USA, MI: Motor City Brewing Works closing after 31 years in business

A longtime staple of the Detroit beer scene is closing - for now - after 31 years in the city, ClickOnDetroit reported on January 13.

Motor City Brewing Works, whose flagship brewery location in Midtown opened more than three decades ago, says it will be “taking a break” starting in February.

“Motor City Brewing Works has always been about more than beer. It’s been about art, music, community, and the people who showed up and made it matter. We’re incredibly grateful for every pint, every show, and every memory,” the brewery said in a post on Facebook. “Our taproom will be open through Sunday February 8, featuring a digital montage of historic brewery photos documenting the evolution of Motor City Brewing Works. After that, the taproom will pause.”

The brewery says its been powered by the Detroit thermal system since construction, but their section of the system was shutdown at the end of 2025.

“The Detroit steam powered brewery that helped change the brewing laws in Michigan is off the grid. While beer distribution to our retailers continues via help from our fellow breweries, we are using this space to explore future possibilities for the brand and the brewery as we take a thoughtful look at what comes next.”

Motor City Brewing Works, when it first opened, was the first new brewery in Detroit since prohibition.

14 January, 2026