Great Lakes Brewing is one of the best-known names in Ohio’s craft beer scene and an important part of Cleveland’s brewing history. Officially known as Great Lakes Brewing Company (GLBC), the brewery was founded in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood.
Over the years, Great Lakes Brewing has developed a reputation for traditional beer styles, innovative seasonal releases, recognizable year-round favorites, and a distinctive Cleveland identity. The company remains independent and has been employee-owned since 2018. Today, its beers are distributed across 14 states and Washington, D.C.
Whether you’re searching for the best Great Lakes beers, looking for the Great Lakes Brewing Company location, planning a visit to the brewpub, or simply wondering what makes the brewery so popular, this guide covers what you need to know.
What Is Great Lakes Brewing?
Great Lakes Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery based in Cleveland, Ohio. The company calls itself Ohio’s original craft brewery, and its story is closely connected to the revival of brewing in Cleveland.
The brewery began in Ohio City in 1988, when Patrick and Daniel Conway opened the Great Lakes brewpub. Their goal was to bring an independent and diverse selection of craft beer to their home state at a time when Cleveland’s brewing industry had declined significantly.
Today, Great Lakes Brewing produces a wide range of beer styles, including lagers, porters, amber lagers, IPAs, wheat beers, double IPAs, seasonal beers, barrel-aged releases, and pub-exclusive offerings.
The company combines brewing with a hospitality experience through its Cleveland brewpub, where visitors can enjoy beer, locally sourced food, outdoor spaces, events, and merchandise.
Great Lakes Brewing Company History
The history of Great Lakes Brewing is an important part of understanding why the brewery has such a strong following.
The Beginning in Cleveland
Patrick and Daniel Conway opened the Great Lakes brewpub in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood in 1988. At the time, the local brewing industry was very different from what it is today.
According to the company’s history, the founders had limited brewing experience and were entering a city whose last production brewery had closed in the early 1980s. They surrounded themselves with experienced and passionate people and focused on creating an independent brewery with a diverse selection of craft beers.
Their decision to establish the business in Ohio City also helped connect the brewery to the neighborhood’s revitalization.
Dortmunder Gold Becomes a Signature Beer
One of the major milestones in Great Lakes Brewing history came in 1990.
Dortmunder Gold Lager, which was originally called The Heisman, won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival. The award became Great Lakes Brewing Company’s first gold medal at the festival and helped establish the brewery’s reputation beyond Cleveland.
Dortmunder Gold remains one of the brewery’s recognizable year-round beers.
Employee Ownership
Great Lakes Brewing has also maintained its independent identity.
The company became employee-owned in 2018. This structure is part of the brewery’s continuing emphasis on independence and its connection with the people who work there.
Where Is Great Lakes Brewing Company Located?
The main Great Lakes Brewing brewpub is located at:
2516 Market Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113
The brewpub is in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood, an area known for restaurants, markets, breweries, and other attractions.
Great Lakes Brewing Company
The brewery also has a tasting room at 2701 Carroll Avenue in Cleveland, located near its production brewhouse.
For someone visiting Cleveland, the Ohio City brewpub is particularly appealing because it combines beer, food, history, and a neighborhood atmosphere in one destination.
Great Lakes Brewing Company Brewpub
The Great Lakes Brewing brewpub is more than a place to grab a beer. It is designed as a full food-and-drink experience.
The brewery describes the location as an iconic Ohio City brewpub featuring rotating year-round, seasonal, and pub-exclusive beers. The food menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and locally sourced products.
The property includes several different spaces and experiences, including:
- Indoor dining
- A dog-friendly tree-lined patio
- An indoor-outdoor beer garden
- A beer cellar
- A bar
- Rotating beer selections
- Food made with regional ingredients
- A gift shop
- Beer-to-go options
The brewery also works with local food producers and vendors, reinforcing its Cleveland and Ohio identity.
Great Lakes Brewing Food Menu
Food is an important part of the brewpub experience.
Depending on the current menu, guests can find Midwest-inspired dishes and beer-influenced food such as pretzels with Great Lakes beer cheese, pierogies, wings, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and other seasonal dishes.
Some dishes incorporate Great Lakes beers directly. For example, the menu includes food featuring Edmund Fitzgerald Porter barbecue sauce and Dortmunder Gold Lager mustard.
Because menus and seasonal ingredients can change, visitors should check the current brewpub menu before making plans.
Great Lakes Brewing Beer Menu
One of the biggest reasons people search for Great Lakes Brewing is to discover its beer selection.
