Martha's Vineyard

Martha's VineyardMartha's Vineyard
Martha's VineyardMartha's Vineyard
Store

200 Union Ave NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503-3451
United States

(616) 459-0911 | map
marthasvineyardgr.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.96
Reviews:
25
Ratings:
42
pDev:
12.63%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 4.11 by beersampler6 from Michigan

Nov 11, 2018
 
Rated: 4.22 by Spreetaper from New York

Oct 11, 2016
 
Rated: 4.07 by Phoodcritic from Michigan

May 23, 2016
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Rated by slasich from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Go for the beers, stay for the artisinal foods.
Sep 14, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by Shaskins80 from Michigan

Apr 09, 2015
 
Rated: 4.15 by williamjbauer from Colorado

Mar 17, 2015
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Rated by mbracken from Michigan

4.93/5  rDev +24.5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
great local speciality market with an awesome staff, food selection is good also.
Feb 20, 2015
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Reviewed by Barnoloid from Illinois

3.99/5  rDev +0.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25
Very decent GR/Michigan/National bottle selection. Has a wide range of singles which is a great plus as it allows you to tuck into several Founders/Dark Horse/Shorts etc singles without having to buy a full 6 pack. If you are looking for wine/cheese and deli/grocery items then you are also in the right place.
Jan 04, 2015
 
Rated: 3.75 by robgage from Pennsylvania

Dec 16, 2014
 
Rated: 4.56 by Kave_Drenz

Sep 09, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Bung from Michigan

Aug 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by _morandi_ from California

Jul 15, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by DiscGolfGod from Michigan

Jun 17, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by ExNihilo from Michigan

Jun 10, 2014
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Reviewed by DoubleSimcoe from Pennsylvania

3.8/5  rDev -4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.75 | food: 4
While the wife napped away at a fancy bed-and-breakfast hotel, I decided to drive a mile or so over to Martha's Vineyard.

This place (and the 'hood) reminds me of Belmont Station in Portland, Oregon. A cool gourmet market with cheese, charcuterie, wine, spirits and the works, plus a large selection of craft beer, mostly cooled. They have ciders, BMC, the singles (a lot of them), Belgians, Germans, bombers, six-packs... you name it.

Clown Shoes, Evil Twin, Stillwater, Goose Island, Dogfish, Southern Tier, Rogue... and a lot of Michigan beer. Seriously a lot. Local pride here.

I didn't see anything outrageous or unique, but there certainly is a ton of good beer here. Service is pretty nice, I was asked if I needed help more than once. Prices are a lil' high overall (the spirits, cheese and prepared foods struck me as pretty pricey indeed) but I guess you're paying for the convenience of having it all under one roof.
Jun 07, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by GRBLUE12 from Florida

May 29, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by JMFP from Delaware

Apr 06, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by mcrawford from Michigan

Nov 18, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by Jordy777 from Illinois

Nov 12, 2013
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Reviewed by JDizzle from Indiana

4.44/5  rDev +12.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
This is a gem if you want to spend just a bit more than normal. They have a great selection in the GR area. They seem to always have a few beers that have sold out like Hopslam, even out of date a bit, they still offer it. I bought a bomber of Old Guardian 09' for $3 on close out that made me smile like a MF'r. I also bought a 10' at the same price and enjoyed them.

I will always stop by when in town.
Aug 23, 2013
Photo of TimRoss41
Reviewed by TimRoss41 from Michigan

4.2/5  rDev +6.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 3
Martha's is my go-to place to buy beer, and the reason why I put up with it being a bit pricey is the service. These guys are great. They genuinely love beer, and always have great suggestions and recommendations. Great atmosphere and vibe to the place, with an ok deli and grocery. It's paired with a really great bakery next door, and you can knock out some specialty shopping all in one trip. I really can't say enough about the service. I've had quick trips turn into 45 minute detours because I've been engaged in really great conversations with the staff about what to try, and even get suggestions for other places in town to look for new things.
Dec 10, 2012
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Reviewed by GRBrew from Michigan

3.75/5  rDev -5.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3 | food: 4
I have to say I don't frequent this place often for beer because the selection has never been great and they are a bit pricey. I have never walked in there and found anything extraordinary or rare. They are geared more to selling the common craft beers rather than more unique beers. They do sell a good amount of Jolly Pumpkin.

