The Filling Station Microbrewery occupies a converted gas station in the Depot neighborhood north of downtown, and the industrial-retro fit-out — garage doors that open in summer, original tile, high ceilings — works well for a neighborhood brewery. The beers are produced on a small system and change frequently, with a house emphasis on approachable lagers and ales rather than the aggressive IPAs that dominated Michigan craft brewing for a decade. The cherry kolsch, a local seasonal, sells out quickly.
The Depot neighborhood has grown into one of Traverse City's more interesting clusters of independent businesses, and the Filling Station is a good anchor for an afternoon exploring it. Food is limited but the beer is consistently good and the space is welcoming.