G.B. Russo & Son

G.B. Russo & SonG.B. Russo & Son
G.B. Russo & SonG.B. Russo & Son
Store

2770 29th St SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49512-1719
United States

// CLOSED //
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.28
Reviews:
19
Ratings:
30
pDev:
10.28%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by mgbickel:
Photo of mgbickel
Reviewed by mgbickel from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -6.5%
I had my eye on this place for a while...I am intrigued by this type of shop...specialty market that carries craft beer...almost always a good thing! I was correct!

This was one of the cleaner, more organized beer store type places I visited while on my MI trip. The selection was nothing wonderful, but still very good. They seem to have a ton of local things and other domestic craft beers. The imports are a little weak though...

Everything is clearly priced and they even have a few coolers with singles and sixers cold.

I could see this being a place I would frequent if I was a local.

BTW...I had a pepperoni roll from the deli...awesome!
May 18, 2010
More User Ratings:
Photo of tetrisattack
Reviewed by tetrisattack from Michigan

4.73/5  rDev +10.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4
The selection is a bit thin compared to some of the top-tier bottle shops, but that's understandable since this is a grocery store. I still call this my favorite beer store for a number of reasons:

1. The beer guy (don't know his name) is one of the friendliest, least pretentious people I've ever met. I've had many convos with him, and he really knows his stuff when it comes to beer. He's passionate about the product and it shows.

2. Almost every bottle here is at least $1.00 cheaper than elsewhere in GR. Seriously! I spend more time in beer stores than I care to admit, but I can't think of anywhere else with prices this low.

3. It's easy to find limited releases here because it's a bit off the beaten path for the craft beer crowd. If you've already checked the well-known craft stores, then swing by Russo's. You might be surprised at what they still have on the shelf. Again, the selection isn't super deep, but the beer guy makes good decisions about what to stock.

A great place to buy beer.
Aug 08, 2017
 
Rated: 4.04 by Phoodcritic from Michigan

Jun 02, 2016
 
Rated: 4.29 by jmiah22 from Michigan

Aug 27, 2015
Photo of Jeffrey84
Rated by Jeffrey84 from Michigan

4.18/5  rDev -2.3%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Good store for finding rare stuff that you didn't get the day of.
Apr 21, 2015
 
Rated: 4.29 by Shaskins80 from Michigan

Apr 09, 2015
 
Rated: 3.56 by MSEGUIN from Michigan

Mar 05, 2015
Photo of EricTKole
Reviewed by EricTKole from Michigan

4.25/5  rDev -0.7%
Outstanding Italian market wine galore!!! Plenty of craft beer and always a lot of good on sale brews, lots of good deli choices and breads and spreads to accommodate your selection. Way more than just a wine or beer store.
Sep 17, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by BiffBiffster from Virginia

Sep 09, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by BEERschlitz from Michigan

Sep 04, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by MiWolfman from Michigan

Jul 21, 2014
Photo of DoubleSimcoe
Reviewed by DoubleSimcoe from Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -12.4%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
A family member from the area recommended this place for craft beer and you'd better bet the we drove there!

It is in a strange neighborhood, still in Grand Rapids but far from the town and in an area filled with mall-style shops and car dealerships. Not where you expect to find a gourmet market.

The beer selection is impressive, but it is pretty much all at room-temperature. Lots of Michigan beer, and massive offerings from Clown Shoes (I assume they have the entire line-up, including barrel-aged imperial stouts and shit). Also Dogfish, Evil Twin, Thirsty Dog, Lips of Faith, Epic, Old Stock, Sierra Bigfoot and Narwhal... crafty ciders as well.

They have a lot more wines and spirits than beer, but the brews are dam fine. Also cheese, meats and gourmet food. It's all here. Service-wise, I neither saw a beer guy nor was I offered help, but I'm alright with that.
Jun 07, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by GRBLUE12 from Florida

May 29, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by GRFounder from Michigan

May 28, 2014
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Reviewed by RusImpStoLuv from Michigan

4.71/5  rDev +10%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.25
This is one of my two beer shop stops. They are extremely friendly, and the beer guy here is amazing. When you catch him in the store stocking, he is the most polite, informative fellow. Knows his beer, and knows what beer you want to drink. Prices are the best in town, and they offer about every beer I've ever wanted to try. Imports, locals, West coast brews, most of the 'hype' beers are very low priced, almost as low as they can go. This is the beer place for Grand Rapids area!
Mar 07, 2014
Photo of JHombrew
Reviewed by JHombrew from Michigan

5/5  rDev +16.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
This is the cheapest store in Grand Rapids for beer. Victor is the -beer- man. He is very knowledgeable and for a smaller beer selection (smaller is relative, this is Grand Rapids) he has a great variety. He gets in all the rare stuff and is awesome to deal with. He has a lot more European ales than most stores. He makes sure his selection is fresh and will often do fire sales on soon to be outdated items. He will often have a stacked 'wall' of $10.00 cases of something (usually some craft beer) he is closing out.

