Original Gravity Brewing Company

Brewery, Eatery, Beer-to-go

440 County St.
Milan, Michigan, 48160
United States

(734) 439-7490 | map
ogbrewing.com
BEER STATS
Average:
3.76
Beers:
30
Ratings:
228
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.92
Reviews:
22
Ratings:
39
pDev:
14.8%
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by 98green:
Photo of 98green
Reviewed by 98green from Michigan

3.64/5  rDev -7.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.75
Went at 6 on a Saturday. Smallish crowd, relatively quiet. 9 beers on tap, 20 oz pours are 5.50. The beer quality was very good. The location is a bit out of the way for most people in the Metro Detroit area, but I think it is worth going out of your way to stop by
Jun 06, 2015
More User Ratings:
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Reviewed by Quackershnoc from Michigan

3.63/5  rDev -7.4%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.25 | selection: 3.75 | food: 3.75
This place is ok. Went there once and have not really felt the need to go back. Admittedly it's kind of out of the way, but I make a point of going to great places, even if it's a hike. The best beer I had was a mix of equal parts Top Hops and Southpaw.
Sep 23, 2018
 
Rated: 4.21 by Matuhg from Michigan

May 12, 2018
 
Rated: 4.28 by clager from Michigan

Oct 10, 2017
 
Rated: 4.48 by RangerRy16 from Michigan

Jun 06, 2016
 
Rated: 4.05 by DavidRandall from Michigan

Nov 30, 2015
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Rated by hardysf from Michigan

2.98/5  rDev -24%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 2 | food: 1.5
Limited food. Deli sandwiches only with a panini maker. Beer was good. Small location.
Mar 25, 2015
 
Rated: 3.34 by Hayes86 from Michigan

Jan 21, 2015
 
Rated: 4.5 by beornagain from Canada (ON)

Nov 08, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by jhickman from Michigan

Oct 21, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by rjcoy06 from Michigan

Sep 13, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Geo75 from Michigan

Jul 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by leprechaunandfatman from Ohio

May 20, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by mcgovern1010 from Michigan

May 19, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Shmalex from Michigan

Apr 17, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by Danielr26 from Michigan

Nov 25, 2013
 
Rated: 3 by Rons35 from Michigan

Nov 13, 2013
 
Rated: 2.25 by rpenterics from Michigan

Oct 21, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by smb4087 from Michigan

Oct 21, 2013
Photo of linnymtu
Reviewed by linnymtu from Michigan

4.05/5  rDev +3.3%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
The atmosphere is nice. I like the décor of the place, however it is usually a little slow for patrons. It is laid back, has board games and is encouraging to customers to slow down and spend the whole evening there without feeling pressure to have a huge bill.

Service is good, although I do wish they waited on tables. Everything is ordered at the bar, which can be nice, but I prefer to have a waiter.

Selection is OG beer only obviously. They don't have a large number of beers available at one time, usually about 7-9ish. So good, but not the best.

The food is very good. Their sandwiches are excellent, but appetizers are pretty low key.

Overall a place you must visit if you're in the area.
Jun 14, 2013
Photo of gopens44
Reviewed by gopens44 from Virginia

3.73/5  rDev -4.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Real easy to get to off the interstate. Brewpub opens up into a nonpretentious rustic yet sufficiently modern bar area with a music playing at a reasonable volume. Service was not overly attentive (maybe due to getting there near opening time?), but I was neck deep into my sample flight while deciding what my next pint would be. The selection of neer was not huge (12 on tap) but the selections were quite varied with everything from a great everyday amber ale to a chili pepper beer that actually had great balance. Overall I think it was a good experience and I would like to hit this place again.
Nov 24, 2012
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Reviewed by Fanhitter from Michigan

