Brews on the Lakeshore

A Drive Through History

As you drive through downtown Manistee toward Lake Michigan along the one-way main street, it is easy to sense the town’s history. Some storefronts are modern or repurposed, their windows clean and glossy, while others retain their historic roots. Known for its early lumber industry, Manistee has since become home to the iconic Morton Salt factory, adding a fun twist to the town’s nickname.

As you drive through town, you pass familiar small-town landmarks: landfills, manicured lawns, small schools, tiny bars, and a Dairy Queen that feels like the heart of the community. Yet, what truly sets Manistee apart, even for Western Michiganders, is its bodies of water. Large beaches, golf courses, lakes, and rivers paint the town shades of blue and green, but restaurants and bars seem to come and go. North Channel Brewing, however, opened in 2017 and is breathing new life to the patrons of Manistee.

Brew Favorites at North Channel Brewing

What I ordered: Salt City Blonde

North Channel Brewing delivers a wide variety of beer styles, catering to fans of both light and dark brews. Two standout house favorites, the Salt City Blonde and Sawmill Stout, pay tribute to Manistee’s rich lumber history. The brewery’s BBQ-inspired menu, though priced slightly higher than one might expect for a small-town spot, delivers solid quality. The decor stays true to classic brewery aesthetics, with heavy wood bars and chairs that further connect to the town’s historical roots.

One of the biggest draws for tourists, especially in the summer, is North Channel Brewing’s prime location. Along the Manistee River, the brewery’s outdoor seating offers views of the nearby bridge, passing boats, and local wildlife, drawing people to their outdoor seating. With large windows facing the river, it showcases the best parts of Manistee.

Scenic Views & Small-Town Culture

Manistee has a vibrant, though small, social district where visitors can walk with their drinks to explore the nearby boutiques and businesses, or simply walk the bridge and back. The boardwalk flanks both sides of the Manistee River, featuring seating areas, monuments, and docks. Shrubs, vibrant flowers, and Manistee history line the pathway. 

Brew Favorites at Third Life Brewing

What I ordered: Linda’s Boujee Blue

A short distance from North Channel Brewing, toward the salt factory, there is a nano brewery waiting for a craft beer drinker to notice it. Small in size, with only a handful of tables, Third Life Brewing took over space in Manistee’s historic ironworks building in 2022.

The decor of Third Life Brewing is objectively the most interesting piece about the place. Scattered around the walls are vintage-looking high school portraits of real Manistee-born students from the 1980’s. The bartender relayed that they were a combination of the owner’s friends from Manistee and regulars to the brewery. The portraits, coupled with unique lighting and seating, make the atmosphere feel friendly to the community. The elegant lights inside the brewery will claim the attention of any brewery-goer looking for an artistic interior, but it is otherwise modest.

Third Life Brewing features a diverse tap list showcasing a variety of craft beer styles, highlighted by the crowd-favorite Mexican lager, Tercera Vida. Another standout option is Linda’s Boujee Blue, a distinctive blueberry wheat which has quickly gained popularity. For those looking to enjoy their favorite brews at home, to-go growlers are available, allowing patrons to taste unique flavors with them.

A Toast to Manistee

Stunning views of Lake Michigan, Manistee Lake, and the Manistee River are just a short distance from both breweries. Exciting rumors are circulating in Manistee about new food and drink establishments potentially moving into the spaces near Third Life Brewing. Here’s to hoping we can soon welcome a third unique brewery to the Salt City region of West Michigan.