Brews on the Lakeshore

Growth and Expansion

Muskegon is steeped in history, with neighborhoods reflecting different stages of revitalization as you drive through the city. In recent decades, significant efforts have been made to beautify the area and improve safety, helping to attract both businesses and visitors. Pigeon Hill Brewing is an early and bold testament to these plans, opening in 2014 on what people would call the main drag in Muskegon. They only stayed for two years before moving a block away to a larger facility.

Pigeon Hill Brewing Company

What I ordered: Beach Please

The new location reflects the amount of popularity Pigeon Hill has gained. Beyond the spacious dining area and taproom at Pigeon Hill’s new location, one of its standout features is the view of Muskegon Lake. The outdoor patio, with its Adirondack chairs and picnic tables, is the perfect spot to take in a sunset. On busy days, it’s common to spot a dog lounging contentedly among the crowd.

Pigeon Hill boasts an impressive tap list that stands out among nearby breweries. Their selection includes a variety of lagers, IPAs, stouts, and more, along with popular draft cocktails like the refreshing Paloma and bold Bloody Mary. A few seasonal wines also make up the menu. For those who prefer lighter beers, the Beach Please Blonde delivers a smooth, subtle flavor. At the same time, fan favorites like the Salted Caramel Porter and No Diggity can be enjoyed both on draft and in cans, available at the brewery and across West Michigan.

The brewery’s involvement in the community is palpable when you walk in, from the usually-packed dining room to the bursting event schedule. Pigeon Hill offers many events, from trivia nights tailored to specific enthusiasts to unique activities like puzzle competitions, paint-and-sip classes, book clubs, bingo, and the weekly Run Muskegon. Conveniently located along the bike trail, the brewery is a perfect stop for cyclists exploring Muskegon.

Pigeon Hill’s food menu has evolved over the years. While they once had a more extensive menu, they recently introduced a focused pizza menu featuring a few pizza options and a soft pretzel. However, outside food is still welcome, allowing visitors to bring in takeout or enjoy lunch from nearby restaurants while at the brewery. Within walking or biking distance, downtown Muskegon offers a vibrant mix of places to eat near Pigeon Hill. 

The Muskegon Farmers Market runs nearby with a few overlapping hours to Pigeon Hill. The Frauenthal Center regularly hosts performing arts, and other events and festivals are frequent downtown. The Muskegon brew trail continues after Pigeon Hill.

Down Shoreline Drive

Pigeon Hill’s new facility is located on Shoreline Drive, a long road that runs through Muskegon and changes names as it winds through the city. Along this road, you can catch glimpses of two lakes, with Lake Michigan shadowing it all to the west. As you travel down Shoreline, the landscape shifts from block to block—some businesses are boarded up, while others, like Pigeon Hill, are thriving and drawing in more visitors to Muskegon.