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Best Detroit Area Brew Pubs

As Michiganders, we sure love our beer.  While some are content drinking mass-produced, canned, light beers, many of us prefer a well-crafted, local brew.  In the Metro Detroit area, there are several fantastic options when selecting a brewery. If you are looking for a unique beer drinking experience, consider one of the following establishments. – Amy Bergin
Traffic Jam and Snug
(credit: trafficjamdetroit.com)

Traffic Jam & Snug Restaurant

511 West Canfield Street
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 831-9470
www.trafficjamdetroit.com

Where else can you find award-winning beer and cheese under the same roof?  These guys have been doing it the longest - Traffic Jam & Snug was Michigan's first licensed brew pub. Enjoy your beer in the bar, which includes an on-site art gallery. Hungry?  Stay for dinner, you won't be disappointed. Baked goods are made fresh daily, including authentic ethnic crusted rolls, vegetable breads, and cheese loaves, not to mention pies to die for.

Dragonmead
(credit: dragonmead.com)

Dragonmead

14600 E 11 Mile Rd
Warren, MI 48089-1556
(586) 776-9428
www.dragonmead.com

You could drive right past this place and not have any idea what you are missing.  Their beer list is extensive and should please everyone in your group. While you sip your brew, notice the detail on the leaded glass windows that adorn Dragonmead.  If you want to learn more about making your own beer, they offer classes on home brewing. Stop by on your way across town, they're located just off 696.

Fort Street Brewery
(credit: fortstreetbeer.com)

Fort Street Brewery

1660 Fort St
Lincoln Park, MI 48146-1909
(313) 389-9620
www.fortstreetbeer.com

Fort Street has seven brews on tap and is said to offer a new selection each week. Michigan State grad, Doug Beedy, runs Fort Street, and has vast experience brewing. If you are downriver and looking for a place to watch the Wings game, grab your friends and enjoy the pitcher specials. Fort Street has a beer club for loyals, along with food specials seven days a week. Call in advance if you are interested in a tour.

Woodward Avenue Brewery
(credit: thewabsite.com)

Woodward Avenue Brewers

22646 Woodward Ave
Ferndale, MI 48220-1810
(248) 546-3696
www.thewabsite.com

Also known as the WAB, Woodward Avenue Brewers is conveniently located in Ferndale.  It's a great place to meet friends after work and enjoy one of the seven beers on tap. Established in 1997, this bar and restaurant quickly became a Ferndale institution.  Hour Detroit named the WAB Best Microbrewery in 2008, 2009 and 20101. If you are interested in bringing the taste home, a half gallon "growler" of your favorite WAB ale is available for $12.

Rochester Mills Brewery
(credit: cplanet.com)

Rochester Mills Beer Co., Rochester

400 Water St
Rochester, MI 48307
(248) 650-5080
www.cplanet.com

Housed in the historic Western Knitting Mill, the brewery is just off Main Street in downtown Rochester, and opened in 1998. Preserving the original character of the building, the brewery features original hardwood floors, columns, beams and exposed brick walls. The menu is diverse, and includes; sandwiches, pizza, pasta, ethnic dishes and salads.  Make sure you ask about a tour of the facility and their mug club.

Sherwood Brewing Company

45689 Hayes Rd
Shelby Township, MI 48315
(586) 532-9669
www.sherwoodbrewing.com

You can find Sherwood Brewing Company just north of M-59 on Hayes Road in the Hayes Center Shoppes Plaza. Customers have voted them best Brewpub locally four years in a row.  Sherwood offers lunch and happy hour specials, as well as a beer club.  On Mondays, club members can bring their own mug, up to 30 ounces, and it will be filled at the menu price.

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