Pure Michigan Pints

Ludington Bay Brewing Co.

Ludington, Michigan

I’ve visited this brewery many times. Chances are good I will visit each time I’m in town. All around they have solid beer and pizza. Not to leave mystery for my review here, but I recommend checking it out if you ever get a chance. Let’s break it down …

Beer Selection—4/5

They touch on all fronts of beer-drinking from your lighter beers to some stouts. Maybe they could use some more innovation with their styles, but you can’t have it all, right? They have a cream ale (and variations thereof), a brown ale, a stout, IPAs, and a blueberry beer.

Nothing too out there really but beers that work.

Vibe—3/5

I feel like I say this too much so I don’t want to harp on it. It’s a standard restaurant/brewery. No theme or anything crazy. I’ve sat at the bar, at a table by the door, another table, and outside. Aside from the door seat—it was the middle of winter and a gust came in every time they opened the door that noticeably made my date shiver—there’s not really a bad seat in the house.

Their bar isn’t one of my favorites as I tend to favor wooden ones more.

Service—4/5

The service is speedy here. I notice it’s quicker than most places in being asked what you’d like to drink to the food coming out in a timely manner. Simply put: they’re on top of it. Are they overly chatty? Not particularly but that’s what happens when you hustle. As somebody who’s worked in the industry myself, I understand.

Beer Quality—3.5/5

Chances are good I’ll find a beer I’ll like. Even something simpler like the cream ale is done well. The blueberry beer could use a bit more blueberry umph. Where they shine more is with their beers like Tangelo Dream—a tangerine American Pale Ale—which is distributed throughout Michigan (well, at least on the west side of the state). Another notable beer for me (feel free to judge as I know some of you will) is their pumpkin cream ale. Other variations of their cream ale are pretty good as well, including the coffee one.

Food—4/5

Pizza is their specialty. Sure, they have burgers, apps, and some other offerings, but pizza is where they stand out.

Overtime, the Jalepeno Popper Pie has become one of my favorite must-eats in Ludington. Ludington Bay is one of the first I’ve seen to make this type of pie. I’ve seriously gotten this pizza at least three times. Currently, it comes with garlic cream cheese, jalapeño, bacon, white cheddar, and deep fried “beer crisps.” It’s truly delicious. I can’t speak much else about their menu. Generally, I have tunnel vision in this area when I go here.

Overall—Recommend

Check this brewery out. If you’re in Ludington, I recommend it. I’d say it’s above average and hasn’t completely succumb to mediocracy. It’s a classic stop in this town and will continue to be.

Total—14.5/20