Scooter's Bar Journal » Michigan

Tri-City Brewing Company

scooterj — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 18:10:00 +0000

(Bay City, MI)

Scooter’s 1869th bar, first visited in 2026.

I have had lots of beers from this brewery and even own some of their merchandise, but had never been. I realized it was only a 15-minute detour on our way back to Kansas City, so made the call to make the side trip.

This is a very dog-friendly brewery so there were a few pooches present, and the outdoor seating area is fenced-in so they can stretch their legs.

There isn’t food, but there are food trucks on certain days/times and a schedule is posted on the wall inside.

Since I’ve had so many of their beers I opted to not have a flight and instead have a full glass of Saginaw Joe Porter.

4170 Shrestha Dr
Bay City, MI 48706
US
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+19896861340
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Beeters Brew Pub

scooterj — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 18:11:00 +0000

(Sebewaing, MI)

Scooter’s 1868th bar, first visited in 2026.

This wasn’t a planned stop, but it was (sort of) on the way back to the house and the owner is a friend of the bartender at Colwood.

The name is a bit misleading, because not only do they not brew beer, there isn’t any beer available on tap at all. There’s nothing displayed to indicate what beer they carry, all indications are it’s just the basics. I had Guinness, but had to wait a while for it to thaw as the bottle was frozen.

We played darts and a couple of us played with a little putting mat. There’s also a pool table.

902 Pine St
Sebewaing, MI 48759
US
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+19896861340
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Colwood Bar

scooterj — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 18:10:00 +0000

(Unionville, MI)

Scooter’s 1867th bar, first visited in 2026.

Another favorite find of ours, especially due to friendly regulars and an awesome bartender.

This bar is located WAY out in the middle of nowhere, but worth the drive. You might mistake it for a strip club due to the signage, but it’s nothing of the sort.

We had appetizers and three rounds of shots. In order: Red-headed slut, Alligator piss, and the less-provocatively-named chocolate-cherry shot (the bartender’s favorite). I also had a Bell’s Two-Hearted IPA.

4990 Colwood Rd
Unionville, MI 48767
US
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+19895509359
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Bay Port Inn

scooterj — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 18:10:00 +0000

(Bay Port, MI)

Scooter’s 1866th bar, first visited in 2026.

This was our favorite bar that we found on this trip. Located in a building that used to be a hostel / boarding house, the bar and restaurant takes up the entire ground floor. Around back is a tiki bar that can be opened up (literally) when the weather allows. Currently that aspect is seasonal (warm months only), but the owner is working on getting it heated so it can be used throughout more of the year.

The owner is a breast cancer survivor with a fascinating and inspiring story. She bought full ownership not long ago and has already put a lot of work into renovations. Her future plans are to renovate the former guest rooms upstairs into vacation rentals.

This bar is known for its food, its cocktails and Bloody Marys, and for sing-it-at-your-seat karaoke that is available by request.

I has a Christmas Cookie cocktail, a mini beer, a Widow Maker (black ale) by Keweenaw Brewing, and a Black & Tan by Yuengling.

827 Promenade St
Bay Port, MI 48720
US
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+19896564053
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Blue Water Inn

scooterj — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Caseville, MI)

Scooter’s 1865th bar, first visited in 2025.

After our earlier bar crawl we took a break for a couple of hours, then came here for the annual NYE ball drop. (Giant lighted wire-frame ball slowly lowered from a crane, followed by fireworks.)

The bar was EXTREMELY crowded so it was impossible to have a proper visit, will have to return another time for that.

This place is divided into two halves. The north half (shorter building) is the bar area, and the south half (taller building) is the dining area with a pool table, dance floor, and DJ booth. In back is a covered, heated deck. There appeared to be a second level but it was too crowded to get to the stairs.

It was surreal seeing young children inside at almost midnight, but apparently kids are allowed as long as they stay out of the bar side.

I had a Guinness.

6584 Main St
Caseville, MI 48725
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+19898563400
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Biff’s Bar & Grill

scooterj — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:12:00 +0000

(Kinde, MI)

Scooter’s 1864th bar, first visited in 2025.

This was the third and final stop of our NYE afternoon bar crawl. They were serving a prime rib dinner and we ended up eating here, but I’m not a fan of any of the sides so I decided to get something else. This place is well known for its pizza but I was warned that the kitchen was backed up and it could take an hour, so I opted for various appetizers.

The back room used to be a bowling alley and the sign on top of the building used to say “Biff’s Bowl Bar”, but the letters for the middle word are no longer there. While all the bowling equipment is gone, they kept the lanes and filled the space in-between with additional lane boards to make one big continuous floor. There was a band performing back there tonight.

For drinks I had a can of Bud Light as a result of the server misunderstanding what I asked for, a lemon drop shot, and a cocktail but I forgot to write down which one it was.

4680 N Van Dyke Rd
Kinde, MI 48445
US
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+19898743034
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BottomsUp

scooterj — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:11:00 +0000

(Bad Axe, MI)
Formerly Frank’s Place

Scooter’s 1863rd bar, first visited in 2025.

Second stop on our NYE afternoon bar crawl. This is a motel bar, and ended up being one of our favorite bars visited on this vacation. Fun bar with really friendly regulars, and a terrific bartender.

The bar is divided into three main rooms. The front room has pool tables. The middle room has the bar, tables, and booth seating. The back room has more tables and a stage. All three rooms are packed with fun and interesting decor.

