- Attraction: Biercamp
- Location: 1643 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
- Industry: Microbrewery
- Website: https://www.bier-camp.com
Smoke billows from behind a weathered building on South State Street, where artisan meats meet craft brewing in one of Ann Arbor’s most distinctive family operations.
Biercamp opened in 2011 as a small family shop that creates everything in-house by hand, in small batches, using unique ingredients and treasured family recipes.
What began as a vision from Mario Batali alumnus Walt Hansen and designer partner Hannah Cheadle has evolved into a beloved local institution where University of Michigan fans and food enthusiasts alike gather for exceptional smoked meats, house-brewed beers, and an authentic beer garden experience that operates year-round.
You’ll discover a unique concept that seamlessly blends artisan butcher shop, microbrewery, and casual eatery into one irresistible destination.
Everything is made by hand using only farms where animals are raised naturally and humanely using no antibiotics, hormones, growth promoting drugs or artificial ingredients, creating a dining experience that’s both ethical and extraordinary.
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Keep Exploring →Signature Smoked Meats & Sandwiches
16-Hour Pulled Pork: The crown jewel that draws people from across Michigan features melt-in-your-mouth texture achieved through slow smoking that renders the fat cap into pure flavor. You’ll taste the full savory pork essence enhanced by just enough sauce to complement rather than mask the meat’s natural character.
12-Hour Smoked Beef Brisket: Equally tender to the pulled pork, this standout features charred bark at the edges and deeply satisfying beef flavors that develop during the extensive smoking process. The sandwiches are described as big, juicy, and ridiculously good – so good you’ll need to grab plenty of napkins.
Steamship Round: Thick slices of flavorful roast beef paired with house-made horseradish sauce create what many consider their first real roast beef sandwich experience. The preparation showcases traditional techniques that elevate simple ingredients into something memorable.
Harbaugh-Q Sandwich: This special game day menu item combines half pulled pork and half brisket with great BBQ sauce, featuring at least a third pound of meat per sandwich. Perfect for University of Michigan game days when you want to fuel up before or after cheering on the Wolverines.
Backwoods Sandwich: Features their exceptional brisket enhanced with a spicy mustard that perfectly complements the smoky meat flavors, creating a balanced bite that showcases both the smoking technique and thoughtful seasoning approach.
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Discover MoreArtisan Sausage & Bratwurst Selection
Balaton Cherry Bratwurst: This creative combination merges traditional bratwurst with dried Michigan cherries, resulting in a slightly sweet and utterly unique flavor profile that pairs beautifully with their craft beers.
Hopwurst: The hops really stand out in this innovative creation, giving the wurst a slightly bitter flavor that pairs brilliantly with mustard and presumably beer. Even non-beer drinkers find themselves enjoying this unexpected flavor combination.
Habanero Hotdog: This spicy option features well-balanced habanero heat that grows with each bite, perfect for those seeking something that will light up their taste buds.
Swiss Dirty Bastard: A customer favorite that represents their commitment to creative, high-quality sausage making using traditional techniques with innovative flavor profiles.
Smoked Bacon Cheddar Sausage: This rich combination delivers smoky bacon flavors enhanced by sharp cheddar, creating a hearty option that satisfies even the biggest appetites.
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Keep Exploring →Japanese Curry Sausage: An unexpected fusion that demonstrates their willingness to experiment with global flavors while maintaining their commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Craft Beer & Beverage Program
House-Brewed Selection: They serve craft beers and ciders available by the pint, half pint, growler, and half growler, allowing you to enjoy their creations on-site or take them home for later enjoyment.
Blonde Ale: Described by regulars as one of the best beers they’ve ever had, this approachable brew showcases their brewing skills while remaining accessible to various palates.
Imperial Stout: This rich, complex beer has developed such a following that customers eagerly await its return to tap. The depth and character make it perfect for pairing with their heavier smoked meats.
IPA: Customers who come for the beer often end up staying for the amazing bratwurst and IPA combination, creating the perfect marriage of their two specialties.
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Discover MoreRoot Beer: For non-alcohol drinkers, their house-made root beer provides a refreshing complement to the rich, smoky flavors of their meat offerings.
All-Season Beer Garden & Atmosphere
Outdoor Dining Experience: The all-season outdoor beer garden allows you to enjoy their full menu of sandwiches, sausages, baskets, and sides regardless of weather. When the weather is nice, sitting out on the patio with a brat and beer creates an exceptional dining experience.
Covered Seating: The outdoor seating features a covered tent area plus plenty of benches for comfortable outdoor dining, ensuring you can enjoy the beer garden atmosphere even during Michigan’s unpredictable weather.
Cabin-Style Interior: The shop has a distinct personality reminiscent of an Upper Peninsula cabin with quirky touches like a stuffed rooster labeled “Little Walt” and a photo of the Fawlty Towers cast quietly placed among framed family photos.
Picnic Table Setup: Multiple outdoor picnic tables create a communal atmosphere perfect for groups, families, or casual meetups with friends over quality food and drinks.
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Keep Exploring →Pet-Friendly Policy: Dog owners can bring their pets to enjoy meals at the outdoor tables, making it a popular destination for the many dog lovers in Ann Arbor.
Specialty Items & Market Offerings
House-Made Jerky: Their jerky selection includes beef, pork, and chicken varieties made from thick slices of good-quality meat marinated in different sauces.
Smoked Fish Selection: Beyond traditional meats, they offer various smoked fish options that showcase their smoking expertise across different proteins.
Pickled Vegetables: Their house-made pickled vegetables provide acidic contrast to rich meats and serve as perfect palate cleansers between bites.
Artisan Cheese Spreads: Their cheese spread selection pairs excellently with their cured meats for creating charcuterie-style combinations.
Smoked Almonds: Bacon fat soaked, sea salt smoked almonds represent their attention to detail in even the smallest offerings.
Pierogi & Pasties: These Eastern European specialties expand their menu beyond German-influenced items to include comfort foods from various traditions.
Other Considerations
Pricing Value: Visitors consistently note the adequate prices for the quality received, with most meals falling in the $20-30 per person range. The establishment operates in the $$ price range, making it accessible while reflecting the premium quality of ingredients and preparation methods.
Ordering Process: You order at the counter and receive a pager that goes off when your food is ready, creating an efficient system that allows you to grab drinks or browse their retail selection while waiting.
Seating Flexibility: They offer plenty of outdoor seating plus inside seating at a red house next door, accommodating various preferences and weather conditions throughout the year.
University of Michigan Connection: The location has become an Ann Arbor must-visit for game days and anyone living in or visiting the area, especially popular with university crowds and alumni.
Family-Friendly Environment: The casual atmosphere welcomes families with children, making it suitable for various occasions from casual lunches to special celebrations.
Availability Considerations: Since everything is made by hand, they recommend calling ahead for availability of specialty items or stopping in to see what’s new. This approach ensures freshness while creating an element of discovery with each visit.
Parking Convenience: The South State Street location provides accessible parking options, though weekend and game day crowds may require some patience during peak times.
Biercamp
📍 1643 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