The brewery divides its beer portfolio into several categories, including:
- Year-round beers
- Seasonal beers
- Double Feature IPA Series
- Barrel-aged beers
- Variety packs
- Pub-exclusive beers
This means the beer selection is broader than the handful of Great Lakes beers that are most widely recognized.
Popular Great Lakes Beers
Here are several beers that are particularly associated with Great Lakes Brewing.
Dortmunder Gold Lager
Dortmunder Gold is one of the brewery’s signature beers.
It has a particularly important place in the company’s history because it earned Great Lakes Brewing its first Great American Beer Festival gold medal in 1990.
For people who prefer traditional lagers, Dortmunder Gold is a natural starting point when exploring Great Lakes Brewing.
Its long-standing place in the year-round portfolio also makes it one of the brewery’s most recognizable beers.
Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
Edmund Fitzgerald Porter is another iconic Great Lakes beer.
The beer represents the brewery’s darker, malt-focused side and is part of the year-round lineup.
If you prefer porters and darker beers rather than highly hopped IPAs, Edmund Fitzgerald is one of the most obvious Great Lakes beers to try.
Its influence also extends into the brewpub’s food menu, where Edmund Fitzgerald Porter is used in dishes such as barbecue sauce.
Eliot Ness Amber Lager
Eliot Ness Amber Lager is another established Great Lakes Brewing beer.
It sits between the brewery’s lighter lagers and darker beers, making it a useful choice for drinkers who want a maltier amber lager without moving all the way into porter territory.
Eliot Ness is currently listed among Great Lakes Brewing’s year-round beers.
Midwest IPA
For fans of hop-forward beer, Midwest IPA is part of the Great Lakes year-round lineup.
The brewery also offers other IPA variations, including Midwest Hazy IPA and beers within its Double Feature IPA Series.
This gives IPA drinkers several ways to explore Great Lakes beyond its traditional lager and porter offerings.
Great Lakes Seasonal Beers
Seasonal beer is another major part of Great Lakes Brewing’s identity.
The brewery’s lineup includes seasonal classics such as Christmas Ale and Oktoberfest, alongside other rotating releases.
Seasonal beers can be particularly attractive to returning customers because the brewery’s selection changes throughout the year.
Christmas Ale
Christmas Ale is one of the best-known seasonal beers associated with Great Lakes Brewing.
Its seasonal availability makes it a recurring favorite for people who look forward to Great Lakes releases during the holiday season.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is another seasonal release associated with the brewery.
For traditional beer fans, seasonal releases like Oktoberfest provide an opportunity to experience a different side of Great Lakes Brewing beyond its core year-round lineup.
Because seasonal availability changes, it is best to check the brewery’s current beer list before visiting or looking for a specific release.
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What Is the Best Great Lakes Beer to Try?
There is no single best Great Lakes beer for everyone because the right choice depends on your preferred beer style.
A simple way to choose is:
If you like lagers: Start with Dortmunder Gold.
If you like darker beers: Try Edmund Fitzgerald Porter.
If you prefer amber lagers: Try Eliot Ness.
If you enjoy IPAs: Explore Midwest IPA or Midwest Hazy IPA.
If you like stronger IPAs: Look at the brewery’s Double Feature IPA Series and double IPA offerings.
If you enjoy seasonal releases: Look for Christmas Ale, Oktoberfest, and other current seasonal beers.
The brewery’s official beer directory is the best place to check what is currently available because its seasonal, limited, and pub-exclusive selections can change.
Great Lakes Brewing Limited and Pub-Exclusive Beers
Great Lakes Brewing does not limit itself to its core year-round beers.
The brewery also produces limited releases and pub-exclusive beers. Its official beer menu separates these offerings from its standard year-round and seasonal selections.
For visitors to the Cleveland brewpub, this can be one of the biggest advantages of visiting in person.
The current brewpub tap list can include beers that are not necessarily part of the standard year-round lineup. The brewery also offers flights, allowing visitors to sample multiple beers rather than committing to one full pour.
Can You Take Great Lakes Beer Home?
Yes, but availability depends on where you live and local distribution.
Great Lakes Brewing currently distributes its beverages to 14 states and Washington, D.C. Its listed distribution states include Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The brewery recommends using its Beer Finder to locate Great Lakes beer near you. The company also recommends contacting the retailer or distributor before traveling because listings can change.
Does Great Lakes Brewing Ship Beer?