3.88/5  rDev -1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
I visited Original Gravity brewery for the first time on a Sunday, with nothing to do. It was sparsely populated during my visit, I think there were 4 others at the bar all watching the football game. The vibe of the place is pretty straightforward; a brewpub with visible tanks, and a subtle small-town/college feel-due to close proximity to Eastern Michigan University and U of M. The waitstaff was minimal, but very nice and accommodating. I had 3 beers (Dunkelweizen, IPA, and Altbier) of the 10 available, along with a sandwich during my time there. They boast using Boar's Head meats and a local bread choice for their sandwiches, which works for what their menu is. I liked that the menu was small, just a number of sandwiches and appetizers, as I find too many places lose it on food when their menu is too big. I'll be honest, it wasn't the best sandwich I've ever had, but it complemented the beers very well, which to me, is important when the beer should be the focus. Nothing bums me out more than when the food is better than the beer at a brewery, and likewise, when the beer is better than the food at a tavern. With all of this being said, I enjoyed my first outing to OG enough to have visited twice since then to fill growlers and try other beers, all of which I've enjoyed. They have small batch releases on Tuesday every week, and have other occasional offerings, as well as a variety of draft sodas. I will definitely return to eat and drink again, as it's relatively close to home, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a low-key place to have a great beer.
Oct 19, 2012
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Reviewed by Bung from Michigan

3.88/5  rDev -1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Small town warehouse feel, all brewing equipment viewable behind the bar and seating area. Cozy. Board games, dart board, 1 large tv for entertainment. Large outdoor seating area. 7 taps 4 regualr and 3 rotating. Brews were quality. All 3 I tried were solid, 2 of the rotating and the porter. I would pick that porter up anytime. Sandwiches were large and above average.

Service leaned towards the locals, which I have no problem with. Looks like they do alot of charity events and work with homebrewing.

Easy stop off the highway, a must stop for anyone traveling between Ann Arbor and Toledo/Columbus.
Jun 05, 2011
Photo of jrstacy98
Reviewed by jrstacy98 from Ohio

3.7/5  rDev -5.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
My first visit on National Homebrew Day. I think the atmosphere was bit livelier than normal as the Ann Arbor brewing club was brewing outside there. Glad to see a business supporting home brewing. Food was good but just sandwiches, you have to give your order at the bar then they bring it out to you - the staff was super friendly. The IPA was good. Looks like they are very involved in the community with different fund raising festivals and specil events going on.

They had a mug club but it was very much geared to regulars - its far enough away from home I won't visit very often, but I will visit when schedules allow. My kids loved the grilled cheese sandwiches.
May 10, 2011
Photo of jale
Reviewed by jale from Michigan

3.73/5  rDev -4.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3
Stopped here with my great friend (turdfergison). The place is very neat and clean. Quiet and reserved atmosphere. The menu is mainly sandwiches made with Boarshead meats. The beer sselection is'nt long, but has some good beers. The beer prices are average. They have a couple of rotating taps with the regulars. Nothing to crazy in regards to beer offerings. Just good solid beers. In warmer months, they have an outdoor patio with picnic tables. If you want somewhere quiet with good beer, this is your place.
Mar 15, 2011
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Reviewed by TurdFurgison from Ohio

3.85/5  rDev -1.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3
Stopped here with jale while in town on business. A nice brewpub in the middle of nowhere, Michigan is filled with places like this!

The building is new looking, a big open space filled with fermenting tanks and a central bar. Plenty of seating at tables for 4 throughout.

Many taps, but only 6 were running while I was there. They had the standards (IPA, amber ale, etc) but also 2 rotating taps (Bourbon Ginger and 440 Pepper Smoker while I was there). The IPA was decent and the Peppered Smoker was excellent. I was very happy with their beers.

The food is mainly sandwiches, all at $8.50 and higher quality meats. The beers are generally available in 10oz and 20oz sizes, fairly low pricing too. Unlike some of the better-known MI brewpubs (Kuhnhenn, Dark Horse), the beers are relatively low ABV (everything was <7.5% I think).
Mar 10, 2011
Photo of TwoHeartedMale
Reviewed by TwoHeartedMale from Michigan

4.4/5  rDev +12.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4
i live in ann arbor and drive 25 mins and past 5 brewery's for there beer often. i've never had a beer of theres i didn't like, and there pop is great too. i love the leg lamp, super comfortable coach/chairs, and old school arcade game. its a great place to meet up with friends and spend the day drinking top notch beer and playing board games or darts. lots of room, great place to see music, and a real cool farmers market during warmer weather in the outdoor beer garden/patio. this place rocks and if you haven't been yet fill a car with a bunch of friends and spend the day at one of the best brew pubs in this side of the state! OG has the best ginger beer i've ever had! its worth the trip no matter what!
there belly washer scotch ale and high five IPA are great treats also!
Feb 08, 2011
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Reviewed by brandon1920 from Ohio