I had Two-Hearted IPA by Bell’s Brewing and a lemon-drop shot.

809 E Huron Ave
Bad Axe, MI 48413
US
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+18104176213
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Heck’s Bar

scooterj — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:10:00 +0000

(Kinde, MI)

Scooter’s 1862nd bar, first visited in 2025.

The first of three stops on a NYE rural Michigan bar crawl. I’d seen this bar on previous Michigan vacations but this was the first opportunity to stop in.

This bar has a pool table and a claw machine, and serves food. While a dive bar, they do carry some local/regional craft beer.

My visit to the men’s room confused me at first. Opened the door to find myself in a tiny little room with a sink. The actual restroom was through another door beyond that.

I had Raspberry Fudgie (oatmeal stout) by Big Lake Brewing.

This photo was from a drive-by during a July 2023 vacation:

2990 W Kinde Rd
Kinde, MI 48445
US
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+19898744868
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Ron’s Bar

scooterj — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 17:12:00 +0000

(Petoskey, MI)

Scooter’s 1823rd bar, first visited in 2024.

While we were at the winery my wife asked one of the servers, “If we wanted to go to a dive bar, what’s the best dirtiest grittiest dive bar we could possibly pick?”

“RON’S!” was her immediate reply.

I looked it up and once I found it on the map I realized we’d driven by it several times and I’d wondered about it. But it didn’t until for a couple of hours so we walked around one of the beaches to kill some time.

We arrived right at 4:00 and found it locked — we’d beat the bartender. But knowing this is a true dive we decided to wait and were soon rewarded for our patience.

The bartender was really cool and friendly and gave us all kinds of great into both about the bar and about the area.

We had several rounds of shots and I had a Blood Orange Honey (honey wheat beer) by Cheboygan Brewing Company.

1041 US Hwy 31
Petoskey, MI 49770
US
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+1 (231) 622-8119
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Mackinaw Trail Winery, Brewery & Bistro

scooterj — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 17:11:00 +0000

(Petoskey, MI)

Scooter’s 1822nd bar, first visited in 2024.

This winery / brewery is a few miles south of Petoskey. I’d originally planned to do a wine tasting or have a wine flight, but then I noticed a beer with an amazing name that sounded absolutely delicious (and it was). Unfortunately it had a high enough ABV that I had to be responsible and just have the one glass.

I had a Jesus Should Have Made Beer (imperial stout) by Mackinaw Trail Brewing Company

3423 US Hwy 131
Petoskey, MI 49770
US
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+1 (231) 487-1910
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The Back Lot

scooterj — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Petoskey, MI)

Scooter’s 1821st bar, first visited in 2024.

We were looking for someplace to get lunch, and I was charged with finding a place, but no one could come to agreement on what we wanted.

“Okay, how about a place that has a bar and a courtyard filled with all kinds of food trucks?”

SOLD!

Among the four of us we ended up getting items to share from all 7 of the food trucks. As for beer I had a Bellaire Brown by Short’s Brewing Company.

425 Michigan St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
US
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+1 (231) 881-9933
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Legs Inn

scooterj — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Cross Village, MI)

Scooter’s 1820th bar, first visited in 2024.

This historic tavern is a must-see tourist destination at the end of the Tunnel of Trees scenic highway. It was built by a Polish immigrant in the 1930s with the primary building materials being local stones, timbers, antlers, and animal bones. Keeping with the traditions of the founder, the menu focuses on Polish food.

The inside is mostly restaurant space spread across multiple rooms and both covered and fully-exposed outdoor areas. The grounds, which overlook Lake Michigan, are expansive and decorated with sculptures created by the original builder. There is a gift shop in the main building plus another one across the street. The bar consists of a big square bar counter on the northeast side of the building and an adjoining room with a poo, table and benches built into the walls.

I ate kielbasa and drank a Nightswimmer Stout by Stormcloud Brewing Company. Then for “dessert” I had a cocktail called Pączki & Cawa.

6425 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Cross Village, MI 49723
US
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+1 (231) 526-2281
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Petoskey Brewing

scooterj — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 17:12:00 +0000

(Petoskey, MI)

Scooter’s 1819th bar, first visited in 2024.

This had been on my must-visit list ever since I saw a picture of the building a little over a year earlier. We ended up not staying very long because it was at the end of a very long and tiring day, but I was able to get a flight and a t-shirt.

My flight consisted of their Mind’s EyePA, Cranium Crush (cream ale), Wanderlust IPA, and Morning Fog Stout.

1844 Harbor-Petoskey Rd.
Petoskey, MI 49770
US
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+1 (231) 753-2057
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Tap30 Pourhouse

scooterj — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Petoskey, MI)

Scooter’s 1818th bar, first visited in 2024.

Since this was right next door we decided it was a must-visit before heading out of downtown. Most of the group had cocktails, I had a Bad Elmer’s Porter by Upland Brewing Company

422 E. Mitchell St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
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+1 (231) 881-9572
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Mitchell Street Pub

scooterj — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Petoskey, MI)

Scooter’s 1817th bar, first visited in 2024.

We had parked a couple of blocks away and shopped and a candy shop and a clothing store. I took all the purchases back tot he car while everyone else left for the bar. After putting the items away I got distracted by a pet store, so by the time I made it to the bar I expected everyone to be halfway through their drinks. Instead, I found none of my group there. So before I ordered anything to drink I messaged the rest of the group to make sure I was at the right bar. After several minutes one of them finally responded that I was in the correct place but that they had also gotten distracted by a shop along the way and would join me shortly. So I finally was able to get a drink and grabbed a table big enough for all of us.

