I've been a patron maybe 5 or 6 times since its opening. The beer is okay. The dinner options are limited, and decent. What keeps me from returning regularly is the staff. I recognize this is a lesbian owned, and staffed place, but you think the equality you desire could be reflected on to your customers. Instead I receive short, cold, isolating correspondence. Not very welcoming.Updated response to owner. The staff is rude. They seem friendly amongst themselves, but not to the guests; this include myself, guests, and nearby patrons. This is actually a conversation I've also overheard from others (at other establishments) since my last visit in June 2021, and I completely agree.
Mike S.
FANTASTIC! Amazing beers, a lot of innovative type mixing with some truly unique flavors. And the food is way above average. Taco Tuesday includes some great beer prices.
Meg McCarthy Burmeier
Amazing vegan/vegetarian food! My husband got the Beyond brat and vegan Cesar salad, and I got the vegan tacos. There were 3 options for vegan tacos alone! I went with the Beyond crumbles and the tofu, and they were both amazing (the other option was a spicy tofu)! The tofu was the perfect texture and light seasoning! I never have that much luck with making tofu at home, but this place nailed it! Next time we're in the area, we'll definitely be back!
Victor T.
A delightful place. We were there on a great sunny day where the outside patio was packed. Fortunately there were people leaving just as we arrived so we were able to score a seat outside. We'd just had lunch so it was drinks only. The set-up is a little weird, you stand in line, order, and pay and then they deliver you drinks (and food I imagine) to your numbered table. I had an IPA which was delicious and my friend had a cider, both were very tasty. The place is not very big and once the winter sets in it should be very crowded inside but still fun. Of the places we stopped for drinks in the area this was our favorite.
Sheila G.
We were staying in Saugatuck for a week at a Vrbo and wanted to try out local breweries. The attraction for this place was the $4 margaritas on a Thursday afternoon/evening. Although we could not order from the full menu and there were only a couple servers, we were able to fill up on Mexican quesadillas with a variety of extras for a reasonable price and soft pretzel with cheese. The beer selection was great. I'd definitely go back. Outdoor / indoor seating available
iggystravlin
Went for lunch after playing golf at the Ravines as we have done in previous years. Ordered a beer then looked at the menu. They really don’t have food anymore. The menu had like 4/5 things on it. They had a couple Mexican dishes and that’s about it. Got 3 tacos and a toco salad. Yuk!! Such a bummer as it is really a nice spot. They lost us.
Josh Debruyn
Have been here a few time in the past and always enjoyed the food and beverages. Our last visit on Sept 4, 2022 was very disappointing. Staffing challenges are evident. The staff there hustled and provided the best service possible, kudos to you. That said service was slow. We requested mustard for the pretzel bites but by the time it arrived the bites were gone. We got chix tacos and the meet was flavorless, no spice, zero, none. The creme sauces was basically sour cream. The tacos were bland. The ham sandwich special was good. Overall, if the can get their staffing back up in the kitchen it will be back.
chris conwell
My wife and I stopped in on Tuesday to sample some beers and buy some merchandise. We had discovered Guardian on our last visit to the area in the Fall and loved it! Same warm, friendly greeting when we walked in this time too. Your beer is great, but your staff is amazing! We really enjoy visiting Saugatuck and we will be sure to stop in each time! Until next time.. Cheers!!
Karen S.
It has been a long time since I've been compelled to write a review, but Guardian Brewing deserves as many 5-star reviews as it can get! First, the beer is great! Tons of variety and super high quality. Excellent flavors and unique combinations. Second, the atmosphere is awesome! Super inclusive and welcoming. Great space and service. I will definitely return when I am in the area, and I will likely go out of my way to be in the area more frequently. Love it!
Hillary S.
Great beers and nice staff. I really liked the beer selection here and everything I tried was great, if I had a bigger liver I'd have liked to have tried a few more. They have a cute board on the wall where people have bought beers ahead for others and it was a nice idea.
Just outside of downtown Saukatuck is this gem! Cool decor, outside shaded seating and 20+ beers on tap. The 2021 Kraken Huntress is magical! The hatch Chile queso had me asking for a water refill. Well worth seeking this one out.
