Known as Beer City, USA, Grand Rapids doesn’t mess around when it comes to beer. You’ll be happy to know it also has plenty of options for cocktails, juice lovers or patio fanatics. If you find yourself in this eclectic, artistic city be sure to make one of these watering holes a stopping place.
Over 100 wines available for pours and an even bigger bottle list, wine lovers in Beer City, USA can rejoice at Reserve. The beautifully appointed modern décor creates an inviting upscale spot, perfect for unwinding after a workweek or just for the evening. If you arrive hungry, even better. Reserve specializes in farm to table cuisine, paired expertly to their wines. At the very least, try their vanilla bacon. Are your shoes on yet?
Reserve Wine & Food
201 Monroe Ave. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(314) 832-2563
Yelp: 4 stars, 92 reviews
Offering over 200 different bottles of craft beer and 23 more on tap, all palates will be impressed. Killer appetizers help round out Logan’s as a prime spot for beer nerds, enthusiasts and college students alike. Get the smothered tater-tots with cheese, bacon and sour cream goodness to go with your brew. If you become a regular, join their Around the World Club and enjoy half off AWC beers on Wednesday!
916 Michigan St. NE
(616) 458-1612
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 35 reviews
TV’s galore, ice cold beer and reasonable prices. When you’re camping out for a game, Uccello’s has all your bases covered. They also offer late night specials for those waiting out those last few minutes that tend to last an hour or more.
2630 E Beltline SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 954-2002
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 62 reviews
Stella’s Lounge offers over 250+ different whiskies. They offer whiskey flights with themes such as Michigan-made, Canadian, Rye, Irish—you get the picture. Their burger has also been given the title Best Burger in America by GQ Magazine. Come on—how amazing is that combo?
53 Commerce Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 742-4444
Yelp: 4 stars, 287 reviews
After work drinks are essential somedays, and Rockwell Republic makes them mandatory. Consistently voted one of the very best happy hour spots in Grand Rapids, they give you a lot of celebrate between 3-6 PM. The clear winner is a pitcher of sangria for the table for ten bucks. They also offer a select drafts staring at a measly $3 a pop. Coupled with a $6 food menu, you can maybe even turn your happy hour into dinner.
45 S Division Ave
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 288-4381
Yelp: 4 stars, 162 reviews
The Holiday Bar website says it best: “Having a really nice time since 1905.” An anchor to Grand Rapids West Side, this bar is beloved by locals and tourists alike. You’ll find PBR on tap alongside Founders and other local beers. The Holiday Bar is your best shot to chat with the locals, college students and newcomers all at once. The horseshoe-shaped bar makes it easy to gab the night away.
801 5th St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 456-9058
Yelp: 4 stars, 13 reviews
Homemade syrups, fresh fruits and spices and most importantly—in house made Michigan spirits. Long Road Distillers offers craft cocktails made from scratch with their own ingredients. This bar takes spirits seriously, and that’s a very good thing for Grand Rapids. Expertly mixed and perfectly presented, their drink offerings highlight their spirits with flair.
537 Leonard St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 228-4924
Yelp: 4 stars, 31 reviews
Beer, pinball arcade, and live music venue extraordinaire, The Pyramid Scheme wears many hats and all of them are awesome. All draft beers are local and the music varies wildly, but if it’s not your favorite, no problem. The music venue is separate from the bar and arcade, so you can game the night away or talk with your friends in relative peace.
68 Commerce Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 272-3758
Yelp: 4 stars, 31 reviews
When Founders expanded it's Granville Avenue homebase, it took the phrase “go big, or go home” quite literally. Founder’s open-air concept was always a hit in the summertime, but the new outdoor patio kicks things up a few more notches. Firepits, benches, a curving bar ledge and tables for hanging with friends, it’s the ultimate patio celebration.
235 Grandville Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 563 reviews
Grab your tie (or heels) and bring out your inner fancy pants at The Chop House. A perfect place to celebrate great news of any kind and raise a glass of champagne for toasting. Or, just to cheers to Friday, really. The Chop House has generous pours and a classy atmosphere—even a cigar lounge in the basement for after drink relaxing.
190 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(888) 456-3463
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 104 reviews
The Cottage Bar is as close to a real Cheers as you can get in Grand Rapids, and has been up and running since 1927—closing in on it’s 90th anniversary soon! Started as a sandwich shop and known with the factory workers, it’s now a watering hole for thirsty neighbors. The Cottage Bar owns the title of the oldest continually operating bar in Downtown Grand Rapids.
18 La Grave Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 454-9088
Yelp: 4 stars, 31 reviews
With the vibe described as “backwoods vintage industrial”, and spirits made in house, you can be assured that Flat Landers has you covered in the eclectic and interesting drink category. This “Barstillery” opens at 11 AM offering all the classics that you’ll need to make the most of the day.
855 Michigan St NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 259-9700
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 40 reviews
When it comes to first dates in Grand Rapids, chances are that beer is involved. Skip the crowds and head to The Mitten Brewing Company over the better-known Brewery Vivant or Founders. The Mitten has a wide range of palate pleasing brews alongside incredible, life-changing pizza. If your date doesn’t like pizza and beer—there’s a signal to run for the hills.
527 Leonard St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 608-5612
Yelp: 4 stars, 117 reviews
Juices and smoothies perfect for breakfast on the go, and two Grand Rapids locations puts Sip Organic Juice Bar in first place. They also offer salads and a few other grab and go items for lunchtime if you forgot your lunchbox. A modern and sleek sitting area is also a prime place to read and unwind.
423 Norwood SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 755-5778
Yelp: 4 stars, 13 reviews
The oldest gay and lesbian friendly bar in the State of Michigan is worth a stop on any trip to Grand Rapids. The Apartment Lounge first opened its doors in 1972 and has been greeting guests with it’s signature warm and friendly welcome (with popcorn!) ever since.
33 Sheldon Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 451-0815
Yelp: 5 stars, 5 reviews
Grand Rapids beer loving folks are slowly coming around to craft cocktails, and Sidebagr is here to lead the way. Arguably one of the areas first true cocktail bars, this tiny basement bar is intimate, small and religiously dedicated to handcrafted drinks. For a true old-fashioned or sidecar, Sidebargr is miles ahead of the competition.
80 Ottawa Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 6 reviews