This is a quintessential neighborhood dive-ish bar, only missing true 100% dive bar status due to the good selection of craft beer. The floor is covered in peanut shells, and there’s fund stuff to look at in every direction. They do serve food, I think we got some sort of appetizer to share but I don’t remember for sure.

I had a Horny Monk (Belgian Dubbel) by Petoskey Brewing

426 E. Mitchell St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
US
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+1 (231) 347-1801
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Great Turtle Brewery & Distillery

scooterj — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:12:00 +0000

(Mackinac Island, MI)

Scooter’s 1816th bar, first visited in 2024.

After high tea at the Grand Hotel we went to the bar at the top of the hotel, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the island and Lake Huron. We were going to have cocktails, but realized if we did we might not make the last ferry off the island.

We went out front to request a horse taxi, but were informed that even waiting for that might make us late and that it would be faster to walk.

As we were walking down the hill back toward town it occurred to me that if I took off at a light jog, I’d be able to get one more stop in and chug a beer while everyone else was catching up. So that’s exactly what I did.

Bonus, I’d received a Great Turtle t-shirt as a gift a year earlier, so now I could finally claim having been there when I wear it.

I ordered a Hoban Street Stout and drank as much of it as I could as quickly as I could until the rest of the group caught up to me. I finished about 3/4 of the pint and we made our ferry.

1359 Hoban St.
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
US
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+1 (906) 422-3200
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Mustang Lounge

scooterj — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:11:00 +0000

(Mackinac Island, MI)

Scooter’s 1815th bar, first visited in 2024.

While we were at the Pink Pony we heard about the oldest bar on the island, so headed over there next. I forget the exact year it was built — sometime in the 1850s I think. I also forget the original purpose but it wasn’t originally a bar. It was something to do with horses. I should have taken a picture of the blurb about its history.

I was in the mood for something sweet, so instead of beer I got a hot chocolate with Bailey’s.

From here we hitched a horse-drawn taxi to the Grand Hotel for high tea.

1485 Astor St.
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
US
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+1 (906) 847-9916
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Pink Pony Bar & Grill

scooterj — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Mackinac Island, MI)

Scooter’s 1814th bar, first visited in 2024.

Our visit to Mackinac Island was kind of a spur of the moment decision. Upon arrival we had a great breakfast at the Chuckwagon, then rented bikes and rode the loop around the island. Afer that we were ready for drinks and a snack.

The bar area was completely packed so we had to sit over on the restaurant side. We had appetizers (I mainly snacked on the whitefish fingers) and a round of cocktails. I chose the beer barrel old fashioned.

7221 Main St. #103
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
US
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+1 (906) 847-3341
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Vue Wine Bar

scooterj — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Charlevoix, MI)

Scooter’s 1813th bar, first visited in 2024.

It was too windy and choppy to put our kayaks into Lake Michigan, so we decided to drive down to Torch Lake in hopes of better weather. After a successful float we were heading back to Petoskey and planned to visit a winery along the way. But since it was Sunday, we were unable to make it to any before they closed. However we had remembered seeing cool little places in this town when we passed through the first time, and found this wine bar right along the drive back.

The Vue gets its name from its stunning view overlooking the canal where Lake Charlevoix empties into Lake Michigan via Round Lake. There are live cameras outside watching the canal and the bridge that are connected to video screens inside. Though we soon figured out there is about a 20 second lag — which one member of our group exploited by running outside to do goofy things then running back inside to watch himself on TV.

I had a glass of Prosecco, but I don’t remember it it was Syltbar II Concerto Prosecco (Italy) or Coppola Prosecco DOC (also Italy), as they were out of whichever of the two I ordered first. Later I followed that up with an espresso martini. I also shared in the charcuterie board we might for the group.

101 Bridge St.
Charlevoix, MI 49720
US
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+1 (231) 437-3816
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New Holland Brewing – Holland Tap Room

scooterj — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Holland, MI)

Scooter’s 1812th bar, first visited in 2024.

This brewery has been on my bucket list for a few years, and today our driving route just happened to take us within a few miles of it shortly after opening time! We were towing a camping trailer so it took of quite a while to find a place we could fit to park, but we finally found room in front of the post office a few blocks to the east.

New Holland’s tap room consists of three connected buildings. Furthest east, toward the center of the block, is the gift shop and packaged beer/spirits to-go store. Next over is the restaurant, and finally furthest west on the corner of the block is the bar — which includes additional mezzanine-level seating in the back. There’s café style seating out on the sidewalk, and also a large (mostly)-covered patio in the back.

Finally able to enjoy Dragon’s Milk in its natural habitat, I started with just regular Dragon’s Milk. Next up, Dragon’s Milk Reserve: Double Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout With Madagascar & Indonesian Vanilla Beans (2021-2). And, finally, Dragon’s Milk Reserve: Rum Barrel-Aged Stout with Chocolate, Hazelnut, & Toasted Coconut (2020-1).

Then I went over to the gift shop and spent way too much money.

66 E. 8th St.
Holland, MI 49423
US
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+1 (616) 355-6422
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Atwater Brewery

scooterj — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Romulus, MI)

Scooter’s 1701st bar, first visited in 2023.

We got dropped off at the airport and were at our gate 6 minutes later, so we had well over and hour to kill before it would even be time to start thinking about keeping an eye on boarding time. We picked this spot since it had traditional breakfast food.

