Granite City Brewery in Troy, MI was an experience like none
other. Upon walking up to the building I
was very impressed by the architecture. The
building is beautiful inside and out.
However, I could not bring myself to patronize this brewery. Granite City is not what I think of as a
brewery. Looking at the beer
selection…nothing special! Boring,
Boring, Boring! I am 100% sure the food
is excellent based on the crowd waiting to be seated. Oh and it’s a chain restaurant/brewery, a 20+
location restaurant chain. I am just not
convinced that a chain brewery knows how to provide unique, great tasting beer. However, if you want to see and be seen this
is your place. Just make sure you are
dressed to the nines or you won’t fit in! So back in the car we went off to a different
location. A short drive down the street
from Granite City we arrived at Black Lotus Brewery in downtown Clawson.
 |
| Black Lotus Sign. Photo courtesy of me. |
Black Lotus Brewery is exactly what downtown Clawson needed
10 years ago. Prior to Black Lotus
moving into Clawson the night life was less than par. Not only is the brewery serious about their
beer but also musical talent that is displayed a couple nights a week. And with no surprise after looking into the background
of the owners, one is a musician. The
brewery has an extremely laid back atmosphere including an outdoor patio to
enjoy the beautiful days and cool nights that Michigan is notorious for
spring/early summer.
I can’t place why I
felt this way hanging out in Black Lotus but I felt as if the brewery had an “Ann
Arbor Feeling”. My husband went with me
to Black Lotus and thought the brewery had a “College Town Feeling”. Regardless “Ann Arbor Feeling” or “College
Town Feeling” it feels like jumping back to an easier, carefree time…even if
just for a night!
 |
| Beer Board @ Black Lotus. Photo Courtesy of me. |
Oh and don’t forget the whole reason for visiting a brewery,
the beer. The beer was wonderful, from
the names to the taste of the various brews.
Some of my favorites were Detroit Hip Hops and Funkin’ A Apricot Wheat.
So if any of my fellow Wolverine’s need to get that “Ann Arbor
Feeling” visit Black Lotus Brewery!
**Disclaimer-I am in no way being compensated for this review**
