Craft beer comes to Frankenmuth

Bavarian Inn undergoing its first major renovation since Reagan administration.

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Craft beer comes to Frankenmuth
Courtesy photo.

It must be regarded as proof of the local food movement’s success in Michigan that even in freeway-billboard-advertised, tourist-oriented Frankenmuth, local food and drink are being given a place at the table. The scenic little burg, with its perpetual Christmas at Bronner’s and ongoing chicken dinners at 125-year-old Bavarian Inn, would seem the last place a real, live dining trend would rear its head. Yet, amazing as it may sound, Bavarian Inn is undergoing its first major renovation since the Reagan administration, constructing a new rooftop bar and grill that will feature 16 taps, with a dozen of them serving actual Michigan-brewed beers. What was formerly the Roof Garten bar will become the decidedly middle-American-sounding Michigan on Main Bar and Grill, a destination for Michigan beer, wine and even “special Michigan cocktails.” (Was “craft cocktail” just a notch too far for this marketing makeover?) The Bavarian Inn folks say they’re planning a menu of food that is sourced within the state, with offerings including a foot-long homemade bratwurst on a pretzel bun served with mustard ale dipping sauce, and grilled pork Michigan medallions made with Michigan apples and caramelized onions and lightly glazed with a beer-infused mustard sauce. There will even be a “Maize & Blue Salad” that’s loaded with buzzworthy ingredients, including artisanal greens, dried Michigan cranberries, house-made granola and a seasonal vinaigrette. The owners also promise plenty of sharable appetizers (no small plates here!) for those who just want to kick back and have a bite too. The tavern, which is scheduled to open this month, is doing a delicate balancing act, seeking to update the inn’s offerings while still appealing to the SUV set. We couldn’t resist teasing them a little, but here’s hoping their appealing rebuild really wins visitors over. Go, Michigan! To learn more, see bavarianinn.com.

About The Author

Michael Jackman

Born in 1969 at Mount Carmel hospital in Detroit, Jackman grew up just 100 yards from the Detroit city line in east Dearborn. Jackman has attended New York University, the School of Visual Arts, Northwestern University and Wayne State University, though he never got a degree. He has worked as a bar back, busboy,...
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