Since I’d already had plenty of Atwater beer at the main brewery, I went with my airport standard of Coffee & Bailey’s here.

Romulus, MI 48242
US
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+17349413726
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Baus (Bar)ber

scooterj — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Rochester, MI)

Scooter’s 1700th bar, first visited in 2023.

As soon as I found out that there was a fancy cocktail bar with a barber shop inside, I had to check it out. (They were already on the last cut of the day so we all had to settle for drinks without trims.)

I had an Espresso Martini and a Public Enemy (Woodford Reserve bourbon, cherry, orange, bitters).

114 E 4th St
Rochester, MI 48307
US
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+12482666201
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Orion Boat House

scooterj — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 17:14:00 +0000

(Lake Orion, MI)

Scooter’s 1699th bar, first visited in 2023.

After taking a break for most of the afternoon, we went back out in the evening to find a place where we could sit outside with a view of the sunset while having appetizers and cocktails.

This was a bit tricky to find, the car’s GPS led us to two incorrect parking lots before we found it.

In addition to pizza, I had an Espresso Martini, a Leeway (rittenhouse rye / heering cherry / sweet vermouth / cherry bitters / walnut bitters), and a Chicken & Waffle Old Fashioned.

256 S Broadway St
Lake Orion, MI 48362
US
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+12489298145
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McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar

scooterj — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 17:13:00 +0000

(Corktown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1697th bar, first visited in 2023.

And another great bar! We love Detroit.

We stayed here for quite a while, sharing several plates of appetizers while playing shufflepuck and having a few rounds of drinks.

The bar counter works its way up a few steps, continuing around the corner from the bar room into the main dining area. There is also a big, well-decorated patio in the back.

I had a Dragonâ€™s Milk Reserve: Coffee Chocolate (2023) by New Holland Brewing, an O.C.P. (Oatmeal Creme Pie) (brown ale) by Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, and whatever shots were ordered.

This trough appears to have bene custom-made to fill 100% of the available space.

1460 Michigan Ave
Detroit, MI 48216
US
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+13139611960
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Nemo’s Bar

scooterj — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 17:12:00 +0000

(Corktown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1697th bar, first visited in 2023.

And another great historic dive bar!

As we approached we were worried we wouldn’t be able to get in because there was a big crowd of people standing outside the door, but as we turned the corner a shuttle bus showed up to take them all to the baseball game. Inside we found a much quieter bar than it had been just a few minutes earlier.

There are two rooms, the back more suited for eating. There’s also a covered patio in the form of a canopy in a parking lot.

I had Guinness and whatever shot my group ordered a round of.

1384 Michigan Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
US
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+13139653180
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Nancy Whiskey

scooterj — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(North Corktown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1696th bar, first visited in 2023.

An absolutely amazing 120+ year old neighborhood dive bar just outside of downtown Detroit!

Inside there’s an antique phone booth, a claw machine, and all sorts of history. Outside — a covered patio, various yard games, and occasional live music.

I had Guinness and a lemon drop shot.

2644 Harrison St
Detroit, MI 48216
US
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+13139624247
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Atwater Brewery

scooterj — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 17:14:00 +0000

(Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1695th bar, first visited in 2023.

I’d had their Java Porter many times both from stores and at other bars, now I finally got to see where it came from.

Lots of bar seating and tables indoors, a patio outside, and even an outdoor rooftop bar. Food is served, and there’s a small gift shop.

I had a flight with their Dirty Blond (witbier), Vanilla Java Porter (gotta try it fresh from the source), Detroit City Juice (NE IPA), and Atwater IPA.

237 Jos Campau, Detroit, MI 48207
Detroit, MI 48207
US
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+13138779205
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Eastern Market Brewing Company

scooterj — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1694th bar, first visited in 2023.

We didn’t stay here very long since they didn’t have anything two members of our group were interested in. Outdoor seating was in the form of a bunch of tables out in the street.

I had the Amber Lager and a Barrell Aged Black Excellence (BA coffee stout in collaboration with Wren House Brewing Company).

2515 Riopelle St
Detroit, MI 48207
US
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+13135132200
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Vivio’s Food & Spirits

scooterj — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1693rd bar, first visited in 2023.

Our first stop after getting picked up at the airport. We were looking for someplace that would have brunch food + drinks and thought this would fit the bill, but it turned out to be more seafoody than we were ready for.

We were seated on the upper level.

In addition to my food (I think it was a burger) I had Delirium Tremens by Delirium – Huyghe Brewery and a Fresh Squeezed (IPA) by Deschutes Brewery

2460 Market St.
Detroit, MI 48207
US
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+13133931711
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Jolly Pumpkin – Old Mission

scooterj — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:14:00 +0000

(Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City, MI)

Scooter’s 1669th bar, first visited in 2023.

By the time I’d returned with the dogs the gang had relocated here. Unfortunatley a wedding had most of this venue hijacked as well, and there was more than an hour wait for a table, so most of the group left. My wife had managed to score a single seat at the bar and held onto it for me until I for there.

With time really for only one drink since everyone else had left, and me not really in the mood for sours, I had an Old Mission Stout by Old Mission Beer Company.

13512 Peninsula Dr
Traverse City, MI 49686
United States
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+12312234333
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Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

scooterj — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:13:00 +0000

(Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City, MI)

Scooter’s 1668th bar, first visited in 2023.

