When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
HOMES Campus - Beer Garden & Taproom
Why HOMES Campus - Beer Garden & Taproom is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
HOMES Campus is a lively and expansive brewery destination located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, just 1.5 miles from the flagship HOMES Brewpub. This satellite location features a sprawling outdoor beer garden and a welcoming taproom that serves as a perfect gathering spot for friends seeking a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere. The Campus blends craft beer culture with community spirit, providing ample seating outdoors—complete with fire pits for cooler evenings—and a vibrant space that encourages socializing. Visitors can enjoy a rotating selection of 8 to 14 carefully crafted beers, focusing mainly on hoppy and sour styles, with occasional ventures into other brewing styles, ensuring variety and quality for beer enthusiasts. Beyond beer, HOMES Campus integrates several complementary businesses, including Dozer Coffee café for those looking for a great brew beyond beer, and Campo Pizza, offering delicious Roman-style pizzas to complement the drinks. The venue also periodically hosts popular food trucks, adding an exciting culinary dimension to visits. Its appeal is enhanced by a creative hub environment that supports private event rentals, from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, catering to diverse community needs. Overall, HOMES Campus delivers a versatile, vibrant setting that is ideal for meeting up with friends for casual drinks, tasty food, and memorable experiences in Ann Arbor.
Here's what people think of HOMES Campus - Beer Garden & Taproom
As of recent, HOMES Campus - Beer Garden & Taproom holds a 4.7-star rating based on 89 reviews.
User reviews consistently highlight HOMES Campus as a welcoming and fun destination with a strong emphasis on a community-friendly atmosphere. Many patrons praise the quality and variety of beers on tap, especially noting the excellence of their hazy and sour beer selections. The outdoor seating area, with its spacious layout and fire pits, is frequently appreciated for creating a relaxed and inviting environment, particularly on warm summer days. Reviewers also commend Campo Pizza and the rotating food pop-ups for providing tasty, quality food options that pair well with the beer offerings. Positively, customers find the venue’s vibe laid-back and friendly, with staff described as approachable and helpful. The inclusion of games like ping pong, darts, and cornhole adds to the entertainment value, enhancing the social experience. On the negative side, some reviewers mention the limited signage for food vendors occasionally causes confusion, and a few observe that the venue is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which could affect planning. A minor number of feedback points to crowded times or limited indoor seating options during colder months. In conclusion, while there are minor logistical critiques, the overall sentiment strongly favors HOMES Campus as a well-managed, enjoyable spot that excels in craft beer quality, ambience, and variety of food choices, making it a standout beer garden and taproom in Ann Arbor.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tarrah Barshaw
HOMES campus was absolutely amazing for our race packet pickup! We used it two weeks in a row and couldn't have asked for a better venue. The space was fantastic - tons of room for participants to spread out and grab their packets without any hassle. The location is super convenient and accessible for everyone. The staff went above and beyond to help us out and made everything run like clockwork. We had such a great experience that we're already planning to book it again for our next events! Huge thanks to HOMES campus for being such an awesome partner and making our packet pickup days a total success! 🏃♀️🏃♂️✨
Taylor Family
While im all for having a business that caters to its customers, the fact that this bar/brewery lets parents bring their children here .....not okay. What is this the 1950 where it was okay to bring you kids to the bar and let them sit in the corner all night? I brought a large group of people here and we could not enjoy a space MEANT FOR ADULTS because there we soooo many children causing chaos and running around unattended. I understand that this place wants money from the parents but.....this rule of encouraging children at a bar is not great and ruins the purpose of an adult place to relax. Would not recommend if you are going with a group of any size of adults.
A. “AJ” Jacob
A lovely establishment with abundant seating. We ordered the Hitasu and a cider. The Hitasu was light and refreshing-- it was my first time trying a Rice Lager. The cider wasn't to my specific taste, but I know that there are those who prefer sours, so no points lost for that. The staff were always visible and easy to talk to. If I'm in the area again, I'll stop in to try something else.
Leslie M
Hands down the best brewery in Michigan! Friendly staff and great beer! Whether you go to the brew pub or campus, you won't be disappointed. The campus is great if you have pets and kids. They always have events and the owners are such great people!
Taylor Huddleston
If I could give it 0 stars I would. Very cute and trendy design, good beer and food, but if you knew what happened behind closed doors you would not want to support this business. Workers are not compensated properly and given 0 benefits or time off. Everyone, including production staff and management are placed in the “tip pool” so they can get away with paying their workers close to nothing. Please try to check out other places AA has to offer while in town. Greedy ownership at its finest.
How to reach HOMES Campus - Beer Garden & Taproom
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Why HOMES Campus - Beer Garden & Taproom may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at HOMES Campus - Beer Garden & Taproom with your friends? HOMES Campus is more than just a brewery; it's a vibrant community hub set in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that offers an inviting atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends and family. Rated an impressive 4.7 out of 5 from nearly 90 reviews, it earns high praise for both its atmosphere and selection. The sprawling beer garden provides ample space to unwind and enjoy handcrafted beers brewed on site, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options, making it a versatile spot for different tastes. The ambiance balances lively energy with comfortable seating options both indoors and out, including cozy fire pits and ample outdoor seating that shines especially on warm days. Additionally, HOMES Campus is not just about drinks—it hosts a variety of local food options through Campo Pizza and rotating food trucks, enhancing the social experience with tasty eats. The location also serves as a creative hub with a café, art elements, and private event spaces for special occasions. Whether it's a casual evening or a celebratory gathering, this spot offers a dynamic environment that encourages connection, making it an ideal destination to rally your friends for memorable outings.