Ethan Rubin
Great outdoor sitting area (dog friendly too), and a very cool space and vibe overall. The beer I tried was good, and I liked their unique way of serving guests (by flipping a colored block from green to red). The chips and salsa was pretty boring though, and the tacos were a bit bland. So I think the food needs improvement, but otherwise, it's a great space to hangout and I would come here again.
kdfly
Saw there sign and had to try. Chicken tacos were really good and the drinks amazing. Loved the atmosphere. Will be back when in the area.
Frank W.
On a family vacation with three generations and 14 people, my nephews -- adults my age -- and I stopped in Guardian Brewing for flights and snacks. We were renting a place a ten minute drive away. We visit this part of the world every summer. We've tried, systematically, most of the microbreweries within an hour's drive, and there are many -- this is one of those centers of the phenomenon of craft beer. The beer was excellent. I always ask my nephews, home brewers, how much it would take for them to achieve professional quality results with consistency. They assure me that this place is far beyond what they are doing. I'm impressed by the number of styles they offer, all of which I would have had again. We each had a flight. So we sampled maybe more than half their selection. Their flights come in a custom made metal holder. They must have a theft problem because they warn folks they'll charge if you walk off with one of these; I respect that. They have a musical theme here. Someone must be a collector. We asked. They have live performances from time to time (outside; the indoor space echoes). They sell a bit of swag. The food is not why we were there, but that said it wasn't bad at all. We had the pretzels with beer cheese and the chips with queso. These seemed to be prepared by them, not just dumped out of bags and cans. It was above average relative to bar fare. I'd definitely return.
Mary Grace Ramsay
Guardian is a great welcoming, family-friendly spot to get drinks and eat! They have quite an extensive beer and wine menu with some truly unique options. I really enjoyed the “Werk Boots” Lemonade Shandy. We ate chips and guacamole, spicy chicken tacos, and the pork taco salad. Food came quickly and was a satisfying addition to the beer. We also enjoyed the card trivia games they had available. We’re from out of town but stopped here to support this LGBT-owned business and hope to return! Definitely worth a stop after your trip to the beach. Also love the music decor!
I've been a patron maybe 5 or 6 times since its opening. The beer is okay. The dinner options are limited, and decent. What keeps me from returning regularly is the staff. I recognize this is a lesbian owned, and staffed place, but you think the equality you desire could be reflected on to your customers. Instead I receive short, cold, isolating correspondence. Not very welcoming.Updated response to owner. The staff is rude. They seem friendly amongst themselves, but not to the guests; this include myself, guests, and nearby patrons. This is actually a conversation I've also overheard from others (at other establishments) since my last visit in June 2021, and I completely agree.
FANTASTIC! Amazing beers, a lot of innovative type mixing with some truly unique flavors. And the food is way above average. Taco Tuesday includes some great beer prices.
Amazing vegan/vegetarian food! My husband got the Beyond brat and vegan Cesar salad, and I got the vegan tacos. There were 3 options for vegan tacos alone! I went with the Beyond crumbles and the tofu, and they were both amazing (the other option was a spicy tofu)! The tofu was the perfect texture and light seasoning! I never have that much luck with making tofu at home, but this place nailed it! Next time we're in the area, we'll definitely be back!
A delightful place. We were there on a great sunny day where the outside patio was packed. Fortunately there were people leaving just as we arrived so we were able to score a seat outside. We'd just had lunch so it was drinks only. The set-up is a little weird, you stand in line, order, and pay and then they deliver you drinks (and food I imagine) to your numbered table. I had an IPA which was delicious and my friend had a cider, both were very tasty. The place is not very big and once the winter sets in it should be very crowded inside but still fun. Of the places we stopped for drinks in the area this was our favorite.
