Pure Michigan Pints

Clam Lake Beer Company

Cadillac, Michigan

I stopped in the town of Cadillac on the way back from my hunting trip for lunch. Clam Lake Beer Company was the spot I selected to try.

Beer Selection—2/5

This is another one of those that only has six of their own beers and relies on beer from other places. As is more typical than not, the beers were standard (and did disappoint). They had a pale ale, a blonde, an IPA, a brown, a stout, and a porter. I would have liked to see some inventiveness as styles go, but get the reasoning behind having the beers they did.

Vibe—3/5

At first, the place seemed a bit cramped as it’s narrow. There’s a regular bar, but not a whole lot of room coming in, which makes it seem tight. Upon further inspection, there’s more room. And I should have asked to snag a table instead of sitting at the bar by their back window. The view is amazing of Cadillac Lake; there’s some cool vibes from the fire pit and city park.

Service—3.5/5

The service was pretty standard. The bartender wasn’t crazy talkative but got me what I needed. And in her defense, usually I am more talkative and ask more probing questions because my curiosity gets the best of me—I was beat from a weekend of hunting and all of the fun beer camp offered.

Beer Quality—1/5

I stomached their American IPA as a whole pint. The brown I couldn’t finish in my flight. There were none I’d recommend to anybody, and I wasn’t even remotely compelled to get another beverage or take any beer home.

Food—3.5/5

I started with the “local favorite,” the cup of the clam chowder—this was the perfect appetizer on a cold day (I’d hit a little bit of snow on the remainder of the drive home). I’d recommend getting this. (The small piece of bread accompanying it I left as it was burnt.) For my main lunch I had the French dip—sliced prime rib with provolone, crunchy onions, horseradish sauce, and au jus for dipping—which was a solid sandwich and a solid choice. I’d definitely get it again (and be willing to explore other offerings on the menu).

Overall— 9.5/20—Do Not Recommend

This is probably going to be my one and only stop here; I don’t see a reason or feel compelled to go here again. I get others might like it, and that’s okay—our tastes are different. The food was solid, but as an avid craft beer lover, this place didn’t hit the spots for me or have the right beers of their own on draft. Maybe I should consider the other beverages they offered, but in fairness, I stick to brews that a place produces (or takes credit for producing) on its own.