This is an important question for people searching for Great Lakes Brewing online.
Great Lakes Brewing states that strict laws govern beer shipments and that it does not directly ship beer from its facilities for online purchase. Instead, customers can find Great Lakes beer through local retailers in areas where the brewery distributes. Beer is also available at the brewery’s onsite gift shop.
For people outside the brewery’s distribution area, the company’s FAQ provides information about alternative options and directs customers toward its Beer Finder.
Great Lakes Brewing Gift Shop
The brewpub also has an onsite gift shop.
Visitors can find Great Lakes branded merchandise, locally sourced items, and beer-related gifts. The shop also stocks year-round and seasonal beer in cans, bottles, and kegs.
Visitors can purchase a growler at the gift shop and have it filled with certain pub-exclusive draft beers.
That makes the gift shop useful for both beer fans and visitors looking for Cleveland-themed souvenirs.
Great Lakes Brewing Brewery and Tasting Experiences
Great Lakes Brewing offers more than its brewpub.
Its website includes brewery tours, events, private events, and a tasting room as part of its visitor experiences.
The tasting room at 2701 Carroll Avenue provides an event-oriented setting close to the production brewhouse. The brewery describes the facility as combining rustic, modern, and industrial elements and offers space for corporate events, birthdays, showers, and other gatherings.
For visitors interested in how Great Lakes beer is made, checking the brewery’s current tour and event schedule before traveling is worthwhile.
Great Lakes Brewing Company Ownership
Great Lakes Brewing Company has retained its independent character.
The company was founded by Patrick and Daniel Conway and has been employee-owned since 2018. It describes itself as independent and emphasizes its long-term connection with Cleveland and the craft brewing community.
For many craft beer drinkers, that independent status is part of what distinguishes Great Lakes Brewing from large national beer companies.
Why Is Great Lakes Brewing So Popular?
Several factors help explain the brewery’s enduring popularity.
1. Cleveland Heritage
Great Lakes Brewing is deeply connected to Cleveland, particularly Ohio City.
The brewery was established in the neighborhood in 1988 and has remained closely associated with the area’s development.
2. Recognizable Core Beers
Dortmunder Gold, Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, and Eliot Ness have helped create a recognizable core lineup.
These beers give customers familiar choices while seasonal and limited releases keep the selection interesting.
3. Variety
Great Lakes produces more than one type of beer.
Its portfolio includes lagers, porters, IPAs, wheat beers, double IPAs, seasonal releases, barrel-aged beers, variety packs, and pub-exclusive offerings.
4. Brewpub Experience
The Ohio City brewpub combines beer with food and hospitality.
The patio, beer garden, dining areas, rotating taps, and locally sourced menu make the location more than a traditional brewery stop.
5. Independent and Employee-Owned
The company’s independent and employee-owned structure gives it a distinct identity within the American craft beer market.
Great Lakes Brewing vs. Other Cleveland Breweries
Cleveland has a strong craft beer scene, so Great Lakes Brewing is part of a much larger brewing community.
What separates Great Lakes is its combination of history, scale, recognizable beer brands, Cleveland identity, and brewpub experience.
A newer brewery might focus heavily on experimental IPAs or small-batch releases, while Great Lakes offers both traditional styles and modern beer releases.
That balance allows the brewery to appeal to different types of beer drinkers.
For someone exploring Cleveland’s breweries for the first time, Great Lakes Brewing can therefore serve as a useful introduction to the city’s brewing history as well as its modern craft beer culture.
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Is Great Lakes Brewing Worth Visiting?
For beer enthusiasts visiting Cleveland, Great Lakes Brewing is a worthwhile stop, particularly if you are interested in the city’s brewing history.
The Ohio City brewpub offers the opportunity to drink Great Lakes beers where the company’s story began, while also enjoying locally sourced food and the brewery’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
A visit can be especially useful if you want to:
- Try several Great Lakes beers in one place
- Explore seasonal or pub-exclusive releases
- Sample a beer flight
- Eat Cleveland-inspired food
- Buy Great Lakes merchandise
- Purchase beer to take home
- Experience Ohio City’s brewery culture
If you are traveling specifically for a certain beer, however, check the current tap list or beer finder first because availability can change.
Great Lakes Brewing Hours and Visitor Information
The brewery’s official site currently lists the following brewpub hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 11:30 AM–9:00 PM, with the bar open until 10:00 PM
- Friday–Saturday: 11:30 AM–10:00 PM, with the bar open until 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, with the bar open until 4:00 PM
The official site should be checked before visiting because hours, menus, events, and beer availability can change.
