Brewery Profile

Sugarfoot Saloon

In Cedar, a small Leelanau County community, Sugarfoot Saloon’s role in the beer scene was tied to its identity as a long-running local restaurant, bar, and brew pub rather than a production-focused destination. Established in 1967, it became known regionally for Mexican American food, especially wet burritos, along with broasted chicken. A visitor walking in would have found a place built around meals, drinks, and regular local use, with the brew pub license indicating on-site beer production capabilities. Under Karen and Peter Bardenhagen, it operated for decades as a recognizable gathering spot in the county.

Travelers in this part of northern Michigan often look for stops that combine small-town character, food, and a casual place to drink after time spent touring Leelanau County. Sugarfoot Saloon fit that pattern through its mix of bar service, restaurant fare, and brew pub function. Its appeal was not documented through named beer releases or awards, so it is best understood through the broader experience: a long-established Cedar saloon where a beer stop could be paired with a substantial meal. For visitors interested in regional brewing history, the venue also represents an earlier model of Michigan brew pub, where beer was part of a wider hospitality business rather than the only focus.

Practical planning requires checking current status before making a trip. The business announced an initial closure in 2018, later resumed limited pandemic-era takeout service, and the full 11.34-acre parcel was sold in March 2021 along with its operational licenses, including a Class C liquor license, catering license, and specific brew pub license. Current hours, ownership, beer availability, and dining service are not established by the available facts. If the site is operating when you visit, the taproom or bar is the place to confirm the day’s pours, food service, and any takeout or event options.

Sugarfoot Saloon operated as a long-standing Mexican American eatery, bar, and brew pub in Cedar, Michigan, known regionally for its signature wet burritos and broasted chicken. Established in 1967, the venue served as a prominent Leelanau County gathering spot for decades under the ownership of Karen and Peter Bardenhagen. The facility held a Class C liquor license, a catering license, and a specific brew pub license, indicating on-site beer production capabilities. Following an initial closure announcement in 2018, the Bardenhagens briefly resumed operations during the pandemic, offering takeout service. The entire 11.34-acre parcel, including the operational licenses, was sold in March 2021.

Website available

4997 S Good Harbor Trl, Cedar, Michigan, 49621-8543

Phone: 2312286166

Website: https://www.leelanauticker.com/news/sugarfoot-saloon-long-loved-local-hangout-in-cedar-has-sold/?fbclid=IwAR1C99VOGSsibEl8NROgIAj7GKbbM8mWVcjtjbCMUWrHPs3fNhHSjIQmHbI