This winery was highly recommended to us by the people back at 2 Lads, so we made sure to include it as a stop. Unfortunately a wedding had almost the entire facility reserved, so the general public was relegated to and area of tents and tables set up on the lawn.

I didn’t get to stay here long because I needed to go back into town to pick up the dogs from the kennel they’d spent a couple of nights at. I had a glass of the the Signature Rosé.

3309 Blue Water Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686
United States
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+12312239303
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Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn

scooterj — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:12:00 +0000

(Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City, MI)

Scooter’s 1667th bar, first visited in 2023.

This stunning winery featured viewed of both the West and East Arms of the Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan.

The system here is a bit weird, before entering you pre-pay foir your first round which can either be a wine flight, a glass of wine, or a cocktail. After that you return to the bar normally (waiting in line until you are called).

There is a massive amount of beautiful indoor seating areas, but it was just too nice for us to not take our drinks outside.

Unfortunately I forgot to take note of what I had in my wine flight, and I can’t make out enough detail in my photos to re-identify them.

15900 Rue Devin
Traverse City, MI 49686
United States
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+12312234110
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2 Lads Winery

scooterj — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City, MI)

44.93428459187982, -85.4960756492465

Scooter’s 1666th bar, first visited in 2023.

We decided to spend the afternoon winery-hopping on the Old Mission Peninsula. We started with the northernmost one we could find, a modern building with a spectacular view.

I had a wine flight consisting of the 2018 Sparkling Rosé, the Rola Red, and the 2022 LKate Harvest Riesling. I also sampled 2021 Crisp Sparkling. We bought a few bottles to being home.

16985 Smokey Hollow Rd
Traverse City, MI 49686
United States
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+12312237722
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North Peak Brewing Company

scooterj — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(West End, Traverse City, MI)

Scooter’s 1665th bar, first visited in 2023.

I had to come into town to pick up various prescriptions and after I picked up my first round at a CVS I noticed this brewery was just a few blocks away. However due to Traverse City’s insane traffic and bizarrely-designed road system, it took about 15 minutes to go those few blocks so I probably should have just walked.

I had a Downstream Cream Milk Stout.

400 W Front St
Traverse City, MI 49684
United States
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+12319417325
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The Landing Tavern

scooterj — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Port Austin, MI)

Scooter’s 1664th bar, first visited in 2023.

And this is the bar we ordered our (really good!) pizzas from!

I had a Bell’s Two-Hearted IPA.

8724 Lake St
Port Austin, MI 48467
United States
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+19897389750
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Lake Street Local

scooterj — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Port Austin, MI)

Scooter’s 1663rd bar, first visited in 2023.

I came here for a round of drinks while waiting for pizzas we ordered from the bar next door.

I had a Founders All Day IPA.

8706 Lake St
Port Austin, MI 48467
United States
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+19897387520
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Pak’s Backyard

scooterj — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Port Austin, MI)

Scooter’s 1662nd bar, first visited in 2023.

Another place where they wanted everyone outside, at least today was a nice day instead of the rain we had at our previous two places.

In the mornings, this is a coffee shop. I had already been here for coffee before returning today for drinks.

I had a Vanilla Java Porter by Atwater Brewing.

119 E Spring St
Port Austin, MI 48467
United States
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(989) 341-3350
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Thumb Brewery

scooterj — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 17:12:00 +0000

(Caseville, MI)

Scooter’s 1661st bar, first visited in 2023.

After our lunch we decided to drive over to Caseville to see the town and try the brewery. The rain was finally tapering off.

Inside was packed so we went outside to sit. Not seeing any obvious signs that there were servers, a couple of us went inside to order drinks only to be shooed back out with a server following us.

I had half pours of the Coconut Porter and the Kona Coffee Stout. I liked the latter so much I ordered a full pour to follow it up.

I bought the group’s rounds and after I paid the final total seemed too low so I asked her to look up the details and reads them back to me. Good thing I did, I had misplaced a decimal point and accidentally tipped just $2 on a $99 tab. I quickly apologized and handed her a twenty. Accidental assholery averted!

6758 Pine St
Caseville, MI 48725
United States
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+19895536758
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Bird Creek Farms

scooterj — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 17:10:00 +0000

(Port Austin, MI)

Scooter’s 1660th bar, first visited in 2023.

I almost didn’t count this as a bar, but we ended up seated in the outdoor bar area and had a few rounds of drinks, so it’s valid!

It was pouring down rain, and though the patio was covered the roof did have quite a few leaks, so it seemed a little odd that they were seating everyone outside. But we loved it here. We absolutely destroyed every plate of appetizers that was delivered to our table,m and the drinks were fantastic.

I had a Michigan Amber by Big Lake Brewing, and a maple-pecan old fashioned.

There were more before we ordered our appetizers.

282 Grindstone Rd
Port Austin, MI 48467
United States
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+19895536444
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Checker Bar

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1601st bar, first visited in 2022.

We had almost stopped in here earlier in the evening while walking back to our hotel from Grand Trunk Pub, but we saw lots of kids in the front windows so decided at the time to pass.

Now it was late, we had not had dinner, and this was the closest spot we could find to the hotel that still had an open kitchen. So we dropped the car off at the hotel and walked back over here.

Everybody ordered food for themselves, we also ordered a few appetizers for us to all share. I ordered what I thought was going to be an individual-sized pizza. Then we all got our drinks. I had a Mayan Mocha Stout by Odd Side Ales.

