Traverse City isn’t just a cherry and lakefront paradise—it’s a boozy playground where quirky locals and happy visitors fuel up on stellar pints, panoramic views, and plenty of “what the heck is THAT?” beers. Whether you’re searching for wild sour ales, family-friendly patios, or an outdoor fire pit to toast your marshmallows (and your toes), this northern Michigan gem pours a glass for every personality. Ready to get thirsty? Here’s our countdown of the best breweries that Traverse City has on tap.
Farm Club: Restaurant, Farm Market & Brewery | For the Pastoral Sipper
Pull off the beaten path seven miles from Traverse City and you’ll discover Farm Club, surrounded by fields bursting with tomatoes, herbs, and more. Here every pint carries a local backstory, a nod to the land that grew it. It’s a reminder that great beer starts outside in the dirt, not just in a bottle.
Their lagers and farmhouse ales keep things straightforward yet memorable thanks to a wild yeast twist harvested right on site. The drinkability makes it possible to sample multiple styles and remember each one the next morning. Even the taps feel special, side-pull Czech style to impress at home parties. Simplicity meets innovation in every glass.
Choose a picnic table or pull up a seat by the fire pit as evening breezes rustle the fresh-cut grass around you. Inhale something delicious that was probably dug up that morning while families gather with genuine smiles. If you crave fresh air paired with purpose-driven brews, you’ve arrived. Plan your visit and claim your patch of grass here.
The Workshop Brewing Company | Best For Live Music & Laid-Back Vibes
The Workshop Brewing Company embraces its warehouse past with an industrial atmosphere that never feels cold. Exposed beams and brick walls create a sturdy backdrop for the Tenpenny Blonde Ale or the rich Ball Peen ESB. It’s the kind of place you wander into and immediately feel at ease.
For those craving a twist, the Blackberry Stoker Sour or one of the seasonal Switchblade experiments showcase adventurous brewing at its best. No hops? Try a freshly pressed house cider or one of several inventive beer cocktails. Either way, a flight board nails the perfect tasting sampler.
Patio seating welcomes dogs and kids alike, so no one misses out on sunshine and company. Live local bands set the soundtrack while friendly bartenders share stories about Michigan ingredients. The Workshop feels less like a stop on a tour and more like a community gathering spot you’ll want to make your own. Have a peek at the food and events lineup—they’re probably throwing a party as we speak.
Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant & Brewery | Barrel-Aged Funk & Family Feasts
Step into a cozy 1928 estate and you’ll immediately understand why Jolly Pumpkin attracts sour beer pilgrims. Earthy woods, a crackling fireplace, and creaky floors create that perfect rustic-hygge mood. Every barrel-aged sour feels like a carefully aged work of art.
From Oro de Calabaza’s golden tang to La Roja’s deep fruit notes and its cherry-tinged Kriek cousin, each sip offers layered complexity that rewards slow enjoyment. Yet hop-heads and lager loyalists will find familiar favorites perfectly clean and crisp in the draft lineup. Artisan pub dishes, such as truffled fries and wild mushroom pizza, pair effortlessly even with the most eccentric bottles.
Families gather over crayons and cornhole under stately pine trees, while well-behaved dogs lounge on the sunlit patio. A rotating lineup of live music stages ensures there’s always a reason to stay for “one more.” Beyond beer, house-made gin and local wine pours round out a menu designed to fit every mood beside those sweeping bay views. See what you’ve been missing.
Rare Bird Brewpub | The Creative Beer Playground
Look, if dim, underlit taprooms serving three tired IPAs and a basket of sad freezer fries are your usual, Rare Bird is here to boldly rewrite the script. Tucked inside a beautifully restored 1931 brick building, it feels like an eccentric neighbor hosting a masterpiece gallery of malt and barley. Reclaimed wood booths and long communal bier hall tables invite everyone to settle in, order extra rounds, and soak up that unmistakable scent of warm malt.
The beer list reads like a chef’s flavor notebook, showcasing a vanilla java hazelnut blonde alongside a gleaming chocolate milk stout that instantly sparks childhood nostalgia. Kitchen creations outshine standard brewpub grub with Korean pork belly tacos that demand serious attention, never settling for soggy chips or limp nachos. Regular trivia nights, Ramen Thursdays, and rotating guest taps turn an ordinary visit into a weekly ritual.
A sprawling lineup of thirty-five taps highlights adventurous house brews alongside carefully curated guest selections from throughout Michigan. Live music fills the air with energy, transforming the room into something more like a hometown festival than a simple bar. Come for the pints, but stay for the stories, the laughter, and the way time seems to fly with every raised glass. Peer into their mad-genius beer lineup here.
