When Jon and Katheryn moved back to Michigan from California, they carried with them a vision: to create a space where families could gather, sample new flavors, and feel at home in the heart of downtown Royal Oak. That idea grew into North End Taproom, which opened in August 2024 after nearly two years of legislative work to make self-pour service legal in Michigan.
Today, the taproom is as much about family as it is about beer. “We were expecting our first child when we began planning,” says co-owner Jon. “We wanted a place for growing families like our own.” Three kids later, they’ve built exactly that—an inviting, casual destination where parents and kids can relax together.
Recently, I had the chance to visit North End Taproom with my husband and two of our sons on a sunny evening in Royal Oak. From the breeze drifting in through the open patio doors to the cream sodas on the tap wall and the scratch-made food we sampled, the experience gave us a real sense of how welcoming the space is for families.
Table of contents
Pin this story to save it…
How the Self-Pour Experience Works
The wall of 40 taps is the first thing visitors notice. Each guest opens a tab, receives a wristband, and then pours their own drinks by the ounce.
For craft beer fans, this means freedom to sample unusual styles without committing to a full pour. And for families, it creates a dynamic space where people move, mingle, and discover something new with each taste.
As for me, someone who enjoys a beer every now and again, but doesn’t drink it regularly, this was the perfect opportunity to try small sips without out needing to purchase a full glass of anything.
It should be noted, the wall of taps isn’t just about beer. Alongside IPAs, stouts, and lagers are ciders, seltzers, wines, and even non-alcoholic options like cold brew coffee and cream soda. Our boys threw down at least two cream sodas each until we had to cut them off.
But all kidding aside, it’s this inclusivity and thoughtful hospitality that makes the space approachable for groups with varied tastes—and also for parents sharing a night out with kids in tow.
Food That Matches the Fun
Scratch-made menu items balance the variety on the tap wall. Jon said that families often order chicken tenders, available in both kid and adult sizes. The Royale Burger with its remi sauce is another crowd favorite, but the Totchos—a pile of tater tots topped with cheddar, BBQ pulled pork, ranch, and pickled toppings—might be the ultimate shareable dish.
Our family sampled several favorites: crispy BLT, Olive Burger with sweet potato fries dusted in cinnamon sugar, Garlic Burger, and even a hand-breaded Jägerschnitzel over fries. All were tasty, but the favorites were the burgers. (And the Totchos of course! Although they were gone way too fast.)
Why Families Love It
Games, a dog-friendly patio, and flexible lounge seating make the space welcoming for parents and kids.
“We have games, an excellent patio and lounge seating that make the space an excellent spot to bring everyone. Since you serve yourself; its a dynamic place and people are moving around so there is less pressure on parents and kids,” says Jon. “Families can sit in the lounge area, move around, grab some games, and just have a great time!”
The taproom has quickly become part of the community rhythm. Locals describe it as “what Royal Oak needed,” and events like trivia, the downtown Spooktacular, and the Cookie Crawl draw in both adults and children.
When to Visit
Families are welcome throughout the day, but the vibe changes naturally as night sets in. Parents often prefer to visit earlier, enjoying dinner and drinks before bedtime routines. For those with older kids or teens, trivia nights offer an engaging option, while seasonal community events add extra fun.
We stopped by around 5pm on a Saturday night, and while it was buzzy, we didn’t have a hard time finding a seat. As the night drew on, we did notice that families with older kids replaced families with younger kids.
Whether it’s after a zoo trip, before a downtown event, or as a casual gathering spot, North End Taproom adapts to fit the occasion.
A New Tradition in Royal Oak
North End Taproom is more than a bar—it’s a blend of community, craft, and family-friendly hospitality. From self-pour exploration to scratch-made food and a space designed with families in mind, it’s become a standout addition to downtown Royal Oak.
Pin this story to share it…
Leave a Reply