There are 3 breweries in Ann Arbor literally within a 2 block radius, and several more either in town or near town. Each has its perks, but none would really rank up their as best beer ever.
Ann Arbor Brewing
Definitely a solid combo bar/restaurant. Jeff votes this as the best brewery in Ann Arbor. They usually have around 6 or 8 beers at a given time, with the Sacred Cow IPA being one of their most well known (and most frequently seen in bottles in stores). The menu is pretty big - standard pub fare. The burritos are tasty and massive. Expect most of the plates to be large and calorie-laden (but isn't that par for the course at this type of establishment?). It's a popular locale, so expect a wait and standing room only at the bar during evening/weekend hours.
If you're looking for a little better fare, but don't care quite as much about the beer, check out one of these two breweries:
Blue Tractor
The newest brewery in Ann Arbor, it's the sister restaurant to that of the same name up in Traverse City. The first time we went, Jeff was served the wrong beer (asked for an IPA, got some type of Bock). It's fine beer, but nothing really to write home about. Jeff has since been for food, which has a focus on barbecue and is getting a reputation for a good place to go when in downtown Ann Arbor.
Grizzly Peak
Interestingly enough, this also has a sister restaurant in Traverse City (North Peak). This is definitely the best place for food. Classier options that are more appealing to foodies and those who don't want something fried or stuffed with cheese. It's been quite a while since we've been to Grizzly Peak since usually the beer wins out when deciding where to go (and frankly, we're usually in town during non-eating hours), but the last time I was at Grizzly Peak I remember leaving full and satisfied!
Now, if you just want a really great beer selection but aren't looking for something brewed on premises, get yourself to
Ashley's!
Ashley's
I don't know how many beers Ashley's has on tap, but it's a whole hell of a lot! Although, they are usually out of several at any given time. That aside, they easily have the most extensive beer list in eastern Michigan. Their menu is great because it's categorized by beer type, with great descriptions of taste and gravity. The do feature some local beers, but really, it's beer from around the country (as well as around the world - their English Ale selection is pretty fantastic). The food is pretty good too (mmmm...stilton fries....), but the service is usually REALLY slow. Again, it's a hotspot, so expect a wait during peak hours.
And if you need to pick up some beer for home, stop by the
Beer Depot for a great selection!
There are two other places we actually haven't been to in the area: Jolly Pumpkin (based in Dexter with a tap room in Ann Arbor) and Corner Brewing (the sister of Ann Arbor Brewing in Ypsilanti). Well, that's not entirely true. I've been in Jolly Brewing and was disappointed by the lack of beer options and uber-pretentious crowd, so I opted not to stay. But for prosperity's sake, we will have to go back.
