When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Arbor Brewing Company Session Room
Why Arbor Brewing Company Session Room is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Arbor Brewing Company Session Room in Ann Arbor offers a vibrant and welcoming environment perfect for meeting up with friends. This lively taproom features a robust selection of Arbor Brewing Company beers, along with many other craft beers from around the world, catering to beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. The venue combines a casual yet energetic atmosphere, making it an excellent spot for socializing, whether for a casual meet-up or special occasions. Its convenient location on Jackson Road makes it accessible to locals and visitors. The Session Room boasts a full menu with diverse offerings that complement its wide beer selection, including scratch kitchen items made fresh to order, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. Its extended hours, from 11am to 10pm on most days, provide ample time to relax and enjoy great food and drink. Additionally, the venue is known for its outdoor beer garden, adding a pleasant option for enjoying the local weather. Honored as one of the best places in the Best of Washtenaw listings, this spot draws a steady crowd looking for quality brews, comfortable ambiance, and a friendly vibe. Overall, the Arbor Brewing Company Session Room stands out as a great place to gather with friends, share craft beer experiences, and enjoy an inviting, vibrant atmosphere.
Here's what people think of Arbor Brewing Company Session Room
As of recent, Arbor Brewing Company Session Room holds a 4.5-star rating based on 1976 reviews.
User reviews for the Arbor Brewing Company Session Room generally reflect a positive experience, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on nearly 2,000 reviews. Customers often praise the extensive beer selection, highlighting the variety and quality of both Arbor Brewing Company’s own brews and the diverse taps from around the world, which appeal to beer aficionados and adventurous drinkers alike. The food menu also receives favorable remarks, noted for its freshness, creativity, and how well it pairs with the beer offerings. Patrons appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and the lively but comfortable environment that encourages socializing. Positive reviews frequently mention the outdoor beer garden as a relaxing space to enjoy good weather alongside craft beverages. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to occasional crowding during peak hours, which can affect seating availability and wait times. A few reviewers mention that noise levels can sometimes be high, potentially impacting conversation. Some guests have also noted that service can be slow during busy periods. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus is favorable. Many visitors recommend The Session Room for its blend of great beer, tasty food, and a community-centered vibe. It remains a popular destination in Ann Arbor for both locals and visitors seeking a casual yet spirited place to meet friends.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tiffany Cheng
tuna ahi poke bowl was pretty good, I think their tuna was pretty fresh. They included a side of soy to drizzle. Wouldn’t pour the entire cup though… but pretty good flavor overall
Harry
Session Room in Ann Arbor is a fantastic spot for anyone looking to enjoy good food and a laid-back atmosphere. The menu offers a solid variety of well-prepared dishes, and the extensive craft beer selection is a definite highlight. The staff is consistently friendly and attentive, adding to the welcoming vibe of the place. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite, meeting friends, or planning a casual night out, the relaxed setting—complete with indoor and outdoor seating—makes it a great choice. One of the best perks is the free parking, which is rare and super convenient in this part of town. With reasonable prices, quality food, and great service, Session Room easily earns a spot on the list of local favorites.
Heather Turnbow
We recently visited The Session Room with a group of six. We made a reservation and were seated right away. The whole evening was so fun and we had exceptional service from Moe! He was so kind and helpful with food and drink recommendations. (Even mocktails for us non drinkers). He was very attentive to our needs and he made the evening even more fun. We will absolutely come back and request him if possible!!
Tina Werber
Great food, great drinks, easily accommodated 11 people. Service was very friendly but there were some Internet connectivity issues so the bar didn't get our second set of drink orders and we had to remind our server (no big deal). Will definitely be filing this place away as somewhere to go with big groups when visiting AA - though it's not walking distance from campus. We ate inside - didn't even see the outside, missed opportunity!
Chris Davison
Great beer selection including some fun international and out of state guest taps. The Arbor Brewing beers I tried were all very good as well. The food is a little pricey but they use quality ingredients and my pastrami sandwich was delicious, so I can't really complain. Plenty of parking and plenty of seating including a very large bar. Service was a little slow to check on you but it looked like they were training several new people while I was there. Will definitely be coming back.
How to reach Arbor Brewing Company Session Room
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Why Arbor Brewing Company Session Room may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Arbor Brewing Company Session Room with your friends?
Gathering your friends or family at the Arbor Brewing Company Session Room in Ann Arbor offers a vibrant, inviting atmosphere perfect for socializing and celebration. This spacious brewpub, housed in a beautifully converted 7,000-square-foot former machine shop, boasts a warm and rustic charm with exposed brick walls and an open layout. The venue brings together a unique combination of excellent craft beers brewed by Arbor Brewing Company and a diverse food menu featuring scratch-made dishes that cater to all tastes. Whether you want to catch up over delicious appetizers, enjoy a hearty meal, or savor one of the many beers on tap, Session Room excels in delivering a friendly and casual environment. The place strikes a remarkable balance between being a lively community hub and a comfortable spot for intimate conversation, making it an ideal destination for group meetups. With its generous seating, an outdoor beer garden, and a family-friendly vibe, Arbor Brewing Company Session Room invites groups to relax, drink, and celebrate together in style and comfort.
What activities can you enjoy at Arbor Brewing Company Session Room?
