and beer was flavorful and fresh! Very cool location, but be careful to arrive early because it gets busy!
- Phone: (231) 946-8168
- Address: 642 Railroad Pl, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States
- Beers to Try: Piper’s Porter and Walla Walla IPA
- Website: thefillingstationmicrobrewery.com/
The Workshop Brewing Company
The Workshop Brewing Company is dedicated to preserving the natural environment of Northern Michigan while reinforcing the sense of local community and honouring the traditions of craft brewing. Head Brewmaster Michael Wooster has mastered the art of brewing classic craft beers but often experiments with seasonal releases too, all made with local or organic ingredients.
Their dog-friendly patio has views of Grand Traverse Bay from Garland Street and the indoor taproom has live music four nights per week! Upstairs, above the brewery, you’ll find the Alcatraz Escape Room where you can test your problem-solving skills and work with your team in an attempt to escape their unique escape rooms.
Customer Review: Amazing atmosphere. Best stop with amazing location in Traverse City
- Phone: (231) 421-8977
- Address: 221 Garland St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
- Beers to Try: 20 Pound Sledge IPA
- Website: traversecityworkshop.com/
Farm Club
Farm Club is a true farm-to-table or “farm-to-mug” establishment. Not only are they an amazing brewery, but they’re also a farm, a restaurant, a bakery, and a marketplace! Their farm provides all of the fresh produce that goes into their plates and craft beers and is also for sale in the market.
Located 7 miles from downtown Traverse City on Lake Leelanau Dr., visiting this local gem is an experience on its own. Their on-site brewery offers everything from lagers, hoppy ales, and farmhouse ales, all of which use their wild yeast strain harvested right on the property.
Customer Review: I love Farm Club – one of my favorite spots in TC. Some of the freshest food around, and awesome beers/drinks to boot. Great outdoor experience in the summer (or even when the weather is not so nice).
- Phone: (231) 252-3079
- Address: 10051 Lake Leelanau Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
- Beers to Try: East Coast Pale Ale
- Website: farmclubtc.com/
Earthen Ales
Earthen Ales was founded by a husband and wife brewing dream team with a passion for brewing the highest quality craft beer. Located in the Grand Traverse Commons, this is the perfect après-hike pit stop after exploring the nearby hiking trails, botanical gardens, and community park. You’ll find a wide variety of interesting beers each with their own unique story at Earthen Ales, all of which come highly recommended by the community.
Customer Review: I’m a local and have been to every TC brewery. This brewery, their beer, scenery, location, and overall vibe put them at the top. Kid friendly and comfortable with chips and soda and a handful of games to distract 😉 If you’re visiting and can only go to one brewery, make it this one.
- Phone: (231) 252-4270
- Address: 1371 Gray Dr #200, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
- Beers to Try: Juniper Rye IPA and A2 IPA
- Website: earthenales.com/
Mackinaw Brewing Company
Mackinaw Brewing Company opened in 1997 and is still going strong today! Their historic brick building brings a piece of history and a whole lot of character to this charming brewery. Located right off the Boardman River, this is a local favourite among beer lovers in Traverse City.
They’re known for their delicious malty brews but often experiment with Belgian Style Wheat, Pale Ales and seasonal varieties. You’ll find a full food menu inside with smoked meats, sandwiches, fresh salads, and local fish.
Customer Review: Great beer and excellent food. What more can you ask for?
- Phone: (231) 933-1100
- Address: 161 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
- Beers to Try: Peninsula Pale Ale
- Website: mackinawbrewing.com/
Brewery Terra Firma
Brewery Terra Firma is located on a 10-acre farm in Traverse City where they harvest their own herbs, spices, vegetables, fruits, hops and even flowers that are all used in their culinary-inspired craft beer. Brew Master John Niedermaier is a culinary and brewing genius with over 1,000 original recipes to play with, all of which are an absolute delight to the taste buds.
Their spacious taproom offers cozy firepits, reading nooks, and games like shuffleboard. Plus, they offer weekly trivia nights that are free to join and give you the chance to win gift cards for the brewery!
Customer Review: Our beers were awesome especially the Honey Basil and Heather. Fun snack options as well. Both bartenders were super personable and knowledgeable. We loved learning about their commitment to sustainable and mindful building and brewing processes.
- Phone: (231) 929-1600
- Address: 2959 Hartman Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685, United States
- Beers to Try: SnowBound Mint Chocolate Stout and Fuzzier Farmer Imperial IPA.
- Website: breweryterrafirma.com/
MiddleCoast Brewing Company
MiddleCoast Brewing Company, formerly known as Monkey Fist Brewing Co. is a wholesome brewery located on East State Street in downtown Traverse City. This spot is a great opportunity for visitors and locals alike to create their very own brewery tour, with more than half a dozen breweries and cideries within walking distance.
Their mantra is “We take our beer more seriously than ourselves” so you know it’s going to be a great time when you visit this local gem. They brew delicious craft beer and signature hard seltzers like the Seasonal Gingersnap and Peach Cobbler seltzers that are definitely worth a try. Enjoy live music every weekend and the largest trivia night in Traverse City every Wednesday night!
