The Beer Grotto
| Address: | 8059 Main St, Dexter, MI 48130, USA |
| Phone: | +1 734-253-2194 |
| Site: | beergrotto.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 3–11PM 3–11PM 3–11PM 3–11PM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 12–11PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 13
AD
Adam Dempsey
First the good, then the not-so-good. The Beer Grotto is a welcome addition to Dexter, with a great lineup of craft beer on draft - with heavy emphasis on Michigan beers/ciders/spirits and other local offerings, which is awesome. As a craft beer aficionado, I enjoy seeking out the best offerings from the area Im in. When I arrived at the Beer Grotto today, I asked the bartender if there were any great standouts on the menu that might be recent additions, or something you might not find readily in other places. He was knowledgeable about the draft list and directed me towards a couple of very tasty IPAs that I had not previously encountered. A few minutes later, I inquired about a high ABV mango/habanero beer that looked interesting. I said I would like to take a taste of it, knowing it might not be to my liking, but hoping to be pleasantly surprised. He proceeded to pour a small amount for me, which I tasted, and deemed way too sweet and boozy for my personal taste. He actually agreed that it was overly sweet, and didnt care for it personally, either. He went to go serve customers on the other side of the bar, and another bartender approached me, asking if I needed anything. I told him about my experience with the boozy mango beer, and he asked if I had been charged for it. I told him it was just a taste, and he made it clear that he thought I should have been charged for it, going so far as to say "Well, you must have said you wanted a small pour of that", assuming and implying that I was attempting to avoid paying for something I had ordered (not the case AT ALL). Then he awkwardly tried to mention that Id need to work it out with my bartender. He poured me a different beer (a lager which I enjoyed thoroughly), when my original bartender showed up. He whispered something to him, and it was obvious that he was talking about the taster situation. When I paid my bill a few minutes later, I noticed that I had been charged $3.50 for the taster of the mango beer that I didnt care for. Im very puzzled about the business practices of this establishment seeing as how the craft beer movement is about making better beer for the enjoyment of all. Why would you offer a taste of something for a customer to try, only to charge them for it even if they didnt like it? For the record, I was charged for less than 2 ounces of beer that I took 2 literal sips of. I like The Beer Grotto, its in a great location, it has an awesome draft list, and it has a cool atmosphere. My goal in writing this review is for the management to understand that the customer experience is important. I was made to feel awkward in a craft beer establishment. Ive been to hundreds around the world... I am still curious as to why this happened. Such a shame.
JU
Justin Matter
Friday after-work drinks at the Grotto has quickly become a tradition with several friends in my office. The lounge in back is relaxed and cozy, the staff is helpful and attentive, and the drink selection is top notch. The food options are limited as they dont have a full kitchen, but the bites they do offer are really tasty - try the cheese plate! The staff is great about helping you decide what you might enjoy, and you can order 1 oz samples of almost everything on the menu to try new flavors before committing to a full glass. You can also grab a growler to take home and enjoy once youve found your newest favorite. Highly recommended!
MI
Mike Stebbins
Good local tap worth a large variety of beers. I was in town visiting some long time friends and they brought be to The Beer Grotto for some good drink. I was not disappointed. Good beer and I could tell the lines and taps were well maintained. Nice atmosphere and clean (bathrooms included). Service was slow the night I was there but it was a Friday and there were only two people working. They were very nice though and thanked us for our patience. I will return when Im in town again.
ER
Eric C
This quiet gem in downtown Dexter hosts an incredible selection of local Michigan and worldwide beers. Dont miss the truffle popcorn or the pulled pork sliders (smoked across the street at Hotel Hickman). And if youre in town on a Sunday - they have a great Bloody Mary bar. My only complaint: occasionally the pours on some of the high gravity brews arent filled up to where I believe they should be...
JE
Jesse Howell
Phenomenal beer tap list always, great friendly staff, comfortable atmosphere you can actually have a conversation in, dog-friendly patio seating outside for the summer, and you can bring food in from any local Dexter restaurant to accompany the awesome beers! Oh and they have cider, mead, wine, and liquor cocktails as well for your friends who prefer/need those drinks.
JI
Jim Haslett
They have the best selection of craft drafts anywhere - everyone can find something they love. And they have mini 3 oz pours so you dont have to commit to just one of your favorites. Very limited sandwich/appetizer menu, but tasty. Super nice wait staff (Phil), who even helped craft quick fix for one of our bikes. Some outdoor seating too that has some shade.
MI
MICHELLE MCCARTHY
Went with friends on a Friday night. The services was extremely slow. The place was empty. We were served the wrong beer. Our appetizers took 30 minutes. We had to ask for our bill twice. The man was very rude. He came to our table and slammed down our bills on the table. We will never go back and now we know why the place was empty!
ER
Eric Dabkowski
Awesome place with an excellent beer selection. With rotating taps youre sure to find something new and exciting. Grab some snacks in house, or bring in some food from your favorite take out place. Can also recommend their special tap takeover events. So happy to have this place in Dexter.
AN
Anna Gilbert
Love the selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. The rating beer always gives you something new to try. The atmosphere is really nice and the staff is always great and knowledgeable. You can bring in food from any restaurant or they have a small (but good) selection of bar food/munchies.
HE
Heidi Tunea
Prices were great although my experience was terrible, the waiter/ bartender gave the entire experience a foul taste to the visit. My husband had visited before and our services were amazing, not sure what happened but my family was quite disappointed but very happy with the beer.
TO
Tom Sawyer
Wouldnt let me in at first because Im "underage" (full grown 16 year old at the moment) but after giving the bartender 20 bucks he let me in. Friendly staff and the manager was extremely apologetic about the whole situation, even going so far as to give me my first shot free.
DO
Don Nutter
Nice place to sit and have a drink. Selection is good enough that everyone should be able to find something. There were 3 ciders on tap last time we were there. A little noisy in the back room on trivia night, but you can also sit outside or in the front room.
DA
Daniel Van Strien
Great, rustic, hipster bar with a large selection of beer. Reclaimed wood and industrial pipe cover the walls. If you like classic breweries and good beer, check them out. Reasonable prices. Didnt get a chance to try the food.