I buy the majority of my ale from this store just because it is close, inexpensive, and Victor is one of the best - maybe the best- beer guy in town. I pretty much shop exclusively at G.B Russo and Sicilianos for beer.

The rest of the staff are very friendly and much like Sicilianos they are the type of store where they know you, by name, or at least by your face. Always a pleasant experience.
Mar 01, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by mcrawford from Michigan

Nov 18, 2013
Photo of andrewengler
Reviewed by andrewengler from Michigan

3.88/5  rDev -9.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
This place has a clean setup. The beer selection is nestled close to the deli so its a win win. I don't frequent this location as much as I do International Beverage a few miles away, but its a worthwhile location to stop into every now and then. They have a decent selection of beers between the shelved beer and coolers.

Greater selection and emphasis on wine if that's your thing. Definitely a place to start if you are looking into expanding or taste testing parties.

Overall a pleasant experience and would recommend it to anyone.
Mar 23, 2012
Photo of dnh2
Reviewed by dnh2 from Michigan

4.38/5  rDev +2.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
GB Russo is one of my regular stops anytime I'm out beer shopping. Some places might have slightly better prices and some places might have a slightly better selection, but I consider Russo's to have one of the best combinations of price and selection in all of Grand Rapids. Staff is always happy to help you out and chat about beer. They also have a great selection of specialty groceries in case you are looking for more than just beer. My only wish is that they were open on Sundays and past 7PM on weekdays.
Oct 09, 2011
Photo of Flux
Reviewed by Flux from Michigan

4.3/5  rDev +0.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 5
I would frequest this place a lot when I was younger. My dad would stop in to pick up some strange brews or funky ingredients. I hated the smell then, but have really come to appreciate it now. It has that super italian, fresh market, herbaceous, yeasty aroma. Great deli that is full of amazing samdwiches you can't get anywhere else in town like the Muffaletta (highly reccomended). The wine selection is intense and they do a great job of marking where the wines come from. The beer selection is pretty good too. There are a couple things here that you don't see at Sicilianos, but i'd still say Sicilianos has the better selection when it comes to beer. When you come here...there is always something new.
Sep 22, 2011
Photo of todisht
Reviewed by todisht from Alabama

4.45/5  rDev +4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Stopped in here last week while I was in the neighborhood to check out their beer selection. It was well worth the trip. As soon as you walk in you are greeted by the delicious smells from their deli. When I made it over to the beer section I was not disappointed. They have a wide array of quality beers to select from. Nothing that you couldn't find at Siciliano's or International Beverage, but a great selection none the less. You won't get that claustrophobic feeling you can get at those other stores though. Nice open display. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the neighborhood and looking for some quality brew to take home.
Sep 19, 2011
Photo of eMcBeerson
Reviewed by eMcBeerson from Indiana

3.55/5  rDev -17.1%
Nice large market with lots of meats, cheeses, gourmet foods, wine, and a decent beer selection. Much larger selection at Siciliano's and International Beverages, but I scored some Nemesis and Pilgrim's Dole here when most of the other places were either sold out or rationing. Nice find, would expect some of the limited release stuff to last longer at a place like this than the bigger beer stores. Also picked up some nice meats and cheeses. Didn't talk with anyone about the beers so I can't comment on the service. Prices seemed reasonable.
Feb 14, 2010
Photo of Maxwell106
Reviewed by Maxwell106 from Michigan

4.5/5  rDev +5.1%
I've lived in Grand Rapids my whole life and just discovered this place in the last few months thanks to BA. As stated in previous reviews they have a reasonably small yet solid selection of craft beers with a strong focus on Michigan craft beers.

Price wise this is one of the best I have found for what you are getting. I've found Founders Backwoods Bastard for $11.99, which is what they sell it for right at the brewery. Overall this is a great store, picture a Williams-Sonoma with a better selection plus fantastic beer and wine sections. Certainly worth checking out if you are in the area.

Cheers!

Edit: Recently had a chance to speak with Victor, who is in charge of the beer section. Great guy. Knows his stuff and is very passionate about all things beer. This was just before the KBS release and he was happy to hold a 4 pack for me and called the day it arrived.
Jan 18, 2010
Photo of chilidog
Reviewed by chilidog from Ohio

4.2/5  rDev -1.9%
I also have been going to Russo's for years now. I don't get there that often but stop every chance I can when in town. I look forward to seeing the remodel as complete. I never thought to look for them on B.A.

