By Justin Flagel
While the closure of Tapistry Brewing in downtown Bridgman was a loss for the beachside community, it turned into an opportunity for nearby restaurant owners LeeAnne and Mike Carlson.
They opened Lake Time Brewing in August of 2024, reactivating the old brewery space and creating flexibility and synergy with their other business, Lake Street Eats.
(Justin Flagel | Leader Publications Contributor)
In addition to creating their own beer, both for the brewery and the restaurant, the extra location has allowed them to move and grow events, such as live music. The businesses are able to share staff, supplies, and, the most important feature of both spaces, community.
“It’s just what Bridgman is about,” said LeeAnne. “It’s about taking care of each other.”
The Carlsons pointed to reminders of that community while noting changes made to the tap room, with a fun “beach vibe” highlighting lake life found in all of the decor. A large mural of nearby Weko Beach covers one wall and the Carlsons noted that much of the painting done to brighten and make the space more vibrant was done by local volunteers.
The beer offered by Lake Time is brewed by a team with a long history in the local beer community, including Peter Crowley.
“We can brew anything,” said Mike, noting the broad range of beers on tap and in cans, including a light lager, a Belgian Tripel, IPAs, porters, sours, and more.
Much like the menu at Lake Street Eats, many of the beers are named for local references, such as the Gone Fission IPA, a nod to the nearby Cook Nuclear Plant, the Oddfellows Hazy IPA, a reminder of the old Oddfellows Lodge apartment building in Bridgman, and the ‘e’ Pale, referencing the “missing” E in the spelling of Bridgman. They offer a light lager, Joe and Dave, named specifically for regular customers of the restaurant who claim to dislike craft beer. Flights are available for trying a variety of flavors in smaller quantities.
(Justin Flagel | Leader Publications Contributor)
Lake Time Brewing offers plenty beyond beer, with a stock of basic spirits available for creating a variety of cocktails. Ciders, wines, slushies, and other non-beer drink offerings are created in collaboration with nearby crafters, keeping the menu as local as possible.
“Any basic drink, we can make,” said Mike, noting their efforts to create a welcome space for anyone, including those who don’t enjoy beer.
The Carlson’s also emphasized the food available at the brewery. Customers can choose from snacks, charcuterie, nachos, sandwiches, paninis, tacos, and salads.
Lake Time Brewing also serves as a downtown event space, offering live music, stand-up comedy, card nights, cornhole, darts, and classes. Smaller events may take place in the front room, with larger bands and activities moved to the flexible back room, which opens up to the alley patio and connects to the Bridgman Social District.
The back room is also available for rental, with a new sound system and projector television installed for business presentations, baby showers, and birthday or retirement parties.
As Lake Time Brewing moves through its second summer, they’re continuing to expand, with plans to add additional seating to the back and constantly expanding their beer selection.
Information on events, beer, and more can be found at laketimebrewing.com.