3.33/5  rDev -15.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 2.5 | selection: 3.5
The growler fee was $5, it was only my second time purchasing a growler so I guess $5 isn't too bad. It was a really "chill" place with a band playing at a good level... not too loud or too quiet. I really enjoyed 4 beers out of the 7(I cannot recall ho many for sure) that I did have. The beligan training wheels, the IPA, the amber, and the porter. Took the porter home with me. It seems to be the style I'm into the most this time of year. I was into IPAs a lot more in the spring time and just haven't really gotten back into them yet. Not too far to do a refill and I think I should be going back really soon.
Nov 12, 2010
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Reviewed by thebends1 from Michigan

4.45/5  rDev +13.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Original Gravity is one of my favorite breweries that I have been to. I have visited close to 20 breweries and only a few have ever come close to topping this place.

The beers are well done and overall a good selection of styles, too. A few of my favorites I always come back to are the Southpaw IPA. This IPA has grown on me over the last few months. It is hoppy and floral, perfect for an ipa. Another great one is their Primordial Porter. It is rich and balanced with a slight bitter along with roasted chocolate and coffee. One of my all time favs here is their 440 Pepper Smoker. It is close to an amber with smoke and finishes with a jalapeno bite.

The food selection is pretty basic (but well done), grilled paninis, pretzels, chips, etc.

The service at OG has always been their stand out. Very friendly and attentive.
Sep 09, 2010
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Reviewed by akorsak from Pennsylvania

3.94/5  rDev +0.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
The last stop on the way out of town. OG is less than a mile off of US-23.

Atmosphere: This place is industrial. The entire brewpub is wide open, with the bar area, tables and stools immediately on entrance. To the left, more tables and a large TV are set up. A video game and board games are in the far corner. Not quite intimate, in fact the place has potential to be very loud.

Quality: As we sat and had a few drinks, at least 5 locals, all bearing 2 or 3 growlers, came in for the weekend fill. A good sign if ever I've seen one.

Service: Bar service only. Two people behind the bar were quite responsive, even combining two half pints on the tab.

Selection: 6 beers on tap. The Orange Peel Wheels was most promising although it didn't deliver the citrusy blast I was expecting. The Mason Brewer and Southpaw IPA were both very good; the Southpaw came home in a growler.

Food: Finger foods, pretzels, chips, etc., seemed to be it. We didn't eat so I'm gonna disclaim on a ranking.
Jun 12, 2010
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Reviewed by buschbeer from Ohio

2.6/5  rDev -33.7%
vibe: 2 | quality: 3 | service: 2 | selection: 3
I stopped at this place on my way back from the Michigan spring game. I heard of this place from a friend of a friend in Detroit last summer so I figured I may as well check it out.

This place kind of reminds me of a rec room. It is a huge open room with an L shaped bar outlining the brew kettles. There were some locals in there with Michigan gear on, presumably there after the spring game as well. There were some guys playing steel tip darts, and I noticed shelves with board games.

The beer selection was about 6 or 7 on tap. My friend asked what they had and the bartender merely pointed at the chalkboard without offering any assistance. I know I had the Belgian Training Wheels, but the other escapes me.

It was my least favorite of the three brewpubs we hit that day. I will most likely give it another chance, but my first impression was below average.
Apr 30, 2010
Photo of lftwng4
Reviewed by lftwng4 from Ohio

4.28/5  rDev +9.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
The wife and I stopped by the Original Gravity Brewing Company in Milan, Michigan on a Saturday afternoon. Milan is a town of less than 10,000 people, just about 15 minutes south of Ann Arbor, but I wouldn't call it a suburb by any stretch. We walked in around 5pm and saw several kids in there, presumably with their families. And that's what grabbed me first about this place: it's that small town local restaurant/gathering place/watering hole. That's a good thing, for a small town Ohio resident such as myself. I think they've been open for less than 2 years, so they're still growing and finding their wings. Staff was friendly and attentive; they might have had 3 people working, which was plenty. Place is spacious inside, bar makes an "L" shape around the tanks and stuff, plenty of room, tables, and space inside. The owner/bartender told me sometimes they have bands, or movie night, sometimes they're busy, other times not so much. Menu is very basic, around a dozen kinds of grilled sandwiches. We split a pastrami Reuben and a turkey/bacon and guacamole. Both were delicious and came with a side of chips and a pickle. We also had an order of their landjaeger sausage, which was really good too.