Tips for Visiting Great Lakes Brewing Company
If you’re planning your first visit, a few simple tips can make the experience better.
Check the Beer List First
Great Lakes has year-round, seasonal, limited, and pub-exclusive beers. Checking the current list helps you decide what you want to try.
Consider a Flight
If you cannot decide between several beers, a flight can be a convenient way to compare styles. The brewpub currently offers full flights and build-your-own flight options.
Pair Beer With Food
The brewpub menu is designed around seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and several dishes incorporate Great Lakes beer.
Look for Seasonal Releases
If you’re visiting during a major beer season, check for releases such as Christmas Ale or Oktoberfest.
Use the Beer Finder
If you’re not visiting Cleveland, the official Beer Finder can help locate Great Lakes beer within the brewery’s distribution footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Lakes Brewing
What is Great Lakes Brewing known for?
Great Lakes Brewing Company is known for its Cleveland roots, independent craft brewing, and beers such as Dortmunder Gold Lager, Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, and Eliot Ness Amber Lager. It also produces seasonal, limited, barrel-aged, and pub-exclusive beers.
When was Great Lakes Brewing Company founded?
Great Lakes Brewing Company was founded in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood.
Where is Great Lakes Brewing Company located?
The Great Lakes Brewing brewpub is located at 2516 Market Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113, in the Ohio City neighborhood.
Who owns Great Lakes Brewing Company?
Great Lakes Brewing Company has been employee-owned since 2018 and remains independent.
What are the most popular Great Lakes beers?
Popular and recognizable Great Lakes beers include Dortmunder Gold Lager, Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, Eliot Ness Amber Lager, Midwest IPA, and seasonal favorites such as Christmas Ale and Oktoberfest.
Does Great Lakes Brewing have a brewpub?
Yes. The brewery operates its historic brewpub in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood, offering beer, food, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, and a rotating selection of beers.
Can I buy Great Lakes beer online?
Great Lakes Brewing says it does not directly ship beer from its facilities for online purchase. Customers can use the brewery’s Beer Finder to locate retailers in areas where its beers are distributed.
Where can I find Great Lakes beer?
Great Lakes Brewing distributes its beverages across a number of U.S. states and Washington, D.C. The brewery recommends using its Beer Finder to find current retail availability near you.
Does Great Lakes Brewing offer seasonal beer?
Yes. Seasonal beers are an important part of the brewery’s lineup, with releases including Christmas Ale and Oktoberfest. Availability varies throughout the year.
What should I try at Great Lakes Brewing Company?
If you prefer traditional beer, Dortmunder Gold is a strong starting point. Porter fans can try Edmund Fitzgerald, while IPA drinkers can explore Midwest IPA and the brewery’s other IPA releases. Seasonal and pub-exclusive beers are worth considering if you want something less familiar.
Final Thoughts
Great Lakes Brewing Company represents much more than a beer brand. It is a Cleveland institution with a history that stretches back to 1988, a portfolio that covers a wide range of beer styles, and a brewpub that connects beer with local food and hospitality.
For first-time drinkers, Dortmunder Gold, Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, and Eliot Ness Amber Lager provide a good introduction to the brewery’s core identity. IPA fans can explore Midwest IPA and other modern releases, while seasonal and limited beers offer something different throughout the year.
If you’re visiting Cleveland, the Ohio City brewpub provides the most complete Great Lakes Brewing experience. If you’re searching for its beers elsewhere, the brewery’s distribution network and Beer Finder make it easier to locate current releases.
Ultimately, the appeal of Great Lakes Brewing comes from its combination of Cleveland history, independent ownership, recognizable beers, variety, and a genuine brewpub experience. That combination has helped the brewery remain an important part of Ohio’s craft beer landscape for decades.
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Hello, I’m Oliver Whitmore, and I’ve spent years exploring Britain’s beautiful lakes as well as freshwater landscapes across Europe and beyond. I enjoy researching the history, geography, wildlife, and cultural significance of lakes, then turning that knowledge into practical, easy-to-understand articles.
I believe every lake tells a story, whether it’s shaped by ancient glaciers, surrounded by legends, or home to remarkable wildlife. Through my writing, I hope to help readers discover the beauty and importance of these natural wonders.
Books I’ve Written:
- Britain’s Hidden Lakes
- The Freshwater Explorer’s Handbook
Charlotte Pembroke
Henry Ashford