Bill’s Beer Garden

I really enjoy Bill’s, they have a great beer selection, open air seating, friendly staff who are always willing to help select a beer. The staff is also pretty fast to clear tables. It is open seating so you do get to sit near some interesting people sometimes. The line to get drinks can be long, but is worth it since they have some pretty good microbrews available. They also have a little water cooler that is self serve, so you don’t need to stand in line to get to it.
Since they don’t serve food, they allow you to bring in food from outside, and Mark’s Carts is also right there are they have a great variety of food available there.
The only complain I have about Bill’s would be that they allow parents to bring their kids in with them, which has led to a screeching child being present, which was somewhat annoying. I also think that this not a good practice as I believe it is hypocritical to allow a 6 year old to come with a parent/​guardian, but then not allow a ~16−20 year old to come with their guardian older sibling or such.
Still a great place to hangout with friends and one of the places in the area that I visit often… when weather allows it.

This is such a neat business idea! I love stopping in when I’m visiting Ann Arbor.
The beer garden is a unique business in that it’s just a beer tent and a shit-​ton of picnic tables.
It’s got direct access to the food trucks at Mark’s Carts (which I find overpriced) and it’s right around the corner from a bunch of other restaurants.
Chances are, you’ll sit by some people you’ll become friends with by the end of the night. Stop in next time you’re bar-​hopping in Ann Arbor.

Bills Beer Garden isn’t anything like my friend Bill’s garden. It’s a lot friendlier, there’s lots of libations going around, and there’s no ones mother yelling at us to pipe down.
This place is much bigger than what I expected, it’s huge. It seems like a great spot to come with a large group of people. I imagine when school is in session all the college kids flock to this joint. It was a Saturday in late August when I went and it was packed.
There’s lots of picnic tables for people to sit at. There all lined up in lots of long rows. If you have problems finding seats, there are benches that line the perimeter of the place. Perfect for people watching.
There’s a long line to get drinks, but it moves quick enough. They have something for everyone. Except maybe my friend who was quite drunk and aggravated with them. Maybe water would have been the best option.
I highly recommend Bills for any of those looking for a fun time.

I love Bill’s. It’s a great place to spend a summer night. It’s typically pretty busy, so it might not be the best if you’re looking to avoid a crowd. If you want to get your own table, it’s definitely a good idea to get in early. I’ve had good times here in groups ranging from two people to quite a few, but it can be challenging to find a place for everyone in a big group to sit.
I feel like they’ve gotten a better beer selection in the past couple years since they’ve opened. Prices aren’t the greatest, but they’re on par with most places in Ann Arbor. I do appreciate that they’ve started using full pint glasses, though. I don’t know when the change was made, but I do remember getting beer in smaller glasses in previous years. They do still use 10 oz glasses for some of the higher proof beers, but that’s to be expected.
The bartenders have always been friendly, and the area is kept nice and clean. I highly recommend Bill’s as a place to hang out in the summer.

Such a great idea and such an asset for Ann Arbor. What an example of «expanding the pie!» Outdoor summer time drinking with access to Mark’s Carts for a variety of hand foods, long picnic tables, friendly crowd (and staff), so close to all the rest of downtown — it’s just perfect. Gets very crowded and they need to improve their sangria recipe but it’s just such a unique, bustling, friendly place that makes up for the sub par sangria ;)