But it's really about the beer, right? They had 7 offerings; 2 Belgians, an IPA, a Scotch ale, an ESB, a porter, and an amber. 8 bucks for a flight of all 7 styles. What did they taste like? Honestly, none of the beers stood out, either in a positive or a negative way. I'm more of an ale guy, and I quite enjoyed the IPA and the ESB, and even the Scotch ale. Belgian's aren't either one of our things, but the wife commented the porter was ok, and she settled on a pint of the amber. I went with a pint of the IPA, natch, and like I stated, it wasn't a hop bomb, under 7%, but it was very tasty, and I could have drank a couple more, if we weren't planning to attend the symphony later that evening. When I said that none of their beers stood out, I mean that in the best way possible: They echoed their respective styles, but didn't stray off the beaten path. But none of them should disappoint, unless one is looking for something very different. I got a growler of the ESB for the gold medal Olympic hockey, and that seemed to disappear rather quickly between myself and a friend while watching the game. 8 bucks for a growler, I think a few others were around $10 for a fill.

To summarize: OG Brewing Co. is probably the best kept secret in NW Ohio/SE Michigan, in the shadow of it's more established peers in A2, but that's OK. They don't seem to want to be a part of that scene anyways, and do what they do very well. I will make this a regular destination(as regular as a 75 minute drive can be) and would love to see them garner some accolades from other BA's in the future.
Mar 02, 2010
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Reviewed by NHJim from Ohio

4.2/5  rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I made the half hour drive to see the place and to view Beer Wars. It was a special event for Pints for Prostates. The cover was $10 but a great cause. The had a 50/50 raffle and a mug club raffle. Everything started on time. Half way through the movie the crowd got feisty and it got so loud you could not hear the movie. That can happen in these type events.

The owner Brad went out of his way to make me feel welcomed. The staff was great and I got a flight of all beers available (six). All of them were very good - most times I get a flight I think a few are trash - NOT IN THIS CASE. I then have a few more pints. I had a Pastrami sandwich and it was very good, complete with chips from Louisiana.

I will be back - next time with friends.
Dec 11, 2009
Photo of theirishdago
Reviewed by theirishdago from Michigan

4.08/5  rDev +4.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
I live in monroe, so this is the closest MB to us. I like this place because the staff is friendly, and everything in the place is clean and brand new. They have a ton of board games, so its fun to go have some fresh beer and play stuff like dominoes. They only have one tv , so if you are a sports nut, this might not be the way to go. Its all about the beer here. The brewmaster Brad, is a really nice guy who will be happy to show you around (when you can find him) By the way the primordial porter goes great with the turky club they offer. The P2 really brings out the smokiness in the bacon.
Sep 07, 2009
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Reviewed by Deuane from Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +3.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Finally drove by Milan while this place was opened....at least 4 trips over the last year it has been a Sunday or too early. Hoping my expectations were too lofty.

Had a great time....pleasant conversation with the bartender and then the owner/brewer Brad Sancho who was very polite/talkative and interested in hearing about our travels.

An industrial feel to the place with a 15 seat L shaped bar. Old barn doors act as some of the tables along with an eclectic mish mash of other tables.

Brewing equipment located behind the bar in full sight. An outdoor walled beer garden was open and under construction improvements. The area had picnic table seating, some rail bars and tiki torches.

A simple, but filling and fresh, menu of deli sandwiches. We had the smoked turkey and guacamole....very tasty. Also a nice addition of a landjaeger hunter sausage that was really nice.

Seven beers on tap is a bit low but considering the place is new, only a year old, a small I gave them some slack. Nice beer choices with a good range of styles.

All in all a quality place and everything was spot on to me. A nice vibe with talkative patrons and a good feel to the place. Not far from Ann Arbor due south on US 23 so it's easy to get to and worth the drive. Looking forward to visiting again.
Jul 13, 2009
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Reviewed by olacub from Ohio

4.13/5  rDev +5.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
As NW Ohio has continued to spiral further into brewpub oblivion (Toledo is an absolute national joke), this place is now officially the closest brewpub to my house, clocking in at 47 minutes away (no, Granite City doesn't count because 1 - they suck and 2 - they don't brew on premises). But you know what? It's easily worth the drive. I thought I tried a beer from these guys at the Michigan beer fest in Ypsi last summer (orange tic-tac Belgian, IIRC), liked it, and finally got around to stopping in Milan.

