7 Best Craft Breweries In South Haven, Michigan

Best breweries in South Haven, Michigan

Set along the shores of Lake Michigan, South Haven is a beautiful lakeside getaway in southwest Michigan, complete with beautiful sandy beaches, charming outdoor adventures, and plenty of old-time charm.

 

And while South Haven has long been known for its beaches, the town has also developed a growing reputation within the craft beer scene, with several breweries opening their doors in recent years.

 

From long-standing staples of the community to new additions serving delicious beverages for your summer getaway, these are the seven best craft breweries in South Haven, Michigan.

The 7 Best Craft Breweries In South Haven, Michigan

1. Harbor Light Brewery

Harbor Light Brewery - one of the best breweries in South Haven, Michigan
Harbor Light Brewery via Facebook

Operating out of a 130-year-old building at 516 Phoenix Street, the Harbor Light Brewery is just down the street from the iconic lighthouse lining South Haven’s shoreline from which the brewery got its name.

 

The brewery features a delicious selection of up to 20 craft beers on tap at any given moment, with local favorites being its Interrogator Pilsener, Elmo Tanner American Lager, and Stokstad Oatmeal Stout.

 

Meanwhile, visitors have a sweeter palate of a selection of six ciders on tap, including Red Haven peach cider, the Giant Blue Head blueberry berry, and a delicious Cherry Apple Cider.

 

While the Harbor Light Brewery does feature an onsite kitchen, it does permit visitors to bring their own food or order from a nearby restaurant.

2. South Haven Brewpub

South Haven Brewpub
South Haven Brewpub via Facebook

Set within the historic Old Harbor Village of downtown South Haven, South Haven Brewpub was the city’s first craft beer brewery and brings a delicious selection of microbrews from its monumental complex to the coast of Lake Michigan.

 

Not only does this craft brewery bring a delectable selection of 20 microbrews on tap, several craft cocktails, and traditional domestic bottles, but as a brewpub, it also offers a full kitchen with an extensive food menu of eclectic pub fare, including burgers, pizzas, tacos, and more.

 

While South Haven Brewpub features a rotating tap of small-batch beers, common favorites include the Brewberry Pancake ale, 3 Bums Beach Lager, and the Black River Brown coffee ale.

3. Three Blondes Brewing

Three Blondes brewing is one of the best Breweries in South Haven, Michigan
Three Blondes Brewing via Facebook

A newer addition to the South Haven craft beer scene, Three Blondes Brewing first opened its doors in 2018 and has become a staple amongst the local breweries.

 

Located along Phoenix Street east of U.S. 31, this charming brewery has a unique and delicious selection of original house-made beers, including the Not My Gumdrop Buttons! Gingerbread saison, and the Dill With It! Cucumber dill Berliner Weisse.

 

Beyond its beers, the brewery also features a full food menu featuring delectable bar foods that perfectly match the great beer selection.

 

What’s even better is that visitors can enjoy these mouthwatering flavors both within the restaurant’s welcoming tasting room or from the comforts of the outdoor patio that is open during the warm months.

4. New Holland Spirits

New Holland Brewing
New Holland Brewing via Facebook

Located about a 20-minute drive south along the shores of Lake Michigan, New Holland Spirits features some of the best craft beer and spirits in the state from its Saugatuck location.

 

First established in Holland, Michigan, in 1997, New Holland Spirits has grown over the past 25 years to include three full-service restaurants, three retail stores, two-spirit tasting rooms, and an online store that serves its various offerings across the United States.

 

Among the brewery’s most popular and mouth-watering offerings are its Origin Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey, Knickerbocker Gin, and Dragon’s Milk craft beers.

 

New Holland Spirits’ Saugatuck tasting room is the perfect place to sample all of the brewing company’s unique flavors and discover your favorite drink, which you can stock up on at their retail store or online shop.

5. Waypost Brewing Company

Waypost Brewing Co. via Waypostbeer.com

While not actually within the city, Waypost Brewing Company is one of the best craft breweries in the South Haven Area and is located about a 15-minute drive north in Fennville.

 

Boasting a tasting room, a good beer garden, and a charming location, this brewery promises a relaxing setting for enjoying a variety of craft brews, which include local favorites such as Farmhouse IPA, Sea Salt Stout, and Bramble. 


The brewery is open every day but Tuesday and offers special events and food trucks throughout the week. So be sure to check out their upcoming calendar before visiting.

6. Arclight Brewing

Arclight Brewing
Arclight Brewing via Facebook

Set in the nearby community of Watervliet, Arclight Brewing is a unique craft brewery near South Haven, serving a selection of craft beers, hard seltzer, and ciders in its large indoor tasting room and scenic outdoor seating.

 

Some of the best quality beers on the menu include the brewery’s namesake Arclight cream ale, the Coniferous Viking West Coast IPA, and Baja Lager Mexican lager. Visitors can enjoy their drink while playing a selection of video games within the indoor space or head outdoors to enjoy the scenic countryside on a hot summer day.

7. The Depot

While not actually a craft brewery, The Depot is South Haven’s one-stop party shop and is a great place to pick up a delicious and varied selection of craft beers from other local breweries from across the state and country.

 

Beyond its craft beers, The Depot also sells wine and spirits and features an onsite deli serving sandwiches with perfect flavor pairings.

 

So, while The Depot doesn’t have an onsite tasting room, it is a great spot to stop to grab a few bottles of various craft beers for enjoyment long after your holiday in South Haven has come to an end.