Customer Review: This is one of the best breweries in TC! The staff is awesome, atmosphere is relaxing, and a great selection of food and drinks. There’s a little something for everyone!
- Phone: (231) 943-1606
- Address: 329 E State St Unit # 2, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
- Beers to Try: Paddle Easy Ginger Kolsch
- Website: middlecoastbrewingco.com/
Silver Spruce Brewing Company
Silver Spruce Brewing Company is a great brewery on Eighth Street that is always a treat to visit. Inside you’ll find board games, high ceilings, and an array of classic, clean, well-balanced lagers and fine pale ales along with many other beer types that they’ve mastered. They also offer hard cider and red and white wine if you want to mix it up a little.
Outside there is a lovely covered patio with multiple fire pits that you can enjoy all year long! Plus, the new addition of their on-location food truck, Hearth and Hops serving up mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas means you can have dinner and a brew on your next visit!
Customer Review: Great beer. Tried the oktoberfest, dunkelweizen, and hefeweizen and they were all very good. Especially enjoyed the oktoberfest!
- Phone: (231) 252-3552
- Address: 439 E Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States
- Beers to Try: Farmhouse Ale
- Website: silversprucebrewing.com/
Fresh Coast Beer Works
Fresh Coast Beer Works is a microbrewery and homebrew supply store! What’s unique about this community-first brewery is that if you love a beer, they’ll give you the recipe and tell you what you need to pick up at their Home Brew Supply Store to make it yourself! There are no secrets here, they even offer home brewing classes to get you started.
With live music every Friday, there’s always something to look forward to. Visit Fresh Coast Beer Works for great beer in an incredibly unique atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed!
Customer Review: We went to several breweries recently on our vacation to Northern Michigan/Traverse City. Fresh Coast was BY FAR the best. The beers were all well-executed and the staff was top notch. Can’t recommend this place enough for a few beers.
- Phone: (231) 943-2016
- Address: 120 Park St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
- Beers to Try: Lost Orchard Cherry Saison and Cash Drop IPA
- Website: fcbeerworks.com/
Lake Ann Brewing Company
Lake Ann Brewing Company is located just 20 minutes outside of Traverse City on the beautiful Lake Ann. Located in the old “Snack Shack” of Lake Ann, this brewery is one you don’t want to miss. With live music so often you’d think it was a concert hall, Biergarten-style tables for making new friends, and plenty of beer and food, it’s never a dull moment.
You’ll find some of the best beers in Michigan at Lake Ann Brewing Company, including the ever-popular Lake Ann Amber, the unique Chocolate Orange Cream Stout and the delightful Ms. Pac Man Cherry Vanilla Blonde Ale.
Customer Review: I love this place. Unpretentious, fantastic beer, positive vibes, and great music. It’s everything that’s missing in the area. My go-to spot!
- Phone: (231) 640-2327
- Address: 6535 First St, Lake Ann, MI 49650, United States
- Beers to Try: Coffee Vanilla Blonde and Platte River Porter
- Website: lakeannbrewing.com
Hop Lot Brewing Company
Hop Lot Brewing Company in the Suttons Bay village of Leelanau County is just as a short trip north of Traverse City and definitely worth the visit. Nestled in the trees, you’ll feel like you’re at a cabin in the woods, giving you true Northern Michigan vibes. A space enjoyable all year long, maybe even better so in the winter with their outdoor fire pits and Igloo village.
With a wide variety of craft beer, craft cider, and wine, we’re sure you’ll find something you love at Hop Lot Brewing Company. Plus, it’s fully accessible via. the Traverse City TART Trail.
Customer Review: Hop Lot is fantastic. We always make a special trip to stop there, when we are in the area. It’s great for families. There’s tons of room to move around and fun things to do. The drinks and food are also really good. Don’t forget your smores for the big fire that’s always going.
- Phone: (231) 866-4445
- Address: 658 S W Bay Shore Dr, Suttons Bay, MI 49682, United States
- Beers to Try: Not Soury ‘Bout That Sour Series
- Website: hoplotbrewing.com/
Stormcloud Brewing Company
If you feel like venturing out past the Traverse City area, Stormcloud Brewery is a great place to visit. Nestled between the soaring sand dunes and stormy shores of northern Lake Michigan, Stormcloud is a casual spot to enjoy an expertly crafted beer. Stormcloud Brewery is known for its Belgian-inspired ales and their delicious flatbread pizzas and charcuteries.
Customer Review: Friendly staff. Great selection of local brews. Dinner was great and lucked out with live music!
- Phone: (231) 352-0118
- Address: 303 Main St, Frankfort, MI 49635, United States
- Beers to Try: Rainmaker Belgian Pale Ale
- Website: stormcloudbrewing.com/
Enjoy the best breweries in Traverse City!
Make sure to go and check out Traverse City’s best craft breweries, grab a locally brewed pint (or 2) and support your local brewers!
If we’ve missed a brewery on our list that you think should be added, contact us and let us know who the brewery is and why you think it should be added to our list of the top breweries in Traverse City!
