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I love living in southeast Michigan as much as the next gal, but sometimes I long for the feeling of being “up north.” If you share my sentiment, get yourself to the newly opened M-Brew, 177 Vester St., Ferndale, for a quick fix.
As soon as you walk into the café, you’re welcomed to a Northern Michigan-esque setting, complete with wood paneled walls and a cozy fireplace. Since we’re just wrapping up July here, the fireplace isn’t quite necessary—just yet. For now, you can lounge outdoors on the wrap around porch patio, where there are several tables with umbrellas perfect for enjoying your morning cup of coffee and scone.
Speaking of breakfast, M-Brew opens promptly at 7 a.m. and begins brewing private medium roast coffee in flavors like Maple & Bacon and Blueberry Crumble. What would go perfectly with that coffee? A bear claw, of course. 
When it comes time for lunch (or dinner), M-Brew has plenty of options. There’s a cold display case next to the register that displays salads, sandwiches and sides for purchase. If you’re looking for a hot meal, there are plenty of choices in that department, too.
Try the Smokin’ Butts BBQ Company pulled pork sandwich on a pretzel bun, and complete the meal with a side of macaroni and cheese or coleslaw. Hot Pinconning Pizza (made with a special Pinconning cheese blend and flour grown and milled in Michigan, available by the slice or by the whole pie) is another great choice, because let’s be real, pizza is always a good idea. Try the Piggy Pizza, complete with pulled pork, smoked chopped brisket, bacon, ham and Smokin’ Butts Struttin’ BBQ sauce.
Bruce Crossing Pasties are made with braised beef, carrots, onions, rutabaga and potatoes—if you’re a real Yooper at heart, you’ll top yours with ketchup. It’s available with a side of gravy, but we all know that’s a sin if you’re looking for a traditional pasty experience. Frankenmuth Bavarian-style fried chicken is also on the menu in plenty of varieties, including wings, a family dinner package, a two-piece meal and more. Don’t forget the sides! One of which includes Smokin’ Butts baked beans with pulled pork. Yes, baked beans with pulled pork.
With all of that food, you’re going to need something to whet your whistle, of course! M-Brew offers a selection of 30 different Michigan craft beers, which you can enjoy on the premises or take home in a growler or howler (half of a growler). The list is quite extensive, but includes Short’s Soft Parade, Perrin Grapefruit IPA, Founders All Day IPA, North Peak Diabolical, Arcadia Whitsun, Odd Side Citra Pale Ale, Atwater Vanilla Java Porter and Arbor Brewing Company Strawberry Blonde. If you’re indecisive with all of these choices in front of you, try the brew-ski! It’s a ski-shaped beer sampler that will allow you to try four different varieties at once.
For those of you under the age of 21, M-Brew makes its own root beer that is available by the pint, growler and howler, or can be made into a custard float. Michigan-made Cadillac custard is also available in a mini cone, regular cone or cup with toppings like Saunders Hot Fudge, chopped candied bacon and fruit.
As you step up to the counter, you’ll be greeted with tons of locally made products, like Nature’s Treats Gourmet Apple Chips, McClure’s pickles, various types of jams, butters and syrups. It might be an impulse purchase to grab one of them as you check out, but the tastiest impulse purchase you’ll ever make. There’s even a shelf of t-shirts emblazoned with “M-Brew” and “Ferndale” so you can wear your pride on your chest.
After making your purchases, head downstairs where you’ll find an arcade, otherwise known as the Basement Brewcade, complete with Pac-Man, Pinball and shuffleboard galore. The question I ask is, what doesn’t M-Brew have?
M-Brew held its soft opening on Wednesday, July 16 and will “fully” open today, August 1 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Owned by Dean Bach (the name may sound familiar, as he owns Dino’s in Ferndale, too), the craft café plans to always keep things fresh by bringing in new food items and goodies, while keeping standards like the menu’s pizza, pulled pork and chicken.
For more information on M-Brew, visit the official website.
