Hey all im headed to MI from Cali, the first week of August. The family and i are staying right off lake Orion. Any body have any input on bottle shops, breweries, or local craft beer bars/pubs? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Cheers Brian
Specifically, I've been hearing fabulous things about Old Nation's M-43. The brewery Old Nation is about an hour and a half west of Lake Orion. Depending upon how much time you have, you might be able to check out their facility and see if they're doing anything else really awesome. Other than that, this place might only have 11 ratings, but seems to score pretty well: https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/23500/?view=ratings You may be able to get some good things here. And maybe if we page @Mothergoose03 , he might be able to help you further.
Orion Keg & Wine is hands down the best bottle stop in LO. Also try Centersquare in Lake Orion. It's a shell station, but they have an incredible selection.
That's an area of MIchigan where I have not spent any time yet to be able to provide first hand recommendations. However, OP, using the Places feature here on BA, if you do a search using the cities of Lake Orion, Clarkston, Pontiac, Shelby Township, Washington, and Rochester, you'll find 7 breweries and many bottle shops and bars. Reading the reviews in the BA database is the best way to decide which places to visit. All 7 of the breweries carry good ratings, ranging from 3.83 (Fillmore 13 in Pontiac) to 4.44 (Brooks Brewing in Washington). All of these towns are close-by. If you have time to get farther out of the area, then Kuhnhenn Brewing (either location) is highly recommended. You can also check out the online map of brewery locations at MichiganBeerGuide.com.
Kuhnhenn in warren/Clinton Witch's Hat South Lyon Both not excessively far from Lake Orion Look'em up
Brown Iron Brew House and Clubhouse BFD for a great beer selection on draft; not too far. Two new breweries in Pontiac worth a visit; Fillmore 13 and Exferimentation (sp?) Brewery Go to Kuhnhenns as well. Little bit of a ride but worth it IMO.
I'd recommend you take a 10-15 minute drive over to Clarkston. There are 3 places right in town (Clarkston Union, Honcho, and Union Woodshop) that have good tap lists. At least one of the above might have an IPA from old nation. I do highly recommend Old Nation,if you like IPA's. I'm typing this message while I am sitting at Monkish in LA. I've had 5 of their IPA/DIPA's, and Old Nation IPA's are right there with Monkish in my opinion.
