So a buddy and I are taking a short trip to Ann Arbor to catch the Michigan vs Northwestern game. Being from California I have only a slight idea of what I should be looking for while there, but I was hoping some BA's could point me in the direction of good brew spots to hit while in the area.
If you are able to travel at all, bells and founders are good destinations with some other brewpubs in that area. If confined to ann arbor, jolly pumpkin pub downtown is delicious and their beers are awesome if you like the funk. They dont have any real brewing their, just a small pilot system. The production is done in dexter. Not sure of what beer bars are in the area. Enjoy the Big House!
Ashley's has a great selection of draft and bottles, but if looking for a brewpub, check out Arbor Brewing. The Blue Tractor is just up the street and Jolly Pumpkin is down and over a few blocks. Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peaks are owned by the same company, so you can find some of the same offerings at both. I would also highly recommend Wolverine Brewing Company out several blocks from downtown on Stadium Dr. They are a lager only brewery and pushing the limits with some really great beer. Looking for bottles? Check out Plum Market, about a mile or so from Wolverine Brewing Company for a big selection. Most bottle shops around town will have a decent offering from the Midwest. The Beer Depot, just around the corner from Jolly Pumpkin can be hit or miss. I've found some rare Kuhnhenn bottles there and other times left without buying anything. AA is a great town, you should have a great time. Go Blue!
Slip down to Milan to check out Original Gravity brewery. Cool spot with what I thought were pretty decent beers.
Thanks for all the input, I will have a rental car, but it will be a shorter trip Looks like I will have to hit up Ashley's Jolly Pumpkin and Plum Market. Again thanks for the help!
