St. Johns Brewing Company is City’s First Brewery

It seems that local breweries have become very popular over the last several years. I have a lot of friends who rant and rave about going to breweries, simply because they are the place to go these days. (only when deemed safe due to COVID-19)

The exciting news here is the fact that St. Johns got its first brewery this month. The St. Johns Brewing Company opened downtown in a 130 year old former bank building.

According to the Lansing State Journal, the restaurant and brewery opened Dec. 1 offering takeout only during the second state mandated shut down of dine in service since March.

The St. Johns Brewing Company at 200 N. Clinton Ave., is the third taproom for Mountain Town Brewing Company, which opened in 2008 in Mount Pleasant.

Work at the 5,000 square foot space on the building's first floor began in February. Even as a brewery, the space was once home to a bank. (LSJ)

The building features original terrazzo flooring inside and a limestone and granite exterior that still sports a bank deposit drop box.

Just the fact that St. Johns Brewing Company sits inside a 130 year old former bank building is worth the drive just to check out not only the brewery, but the history behind the former bank building.

Currently, the restaurant is serving about half its standard menu. But more items will be added as staff adjust to their routines and state mandates are lifted.

Eventually, the business will add brews created exclusively for the St. Johns location, including a mint beer. (LSJ)