After a while the appetizers came out. Then, a bit later, the food. Except not mine. So I waited. And waited. I was stick in the middle of a round booth and couldn’t get out without making everyone else get out, so my wife went to go check on my food. They assured her the pizza was coming. So I wanted some more. But hunger finally took over and I started eating appetizers. Before long I was full.

We gave up on the pizza, and just as we were about to go ask for it to be removed from the tab so we could leave, it was suddenly plopped down on the table before us.

It looked amazing, so I couldn’t pass it up, and forced myself to eat a few pieces. It was much larger than I was expecting, and with no practical way for us to save the leftovers, half of it got wasted. Which is criminal.

124 Cadillac Square
Detroit, MI 48226
United States
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+13139619249
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Suzy’s Bar

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:17:00 +0000

(Hamtramck, MI)

Scooter’s 1600th bar, first visited in 2022.

We almost didn’t stop here because of the party bus parked out front, but we decided to give it a shot. Glad we did, because the party inside didn’t overcrowd the bar and wasn’t obnoxious. And we really liked this place. It reminded us a lot of Wolski’s Tavern in Milwaukee.

The whole room is filled with nostalgic childhood memorabilia — most of it looking to be from about mid 1960s to mid 1980s. And, in a score for me, they had Polish beer so I had Okocim O.K. Beer by Browar Okocim.

They really want to make sure anyone using the men’s room leaves free from both germs and odors.

2942 Evaline St
Hamtramck, MI 48212
United States
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+13138729016
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The Painted Lady

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:16:00 +0000

(Hamtramck, MI)

Scooter’s 1599th bar, first visited in 2022.

Our next spot made out initial short list simply based on the fact that we liked out the exterior looked.

This is a very eclectic neighborhood dive bar — with fancy woodwork juxtaposed with broken floor tile straight from a 1940s elementary school classroom, a row of pinball machines, a pool table, a stage serving as a gift shop, and a bust of a rather fit dude’s chest.

As this is a Polish neighborhood I was hoping for some Polish beer, but alas there was none to be found. So I had Guinness.

2930 Jacob St
Hamtramck, MI 48212
United States
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+13138742991
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Applebee’s

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1597th bar, first visited in 2022.

It’s always an embarrassment to list an Applebees on this site, but that’s what our hotel bar happened to be and we were waiting their for our friends to come back downstairs (which took a while because the fire alarm went off, forcing them to take he stairs) and for the valet to bring the car around.

I had The G.O.A.T. (Greatest Oatmeal Stout Of All Time) by Saugatuck Brewing Company.

333 E Jefferson
Detroit, MI 48226
United States
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+13138795141
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Abick’s Bar

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:15:00 +0000

(Michigan-Martin, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1598th bar, first visited in 2022.

Now THIS is what looking for good neighborhood dive bars is all about. Easily in my top 5 of all time!

After learning we were visiting from out of town the bartender decided to give us a tour and tell us about the history. She began by taking us through a door labeled “barber Shop”, revealing a back room lounge area packed with artifacts.

This long-time neighborhood staple has been a hangout for police and firefighters for decades, and patrons have donated all sorts of items related to their professions. As a result, the back room of this bar is essentially a museum of nearly a century’s worth of items relating to both lines of work.

After returning to the main bar the bartender asked if we’d noticed the smooth marble front side of the bar counter. “Do you want to know why it’s marble?” she asked. So of course we wanted to know.

When the bar first opened men and women drank separately, with men in the front room and women in the back room aka the Barber Shop). According to the lore, there was a trough installed along the front of the marble side of the bar so that the men could urinate without needing to leave their spots.

The current men’s restroom is a lot less dramatic, but the women’s restroom was a clear toilet seat with razor blades and barbed wire embedded (completely and safely) within.

I had a Molson Canadian.

The marble bar front. If the legend is true, numerous urine streams used to splash here long ago.

Women’s toilet:

3500 Gilbert St
Detroit, MI 48210
United States
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+13138949329
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Grand Trunk Pub

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1596th bar, first visited in 2022.

After leaving Detroiter Bar we called to check on our companion who was getting some much needed sleep back at the hotel. She didn’t answer, so we decided to wander around and do some sightseeing.

About thirty minutes into our walk we came across a bar that the rest of the group (minus me) had visited a few years earlier but it was extremely busy and they left after 40 minutes of being unable to get anyone to take their drink order. And I had wanted to visit ever since based solely on their pictures.

We peered inside and saw that it wasn’t too terribly busy, and there were enough open seats at the bar for us to sit together. So we went on in, and this time got served right away!

This bar was originally a rail station. There’s a separate room off to the side of the bar room that’s all table seating, and a mezzanine with additional table seating.

I had an Old Shuck (English porter) by North Pier Brewing.

After one round we decided our sleepy companion had napped long enough so we began making out way back to the hotel to wake her — albeit with quite a bit more sightseeing along the way.

612 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48226
United States
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+13139613043
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Detroiter Bar

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1595th bar, first visited in 2022.

We decided to make one more quick stop before checking to see if our companion back at the hotel had had a long enough nap. This p[articular sports bar felt like the kind of place true locals hang out at.

Unfortunately it was rather crowded and we had to stand, so we just had one drink and left. I had a Guinness.

I did manage to move around inside enough to see that there was another room behind where we were standing. I also remember there being "something odd" about the men's room but because I wasn't alone in there I couldn't get a picture so that I would remember later what it was.

655 Beaubien Blvd
Detroit, MI 48226
United States
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+13139633355
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Elephant Room

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1594th bar, first visited in 2022.

