Short's Brewing Company

northernbrews

Michigan

4.83/5  rDev +8.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5 | $$

I've been to Short's quite a bit over the last 3 plus years they've been open.

I usually stop in here at least once every time I'm up north at my mom's lake cottage on Intermediate Lake. Me and HellsBells24 were up last weekend taking all the toys and docks out of the water for the winter. I stopped in here to pickup my GABF sponsor card (dollar pints for a year – Hell Ya) and t-shirt and have a few beers. (THANKS AGAIN JASON AND TODD! for the hookup)

Surprisingly I haven’t rated Short’s yet, but I figured this would be a good time.

Atmosphere: This is located in an old hardware store in downtown Bellaire. The interior is very cool. It kind of reminds me of Bell’s Eccentric café with the unique art and set-up. The walls of exposed old bricks have some interesting painting and other art. The handmade wood bar is pretty cool too as are the various types of seats throughout the place (old barrels, car benches, leather mis-matched couches and chairs). There are two separate sides (one with the bar and some seating and the other with the stage and some more different seating). During this visit, we sat near the stage (We didn’t really have a choice since it was packed). Definitely a cool and relaxed atmosphere.

Quality: Everything here is done top-notch. From the expertly crafted beers to the unique and good ass food, you won’t feel like you just wasted your time and money here. Everything is homemade and it shows.

Service: The service here is usually very good. It was very busy on Saturday (no open seat in the whole place), and the wait for beers was pretty quick. All the staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the food and beers. They are always giving non-locals help picking out something good. If you sit at the bar or in the bar area, they are always willing to give out samples before you buy a pint.

Selection: They have by far the best selection I’ve seen at a brewpub, period. It’s actually quite amazing that a small brewpub in northern MI can offer so many tasty, unique, and damn good beers at one time. First they offer the 13 Imperial Beers for either takeout or to enjoy at the pub. These are not cheap ($15 - $22.50 per 750 ml), but they are worth it if you think about the quality and amount of ingredients and time it took to brew, age, and bottle these. I’ve had the Carob Stout, Soft Parade, Black Cherry Porter, and Publican Porter and they’ve all been excellent. I hope to have the others soon. They also offered the 4 Anniversary IPA’s (Part One – 20% + triple IPA, Part Deux – regular barrel aged, Part Deux – barrel aged - double dry hopped, and Part Deux – barrel aged w/ grapefruit for 9 months). These 12oz goodies ($7 - $9) are also available to consume there or at home. I’ve had all these too, and these are also good with the grapefruit part deux being extraordinary. We had one of these during this trip. For the beers on tap, there are usually about 10 – 15 regular beers ($4.50 for 20 oz pint) and 4 or so premium beers ($6.00 for 14oz tulip) on tap at a time, which was the case today too. We had the Bellaire Brown, Huma Luma IPA, and Chocolate Wheat Stout this time. Other beers that I’ve really enjoyed before that were on tap this time were the Black Cherry Porter, Pandemonium Pale Ale, and Autumn Ale. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the Stellar Ale or Cup a Joe Crème Stout this time, but these are damn good too. They also fill growlers to go for about $12 for the growler and fill. We got a Chocolate Wheat to go.

Food: We didn’t eat here this time (we went to LuLu’s Bistro a few doors down – definitely worth checking out if in the area – it’s one of the best restaurants in northern MI – IMO), but I’ve had most of the stuff on the menu. They have some unique and good sandwiches and pizza’s. Everything is homemade and usually have some different combinations that you don’t usually see at brewpubs.

Value: You definitely get what you pay for. Some of the items are a little pricey, but for what you get, you don’t feel like you’ve been ripped off and you’ll be satisfied. If you plan on going here often, the mug club is a good idea. The mug club mug is about 32oz and they’ll fill it with the regular beer for $3.00 or $3.50 and $6.00 for the premium beers.

Overall: This is one of favorite brewpub overall if you factor in atmosphere, selection, quality, food, and most importantly beers. I’ve been to a few that have had better beer and food, but not all in one. This is worth a few hour detour to come enjoy some of the most unique and carefully crafted beers in the country. I’m very lucky my mom has a lake cottage a few miles from here, so I can have Short’s beers pretty much whenever I want. If you get a chance, stop in, you will not be disappointed.

10-15-2007 14:42:08 | More by northernbrews

steebo777

Michigan

4.83/5  rDev +8.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5 | $

I love Short's, I will say that right off the get-go. I have family in the Grayling area, so I hit Short's alot. I always feel like I am at home when I go into Short's. Everyone is freindly, it is a very eclectic laid out brewpub and always a 'homey' feeling.

Their taplist is always off the charts. They have an amazing amount of different brews on tap, and even if I don't like 80% of them that still leaves me 5-6 I love. Prices are extremely reasonable and I always feel like I am paying a fair price. They also have a lot of carry-out beer that usually breaks my credit card.

The food is not an afterthought at all, and they really deliver on it. My wife is crazy about pizzas and she pretty much gets one everytime there. I like to try something new each time as they always are changing stuff up at Short's.

