Reinhart Realtors Blog: 12 Dog-Friendly Breweries in the Ann Arbor Area

There’s nothing like spending a summer afternoon on a brewery patio. And it’s made all the better if you can bring your furry friend along for the adventure with you!

Known for its vibrant craft beer scene and pet-friendly culture, Ann Arbor offers a variety of dog-friendly breweries that welcome four-legged patrons with open paws. We’re going on a tour of the best dog-friendly breweries in the Ann Arbor area, where you can savor locally brewed beers while spending quality time with your beloved pooch. Some even have dog-centric features, like a pup menu and an Instagram account dedicated to its four-legged customers. Raise a glass and wag some tails as we embark on this delightful brewery adventure!

HOMES Brewery | Ann Arbor

HOMES Brewery is the place to be any day of the year, as the massive outdoor beer garden is equipped with shade sails for warm days and fire pits for cold ones. The name HOMES carries a lot of meaning, but is mainly the acronym for the names of the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior). HOMES focuses on hoppy and sour beers, but they venture outside of those styles periodically. They keep about 8-14 beers on tap, depending on their production capacity, in addition to options for non-beer-drinkers, like hard seltzer smoothies, locally sourced spirits, wine and cider. Pair your drink of choice with something from their food menu, which is focused on Asian-influenced street food. HOMES allows well-behaved dogs in the beer garden as long as they are leashed and attended to by their owner. In fact, HOMES is so dog-friendly that they have an entire Instagram page dedicated to their furriest patrons!

Wolverine State Brewing Co. | Ann Arbor

Wolverine State Brewing Co. is a haven for both beer enthusiasts and dog lovers alike. This dog-friendly restaurant welcomes your furry friend to join you at one of their outdoor tables on the patio while you indulge in a fantastic drinking and dining experience. Known for their award-winning lagers, Wolverine State also offers an extensive menu that includes delectable smoked BBQ, Michigan’s best nachos, flavorful sandwiches, and more. As Michigan’s only all-lager microbrewery, they pride themselves on their experimentation with combined cultures, high-gravity lagers, and top-quality ingredients to craft the most balanced, unique, and innovative beers imaginable. Plus, their massive custom-made smoker serves up mouthwatering pulled pork, brisket, and chicken. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur, a foodie, or simply looking for a dog-friendly spot to enjoy a delicious meal, Wolverine State Brewing Co. is the perfect destination.

Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. | Ann Arbor

A landmark in downtown Ann Arbor, Grizzly Peak began serving craft beer in August of 1995 from their century-old building with wood floors, tin ceilings and exposed brick walls. But while the inside of their taproom is pretty spectacular, their outdoor patio is the perfect place for people-watching — and beer drinking, of course! It’s also where you can bring your dog so they can order off the Pups on the Patio menu tailored specifically for dogs with options like their Pup Patty cheeseburger, salmon or chicken served over rice, and everyone’s favorite: the Poochy Cream dessert. And for the humans, Grizzly Peak has plenty of food options to choose from, including shareable bites, hearth-baked pizzas, salads, burgers, sandwiches, burritos, bowls, tacos and more. Pair your meal with one of their refreshing brews, whether you prefer a sour, a wheat beer, a lager, an IPA, a Kölsch, or a red ale.

Ascension Brewing Co. | Novi

Nestled in Novi, Ascension Brewing Company is a welcoming microbrewery that radiates a sense of community and local charm. With an emphasis on sustainability and innovation, this free-spirited establishment offers a remarkable taplist and a delectable food menu. As a dog-friendly brewery, you can bring your furry friend along to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere on their patio — as long as they’re on a leash. Ascension Brewing Company takes pride in their locally brewed craft ales and believes that their food is the perfect complement to their exceptional beers. Their knowledgeable staff is always ready to suggest the ideal food pairing for your chosen craft beer. Among their standout dishes is the Ninja Pig sandwich — a tantalizing creation featuring blackened seasoned pulled pork slow-cooked for 18 hours in Ascension brews, topped with melted cheddar cheese, thick bacon slices, and Sriracha Bourbon barbeque sauce, all nestled within a hearty brioche bun.

Brewery Becker | Brighton

Located in downtown Brighton on Main Street, Brewery Becker is a charming micro-brewery with a welcoming taproom experience. From the moment you enter through the double doors on 1st Street, you’ll feel at home in the inviting atmosphere. With open seating, you can find the perfect spot to relax, whether at the bar or with a large group. The friendly bartenders provide table service on the first floor, while the second floor is dedicated to bar service, available exclusively on Fridays and Saturdays. The brewery’s award-winning Biergarten is a highlight, providing outdoor seating and service year-round, where dogs are welcome, as long as they enter from outside. In the winter, you can enjoy seating by fire pits and fire strip tables, as well as other unheated tables, all operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Brewery Becker offers a light eats menu, but guests are welcome to bring in take-out food from local caterers and restaurants.