What activities are available at HOMES Campus that make it perfect for group meetups? HOMES Campus features a wide range of activities that cater to diverse group interests, ensuring everyone in your party has something to enjoy. The centerpiece is the impressive beer garden and taproom, which usually hosts 8 to 14 beers on tap, primarily focusing on hoppy and sour styles but with occasional variations. This selection makes beer tasting a central activity, enhanced by the availability of batched cocktails and a variety of beverages for all preferences. For entertainment, there are multiple games such as four sets of cornhole, three dart boards, and three ping pong tables, perfect for friendly competition that enlivens group dynamics. Campo Pizza serves Roman-style pizza and other food items, complementing the drinks with delicious, sharable meals. Dozer Coffee, located on the premises, offers fresh coffee and café options, making it a great spot for daytime hangouts as well. The site opens mostly in the afternoons and evenings, from Wednesday through Sunday, aligning perfectly with after-work and weekend plans. This combination of drinks, food, games, and space creates an all-encompassing social experience that fosters fun and engagement among friends.
How does the space at HOMES Campus cater to private events and larger groups? HOMES Campus excels in hosting private events and group gatherings thanks to its flexible and thoughtfully designed spaces. The venue provides private event rooms that include amenities such as private entry, bar access, and a mix of booth and high-top seating to fit various group needs. The lighting is well calibrated, with dimmable options to create the desired ambiance for different occasions. Restroom facilities are also accommodating, featuring changing tables, which is a considerate addition for families attending events. The expansive outdoor beer garden can be exclusively booked, providing a spacious, scenic area that can host from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations like weddings, corporate luncheons, or birthday parties. The maximum seated capacity indoors for private rentals is around 40, but the outdoor spaces accommodate larger groups comfortably. Additionally, the venue's collaboration with Campo Pizza and Dozer Coffee ensures catering options on site for guests. Overall, HOMES Campus offers a tailored and complete setting for group events that require a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere with quality drinks and food.
What makes the food and drink options at HOMES Campus stand out for meetups? The food and drink offerings at HOMES Campus complement the social vibe perfectly, making meetups more enjoyable and satisfying. HOMES Brewery focuses predominantly on hoppy and sour beers but diversifies their tap list to include a range of flavors, catering to adventurous and traditional palates alike. The beer is brewed on-site and is not distributed widely, meaning guests get fresh, exclusive options available only at the taproom and can shop. The Can Shop at Campus offers a variety of cans and 750ml bottles to take home, which adds to the experience for enthusiasts who want to continue the taste journey. Campo Pizza delivers authentic Roman-style pizza, known for its crispy and flavorful crust, served alongside other complementary dishes, making it a great option for groups to share and savor. They often feature rotating food trucks as well, introducing variety and new flavors that keep the experience fresh and exciting for repeat visits. Non-alcoholic drinks and batched cocktails ensure that everyone in the group, regardless of preference, has appealing options. This food and beverage integration supports long, leisurely get-togethers where people can eat, drink, and socialize without rush.
Why is the location and atmosphere of HOMES Campus ideal for groups? Situated just about 1.5 miles from the HOMES flagship brewpub, HOMES Campus creates a distinct yet familiar environment for visitors. Its location in Ann Arbor offers accessibility yet feels removed enough to provide a refreshing change of scene. The sprawling layout includes open-air beer gardens perfect for sunny days and gatherings around fire pits, fostering a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that encourages group bonding. The presence of a creative hub featuring an art gallery and café introduces cultural and leisurely dimensions to a visit, appealing to groups looking for more than just drinks. The outdoor and indoor seating options accommodate different moods—whether a lively game of ping pong or a quiet corner for conversation. Additionally, the staff and community suntone contribute to the welcoming ambiance that makes HOMES Campus feel like a home base for social outings. The venue’s schedule, open mainly from midweek through weekends, aligns well with typical social calendars, making it convenient for groups planning after-work or weekend events.
How can hosting an event at HOMES Campus enhance your group experience? Hosting a private event at HOMES Campus brings a personalized touch and elevates any gathering with the venue’s comprehensive amenities and expertise. Their event team assists in customizing the experience, whether you want to book the entire beer garden or use one of the intimate indoor rooms. Having exclusive access to the space ensures comfort and privacy, while bar service and food options are coordinated onsite to reduce stress for hosts. The ability to incorporate games like cornhole, darts, and ping pong helps keep guests entertained naturally without extra planning. The venue’s stylish, yet casual design creates a memorable backdrop that enhances photos and overall atmosphere. Families with kids are also well accommodated with changing tables and ample space. Ultimately, a private event at HOMES Campus delivers an effortless blend of good drinks, great food, and engaging amenities, making it a top choice for anyone seeking to host a successful and enjoyable social gathering.
In what ways does HOMES Campus embrace its community and creative spirit? HOMES Campus is not just a beer garden and taproom but also a vibrant creative hub that integrates community and culture seamlessly. Its connection to the Hom(e)s brewery’s identity—drawn from the Great Lakes' acronym—reflects a strong local pride and respect for the region’s heritage. The venue hosts an art gallery space contributing to local artists’ exposure and offering visitors cultural enrichment alongside their social activities. Regular food pop-ups and rotating trucks introduce a dynamic culinary scene that highlights diverse local businesses and flavors. The on-site Dozer Coffee and café add a morning and daytime dimension to the campus, supporting daily social interactions beyond evening and weekend events. This blending of creativity, community engagement, and hospitality crafts a unique environment that fosters connection in many forms—whether through shared drinks, local art, or collaborative events—making HOMES Campus an inspiring and inclusive place to gather with friends or family.