This place is a must visit when you're in northern Michigan. The Bellaire area itself is great as-is and Short's just adds to the beauty of it.

08-04-2011 20:53:00 | More by steebo777

goethean

Illinois

4.8/5  rDev +7.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4 | $$

Food --- Good selection, high quality.

Service --- Very good. We had a complaint and it was dealt with in a thorough, accommodating fashion. They are clearly serious about serving their customers well.

Beer --- Outstanding selection --- 16 beers on tap. We (by which I mean I) had two flights of samplers: 10 beers.

Ambiance --- Coming to this rather young urban professional place directly from the laid-back, rural UP resulted in quite the culture shock. However, the place is family-friendly: there were young kids running around constantly, and no one said a word. (This is a plus in my book.) Also: bars with sofas and coffee tables are a plus. The folding chairs, on the other hand, were not as comfortable.

We enjoyed the live music, and the staff that I spoke to were more than friendly. However, the atmosphere (i.e, my fellow customers) is not really my speed.

09-08-2009 02:28:16 | More by goethean

claminat420

Michigan

4.8/5  rDev +7.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5 | $$

went yesterday. awesome brewery!

A- inside an old hardware store. had a clean rustic small town but open woody feel to it. love how you have to order up at the bar for whatever.

Q- beer and food were delicious. no hair in food and beer seemed spot on.

S- all the staff were as friendly as a hippy at bonnaroo.

S- they have a huge chalkboard behind the bar explaining all the beers for patrons. they also give you a little sheet if you get a table.

F- pizza, sanwiches, salads, and starters.. only a crotch would complain. we got the spinach artichoke dip for a starter which i found to be quite good. i hate to state that was my first time eating spinach artichoke dip. then we split the mutilated lips pizza which was quite good.

V- everything seemed reasonable and their beer prices are awesome.

Overall- we drove an hour and a half away from our vacation spot to go there and i would walk that today if i didn't get 3 growlers. no one seemed crotchety their. there were bikers, families, republicans, and gays all drinking good beer and being merry. ok i made alil of that up but i did seem like a cool place where anyone and everyone could hangout.

08-16-2011 17:49:41 | More by claminat420

zoso1967

Michigan

4.78/5  rDev +7.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5 | $$

Short's brewpub has a very nice worn in sort of atmosphere that really fits the Northern Michigan setting. Plenty of wood and a lodge like decor go well with the small town of Bellaire where it resides. Parking is on the street only, but I have never had trouble getting a spot more than a brief walk from the building.

It is divided into two sections, a bar area with a long wooden bar and limited high top seating and a music area that has lots of folding tables that make me feel like I am at a church or municipal building. I actually like that it is a simple and no nonsense sort of place and they keep it clean and tidy. My only real complaint is that any time I have been here and there is music going on that quality is pretty damn bad. I realize they want to get local "artists" in here, but it seems like any wannabe with a guitar can get on stage.

The quality of the beers is of course exceptional. Short's is one of those places that has become known for pushing the boundaries with beers like Key Lime Pie and Uber Goober, but they also do more classic styles extremely well. Every beer I have ever had from Short's is better on tap and so for those of you thinking of taking a road trip, I have to say that it will totally be worth it. They also tend to have plenty of one-offs and limited brews on tap.

I have never had a problem with the service at Short's, but must advise that it is a little bit different than most places, especially places out east. All ordering is done at the bar. They bring out food and samplers to you, but you must go up to order and pay your tab. I actually think this works fairly well and they keep the line moving, but I know some people have an issue with not having a server.

The food is also quite high quality with an array of amazing sandwiches that are all named after Ween songs. They tend to change up the menu a lot, which is nice for people that frequent the pub and I would say they have a broad enough assortment to please most people. Apps are also quite good and while I was very disappointed with the pizza, a lot of people seem to really like it.

Overall Short's is a fantastic brewpub and the absolute best place to try their beers. I feel fortunate that it is only an afternoon or evening trip away and I am wishing I could make the trip there right now while writing this review. If you did not need an excuse to come up to our beautiful corner of the lower peninsula before, Short's just might be the reason you were looking for. Highly recommended.

03-09-2011 23:30:40 | More by zoso1967

McCranky

Illinois

4.78/5  rDev +7.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4 | $$

This place is absolutely great. I wish this was my local watering hole. The people are great, the brewpub itself is warm and inviting, and the selection is second to none. Short's offers beer flights, bottles to go, and they fill growlers as well. The food is great, and I believe they have atleast 20 taps of all Short's beers at all times. I only wish I lived closer...I would frequent this place a lot of it were possible. On my latest trip here they had all their winter stouts on tap. Amazing. Best beer had on my trip by far...the Bourbon Wizard was World Class. Thank you Short's!

12-05-2011 22:20:00 | More by McCranky

TGZ32

Michigan

4.75/5  rDev +6.7%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 5 | $$$

They have 20+ unique brews on tap, and a few unique beers you cant get in stores down in SE michigan.. even from the Beer Baron without a special order etc. Which was cool to see the selection at the Pub.

