Michigan's Grand River Brewery expands into Oakland County with new Clawson restaurant

Michigan's Grand River Brewery is expanding into Oakland County next month, taking over a central space in downtown Clawson.

Set to move in where Pumachug restaurant was for a short time at 14 Mile and Main, Grand River Brewery will serve its own beers, wines, spirits and a full food menu.

Grand River Brewery, which has locations in Marshall and Jackson, is best known throughout the state for its flagship beers, 313 Polish Lager and Monkey Mouth IPA. These flavors translate to the food menu where 313 is used to beer-batter the pickles, cheese curds and fish, while the mustard for the Bavarian pretzel is infused with Monkey Mouth IPA.

The Clawson location has its own brewing equipment, but to get things started they'll serve products made at the Jackson brewery, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary in June. Once things are up and running the Clawson location (formerly Black Lotus Brewery before it was Pumachug) will make brew on site.

"It's a very comfort-driven brewery," said chief operating officer Bryce Davenport. "We want people to have great food, good drinks and to top it off we want them to have great service ... we've been doing it a long time now, so Clawson will be no different."

For the menu, the philosophy is "farm to table, grain to glass," meaning the brewery focuses on locally sourced ingredients for its beer-centric food menu. The food is made from scratch, never frozen, and even the ice for cocktails is crafted in-house.

In addition to appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, steaks and other entrees like tacos, jager schnitzel and a veggie power bowl, Grand River Brewery has a full bar with its own wine and spirits along with the brew.

Regular guests to the new Clawson location may want to sign up for the mug club or wine club for special deals and features. Spirits can be purchased by the bottle at the restaurant to enjoy at home.

Clawson's Grand River Brewery, located at 1 E. 14 Mile, could open as soon as December. Visit grandriverbrewery.com for more information.

mbaetens@detroitnews.com