Traverse City Suggestions

Short's!!! Only about 45 minutes away.

 

Right Brain is often recommended for the area, although I don't think it is baby friendly and last time I went (it's been a couple years) they didn't serve any food to speak of, so maybe having the family hang out while you run in and grab a growler might be an idea...

Northpeak is brewing some pretty solid beer these days and you can definitely take the family, it's worth a try IMO if you're planning to stay close to TC.

In all honesty, if you have the flexibility, I'd just go ahead and make the trip up to Short's. You should be able to get there in under an hour and you're sure to taste some fine brews there. I vacation up there every year and go at least twice. Their brewpub is kid friendly, has a great atmosphere, great food, and usually around 20 beers to try on tap with plenty of sixers available to their latest offerings.

I plan to try Jolly Pumpkin again in the future, but the one time I drug my wife up there with me I have to be honest and say I was pretty disappointed. They didn't have anything on tap (although they usually do from what I understand) and the only bottles they had were the same ones I can buy at any beer store carrying their products. Maybe I just went at a bad time...

Anyways enjoy the trip, I absolutely love it up there.

 

North Peak > Mackinaw BC for beer and food in my opinion.

 

North Peak is kid friendly, and I just saw some Burly Belgo on the shelf of my favorite bottle shop so that beer is out now and should be available there. It's an outstanding Belgian-style IPA. Mackinaw Brewing would also be kid friendly but their beers are not as good as North Peak. A couple of new breweries just opened in TC but I don't know anything about them at this point. Maybe someone else will chime in about them. Right Brain moving soon to a new location and will be closed for 3-4 weeks. Check their website for the dates, but I think that closed period has already started.

 

North Peak Mozzarella Spring Rolls w/ Pesto Ranch.

 

7 Monk's TapRoom is a must.

 

I second this. Highly recommended.

Check on Right Brain's status when you get up there, it should be about the time they are re-opening in their new location. Hard to say what the new place will look like, although I don't think they were adding food. Might be a good drop-dad-off-so-he-can-have-a-few-brews spot.

North Peak is very family friendly. North Peak, Blue Tractor, and Jolly Pumpkin are all related under the same company umbrella. The food is decent, and the beer is generally good (JP is exceptional in my opinion). Their tap lists tend to have a lot in common though.

Be prepared for the standard "Are we there yet?" questions from any young ones if you make the trip from TC to Short's. It isn't too far in adult time, but must seem like an an eternity in kid time. There is an ice cream place right down the street to make it seem worthwhile to them. Definitely worth the pilgrimage!

 

Right Brain is closed right now while they move to their new location.

7 Monks has the best tap list in the area.

Brew usually has a small but nice tap list too, and is much quieter than 7 Monks, and is only a block away.

The Filling Station is a new place. Beers are solid, but it can be noisy, and they only have pizza to eat. Still worth a quick stop.

Jolly Pumpkin is a great choice for dinner, and they usually have a good selection of North Peak beers on tap.

North Peak in town will have different North Peak beers than the Jolly Pumpkin location.

Mackinaw Brewing is passable. Decent food, but I've never been impressed with their beer.

If you want to take something home, go to Jack's, Beverage Company, or Bayside Market.

For something a little different, go to Left Foot Charley at the Grand Traverse Commons and try some cider. Also, out on Leelanau, you'll find Tandem Ciders which are usually amazing.

Shorts is a GREAT stop, but is at least 45 minutes away from Traverse City.

If you have any other questions, let me know.

 

Also, about the growlers, I think JP only fill their own. Shorts I think will fill any though. I don't know if Filling Station is filling growlers.

 

Right brain opens the new place June 15th. I also suggest a Tandem Ciders stop.

 

Would anyone here be interested in a small tasting one night that week?

 

This is not TC but on your way. Might be a lunch stop on your way to/from TC.

I have not been, but will go soon as I know the brewer, who was an outstanding homebrewer that went pro.

http://www.crankersbrewery.com/index.html

 

Avoid Mackinaw BC beers.
FYI, Ill be up there 6/14 - 6/17

 

I'd be happy to grab a beer with if you wanted.


Also, the offer to set up a tasting still stands.

 

Heads up! The beverage company has the best selection (and prices) in town for a beer store

 

selection? Absolutely.

price? Bayside Market is frequently less expensive.

 

Positive vibes

 

I meant nothing harsh by my comment.