Nice, clean, modern interior that reminds me of many other places I've been to over the years, although the giant Michigan "M" logo on the wall lets you know you're down the road from A2. First, the service was quick and friendly. The food selection is spartan, but perfectly adequate for this kind of place. My wife and I had a White Cheddar grilled cheese with bacon and apples that was tasty. There were about 7 beers on tap, and I sampled the Belgian Training Wheels, Amber, IPA, and the Porter. All were well-made, and while none of the beers blew my socks off, what really does anymore? Solid place, solid beer, and my new "local". Get out and support these guys.
Mar 01, 2009
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Reviewed by frazbri from Ohio

3.83/5  rDev -2.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I visited Original Gravity Saturday, just after noon. The interior of the brewpub is clean & modern. It's one big main room. The brewing equipment occupies the back left quarter of the room, and the seating surrounds it in an L shaped layout. The bar itself was built of brick with a hardwood deck. A few of the tables were built of old barn doors, and all were wood.

OG's kitchen is essentially a panini press, and that's alright. The sandwiches are generously sized, and high in quality. I had a smoked turkey & avocado sandwich, while me traveling companion had a ham & cheddar cheese. They were served with chips & a pickle.

Our lunch time server, was the brewer and owner. He was getting ready to brew, tending bar, making the sandwiches and answering our questions all at once. He made it a very inviting experience.

OG has about ten beers on tap. All are made in house. Most are of moderate strength or sessionable. He also breaks out his old homebrew kettle for a 10 gallon batch that's tapped every Tuesday. That's where his most adventurous batches are showcased.

This is the type of place, I'd like to see succeed. It's still a curiosity to Milan's residents. (while we were there, one guy stopped in just to see if his old town really did have a brewery) The beer is okay, but the brewer is still learning on the job, as a hobbyist turned pro. Hopefully, he'll continue to grow.
Jan 25, 2009
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Reviewed by Dogbrick from Ohio

4.28/5  rDev +9.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Original Gravity Brewing is located in Milan right off Rte 23. Make sure not to follow the signs for "Downtown" as the turnoff for Dexter/County is shortly after the exit. There is a small private lot out front.

The building is pretty non-descript from the outside but things improve immediately upon entering. The inside is fairly open with maroon walls and wood paneling. The bar is in the center of the establishment and the openness allows for a full view of the 8-10 brewing tanks behind the bar. The rest of the space is devoted to table seating. There is a chalkboard listing current beers, and they have a really interesting array of tap handles. As tempting as it would be to ding them for the huge M*chigan flag on the wall, I will remain professional.

OG has around 10 beers on draught, including 2 "specials" and 1 or 2 "small batch" beers which they tap every Tuesday according to the chalkboard. The beers range from some of the usual brewpub fare (Amber, APA) to some more interesting options (Vanilla Porter, "Orange Tic Tac" Belgian, etc). All in all the beers were above average to very good. The fact they made a really good Amber which is usually a throwaway says a lot. A sampler is available.

Service on a Saturday lunch hour was very good, but then again we were literally the only people there. The brewer and server were both friendly and happy to share info on their beers with us.

The food menu is somewhat limited and leans heavily toward sandwiches but they were pretty good. They are served on panini bread, and my ham & cheese was tasty.

Overall I am hoping this place makes it because we enjoyed our experience there. Hopefully they do better business with the dinner/bar crowd than they do on a weekend lunch. Definitely worth the short side trip on a trip on 23 near Ann Arbor or Cabella's (Dundee).
Dec 01, 2008
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Reviewed by GlassCityBrewer from Ohio

4.72/5  rDev +20.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4
This place is wonderful, absolutely wonderful.

The beer was great but they had just opened when I went there so they only had a few beers available to sample, but there were a lot of taps on the draft so I can only assume they intend to have more.

The Atmosphere was awesome. I was more breweries were set up this way. The Brewhouse is completely open, I mean no doors, no glass, and only a bar seperating you from their impressive looking platform.

if you came in there while they were brewing, you could sit, have a brew and talk to the brewer as he's working.

might get pretty old for the brewer but this is an amazing concept for beer geeks and random bar goers alike.
Sep 04, 2008
Original Gravity Brewing Company in Milan, MI
Brewery rating: 3.76 out of 5 with 228 ratings