A Guide to Detroit’s Best Craft Breweries

In metro Detroit, locker-room chat doesn’t just revolve around sports these days, but also on where to enjoy a freshly brewed cold beer with friends. And why wouldn’t it? The city boasts a wide array of craft breweries that make their own beers, hard ciders, and seltzers. Here are some unique ones you might want to visit next:

Heights Brewing, Downtown Farmington

Located at 23621 Farmington Road, Heights Brewing is a brainchild of two long-time homebrewers, Ryan Kavanagh and Shawn MacDonnell. It opened its doors to beer lovers earlier this year and boasts of a range of brews, including beers, hard ciders, seltzers, and nonalcoholic beverages like Root Beer. And they made all on-site! They also plan to bring in mead and wine for their patrons soon. If you’re going gluten-free, Heights has got you covered. Not only do they offer gluten-free beers, but their entire barbecue menu is gluten-free as well.

The Craft Grille at Schoolcraft College, Livonia

Moving on, The Craft Grille at Schoolcraft College in Livonia serves beers crafted by their students enrolled in the brewing and distillation technology program. Go check out their flagship drinks, including Kolsch-Style, Haggerty IPA and College Pale Ale, available year-round at the brewpub inside the college’s Vistatech Center at 18600 Haggerty Road. And yes, The Craft Grille’s student-run brewpub has won awards for its beverages!

Ascension Brewing Company, Novi

Next, take a ride to Novi’s brewing home, Ascension Brewing Company, open since 2015. Located at 42000 Grand River Ave, Ascension serves 14 on-tap beers, and a range of cans for home. What’s more? They also offer a farm-to-table menu, changing with the seasons, and all from sustainable brewing and cooking methods!

Arbor Brewing Company, Downtown Plymouth

The Arbor Brewing Company taproom at 777 Ann Arbor Trail has been a hit with both diners and drinkers since its opening in 2019. Offering a variety of beers and ciders on a seasonal basis, they also encourage visitors to try their flagship beers, such as Euchre Pilsner, Strawberry Blonde and Buzzsaw IPA.

Northville Winery and Brewing

Last but not least is the Northville Winery and Brewing Company, part of Parmenter’s Northville Cider Mill, serving the community since 1982. Offering a variety of wines, beers and hard ciders, they also sell some for at-home enjoyment. So why wait? Head towards 630 Base Line Road, Wednesday through Saturday, between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m.