51st State Brewing Company

Imagine a place where the independent spirit of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula meets the traditions of Italian cuisine. 51st State Brewing Co. is a cozy, family-owned microbrewery and restaurant located in Kingsford, in close proximity to Iron Mountain, USA. Opened in early 2018, it quickly became a favorite gathering spot for locals and travelers alike.

The core of the concept here is freshness and locality. They use a 5-barrel brewing system, which allows them to produce small but exceptionally high-quality batches of craft beer. The company name, "51st State," is a tribute to the historical idea of creating a separate State of Superior in Northern Michigan, highlighting the owners' pride in their region.

In addition to its drinks, the establishment is famous for its authentic Neapolitan pizza, baked in a real wood-fired oven. The combination of the brewery's industrial style with the homey comfort of a family restaurant makes this a must-visit stop on any Michigan itinerary.

For those planning a visit, we have prepared current contact information. You can book a table or check the availability of seasonal beers by phone.

The main activity here, of course, is exploring the craft beer lineup. Visitors are offered six flagship brews, including the refreshing State of Superior pale ale, the 3 Vagabonds American lager, and the robust CG 4A Glider porter. If you can't decide, grab a tasting flight to try the seasonal releases that regularly rotate on tap.

The culinary side deserves special attention. Be sure to order a Neapolitan pizza with a crispy wood-fired crust or signature snacks like cheesy planks—cheese sticks that have become a local hit. If you find yourself here in the morning, stop by the adjoining bagel shop for fresh pastries and homemade salads made from local ingredients.

The brewery's interior offers different ways to relax: you can sit at the long 10–15 seat bar to chat with the bartender and learn about the production process, or take a table in the main dining area. In good weather, guests prefer to spend time in the outdoor seating area, enjoying the sun and the town's relaxed pace of life.

This cozy craft spot is located in a quiet residential neighborhood of Kingsford, which essentially merges with the city of Iron Mountain. Its location right near the Michigan-Wisconsin state line makes it a popular stop for travelers crossing through the region.

If you are arriving by car, the main routes are US-2 or M-95. There is parking available near the brewery, so finding a spot shouldn't be a problem. For those traveling from further away, the nearest air hub is Ford Airport (IMT) in Iron Mountain. The trip from the terminal by taxi or rental car takes no more than 10–15 minutes.

Public transportation is limited in this part of Michigan, so taxis or personal vehicles remain the most convenient ways to get around. From the city center, you can reach the brewery in just a few minutes.

The story of this place didn't begin with a business plan, but with a simple hobby. In 2014, Jeff Brickey, the future owner, brewed his first small batch of homebrew in his basement. The hobby quickly turned into a passion, and after tastings with friends, it became clear: it was time to take things to the next level. The search for the perfect location led the Brickey family to an abandoned building in Kingsford, which they lovingly restored and opened to the public in 2018.

The name 51st State carries deep local significance. It references historical movements for Upper Peninsula (UP) secession that have surfaced repeatedly since the 19th century, particularly in the 1970s. Residents of the region have often felt culturally and geographically distinct, dreaming of creating their own 51st state called Superior. This name was suggested by Jeff's wife, Victoria, to highlight the unique identity of their homeland.

Today, it is a true family business. Victoria is fully responsible for the kitchen operations and menu development, while their children help their parents run the establishment. This approach creates a special homey atmosphere where every guest feels like part of the community.

A typical visit usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to leisurely enjoy a flight of craft beers and wait for a fresh pizza to be prepared in the wood-fired oven.

If you plan to stop by with a large group in the evening or on weekends, you might want to allow a bit more time to relax and socialize. The atmosphere encourages lingering, especially in the cozy outdoor seating area on a warm day.

The brewery's schedule is quite flexible, as the venue combines the functions of an evening bar and a morning bagel shop. Monday is the day off. On other days, the doors open at different times: you can have breakfast here from Wednesday to Saturday mornings, while the main evening shifts start after 4:00 PM.

Since operating hours can change depending on the season or holidays, we highly recommend checking the official website or social media pages before your visit to confirm the current schedule.

After a pleasant tasting or a hearty meal, it's worth taking some time to walk around the area. The Kingsford and neighboring Iron Mountain area is rich in historical markers and cozy spots that help you get a better feel for the spirit of the American heartland.