We were staying in Saugatuck for a week at a Vrbo and wanted to try out local breweries. The attraction for this place was the $4 margaritas on a Thursday afternoon/evening. Although we could not order from the full menu and there were only a couple servers, we were able to fill up on Mexican quesadillas with a variety of extras for a reasonable price and soft pretzel with cheese. The beer selection was great. I'd definitely go back. Outdoor / indoor seating available
Went for lunch after playing golf at the Ravines as we have done in previous years. Ordered a beer then looked at the menu. They really don’t have food anymore. The menu had like 4/5 things on it. They had a couple Mexican dishes and that’s about it. Got 3 tacos and a toco salad. Yuk!! Such a bummer as it is really a nice spot. They lost us.
Have been here a few time in the past and always enjoyed the food and beverages. Our last visit on Sept 4, 2022 was very disappointing. Staffing challenges are evident. The staff there hustled and provided the best service possible, kudos to you. That said service was slow. We requested mustard for the pretzel bites but by the time it arrived the bites were gone. We got chix tacos and the meet was flavorless, no spice, zero, none. The creme sauces was basically sour cream. The tacos were bland. The ham sandwich special was good. Overall, if the can get their staffing back up in the kitchen it will be back.
My wife and I stopped in on Tuesday to sample some beers and buy some merchandise. We had discovered Guardian on our last visit to the area in the Fall and loved it! Same warm, friendly greeting when we walked in this time too. Your beer is great, but your staff is amazing! We really enjoy visiting Saugatuck and we will be sure to stop in each time! Until next time.. Cheers!!
It has been a long time since I've been compelled to write a review, but Guardian Brewing deserves as many 5-star reviews as it can get! First, the beer is great! Tons of variety and super high quality. Excellent flavors and unique combinations. Second, the atmosphere is awesome! Super inclusive and welcoming. Great space and service. I will definitely return when I am in the area, and I will likely go out of my way to be in the area more frequently. Love it!
Great beers and nice staff. I really liked the beer selection here and everything I tried was great, if I had a bigger liver I'd have liked to have tried a few more. They have a cute board on the wall where people have bought beers ahead for others and it was a nice idea.
Restaurantji Recommends
Just outside of downtown Saukatuck is this gem! Cool decor, outside shaded seating and 20+ beers on tap. The 2021 Kraken Huntress is magical! The hatch Chile queso had me asking for a water refill. Well worth seeking this one out.
Great outdoor sitting area (dog friendly too), and a very cool space and vibe overall. The beer I tried was good, and I liked their unique way of serving guests (by flipping a colored block from green to red). The chips and salsa was pretty boring though, and the tacos were a bit bland. So I think the food needs improvement, but otherwise, it's a great space to hangout and I would come here again.
Saw there sign and had to try. Chicken tacos were really good and the drinks amazing. Loved the atmosphere. Will be back when in the area.
On a family vacation with three generations and 14 people, my nephews -- adults my age -- and I stopped in Guardian Brewing for flights and snacks. We were renting a place a ten minute drive away. We visit this part of the world every summer. We've tried, systematically, most of the microbreweries within an hour's drive, and there are many -- this is one of those centers of the phenomenon of craft beer. The beer was excellent. I always ask my nephews, home brewers, how much it would take for them to achieve professional quality results with consistency. They assure me that this place is far beyond what they are doing. I'm impressed by the number of styles they offer, all of which I would have had again. We each had a flight. So we sampled maybe more than half their selection. Their flights come in a custom made metal holder. They must have a theft problem because they warn folks they'll charge if you walk off with one of these; I respect that. They have a musical theme here. Someone must be a collector. We asked. They have live performances from time to time (outside; the indoor space echoes). They sell a bit of swag. The food is not why we were there, but that said it wasn't bad at all. We had the pretzels with beer cheese and the chips with queso. These seemed to be prepared by them, not just dumped out of bags and cans. It was above average relative to bar fare. I'd definitely return.
Guardian is a great welcoming, family-friendly spot to get drinks and eat! They have quite an extensive beer and wine menu with some truly unique options. I really enjoyed the “Werk Boots” Lemonade Shandy. We ate chips and guacamole, spicy chicken tacos, and the pork taco salad. Food came quickly and was a satisfying addition to the beer. We also enjoyed the card trivia games they had available. We’re from out of town but stopped here to support this LGBT-owned business and hope to return! Definitely worth a stop after your trip to the beach. Also love the music decor!