Jolly Pumpkin Cafe And Brewery Ann Arbor

 

I’m not sure this is where it all started, but I believe this was the first of what is now a Michigan-located chain of brewpubs. The vibe still retains that old school craft brewpub vibe on both its floors, although the outdoor seating feels much more hip and happening. Fantastic beers on tap, and some great dining options too.

Stopped by for a pour, finally, after having visited the former-Bastone/JP location several times. This one's a narrow building off of Main, with lots of dark brown wood below and up top. Chandeliers adorned with kitchen utensils hang from the ceiling, lots of Edison bulbs on the walls. A mixture of North Peak and Jolly Pumpkin ales on tap, not unexpected. Didn't have food at this location, but the truffle fries I like in Royal Oak are on the menu here.

 

 

 

Another high quality beer and food destination in the wonderful little college town of Ann Arbor , MI.

Multiple levels, eclectic and super tasty food options... multiple JP beer options, on taps and supplemented with loads of bottle options to stay or go.

Well worth a visit...hit up the beer Grotto and/or Bill Beer Garden (both about a 5 minute walk away) before or after

 

 

 

 

 

 

I like the vibe of JP-A2 but damn, this place is just expensive. Happy hour here is just as expensive as ithe regular menu elsewhere so there isn't true value for dollar. Do they make an effort for the money? Yes, but it's still a budget buster come time to pay the bill. $7-10 glasses of beer, and you better enjoy sours because that's what they specialize in. The stout was watery week but the red ale showed real promise. There is a relationship with North Peak, not sure if they own it, but that's primarily what is available, and I'm not a huge fan of North Peak. Maybe they're due a redemption visit but not any time soon. A2 has too much going on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great sours. Definitely best in the state of Michigan.

Went at 7 on a Saturday. Place was packed, but was able to get 3 seats at the upstairs bar. ~12 of their beers on tap. I'm not a sour fan myself (my companions were), but they do have North Peak (same owners) beers on tap for more traditional styles. The menu is slightly upscale bar fare. I had one the pizzas. The crust was awesome, but the sauce was a bit bland.

Cool upscale artisan vibe in a dark wood, vintage bar setting. Top-notch local farm-to-table food that generally pairs well with many Jolly Pumpkin beers. North Peak beers and civilized spirits available as well. Great vegan desserts, cool merchandise options and beers to go.

Glad I finally stopped in here! The quality of the beer is spot on, if you like sours or are thinking about trying sours this is the place to go. The only knock is that the service is not great. I did not have food while I was there but it looked good and smelled good.

 

 

On a Tuesday afternoon, during spring break, this place was quiet and chill. There were a handful of other craft brew enthusiasts, and a cool alt rock / indie rock playlist. The bartender was cool, and friendly, and cute (in that hipster-punk kinda way), but she seemed either overwhelmed or distracted - to be fair there was some kinda plumbing issue going on behind the counter. There was a solid selection of a dozen or so beers on tap, mostly Jolly Pumpkin, but also a handful of other brewers in the Northern United Liquid Libations group. The food was tasty, although the prices were on par with city levels. Overall a place I'd like to visit again; however, I could also see this place being crazy packed on any given weekend (it is in the heart of U of M's campus afterall).

 

 

Pretty cool place. My girlfriend and I stopped in for lunch and a beer. Food was really good (had the nachos and a cheese plate) and some delicious seasonal beers. They have a pretty good selection of their own beer and North Peak's. The burgers/sandwiches also looked awesome. Only complaint would be that if you didn't want a sour beer (their specialty) then your options would be much more limited. But really if you go there just know what you're going for (great food + sour beer) and you won't be disappointed. I will be returning, perhaps for one of those burgers.

 

 

I have mixed feelings about JP. A few years back, the brews were unbelievably good. But more recently in the past 2-3 years, the beers taste rushed and not aged long enough. There also has been times where I'd travel to this brewery, and they would have 1 or 2 JP beers on tap, while they have 10+ north peak beers.

Also, the food is INCREDIBLE. This alone keeps me coming back over and over again.