Detroit's Motor City Brewing Works Closes Its Taproom After 31 Years, Leaving Beer Lovers in Limbo.
In a surprising move, Motor City Brewing Works (MCBW), the oldest brewery in Detroit, announced it is "taking a break" from operations until further notice. The Cass Corridor staple has been serving up craft beer and pizzas for over three decades but will now pause its taproom, citing the recent termination of its historic thermal steam line as the reason.
Founded in 1994 by John Linardos, MCBW was known for its unique brews like Ghettoblaster Ale and Notorious DRIPA. The brewery was more than just a beer joint; it also hosted art exhibitions and released CD compilations featuring local bands. Although the company briefly operated another location along Detroit's Avenue of Fashion, which closed in 2023.
The brewery, which relied on the historic thermal steam line for power since its construction, had reached the end of its useful service and was terminated on December 31. As a result, beer distribution to retailers will continue through help from fellow breweries. However, MCBW has decided to use this downtime to explore future possibilities for the brand and brewery.
In a social media post announcing the closure, MCBW expressed gratitude to every customer who helped make the brewery successful over the years. The taproom will remain open until February 8, featuring a digital montage of historic photos documenting its evolution. After that, it will pause, leaving beer enthusiasts wondering what comes next for Motor City Brewing Works.
The news has sparked questions about MCBW's future, but the company is urging patience and encourages fans to check the website (motorcitybeer.com) for updates as plans take shape. As one final gesture, the brewery invites beer lovers to raise a glass, share a story, and celebrate its contribution to Detroit's Cass Corridor.
For now, Motor City Brewing Works' taproom will be closed, leaving fans in limbo. Will this be the end of an era for the beloved brewery, or is it just taking a temporary pause? Only time will tell if MCBW will find new ways to brew and pour its signature beers into the future.
In a surprising move, Motor City Brewing Works (MCBW), the oldest brewery in Detroit, announced it is "taking a break" from operations until further notice. The Cass Corridor staple has been serving up craft beer and pizzas for over three decades but will now pause its taproom, citing the recent termination of its historic thermal steam line as the reason.
Founded in 1994 by John Linardos, MCBW was known for its unique brews like Ghettoblaster Ale and Notorious DRIPA. The brewery was more than just a beer joint; it also hosted art exhibitions and released CD compilations featuring local bands. Although the company briefly operated another location along Detroit's Avenue of Fashion, which closed in 2023.
The brewery, which relied on the historic thermal steam line for power since its construction, had reached the end of its useful service and was terminated on December 31. As a result, beer distribution to retailers will continue through help from fellow breweries. However, MCBW has decided to use this downtime to explore future possibilities for the brand and brewery.
In a social media post announcing the closure, MCBW expressed gratitude to every customer who helped make the brewery successful over the years. The taproom will remain open until February 8, featuring a digital montage of historic photos documenting its evolution. After that, it will pause, leaving beer enthusiasts wondering what comes next for Motor City Brewing Works.
The news has sparked questions about MCBW's future, but the company is urging patience and encourages fans to check the website (motorcitybeer.com) for updates as plans take shape. As one final gesture, the brewery invites beer lovers to raise a glass, share a story, and celebrate its contribution to Detroit's Cass Corridor.
For now, Motor City Brewing Works' taproom will be closed, leaving fans in limbo. Will this be the end of an era for the beloved brewery, or is it just taking a temporary pause? Only time will tell if MCBW will find new ways to brew and pour its signature beers into the future.
. I've been to that place with my kids for years, they loved the pizza and the beer selection was always on point 
. It's not just a brewery, it's a piece of Detroit history. I'm curious what MCBW will do next - are they selling out or taking over someone else's location? 
The fact that they're still encouraging fans to share their stories makes me think this might be more than just a temporary closure 
. I hope they figure something out soon, the Cass Corridor is going to feel so empty without MCBW! 
they're like totally shutting down their taproom for who knows how long?! I mean, I've been to that place a bunch of times and had some amazing beers 
it's not just about the beer though, it's all about the vibe and the community they created there. They were more than just a brewery, they were like a hub for local artists and music lovers. I'm so down for them taking time to figure out their next move, but at the same time I'm like totally bummed that it's happening now 
. Anyone else gonna miss this place? 
Guess we'll have to wait & see what they come up with next 
But on the bright side, MCBW is using this downtime to explore new possibilities for the brand! 
Let's raise a virtual glass to MCBW and keep our fingers crossed that they'll find a way to brew again soon 
They're just taking a break tho, but like, how long is a break in beer time, you know? 
? That just shows me that MCBW still cares about its community 
. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they'll find a way to keep brewing and sharing those unique beers with us 
. It's more than just a beer joint, it was a hub for local art and music scenes too 
. They'll probably bounce back from this "break" soon enough, but in the meantime, I'm gonna raise a virtual glass to Ghettoblaster Ale 
it's weird that they're not gonna keep the taproom open forever, though. some people might think of it as an era-ending moment for the brewery... or maybe it's just detroit being detroit and full of surprises 
, can u believe Detriot's oldest brewery is closing its taproom after 31 yrs?! 
. I'm kinda sad but also curious about what they'll come up with next 
It's like, their taproom is closing temporarily because of this super old steam line that broke down. I mean, it's not entirely surprising, but still, it's sad to think about all those loyal fans who'll miss out on the brews 
. I'm gonna miss walking into the taproom and seeing all those awesome art exhibitions and live music events... it was like a mini-venue in there. 
anyhoo, the future is uncertain for MCBW, but I'm sure they'll come up with something new and amazing. Fingers crossed! 
but u can stil check out their website & see whats new w/ the brewery 
. hope they come back stronger or something, but for now... it's just a big ol' empty space in cass corridor 
.
. It's funny how you can get attached to a place like that. I'm sure they'll be back soon, but man, it's gonna feel weird not having that taproom around anymore 
.