North Channel Brewing Co

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.”

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)

“We always have 14 beers on tap, 12 main ones and two of our specialty brews,” she said. “We offer enough of a variety that any beer lovers will find something they’ll enjoy here.” The menu is nothing to scoff at either. They offer house specials such as North Channel Texas Chili and Brewers Beer Cheese soup, made with the brewpub’s very own Manistee IPA and garnished with crispy Jalapeño Bottle Caps. Enjoy an appetizer with your beer or specialty cocktail? Try the honey glazed onion rings. They are made with sweet Vidalia onions glazed with Great Lakes Honey. Meats are smoked daily and one bite into one of their brisket sandwiches and you might think you’re at a famous Texas or southwest barbeque joint not a Northern Michigan brewpub. It’s that authentic. Yes, we mentioned drinks because there are a number of craft cocktails available. They include a North Channel Brewing Blood Mary, expertly prepared with its own wheat vodka and in-house mix. The company also recommends trying one of its own Rye Old Fashioneds and Cherry Manhattans, among a few other choice libations. The company celebrated its three-year anniversary in November 2020. Ownership and its crew of talented employees hope to be enjoying an even bigger celebration this year: a release from the grips of COVID-19.

“Pre-COVID we were wall to wall,” Johnson said. “It’s been rough. We’ve been offering wraps, sandwiches and other items from our lunch and dinner menus. Things people can grab on the go. They like that. I know I do.”

The front office manager said she’s been fielding 10-15 calls a day inquiring if the establishment is open for dining and drinking, inside or out. The answer has been no, but that may change in the near future.

“We have just been approved by the city to offer outdoor seating in the offseason,” she said. “We still need the state’s approval, but we’re thinking we will be able to offer outdoor igloo seating by next winter.” If that happens, Manistee’s only brewpub may add another first to its list. “I don’t know of another place that offers outdoor seating in Manistee,” Johnson said. “We know people want it, and we’re excited about the possibilities.”

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