The Filling Station Microbrewery

The Filling Station is a unique establishment located in the historic rail district of Traverse City, Michigan, USA. It occupies a former railroad depot built in 1927 and has managed to preserve much of its historic charm. Opening on March 5, 2012, the brewery quickly became a notable part of Traverse City's burgeoning beer culture, offering guests a special experience.

The main pride of The Filling Station is, of course, its house-brewed craft beer. Here, you can try various styles brewed with passion and expertise. To complement the beer, guests are offered delicious wood-fired flatbreads that pair perfectly with the drinks. The brewery skillfully combines ancient brewing and baking traditions with a modern urban atmosphere, creating a unique space to relax.

In addition to great food and drink, The Filling Station attracts visitors with its picturesque views of Boardman Lake. Its convenient location near the popular T.A.R.T. trails makes it an ideal stop during a walk or bike ride. It is a place where you can enjoy quality beer, delicious food, and good company in a historic setting.

To get the most up-to-date information about The Filling Station's opening hours, view the menu, or check reservation availability, we recommend visiting the official website or contacting them directly. Below are the main contact details to help you plan your visit.

At The Filling Station Microbrewery in Traverse City, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of craft beer and enjoy delicious food. The main reason people come here is, of course, the beer. The establishment always has about ten beers on tap, brewed using traditional methods. The beer is complemented by an original menu, where eight types of flatbreads cooked in a wood-fired oven take center stage. It’s a great place to try local beer specialties and enjoy unique cuisine.

In addition to gastronomic pleasures, The Filling Station offers its guests a pleasant atmosphere and scenic views. Located in a historic building, the brewery boasts beautiful views of Boardman Lake, making it an attractive spot to relax. Active travelers will be pleased to know that the brewery is right next to the popular T.A.R.T. trails. This makes it easy to combine a walk or bike ride with a tasting of local beer.

The Filling Station is a prominent part of Traverse City's growing beer community, which is increasingly drawing tourists interested in craft brewing. A visit here provides an opportunity not only to try quality drinks and food but also to feel like a part of the local culture that values both tradition and innovation in brewing.

The Filling Station brewery is located in Traverse City at 642 Railroad Place. It is conveniently situated in the city's historic railway district, making it easily accessible for visitors.

If you prefer an active outing, the brewery can be reached on foot or by bicycle via the scenic T.A.R.T. trails, which pass right by. Of course, it is also easily reachable by car, as it is located within the city limits.

Since The Filling Station is in the city, you can also use taxi services to get there quickly and comfortably. Additionally, it is worth checking for public transport routes that might pass near the historic rail district to help you easily plan your visit.

The Filling Station in Traverse City is more than just a place to enjoy craft beer; it is a piece of the city's history. It opened its doors on March 5, 2012, occupying a remarkable building—a former railroad depot built back in 1927. When the brewery first started, Northern Michigan had not yet earned its reputation as a craft beer mecca, but Traverse City was already well on its way to becoming a true "beer town."

The arrival of The Filling Station came at an interesting time for the region's beer culture. Before its opening, establishments like Mackinaw Brewing Company and North Peak Brewing Company had been delighting connoisseurs in the city center since 1997, along with Right Brain Brewery, which opened in 2007. However, it was after 2012, with the arrival of The Filling Station, that Traverse City saw a real brewery boom, with new names appearing one after another, including The Workshop Brewing Company, Brewery Terra Firma, and Earthen Ales.

Interestingly, the passenger depot that now houses the brewery was originally located east of Union Street, near the Hannah Lay mill. The old freight depot can still be seen on the corner of that street. At the helm of The Filling Station is David Cannizzaro, a former baker from Vermont. His previous experience brought a unique combination of brewing traditions and the art of baking to the brewery, giving the establishment a special flair.

When planning a visit to The Filling Station in Traverse City, you should allow for 1-2 hours. This is usually enough time to enjoy the atmosphere, try a few local brews, and have a snack.

If your visit includes a full lunch or dinner with a tasting of various drinks, it's better to set aside a bit more time, perhaps 2-3 hours. This will allow you to leisurely browse the menu, choose your favorite dishes and drinks, and simply have a good time. For those who just want to quickly sample one or two beers, a visit can be shorter—about an hour.

Overall, the length of your stay at The Filling Station will depend on your plans: whether you want to just stop in for a glass of craft beer or have a full gastronomic evening. Given its popularity, there may be a wait for a table during peak hours, which should also be taken into account.

The Filling Station in Traverse City is happy to welcome guests daily. While exact hours may vary, the establishment is open every day of the week, offering visitors the chance to enjoy their products.

Since specific hours are not listed, it is highly recommended to check the brewery's official website or contact them directly before your visit. This will also allow you to clarify if reservations are needed, especially if you plan to visit during popular times or with a large group.

A visit to The Filling Station is a great way to start exploring the culinary scene of Traverse City, but don’t stop there. Exploring the surrounding area will allow you to discover more interesting locations, whether they are cozy parks, other eateries, or cultural sites. Every new find will add vibrant colors to your trip and help you better understand the atmosphere of this hospitable city.

By planning a short route of nearby attractions, you can make the most of your time and take home even more pleasant memories. Below is a list of some interesting places near The Filling Station that might interest you.