The Mitten Brewing Co.

Setting:The former firehouse is smothered in vintage sports ephemera.
Suds:As many as 24 classic creations (with a twist) on draft. Try Label Up, an American brown ale with a maple finish.
Extras:Gooey, pillow-soft pizza
Tour:No, but they’ll let you peek behind the scenes if they’re not busy
mittenbrewing.com

Founders Brewing Co.
Photo: Courtesy of brewery

Founders Brewing Co.

Setting:The depot-turned-brewpub engulfs an entire city block and boasts a tap list just as vast.
Suds:More than 25, including mainstay favorites (Dirty Bastard, All Day IPA) and taproom one-offs (Mango Magnifico, a spicy-sweet fruit blend with a habanero kick)
Extras:Patrons flock here for the live music. Crowds often spill from the rustic, wood-lined taproom onto the high-beamed patio.
Tour:$10 for the basics; $30 for a guided tasting
foundersbrewing.com

Brewery Vivant
Photo: Paul Bomers

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Brewery Vivant

Setting:High arched ceilings and stained glass panes are remnants of its funeral home past; communal benches are a cheeky nod to church pews.
Suds:15-plus Belgian- and French-style brews
Extras:The kitchen churns out Euro-inspired pub fare from scratch. (Think nachos with brie cream and duck confit.)
Tour:$10, including plenty of samples
breweryvivant.com

Harmony Brewing Company
Photo: Terry Johnston

Harmony Brewing Company

Setting:In 2012, three Chicago siblings set up shop in an abandoned party-supply store in the Eastown neighborhood. Last year, they launched a sister location just across the river from downtown.
Suds:Up to 30 concoctions veering toward the experimental, including Black Perle Salted Stout, a hoppy dark beer with a pinch of sea salt, and La Gabelle Gose, a lemony sour with notes of salt and coriander
Extras:The new location features eclectic artwork and savory sausages.
Tour:Not officially—but they may show you around if you ask nicely
harmonybeer.com

Perrin Brewing Company
Photo: Courtesy of brewery

Perrin Brewing Company

Setting:Planted on a 10-acre plot 15 minutes outside the city, it’s a beer oasis on an otherwise stale stretch.
Suds:A diverse list of roughly 20 brews that span from the easy-drinking Perrin Gold to the bitter-punched Sonic Highway IPA
Extras:A food truck!
Tour:No
perrinbrewing.com

 

While You’re There:Drop by Frederik Meijer Gardens ($15), a 158-acre botanic art park that features sculptures by the likes of Ai Weiwei.

Where to Stay:The JW Marriott is less than 15 minutes from each of the five breweries (from $289, marriott.com).