The service is more like a deli, order yourself and grab and go for beer. They bring the food out to you which is awesome. Went on a sat. and then a sun. evening. Excellent atmosphere! Loved every minute of it.. wish it was closer to home.

The beer was super fresh and the prices were more than fair! Will most definitely go back every summer.. a MUST see and experience place.

*** We ended up going back again and staying a night at the hotel across the street (Stone Waters Inn) just to hang out at the brewery again and spend a relaxing evening up north.

They had live music scheduled the ENTIRE weekend according to their board.. Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun.

The band was pretty good, even though Im not much of a bluegrass fan, it was a change of pace and a great atmosphere.

The line at the counter to order can become extremely long, so it helps to keep an eye on it and go when the line dies down. Going on 3 different nights.. a thursday.. then a saturday and even sunday night.. this place was PACKED pretty much all the time..which is AWESOME. Its great to see a company that worked hard and invented such quality brews and a unique image have such success!

If your from Michigan you absolutely MUST visit the Pub in Bellaire, Top notch experience every time!

***

09-08-2012 02:57:37 | More by TGZ32

JizackFH

New York

4.72/5  rDev +6.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4 | $$$

Went to Shorts Brewpub in July for the Jetty Rae show. She rocked by the way. It is a small cozy venue decorated very cool, nice little bottle collection by the bathrooms. The prices for beer were not bad and they had a very wide selection, also they sell six packs and growlers to take home (the growlers are a GREAT deal). I got a flight which is 5 different samples of beer that you choose from the long list of stuff they have on tap. Got some food while we were there which was a little bit pricey, but the pizza above all was really good (especially after a few beers). At the end of the night i got a growler of huma lupa licious to go, and couldn't have been happier. I miss shorts beer now that I moved to NYC, but I will definetly go back my next trip to Michigan. I definetly reccomend this place to anyone who hasn't gone yet.

10-21-2010 03:43:15 | More by JizackFH

malty

Michigan

4.7/5  rDev +5.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5 | $$

Visited yesterday afternoon with my wife after sending a couple days in Traverse City & Old Mission Peninsula (more-or-less Michigan's wine region).  Although the bar seats around 8-10, there were a couple open stools (with backs - nice).  Being a Huma Lupa fan for over a year now, I brought a couple empty growlers.  Refills only 8 bucks!  They even honored my 'foreign' growlers with no problem.

The place is exposed brick walls with 14 ft. high ceilings, exposed HVAC ducts, nice woodwork and a cool bar top that reminded me of an old bowling lane - but with cooler designs, insets, etc...  The room 'live music' room connected to the main 'bar-food' room is way-cool.  No live acts while I was there, but it's nice to have the option to listen from the other side or sit in the midst of the music.  Hardwood & tile floors, good amount of scattered tables and lots of natural light from the front windows.

Selection was crazy!  Everything you could ever want (except a draft stout - no biggie though).  I even got to enjoy the first tapping of the Funkin' Punkin' right before I was about to leave.  My wife was very gracious sticking around while I 'had to' try a pint, (of which I had my 2nd growler filled)!  I tried the Noble Chaos, Black Cherry Porter, Reg. & Chocolate Wheat, Autumn Ale, and London Red - ALL SPECTACULAR!

Food was terrific.  Minestrone soup, Crostini & warm artichoke & cheese spread, warm pita chips with gourmet olives, feta spread & hummus - ALL SPECTACULAR!  The pizza & wraps looked awesome.  Our service was exceptional with warm and friendly smiles and attitudes with good knowledge of the products.   

Overall I would be the happiest man alive if Short's were in my hometown.  I'd literally be there almost everyday.  The prices are very reasonable.  The food is unique, high quality and tasty.  The beers are top-notch in every aspect and priced very fair ($3-$6).  A 'must try' if you're in the area or jonesin' for a fantastic beer destination!

10-04-2008 15:43:24 | More by malty

SaucyA

Michigan

4.64/5  rDev +4.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | $$

Short's is such a great brewery. Being in Bellaire, the town has a nice and cozy feel to it that the brewery mimics quite well. Everyone seems to know everyone else, the pourers were really nice, and people remember your name.

The atmosphere is very cool, with lots of exposed brick, wood, some great Cadillac chairs, and two large, sprawling rooms. One room is the bar, and the other has a stage for concerts and such.

The service was great, and everyone was more than helpful. Even while it was packed (for the Anniversary party), everyone pouring had a smile on their face, and you would wait in line for less than a minute.

The selection is top notch. A phenomenal array of both experimental and traditional brews, with a plum stout, a coffee stout, and a great fruit beer that all stood out. Also, their hoppy beers, including their Anniversary Ale, the Stellar Ale, and the Huma Lupa Licious IPA were phenomenal. The bottle selection is also great.

Basically, Short's has a great up-north feel to it, but still captures the urban quality of my local breweries. Joe creates some killer brews, and you'd do yourself a disservice if you didn't make at least one trip up here.

I highly recommend this spot, and will come back again soon.

04-27-2008 19:30:02 | More by SaucyA