About us

Tradition meets innovation

  • We’re named in honor of the rich and debaucherous history of Manistique’s Flatiron Block in the 1800 & 1900s during the town’s dry era.

  • Our doors officially opened in Spring 2023 after a few years working away at blueprints, brew kettles, and mountains of pizza slices.

  • Today, we offer the same a laid-back atmosphere with pool tables, darts, Golden Tee, and a lounge area where the good times flow like our beers!

Behind the Name

Step back in time, folks, to the legendary clash between the formidable Chicago Lumber Company and the audacious Dan Heffron. Picture this: it’s the late 1800s, and every square inch of Manistique is owned by the Chicago Lumber Company except for one residence. They rule over town like a bunch of temperance titans, hell-bent on keeping the town "dry.” But this singular residence manages to evade their grasps. Alex Richards is the proprietor, and his abode is strategically situated between Pearl, Water, and Maine Street, forming a distinctive flatiron shape.

Back in those days the only way to get alcohol was through whiskey boats anchoring offshore… That is, until everyone running that operation is arrested. Enter Daniel Heffron, a New Yorker with big dreams. He sees the perfect opportunity to bring a saloon to Manistique, and approaches Richards to get his hands on the property on this unique flatiron-shaped block.

As soon as the deal is sealed, the Heffron Brothers' Arcade Saloon opens its doors. The thirsty lumber mill workers and townsfolk rejoiced! The bar is downstairs, and upstairs houses a gaming room, along with various other rooms for activities and entertainment. While the Chicago Lumber Company watches like a hawk, trying to find any infractions in a effort to close Dan Heffron down, others see an opportunity and take their chances.

Not to be outdone, Nels Johnson, a Swedish lumberjack with similar big dreams, joins the party. He buys some property from Heffron and builds his own saloon catering to his fellow countrymen. Several others follow suit, and the Flatiron Block burst to life. At its peak boasting an impressive 29 saloons for the town’s population of 3,000. Thirsty times, indeed!

But hold onto your hats, folks, because this is where Heffron's escapades take a dark turn. His infamous reputation also involves many illegal dealings, bribery, and a dramatic escape that rivals any blockbuster. He’s arrested, tried, and the jury is sequestered deciding his fate… Then Heffron vanishes like a magician's trick, leaving nothing but whispers and offers of rewards in his wake.

So here we are, a century later at Flatiron Brewing, proudly paying homage to the spirited days of yore when a few feisty townsfolk decided to stand up against dry days. Now we're brewing up our own brand of imbibing, making exceptional craft beer and serving mouthwatering delights. Join us as we raise a toast to past, and look forward to our future while savoring every drop!

Cheers to spirited history of Flatiron Brewing! 🍻

  • Alex RIchards, the original Flatiron block proprietor

  • Heffron's Saloon, 1900s

  • Nels Johnson's saloon, late1800s

  • A warehouse social gathering, late 1800s

  • Cedar Street, 1900s

  • Willebrand Brewery, 1900s

  • Chicago Lumber Company, Late 1800s

  • Pearl Street, late 1800s

  • Cedar Street, late 1800s

  • The shoe store, late 1800s