North Center Brewing Co. | Northville

Located in the picturesque town of Northville, North Center Brewing Co. is a dog-friendly establishment where pups are invited to their outdoor patio. Their diverse menu features an array of culinary delights, including salads, burgers, sandwiches, which you can pair with one of their expertly crafted brews. And if you can’t decide, simply order a flight, so you can sample several different beers before finding the one that captivates your taste buds. Their extensive beer menu showcases a range of styles, from refreshing sours to hop-forward IPAs, robust porters, flavorful ales, and more. The North Center team believes in crafting beers that cater to all preferences, ensuring there’s a perfect brew for every beer enthusiast.

The Grotto | Ann Arbor

The Grotto aims to be “everyone’s watering hole” — and we think it’s safe to say they’ve accomplished their goal! This lively hotspot features 36 constantly rotating craft beer taps from across the country and the world, shelves of world-class bourbon scotch and other spirits, an excellent wine list, and a variety of creative cocktails, including plenty of frozen options. During happy hour on weekdays from 3–6 p.m., you can get 20% off all beer, wine, cocktails and spirits! And all day Sunday through Thursday, the same deal applies to military members, first responders, teachers and those in the industry. And all the time, pups are welcome on their patio!

Bearded Lamb Brewing Co. | Plymouth

Located in the historic Old Village of Plymouth, Bearded Lamb Brewing Company has quickly become a favorite among local beer enthusiasts since its establishment in 2021. This quaint, old-style pub not only offers craft brews that can rival those of larger breweries but also provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. The brewery takes pride in using only high-quality ingredients and local hops from the Michigan Hop Alliance in their artisanal creations. Whether you prefer the rich flavors of dark beers or the hazy delights of IPAs, Bearded Lamb Brewing Company has something to satisfy every palate. Plus, they have a dog-friendly back patio, allowing patrons to enjoy their favorite beers in the company of their furry friends.

 

Erratic Ale Co. | Dexter

MAIN Photo Courtesy of Erratic Ale Co.

Erratic Ale Co., a family-owned and operated nanobrewery in Dexter, is a haven for beer enthusiasts seeking unique flavors and a warm community atmosphere. With over 20 years of brewing experience, Brian Schroeder, the master brewer, skillfully crafts a variety of beers, enhancing the flavors and aromas of hops to create exceptional pale ales, stouts, Irish reds, and more. At Erratic Ale Co., they understand that beer has a special way of bringing people together, including their four-legged friends. Inspired by their own brew dog, J, patrons are welcome to enjoy their beers on the dog-friendly patio, where dogs can happily join in the experience. This family-run brewery’s connection to the local community and their new home in Dexter shines through in every pint they serve. The name Erratic Ale Co. pays homage to Michigan’s glacial history, symbolizing their unexpected journey to this place and embracing it as their new home.

 

Northville Winery and Brewing Co. | Northville

Situated about 30 minutes northeast of Ann Arbor in Northville, this winery and brewery experience is a must! The family-run business is a taphouse for their own wines, ciders and beers. Their beer list has a variety of brews, all made on site, from a light and drinkable Kolsch or German pilsner to a hearty Dry Irish Stout and oatmeal stout. Northville Winery and Brewing Co. also functions as a music venue with shows from both local bands and solo musicians — plus rotating food trucks. Click here to see what bands and food trucks will be stopping by this week. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, their outdoor space is exceptional — and of course, your dog is invited to join!

Original Gravity Brewing Co. | Milan

Original Gravity Brewing Co., founded by passionate homebrewer Brad Sancho, is a microbrewery in Milan known for its exceptional beer, delicious deli sandwiches, and vibrant community atmosphere. With a focus on providing an outstanding taproom experience, guests can enjoy their pints while playing arcade games or catching a game on flat-screen TVs, all while admiring the brewery’s 7-barrel stainless steel brewing system. The brewery hosts a variety of events, from Taco Tuesdays to Trivia Night, and it boasts a dog-friendly patio where patrons can relax with a cold brew while enjoying live music on warm summer nights. Original Gravity is the epitome of a neighborhood gathering spot that brings together great beer, good food, and a welcoming ambiance.

Townies Brewery | Ann Arbor

Situated on Ann Arbor’s west side, Townies Brewery emerged in 2018 in the old home of Glasshouse Brewing. Under the guidance of owners Dan and Patty Arban, the establishment underwent a remarkable transformation, enhancing both the interior and the charming patio. With a strict no outside food policy, Townies Brewery offers ample outdoor seating, including a spacious front patio adorned with concrete fire tables, two pergolas with seating and fire pits, and a grassy backyard beer garden capable of accommodating up to 120 people. Both outdoor areas are dog- and kid-friendly, providing the ultimate setting for the whole family to enjoy.

Sit, Sip, Stay!

Have a paw-some time at these dog-friendly breweries in the Ann Arbor area!

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