Short’s Brewing Company Bellaire Pub | Playground for Beer Nerds (and Their Kids)
Step inside Short’s Bellaire Pub and you’ll feel transported to a cozy mountain lodge meets Willy Wonka’s malt-forward fever dream. With twenty experimental taps on rotation, they pour everything from fruit-laced ales to the genre-bending Melt My Brain, a beer that somehow channels gin-and-tonic vibes. Each sip surprises your palate in the best possible way, making it clear creativity rules the day here.
On a warm evening the outdoor beer garden fills with chatter and laughter under twinkling lights. Picnic tables rest on actual grass, offering plenty of space for playful pups and oversized soft pretzels that taste more like life-altering art than bar snack. Live music on weekends keeps the energy high, and sandwiches or pizzas sourced from local farms ensure each bite lives up to the brew.
If you get too comfortable, the in-house Airbnb has you covered for an extended stay. Trivia nights, behind-the-scenes tours, and an attached merch shop invite you to linger. Walk out with a to-go beer and a T-shirt you never knew you needed. Go ahead, see what’s on tap right now.
Identity Brewing Company | For the Fickle (or Fussy) Drinker
You can stroll in for a perfectly relaxed pint without worrying about pretentious tasting notes. Their East Coast IPAs shine brightest—The Kid brings a burst of juicy citrus while Ja Boom lives up to its name with a satisfyingly bold finish. Beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike will find something to love here.
The kitchen surprises at every turn. Ahi Tuna Poke Bowls arrive bright and fresh, falafel pitas stay crunchy and flavorful, and a genuinely guilt-free Cuban sandwich rounds out the menu. You won’t miss the usual soggy nachos in the least.
Josh and Amanda keep things lively without ever feeling forced. Live music, trivia nights, and a steady stream of games create a laid-back vibe. Kids and dogs are welcome on the patio, and even your teetotaling friend will have options thanks to mocktails and nonalcoholic beers. Deciding what not to order is the real challenge. Go scope the menu for yourself, if you dare.
The Filling Station Microbrewery | Pizza, Pints & Platform Views
Housed in a 1927 train depot, The Filling Station Microbrewery radiates an old-world charm that feels genuinely effortless. Step onto the patio straddling retired tracks and decide between a Walla Walla IPA, fun to say and even more fun to sip, or one of their wood-fired flatbread pizzas. Trust the kitchen and order something offbeat—you won’t regret it.
Dietary restrictions don’t slow them down. Gluten-free and vegan options sit alongside a bourbon stout that practically begs you to linger. Hoodied patrons huddle around patio heaters while families fill communal tables and cheer on the local musicians who play weekly.
Here it’s self-serve at the bar, so grab a spot and claim your territory for all-night comfort. Your beer and flatbread will find their way back to your table without fuss. After a scenic bike ride or walk on the nearby TART Trail, reward yourself with a train-shaped beer flight. You earned it. Scope out the pizza lineup, musical acts, and latest beer experiments.
7 Monks Taproom | The Michigan Beer Museum
In a place with 46 rotating taps, the hardest part is choosing among Trappist ales rarer than polite seasonal tourists and a Michigan-heavy lineup for hop die-hards. 7 Monks feels like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory reimagined for beer lovers. Each visit delivers fresh discoveries, from barrel-aged stouts to zesty IPAs.
Make sure to stop by on Pierogies & Pilsners nights, when those Eastern European dumplings gain instant cred. And the Greasy Spoon Double Smash Burger takes fast-food nostalgia and cranks it to eleven. This spot balances hearty bites with experimental brewing so effortlessly it feels natural.
Inside, reclaimed lumber walls, vintage light fixtures, and comfortable seating create a warm, rustic vibe without feeling cliché. You can sip indoors or soak up sunshine on the patio while the staff guides you through Schwarzbier subtleties. Frequent live tunes, family-friendly games, and artful woodwork complete a setting where the beer is only the beginning. Scope out the tap list and see if you even make it past the lagers.
Hop Lot Brewing Co. & Beer Garden | The Ultimate “Up North” Hangout
Imagine a beer garden scaled up a few notches: that’s this place on M-22, surrounded by towering pines and enough open space to lose your crew for hours. A massive sandbox doubles as child entertainment while adults linger around campfire pits, sipping seasonal ales like a stout that tastes like a cozy winter hug.
Smoked barbecue and shareable snacks keep taste buds happy between rounds. If you’re in a true outdoorsy mood, grab a s’mores kit and toast marshmallows under the stars. Families, dogs, and weekend adventurers all share the same laid-back playground.
When the mercury drops, heated clear domes pop up amid the trees. Book one for a private winter retreat where you can sip, snack, and pretend you’re on a polar expedition—no heavy climbing gear required. If your mental map of a beer garden ends at a picnic table and a few chairs, this spot will blow it wide open. See what all the igloo hype is about.
Lake Ann Brewing Company | Small-Town Good Vibes
You might roll your eyes at a fifteen-minute drive west of Traverse City, but Lake Ann Brewing Company makes every mile worth it. This spot nails the “everyone’s local watering hole” vibe while welcoming dogs and families like old friends. The rustic wood interior feels more like a cozy cabin than a taproom. Your buddy probably can’t brew an IPA this crisp or age a stout this boldly.