I can't comment on the remodel but when I was there they had a good, well stocked brew section. At the time the rear right corner past the nice large wine area.

I found some real nice finds from Founders and Bells. Many others are available. Parking is good for an italian, plaza like market.
Jan 05, 2010
Photo of marc2572
Reviewed by marc2572 from Michigan

4.7/5  rDev +9.8%
I've been going to Russo's for 10 years or more and it remains my "secret" beer store. It's obvious by how few reviews this place has received relative to how long it's been there that it is a bit under appreciated. They don't have the largest selection however it is solid and you would be hard pressed to leave without finding several beers to your liking. The prices when compared to other establishments in my experience seem to be as good or in many cases better than what others are charging. As to the service Victor the beer Manager etc is a first rate beer lover who is quick to trade stories or help you in any way he can. So if you're in the area help support this excellent store they offer an excellent selection of gourmet foods as well.
Dec 30, 2009
Photo of sweemzander
Reviewed by sweemzander from Illinois

3.6/5  rDev -15.9%
I also frequent this establishment. Great selection of local brews with imported selections as well. They even have singles you can buy of most stuff in coolers.

Very reasonable prices with a fun display of some brands.

I have had some bad/old beer that was on the shelf for far too long, but they were quick to refund my money, so it is forgiven.

I always find something I am looking for and one of the few places that sells Jolly Pumpkin beer in the area to my knowledge at a reasonable price.

A great place for unique Italian/Mediterranean foods and has a superb to excellent wine selection that takes up almost half the store. Overall, a fun place that tends to take up at least an hour everytime I go there.
Sep 17, 2009
Photo of Yetiman420
Reviewed by Yetiman420 from Ohio

4.5/5  rDev +5.1%
I stopped in the morning of the Founder's KBS release in hopes of picking up some Short's and other local gems I can't get in Ohio.

I was pleasantly surprised by their outstanding selection. I picked up some Short's IPA and Pale ale, limited-release Arcadia beers, GI Bourbon Stout ($20 for a 4 pack), and DragonMead Belgian Tripple.

Vincent helped me with my selection. Really nice guy who went out of his way to be helpful. He said they usually have more Short's but their order was shorted (pun intended).
Mar 15, 2009
Photo of MDekker
Reviewed by MDekker from Michigan

4.5/5  rDev +5.1%
After many trips to Russo's here are my thoughts:

Way more wine than beer, but the selection of beer is still very good - lots of imported stuff, plenty of Michigan brews, and a satisfactory selection of other stuff, too. Siciliano's has still got them beat in terms of selection, but Russo's is on the opposite end of GR. Checking their prices, today, too, I was impressed: 7.99 for a six pack of basic Bell's brews beats places like Meijer, I think. I was quite happy there and had to resist buying stuff beyond what I needed. We moved recently, and I'm happy to have Russo's nearby.

Update: they remodeled, and it's awesome. I think the beer selection has expanded, and I was overwhelmed trying to make a decision. Good good good stuff.
Dec 20, 2007
Photo of CraftAle
Reviewed by CraftAle from Michigan

4.65/5  rDev +8.6%
They have a good selection of brews at reasonable prices. However, everything is a bit cramped and cooler space is limited.

They are my first choice beer store in Grand Rapids for case purchases however. I email the owner, Dave Russo, for case prices and then email an order. He, or his assistant Victor, call or email when it's in and can be picked up at the store. Dave's case prices are very good! They also seem to buy a lot of wholesaler close-outs, so there are always some cases of unusual/almost out-of-date beers stacked in a corner.

A bonus is lot of excellent ethnic foods, ingredients and deli.

5/10/2010 Update: Re-modeled and expanded store has much bigger beer section. Singles still limited. Beer department manager, Victor, is among most knowledgeable beer people in area.
Aug 02, 2006
Photo of granger10
Reviewed by granger10 from Wisconsin

3.35/5  rDev -21.7%
This is more of an ethnic food/wine store and not so much a beer store. As I walk in I smell a great mix of spices and meats and cheeses, very good. Lots of Italian foods and a nice looking deli. The wine selection was also large. The beer was pitted back in the corner and would be easy to miss if one weren't looking for it. But they do have a solid selection English and German beers along with Michigan micros. They seem to be lacking in Belgians and non-Michigan micros so if you're looking for that you might want to go the B&B which is around the corner. As for service, nobody helped me but everything working there seemed nice enough, nicer than the workers at B&B at least. The prices were really good, I don't really think that they make much money on beer so they don't need to charge high rates for it. Definitely worth a stop, esp. if you're also looking to get some quality Italian food or ingredients.
Oct 22, 2004
G.B. Russo & Son in Grand Rapids, MI
Place rating: 4.28 out of 5 with 30 ratings