Ale Yeah: Diving Into South Haven’s Craft Beer Scene

Great Brews & Amazing Views

For those of us who measure seasons by tap rotations and think road trips are just beer trails with better scenery, South Haven is a top-tier destination for beer lovers. And good news: all three of South Haven’s breweries are open year-round, anchoring the community with gathering spaces and fun events in all seasons. Whether you're docked for the weekend or just cruising through, these three spots deserve a spot on your hit list of Michigan brewhouses.

515 Williams Street

Located in the scenic Old Harbor Village along the Black River, South Haven Brewpub holds the proud distinction of being the city’s first brewpub—and it’s been keeping locals and visitors well-fed and well-poured since opening in 2016. This is small-batch brewing done with heart. The tap list includes standbys like Toes in the Sand Citrus IPA and Not Your Grandma’s Cookie (a no-bake cookie stout). Whether you're into a clean and crisp cream ale (Smells Like Cream Spirit) or something darker and malt-forward (Black River Brown), there’s always something worth sipping.

The food menu at South Haven Brewpub delivers big on comfort and creativity with a lakeshore edge. Perch tacos, smoked wings, stacked burgers, and made-to-order pizzas headline a lineup built to satisfy. The spuds alone are worth the visit. Go ahead and try the chips for your side, because you can still enjoy the best steak fries in town with an order of pulled pork poutine drizzled in gravy and covered in fresh mozzarella and chives.

In addition to their rotating beer selection, they also offer a full liquor bar—and even brew their own house ginger beer—making it a solid choice for groups with mixed drink preferences. The outdoor patio offers a laid-back setting to enjoy good food and great beer just steps from beautiful views of boat traffic.

516 Phoenix Street

Harbor Light Brewery sits in the heart of downtown South Haven, tucked inside a historic storefront on Phoenix Street. Named after the town’s original “harbor light”—a wooden tower from 1873 that preceded today’s iconic red lighthouse—the brewery blends local history with the warmth of a neighborhood brewhall. It's a natural stop on any downtown walkabout, especially when there's live music in the air. Here's where you'll find standout dark beers, like Omerta honey porter or Lovin' Spoonful coffee stout, but you can't go wrong with a traditional lager and HLB's Elmo Tanner always hits the spot. Especially during one of Brian McClure's recurring Celtics and Classics performances.

But what sets Harbor Light apart is its strong sense of community. The space is as much a gathering place as it is a taproom—host to local fundraisers, laid-back concerts, and evenings that feel more like a friend’s house party than a planned event. Long communal tables, welcoming bartenders, and a relaxed, come-as-you-are setting invite conversation and connection. Without an in-house kitchen, guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks or peruse takeout menues from nearby restaurants, creating an impromptu picnic scene that’s as local as it gets.

As part of the South Haven Social District, Harbor Light also offers drinks to-go—meaning you can enjoy your favorite brew outdoors while exploring downtown. Learn all about the South Haven Social District here.

1875 Phoenix Street Suite B

Three sisters—Carrie, Megan, and Amanda—from South Haven teamed up in 2018 to open Three Blondes Brewing, and they’ve been making waves in the Michigan beer scene ever since. Just off Phoenix Street in a modern, welcoming and family-friendly taproom, this place brings big beer energy and a playful edge to the craft. The tap list features everything from hazy IPAs and fruited sours to their crowd-favorite dill pickle blonde ale, Dill With It. With names like Spruce Willis and Boom Boom Betty, their beers deliver flavor and fun in equal measure. Whether you’re into hops, malt, or just something you’ve never tried before, there’s always something surprising waiting on tap.

And then there’s the food. This is a full-service restaurant with a creative menu that easily rivals the beer. Smoked baby back ribs, sandwiches, and a pizza lineup that’s become a local legend. Standouts include the Perfectly Pickled pizza with garlic cream sauce, a medley of pickles, and fresh dill—and the Rangoon Pizza, a decadent mash-up of cream cheese, imitation crab, duck sauce, and crispy wontons. It’s weird in all the right ways—and it works.

In 2023, Three Blondes took home the title of Michigan’s Favorite Brewery in the Brewsanity Tournament hosted by Hop Passport, beating out dozens of top-tier competitors across the state. It’s a destination brewery with a hometown soul—and a must-visit for any serious beer fan.

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when good beer meets a breezy beach town—and South Haven has tapped into it. Here, every pour tells a local story, every taproom feels like its own adventure, and every visit leaves you planning the next one. Whether you’re chasing bold brews, lakeshore bites, or just a laid-back place to toast the weekend, South Haven invites you to slow down and savor what's right in front of you.