Cadillac Straits Brewing Madison Heights

I popped into Cadillac Straits solo one afternoon on a “let’s try working from a brewery” mission, and it turned out to be a great call. Tucked on John R in Madison Heights, it’s an easygoing, unfussy spot with seriously good beer — a deep, varied tap list where the staff genuinely know their stuff. My bartender could talk through every pour, and the playlist took me straight back to high school, which is its own kind of welcome.

I didn’t plan to eat, but stayed long enough to try the Straight Up Chicken Panini — it came out impressively fast and was good enough to earn a return trip on its own. (Regulars also rave about the dill pickle pizza and the mac and cheese, for the record.)

Now, the detail that genuinely stopped me in my tracks: they have a beer named Puggy McSnorts, after a pug named Bruce. As someone with a pug named Bruce Lee, I took this as a sign from the universe. (It’s an Irish red ale, not my usual style, so I admired it from afar — but still.) There’s also a homebrew supply store attached if that’s your thing. One honest heads-up: they pour beer and only beer, so if your crew includes non-beer-drinkers, it’s not the spot for them.

Quick-hit details

• Don’t miss: A flight off the rotating tap list; the Straight Up Chicken Panini (fast and tasty); fan favorites like the dill pickle pizza and mac & cheese; saying hi to Puggy McSnorts on the menu
• Good to know: Knowledgeable, friendly staff; solid food kitchen with quick turnaround; attached homebrew/brewing supply store; laid-back vibe that works for solo visits or working remote
• Watch out for: Beer only — no wine, no liquor, no cocktails — so plan around any non-beer-drinkers in your group