Bars, Pubs & Breweries

Ann Arbor is full of passionate people cultivating a unique and exciting bar and brew scene. Craft beer and craft spirits culture in Ann Arbor is vast and varied. We have something to quench everyone's thirsty palate. Tour our internationally-recognized microbreweries or visit our many distilleries. 

Home to brewers specializing in ales, lagers, sours, and more, you’ll find the perfect beer for you in the Ann Arbor area, and many breweries also serve delicious food. On top of incredible barbecue, Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery has fried pickle chips that people rave about, and Grizzly Peak Brewing Company has fried cheese curds that are pretty darn delicious. Serious and sprawling beer selections can also be found at Ashley’s on State Street or Hopcat, across from the famous Scorekeeper’s Bar and Grille, where the line has been known to wrap well into the adjacent parking structure on Thursday nights.

Cocktails more your thing? Ann Arbor does those as well. With multiple distilleries in the area, your spirits just might have been produced right here in the city. Cocktail bars in the Main Street Area and beyond boast award-winning bartenders and atmospheres ranging from chic and eclectic to cozy and connecting, just like some of our favorites, The Ravens Club, Nightcap, and Black Pearl. On South University, you’ll enjoy a wide selection, from 64-ounce fishbowls at Good Time Charley’s to pitchers at The Brown Jug, followed by Rick’s American Café which offers one of the best dance floor in town.

Your must-try bar list will change a bit as it warms up and summer comes around, as the Ann Arbor area is full of patios and rooftops you can’t miss. Check out our blog here for a selection of well-loved and highly recommended outdoor options, from the unbeatable patio at Jolly Pumpkin Brewery and Cafe to Dominick’s, where sampling the sangria is a must on every student’s bucket list. Bill’s Beer Garden is another that can’t be missed, an original and special outdoor beer garden that serves a variety of Michigan craft beers and wine.

Download the Quick Guide to Breweries and Nightlife (pdf) or check out our Nightlife page to learn more about the local flavor.