We knew our companion would still be needing some more nap time at the hotel, so we headed on over to the next open bar that we saw.

This is an elegant cocktail bar with an unnecessarily upscale men’s room (see photos) — I believe this is the first place I’ve ever used a black urinal.

The random “Prison Mike” sketch above the hallway from the restrooms was a nice touch.

I had a Stroh’s since I’ve never had that before, then a cocktail that I think was a honey-lemon “Bee’s Knees” type of drink.

439 E Congress St
Detroit, MI 48226
United States
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+13134624889
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Sweetwater Tavern

scooterj — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Detroit, MI)

Scooter’s 1593rd bar, first visited in 2022.

One member of our traveling group was exhausted, so the rest of us set out on foot from our hotel while she got a couple hours of napping in. This long-established wing dive was the closest spot to the hotel.

We had a couple of rounds of drinks while watching the second half of the US-England World Cup game.

I had a Ghettoblaster Ale by Motor City Brewing Works and a Guinness Original Extra Stout.

400 E Congress St
Detroit, MI 48226
United States
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+13139622210
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Kruse’s Paint Creek Tavern

scooterj — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 18:12:00 +0000

(Rochester, MI)

Scooter’s 1592nd bar, first visited in 2022.

Stopped in here for one final round on our way back “home” to make a late dinner. It was surprisingly busy so we had to sit in the back room instead of at the bar proper. We had a single round of lemon drop martinis.

In addition to lots of fascinating quirky decor, there is a rather large patio in back that overlooks Paint Creek and the Rochester River Walk.

613 N Rochester Rd.
Rochester, MI 48307
United States
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+12489232056
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Too-Ra-Loo

scooterj — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 18:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Rochester, MI)

Scooter’s 1591st bar, first visited in 2022.

A sports bar with pizza, Italian food, and 80 beers on tap. I had two cocktails (one was a chocolate martini, I forget what the other was) and a Coffee Donut Porter by One Well Brewing.

It should be noted that the outside of the building doesn’t usually look like this picture. The downtown Christmas lights had just been turned on for the season.

139 S. Main
Rochester, MI 48307
United States
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+12484535291
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Rochester Mills Beer Company

scooterj — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Rochester, MI)

Scooter’s 1590th bar, first visited in 2022.

Stopped into this brewery for some appetizers and a few drinks to tide us over for a late supper. They were recently out of both of the special-release beers I had looked up online and was anxious to try, so I had their Milkshake Stout and their Cornerstone IPA.

400 Water St
Rochester, MI 48307
United States
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+12486505080
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Ale Mary’s Beer Hall

scooterj — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 18:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Royal Oak, MI)

Scooter’s 1589th bar, first visited in 2022.

This was a bonus spot that a customer at Gusoline Alley told us about, and he led the way. I went a little bit crazy here and ordered some of the most expensive beers on the list. I feel like I may have been manipulated into it a little by the bartender but what the hell, it was all good stuff and I was on vacation.

I had an Olde School (barleywine) by Dogfish Head, a Harvest Ale (Matured In Lagavulin Whisky Casks) by JW Lees and Co, and a House Ale by Traquair House Brewery.

I also sampled some Utopias Barrel-Aged World Wide Stout (2021) by Dogfish Head, offered to me by the same guy who led us here.

316 S. Main
Royal Oak, MI 48067
United States
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+12482681939
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Gusoline Alley

scooterj — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 18:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Royal Oak, MI)

Scooter’s 1588th bar, first visited in 2022.

A craft beer dive bar, decorated like a service station, with a pinball machine. I’ve had a t-shirt with their logo for years but never realized I’d actually wind up here.

I had a CEO Stout by Right Brain Brewing and a Java Vanilla Porter by Atwater Brewing. I believe shots were involved as well.

309 S Center St
Royal Oak, MI 48067
United States
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+12485452235
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St. Ambrose Cellars

scooterj — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Beulah, MI)

Scooter’s 1505th bar, first visited in 2021.

We decided to spend an afternoon hanging out at a winery, which turned out to also have mead and their own craft beer. After out drinks we walked over to the flower garden and spend about half an hour hanging out with all the bees.

I had the Sparkle Beach (fizzy cider with glitter), Rhythm & Blues (currant-blueberry mead), Grateful Head (mango-habanero mead), Double Punk Monk IPA by Brose Brewing (their partner in-house brewery), and a John Lemon (lemon mead).

841 S Pioneer Rd
Beulah, MI 49617
United States
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+12313834262
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City Park Grill

scooterj — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Petoskey, MI)

Scooter’s 1504th bar, first visited in 2021.

Came in here for lunch as our camper caravan was migrating from Munising to Sleeping Bear Dunes.

I had something fish-related for lunch, and a Serendipity Porter by Beards Brewery.

432 E Lake St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
United States
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+12313470101
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Barge Inn

scooterj — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Munising, MI)

Scooter’s 1503rd bar, first visited in 2021.

I was heading back to rejoin my group at the souvenir store when they notified me they had relocated to an IGA. This place was diagonally across the street, so I opted to wait for them here instead of hunting them down in a grocery store.

A pretty large establishment with multiple rooms and a big, well-shaded patio. I hesitate to even mark this as a dive bar because it borders on being too clean/new.

I had a Widow Maker Black Ale by Keweenaw Brewing Company.

206 W Superior St
Munising, MI 49862
United States
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+19063874869
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East Channel Brewing Company

scooterj — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Munising, MI)

Scooter’s 1502nd bar, first visited in 2021.