Seasonal releases such as the Summer Wheat Ale keep the lineup fresh, while a rotating tap list ensures even the most indecisive drinker finds something to love. On weekends you’ll find live music, laughter, and the sprawling patio filling up with folks soaking in the breeze. Kids chase Frisbees, dogs lounge by your feet, and nobody cares about your phone.
When hunger strikes, local vendors step up instead of reheating frozen nachos. Friendly staff actually know their brewing process, making it easy to learn about that oatmeal stout you’ve been eyeing. Or just let them pour you a flight so you can focus on good company. Check out the menu and upcoming events here.
Stone Hound Brewing Company | The Cyclist’s Reprieve
Stone Hound Brewing welcomes vegans, kids, weary cyclists, and anyone craving bold barley flavors. Perched above East Grand Traverse Bay, the taproom offers a go-to spot for a Riley’s Strawberry Rhubarb Sour or the silky-smooth Devil’s Dive Doppelbock. This fall festival in a glass doppelbock tastes like Germany tucked into a toasted oak barrel.
Visitors might stumble upon a Silver Spruce Collaboration Intermingling Kölsch or another tiny batch brewed with a local wizard. The epoxy bar inlay sparkles with Petoskey stones and beach glass, bringing north woods charm indoors. And yes, the menu is entirely plant-based, featuring Mexican-inspired treats that even the staunchest carnivore will envy.
Grab a pinball token or bask under the sun on the patio framed by sweeping bay views. Families appreciate the all-gender restrooms and open space, and dogs roam happily on leash. If you can’t commit to just one brew, lifetime membership invites you back without strings. Stone Hound is hands down proof that everyone can find something to savor in one single taproom. Pedal over and see what the fuss is about.
Right Brain Brewery | Offbeat Brews & Pinball Bliss
Step inside a former warehouse that feels more like an artist’s experimental playground. The tap list reads like a mad scientist’s notebook: Pig Porter infuses subtle smokiness from actual smoked pig heads, while Thai Peanut Ale somehow balances peanut butter and chili heat in perfect harmony. Then there’s Cherry Pie Whole, brewed with entire pies for dessert in a glass.
No TVs means no distractions—just board games, classic pinball machines, and genuine conversation. Bring your own picnic or order delivery; the lack of on-site kitchen never feels like a downside. Kids, dogs, and game-night obsessives are all invited.
Surrounding art installations rotate weekly, adding fresh visual flair to the industrial décor. Happy hour deals make it easy to sample something wild off the mixology menu. After a day on the lake, this easygoing atmosphere and boundary-pushing beer lineup make for an ideal end to any adventure. You’ll never drink boring again.
Taproot Cider House | Paradise for Cider Nerds
Prepare to have every cider stereotype vaporized. This cozy spot was the first cider bar and full-service cider restaurant in the country, and it shows in every detail. Michigan-grown ciders flow from the taps, including small-batch wonders like vanilla bean bourbon–aged blends and experimental seasonal releases.
The kitchen leans farm-to-table: think mac and cheese loaded with local cheeses, wild mushroom pizza baked to a golden crisp, and plenty of vegan and gluten-free dishes so nobody feels left out. Staff here are walking encyclopedias of cidermaking lore. They’ll guide you through apples, barrels, and fermentation tricks like a personal cider concierge.
A dog-friendly patio invites your four-legged pals to join the fun, and weekend live music rounds out the experience. Whether you’re a cider veteran or you’ve never sipped outside a bottle store, this place will rewrite your afternoon plans. Scope out their upcoming cider lineup and see what’s new.
MiddleCoast Brewing Company | Ultimate Family Hangout (With Booze)
If you’re craving a craft brew served with a generous scoop of nostalgia, this spot has you covered. Tucked into what used to be the city’s police horse stables, the space blends industrial flair with oversized games, from pinball and foosball to an entire play corner for kids. There’s even a Peach Cobbler Seltzer that might prompt a double take—or a raised eyebrow from grandma.
Gluten-free visitors can relax knowing the fryer and prep stations are strictly separated to dodge any cross-contamination. Meanwhile, the kitchen dazzles with inventive bites like the fiery Meat Dragon burger and crispy hot honey cauliflower that steal the show.
Come Friday evenings, live music fills the air and sets the tone for a laid-back weekend kickoff. Midweek trivia night brings out both diehard locals and curious travelers, all hungry for that next clever question.
Don’t miss happy hour, where $5 pints and discounted apps take the sting out of weeknight bills. When the sun dips low, stake your claim around a fire pit on the dog-friendly patio and settle in. Check out their line-up and menu here.
Honorable mentions:
• Short’s Brewing Co. Pull Barn Tap Room & Production Brewery (Elk Rapids)
