Saugatuck MI – Guardian Brewing Company

Just so we’re clear, this place is a winner. If I ever get back to this part of Michigan, I will be visiting Guardian again!

The place is unassuming, but note the guitars on the wall in this photo:

Those are just a few of the large collection of SIGNED guitars from famous musicians and bands, including Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones. The head brewer’s father goes to charity auctions of musical items and picks up guitars, posters, etc. and they are all on display in the pub!

But let’s talk beer, shall we? Here’s the tap list and my flight:

There was honestly nothing I didn’t like, and I was actually tempted to do a second flight because there were just so many brews on the tap list that I wanted to try. I’m not even going to go into details on any one beer … just match them up to their descriptions and commence drooling 🙂

They also pride themselves on their food, and based on what I had, it’s with good reason. Here’s their BBQ Brisket sandwich, and I can honestly say it’s the best, most tender brisket I’ve ever had anywhere!

Once that was gone, I continued with three more 10oz pours. One of the things I love about this place is that virtually every beer is available in 5, 10, 13, or 16 oz glasses. The first was the Lady’s Sand Kettle Sour, and it was a delightful sour, not too tart. The second was the Matagot French Saison, and it was every bit as good as the bartender said it would be — it was her #1 favorite of everything on tap! And the third, which was accompanied by a dessert — homemade chocolate chip cookies with homemade vanilla ice cream — was the Mama Squatch Stout.

If I had to be critical of anything, it would be of that last beer. It just wasn’t up to the similar beer from Willoughby (OH) Brewing Company, one that is like having a liquid Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup with alcohol. But it was perhaps more drinkable, so I’m not complaining!

The other thing I really liked about this place — and it’s something I’ve never seen anywhere else — is that every table has an LED light with multiple color options. You can change it to any one of several colors according to your mood, but when you change it to RED, a server will come by to see what you need. It’s that simple! You get service when you want it, and only when you want it!!

Guardian is out in the country but is easily accessible from Saugatuck as well as being just a rock’s throw from one of the exits on I-196. It’s a winner!