I broke off from the main group (who wanted to go back to a souvenir shop we had visited earlier) and walked down here by myself. They were out of a few things so I just had a full pour of the Lake Street Stout.

This place had very much a dive bar feel, more so that most breweries.
It kind of looked like there might have been a small patio in the back, but I forgot to verify.

209 Maple S
Munising, MI 49862
United States
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+19063873007
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ByGeorge Brewing Company

scooterj — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Munising, MI)

Scooter’s 1501st bar, first visited in 2021.

Our group LOVED this place. Even the non beer drinkers found something for them and we all had a great time.

I had the Nighthawk Dry Stout and the Perro Muerto IPA.

231 E Superior St
Munising, MI 49862
United States
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+19063872739
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Duck Pond Eatery and Beer Garden

scooterj — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 17:10:00 +0000

(Christmas, MI)

Scooter’s 1500th bar, first visited in 2021.

This was an awesome vacation find for my 1500th bar! We had some nice appetizers and they had a really great beer selection.

In addition to the snacks, I had the Ore Dock Brewing porter and the Bellaire Brown (ale) by Short’s Brewing.

7974 W M28
Christmas, MI 49862
United States
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906-387-1689
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O’Connor’s Public House

scooterj — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 17:13:00 +0000

(Downtown, Rochester, MI)

Scooter’s 1436th bar, first visited in 2020.

Another bar that I didn’t really get to experience due to COVID. Apart from slipping in the back door to use the restroom, we entered and stayed on the patio on the back side so I never saw anything inside the bar beyond the restrooms.

I had a Plead The 5th Imperial Stout by Dark Horse Brewing.

324 S Main St
Rochester, MI 48307
United States
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(248) 608-2537
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RJ’s Pub

scooterj — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 17:11:00 +0000

(Rochester Hills, MI)

Scooter’s 1435th bar, first visited in 2020.

My wife has been here a few times and always had a blast. This was my first visit, and because of COVID sat out on the patio so didn’t really get to see much of the bar.

I had a Guinness.

Update: Visited again in 2022 and got to be inside the bar. New pic added.

288 W Tienken Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48306
United States
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(248) 652-9550
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Griffin Claw Clubhouse

scooterj — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 17:10:00 +0000

(Rochester Hills, MI)
Formerly Clubhouse BFD

Scooter’s 1434th bar, first visited in 2020.

This place had just changed formats literally 3 days before my visit. It was originally a craft beer bar featuring beers from all over Michigan, but now it’s exclusively a tap room for Griffin Claw Brewing.

That was fine with me though, there were 40+ varieties on tap and I’d never had any of them.

I had two flights.

Flight #1: Flying Buffalo BA Orange & Chocolate (2018), Flying Buffalo BA Vanilla & Cinnamon (2017), Flying Buffalo Double Barrel Reserve, and Rum Barrel Aged You Figure It Out — all Imperial Stouts.

Flight #2: Flying Buffalo BA Modern Times Coffee (2019), Flying Buffalo BA Molé (both imperial stouts), Downtown Bourbon Brown (imperial brown ale), and OK Boomerang (barleywine).

2265 Crooks Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
United States
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(248) 289-6093
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Dick Weed’s Bar

scooterj — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 17:13:00 +0000

(Mt Clemens, MI)

Scooter’s 1365th bar, first visited in 2019.

We wanted to get a nice dive bar in on our afternoon, and we picked this one based partly on location and mostly on its name. (The bar’s owner is named Richard Weed.)

This is a true neighborhood dive bar, with very friendly staff and patrons. I played some Golden Tee, and around the corner band instruments were set up. Outside was the largest set of horseshoe pits I’ve ever seen at a bar.

I had Guinness and breakfast shots. I wouldn’t normally do a shot that involved orange juice but, hey, bacon!

299 North Ave
Mt Clemens, MI 48043
US
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(586) 329-1302
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Kuhnhenn Brewery & Winery

scooterj — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 17:12:00 +0000

(Warren, MI)

Scooter’s 1364th bar, first visited in 2019.

When we first pulled up I was a little worried, It looked like potentially a slightly dicey neighborhood, and the building could just as easily be a dive bar (and may have even been at one time for all I know). But the beer contained within is some of the best I’ve found in the wild.

I had The Fluffer: Session IPA, Blueberry DRIPA, Penetration Porter, American Barleywine, Imperial Créme Brûlèe Java Stout. I even ended up buying some more beer to-go.

I unbderstand this place is also known as “Conference Room K”, but I won’t way why so no one gets in trouble.

5919 Chicago Rd
Warren, MI 48092
US
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(586) 983-8362
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Dragonmead Microbrewery

scooterj — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 17:10:00 +0000

(Warren, MI)

Scooter’s 1363rd bar, first visited in 2019.

When I first stepped in here and saw the beer list I had to ask the bartender how to tell which was what they brew and which were the guest taps. Nope, it’s all them! They brew a lot of beer.

From the industrial park outside, you’d never guess that the inside is all done up very well in a medieval theme. I didn’t notice if they have food, I was too caught up in the beer and the decor. They do have several dart boards (traditional style).

I had their Woody’s Perfect Porter, Dubbel Dragon (Belgian dubbel), Reverend Fred’s Oatmeal Stout, Under the Kilt (Scottish Ale), and Russian Imperial Stout

14600 E Eleven Mile Rd
Warren, MI 48089
US
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(586) 776-9428
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