At Arbor Brewing Company Session Room, the activities align perfectly with social and culinary enjoyment, making it a prime spot for group gatherings. The core experience revolves around tasting an extensive selection of craft beers, including nearly 18 Arbor Brewing Company varieties alongside other domestic and international brews. This rotating and diverse beer menu caters to novices and beer connoisseurs alike, encouraging guests to sample different styles in a session-style that fits well with long, relaxed social meetings. Alongside the drinks, the kitchen offers a dynamic menu with shareable starters like loaded beer cheese pretzels and classic artichoke dip, allowing groups to snack and nibble while chatting. The brewpub atmosphere supports leisurely meal courses or casual bites, enhancing the social experience. Its outdoor beer garden expands the space for groups looking to enjoy good weather in a lively but relaxed setting. The venue’s family-friendly policies and ample space further support a welcoming environment for groups that may include guests of all ages, making it perfect for everything from casual friends’ nights out to family celebrations.
Why is the Session Room perfect for hosting group meetups?
The Session Room’s spacious, adaptable environment makes it ideal for groups of friends or family to host meetups. The large brick building was thoughtfully repurposed, providing open seating areas that encourage mingling as well as more private corners for intimate conversations. Its size—7,000 square feet—means groups can reserve spaces or simply find room to spread out without feeling cramped. The venue combines casual comfort with quality service, ensuring that large crowds can be smoothly accommodated with attentive staff and timely food and drink service. With nearly all staff from the original Session Room staying through its transition to Arbor Brewing Company ownership, guests find familiar, knowledgeable faces creating a welcoming atmosphere. Beyond the physical space, the mix of local craft beer, excellent scratch kitchen offerings, and the option for outdoor seating in the beer garden creates an experience that is both fun and relaxed. The brewpub’s commitment to quality, combined with its family-friendly feel, means that everyone in the group, young or old, can have a good time.
What kind of food and drink options does the Session Room offer for groups?
The Session Room boasts a robust and diverse menu that perfectly complements Arbor Brewing Company’s extensive beer selection. Their food menu focuses on shared dishes and hearty meals, encouraging groups to try an array of flavors together. Popular starters that cater well to sharing include session nachos loaded with toppings, barbecue quesadillas with chicken or pulled pork, and house-made guacamole with seasoned corn chips—perfect for nibbling and pairing with beer. For something comforting, their mac 'n' cheese with hickory smoked cheese sauce offers a satisfying option that appeals to a broad audience. Additionally, salads feature fresh, crisp ingredients with options like natural chicken, aged ribeye steak, or chargrilled salmon, providing lighter fare to balance the richer starters. On the beverage side, the Session Room offers growlers, kegs, nitro beers, cocktails, and even wine, ensuring there are choices beyond beer to suit every taste. This combination of quality drinks and food makes it easy to plan a group outing where everyone finds something to enjoy.
What is the atmosphere and service like at the Session Room?
From the moment you step inside the Session Room, the atmosphere is inviting, warm, and energetic but still relaxed enough to encourage comfortable conversation among groups. The setting combines rustic charm with a modern touch—characterized by exposed brick walls, wooden accents, and plentiful natural light filtering in from large windows. The vibe is sophisticated yet unpretentious, letting visitors feel at home whether they’re dressed casually or for a special occasion. Service here is known to be attentive and friendly, with staff knowledgeable about both the beer offerings and the menu, providing recommendations to enhance the group’s experience. The customer-oriented approach is a key reason the Session Room enjoys a solid 4.5-star rating from nearly 2,000 reviews, highlighting consistent quality and care. Furthermore, the availability of outdoor seating in the beer garden adds another dimension to the atmosphere—providing fresh air and a relaxed environment for larger groups or events during warmer months. This blend of ambiance, service, and environment creates a top-tier social venue in the Ann Arbor area.
How accessible and convenient is the Session Room for your group’s plans?
Located at 3685 Jackson Rd in Ann Arbor, the Arbor Brewing Company Session Room is easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. The venue operates mainly from Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with Sunday hours from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., which allows for flexible planning whether for weekend lunch meetups, after-work gatherings, or early dinner events. The Session Room offers multiple payment options, including major credit cards and cash, making transactions simple and hassle-free for groups. Parking is typically available nearby, accommodating cars and rideshares alike. The restaurant is also family-friendly, welcoming groups of all sizes and ages, which facilitates inclusive gatherings—whether celebrating a birthday, reunion, or just a casual meet-and-chat. This combination of accessibility, extended hours, and accommodating policies explains why so many groups consider the Session Room a top choice among Ann Arbor’s bar and brewpub options for get-togethers.
What makes Arbor Brewing Company Session Room stand out compared to other brewpubs?
The Session Room distinguishes itself through its unique history, extensive beer selections, and community-focused approach. Unlike many typical brewpubs, it is set in a converted former machine shop, which gives the space a distinctive industrial aesthetic combined with a warm neighborhood ambiance. Its affiliation with the reputable Arbor Brewing Company means beer lovers can expect a rotating, carefully crafted selection of Michigan-made beers alongside international and local favorites. The management’s decision to keep almost all original employees maintains a continuity in quality and service, strengthening the community connection. The inclusion of a family-friendly environment alongside a high-quality bar and kitchen provides a versatile space that meets the needs of various group gatherings—from casual social meetups to small celebrations. The outdoor beer garden and commitment to sourcing local ingredients in its menu further enhance the experience. Together, these features create a brewpub that offers more than just beer and food—it offers a place to connect and celebrate with friends and family in a welcoming, memorable setting.