You walk into an old church. You expect pews, maybe some stained glass, and definitely a vibe that tells you to keep your voice down. But at Beer Church Brewing Co. in New Buffalo, Michigan, the only thing you’re worshiping is a cold pint of "Pontius Pilot" and a blistered pizza crust that came out of a wood-fired oven imported straight from Naples.
It’s loud. It’s communal. It’s exactly what Southwest Michigan needed.
Most people stumble upon this place because they’re doing the "Harbor Country" thing—driving up from Chicago, looking for a beach, and needing a carb-heavy lunch. But Beer Church isn’t just a tourist trap with a gimmick. It’s a legitimate craft brewery housed in a Civil War-era Methodist church that sat vacant and rotting for years until someone had the guts to put a mash tun where the altar used to be.
The Resurrection of 24 South Whittaker Street
This isn't some fake "cathedral style" new build. The building dates back to 1861. Honestly, it’s a miracle it’s still standing. Before it became the powerhouse of the New Buffalo beer scene, the structure was literally falling apart. The transformation was spearheaded by owners who saw the potential in the soaring ceilings and the original brickwork.
They didn't just slap some paint on it.
They preserved the soul of the place while installing a state-of-the-art 10-barrel brewing system. When you sit in the taproom today, you’re looking at the original rafters. There’s something fundamentally cool about sipping a double IPA under the same roof where people have been gathering for over 160 years. It feels permanent. It feels heavy, in a good way.
What’s Actually in the Glass?
Let’s be real: a cool building only gets you so far. If the beer sucks, people don't come back. Beer Church Brewing Co. avoids the trap of being a one-trick pony. Their tap list is usually a balanced mix of "I just want a beer" and "I want to taste something I've never heard of."
The flagship is arguably Crooked Cross. It’s an IPA, yeah, but it’s not one of those palate-wrecking hop bombs that tastes like you’re chewing on a pine tree. It’s balanced. It’s approachable. Then you have things like Belgian Trappist-style ales that pay homage to the monastic brewing traditions of Europe. It’s a clever nod to the "church" theme without being cheesy about it.
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They also lean into the seasons. In the summer, you’ll find light, crisp wheats and pilsners that go perfectly with the lake breeze. In the winter, they break out the heavy hitters—stouts and porters that make you feel like you’re wearing a wool sweater on the inside.
The Pizza is Not an Afterthought
Usually, brewery food is a gamble. It’s either a bag of pretzels or a "gourmet" burger that’s actually just frozen. Beer Church went a different route. They went all-in on Neapolitan pizza.
We’re talking about a Stefano Ferrara oven. If you know anything about pizza, you know that name is the gold standard. These ovens are hand-built in Naples with volcanic rock from Mount Vesuvius. It hits 900 degrees. The dough is fermented for days. The result? A crust that is soft, charred, and slightly chewy—the kind of pizza that makes you forget you’re in a small town in Michigan and transports you to a back alley in Italy.
The "Holy Grail" pizza is the one people talk about. It’s simple. Prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella. But because the ingredients are high-quality, it works. You don’t need twenty toppings when the crust is that good.
Why This Place Actually Matters for New Buffalo
New Buffalo has always been a bit of a weird spot. It’s the gateway to Michigan, but for a long time, it felt like a place you just drove through on your way to somewhere else.
Beer Church Brewing Co. changed the gravity of the town.
It gave people a reason to stop and stay. It turned Whittaker Street into a destination. You see locals sitting next to weekenders from Lincoln Park. You see families with kids (yes, it’s remarkably kid-friendly) sitting near groups of bachelor parties.
It’s a community hub.
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There’s also the outdoor space. The "Garden of Good and Evil" is their massive outdoor patio. It’s got fire pits, plenty of seating, and a massive mural that has become the de facto background for every Instagram post coming out of Berrien County. On a Saturday in July, this place is the heartbeat of the region.
The Realistic Side of Visiting
Look, it’s not all sunshine and easy seating. Because it’s popular, it gets packed. Like, really packed.
If you show up at 6:00 PM on a Saturday during the summer, expect a wait. They don’t take reservations for small groups, so you’re basically at the mercy of the crowd. The acoustics in an old church are also... well, they’re church-like. It’s loud. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic corner to whisper sweet nothings, this isn't the spot. Go to a wine bar for that. You come here for the energy.
Also, be prepared for "resort town" pricing. It’s not dive bar cheap. You’re paying for the atmosphere, the high-end ingredients, and the fact that you’re in one of the most popular vacation spots in the Midwest.
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Planning Your Trip to Beer Church Brewing Co.
If you want to do this right, don't just wing it.
- Timing is everything. If you can, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. The vibe is chill, the service is faster, and you can actually pick your favorite seat.
- Check the tap list online. They rotate beers constantly. If you’re hunting for a specific seasonal release, check their social media or website before you make the drive.
- Park smart. New Buffalo parking can be a nightmare in the peak season. There’s a public lot nearby, but honestly, walking from a few blocks away is usually easier than circling Whittaker Street for twenty minutes.
- Take some to go. They do crowlers and cans. The "Excommunication" stout travels surprisingly well and is great for a bonfire later that night.
The Verdict
There are plenty of breweries in Michigan. You can't throw a rock without hitting a microbrewery in this state. But Beer Church Brewing Co. stands out because it has a sense of place. It’s not just a brand; it’s a landmark. Whether you're a "beer nerd" chasing rare hops or just someone who wants a solid slice of pizza in a cool building, it delivers.
It’s proof that you can take something old, something forgotten, and turn it into something that feels essential.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Weather: If it's over 70 degrees, aim for the outdoor patio ("Garden of Good and Evil") for the best experience.
- Order the Margherita First: Before you get fancy with toppings, try the base Margherita to appreciate the quality of the wood-fired oven.
- Explore the Area: Use Beer Church as your "base camp." Once you've had a pint, walk down to the New Buffalo beach (about a 10-minute walk) to catch the sunset over Lake Michigan.
- Download the Untappd App: It’s the most reliable way to see their current, real-time tap list since it changes faster than their printed menus.