North Channel Brewing Co MANISTEE, MI
MANISTEE BREWERY SERVES UP HISTORY ALONG WITH TASTY LAGERS Jon Becker |MiBrew Trail Loaded with rich history, Manistee now has a signature brewpub that is providing people from all over yet another reason to spend time in the city’s downtown. With so much to do in tourist-happy Manistee and the surrounding northern Michigan area, if you’re a business that tourists and locals flock to, you likely are onto something. What the folks at North Channel Brewing Co. have figured out is that people will find you if you offer a quality food and beverage experience with attentive staff that seem to actually enjoy their jobs. There’s just a different vibe inside a one-time industrial facility that turns out is a perfect fit for a brewery. It’s been transformed into a warm, inviting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike — without losing site of the building’s heritage. “I like it here a lot,” said Stephanie Johnson, the brewpub’s front office manager. “This is the longest I’ve ever been at a job. You meet a lot of people because we draw people from all over Michigan and the Midwest.” Located in the historic Manistee Manufacturing Co. building in close proximity to the Manistee River and Lake Michigan, the brewery offers views and ambience that not many establishments can duplicate. You can’t renovate your way into an idyllic setting, and Johnson, a lifelong Manistee resident, said the town’s history plays an important part of the operation. Morton Salt, Inc. has long had a production facility in Manistee and one of the brewers’ offerings is called Salt City Blonde. “It’s my favorite,” Johnson said. “It’s super tasty.”
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Manistee's only brewpub, North Channel Brewing Co., has its own 64-ounce growlers patrons can purchase for $8. What's more, it normally costs $15-$20 to have it filled with any of the selection of 14 craft brews it regularly has on tap; but currently the popular downtown establishment has slashed its prices to between $10-12 per pour. (Photo Provided)
Another popular choice is one of North Channel’s flagship brews, Blonde Ale. Johnson said craft beer enthusiasts would also enjoy their Captain Piles Pilsner, a traditional Czech pilsner. Their most popular beer, though, is Manistee IPA,
A brew without a bite simply seems wrong and the folks at North Channel Brewing Co. certainly get it right with their variety of delectable food offerings. Their Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich with slow-smoked brisket, sautéed peppers and onions, white cheddar cheese and a side of Au jus is a customer favorite. (Photo Provided)
MI Brew Trail | Winter 2021