Everything they sell is in coolers which is alway off putting to me. The staff is very helpful but seem to be more knowledgable on wine.

Their liquor selection is pretty nice and worth the trip.
Oct 08, 2011
Photo of JimboHD2005
Reviewed by JimboHD2005 from Illinois

4.1/5  rDev +3.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
I stop in every time I make my way through Grand Rapids. Very nice selection of craft and Michigan beers and staff have always been helpful and prices are reasonable. Store feels small but has more room than it looks from the outside. Not a ton of beer cold but they have a good amount of beer on the floor as well. Last trip picked up some Shorts, Bells and Founders. I would recommend hitting this place up whether just passing through or staying for a trip in Grand Rapids. Not too far from the downtown area as well.
Mar 25, 2011
Photo of otto251068
Reviewed by otto251068 from Michigan

3.73/5  rDev -5.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Atmosphere: Friendly staff, a little crowded, but warm and inviting. Besides the beer, there is a lot of specialty items to check out.

Quality: Most of the beers at this store are in the cooler which is great, and there is plenty of cooler space. The beer that is not in the cooler is in cases that are stacked on the floor, but it looks like you can at least find a six pack of every beer there in the cooler. Most of the beer there looks pretty up to date, with lots of new releases.

Service: Not too much service to speak of. This store has lots of gourmet items and the staff seemed really busy just being behind the counter. Not much service is needed most of the time (for me anyway): here is the beer, look through it and buy what you want.

Selection: Very good. Obvious priority on locals, and there was a TON of new Shorts and Bells there. Very impressed by all the Michigan beers here. Also a great selection of Dogfish Head that is harder to find in the area. All in all, there were a lot of beers here that I have never seen in the area. That being said, I can find a greater selection at other stores.

Value: Prices here look to be on par with other stores in the Grand Rapids area. Good, not great.
Jan 31, 2011
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Reviewed by MrOH from Maryland

4.15/5  rDev +4.8%
I used to live a block away, so it was always my stopping point on the way home from work. This was a double edged sword, as it had a ton of great gourmet foods that couldn't easily be found elsewhere in the city, and the beer selection was pretty dang good, as well as liquor. However, pricing was a bit steep across the board. If I had the time/will to go elsewhere to pick up cheese/whisky/cigars/beer, I would, and would get better prices and selection, but for a quick stop on the way home, it really couldn't be beat.
Jul 24, 2010
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Reviewed by DuffManOhYeah from Michigan

4.15/5  rDev +4.8%
Martha's Vineyard is a good place to go for anyone near the downtown GR area. It's a very homey and warm atmosphere and the long coolers that line the wall are stocked with all kinds of single beers from all over the world. I know it takes good money to buy good beer, but I've found the same quality beers and better selections at other places in town who sell singles for less than Martha's. That being said, the place is still worthwhile to check for a beer you might not be able to find somewhere else. I generally enjoy and respect Martha's, but I've never been exceptionally impressed going there. Therefore, I can only give them "good"s for most of the review, but their selection is near exceptional.
Jun 23, 2010
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Reviewed by TCgoalie from Michigan

4.3/5  rDev +8.6%
The second you walk into Martha's, it is hard not to be excited. A glass case full of sweets and cheeses greats you to the left. A wall of liqours to the right. The best awaits you at the back of the store...a wall of refrigerated beer that is likely 75-100 feet long. The selection is great with a wide selection of singles. There is also a vast selection of wines and snacks. The only gripe I have about Martha's, is the price. For most singles and 6-packs, expect to pay an extra buck or two compared to other places around town.
May 02, 2010
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Reviewed by BeerFMAndy from Wisconsin

4.35/5  rDev +9.8%
After Siciliano's Sweemzander and I navigated some one-way roads to make it to Martha's Vineyard on the corner of an intersection. The quaint little store was nicely designed and had a high-class but rustic feel to it from the front façade.

Once inside the depth and intelligence of the design continued on. From wood floors to exposed brick archways that loosely separated rooms, it was a very nice looking place.

We made our way straight in to the coolers which lined one of the walls. Almost all the beer was inside the coolers which was fantastic! Lots of local stuff like Bells, Founders, Arcadia, etc. A surprise to see was Kuhnhenn where I picked up a bottle of 4th Dementia for about $5.

There was a decent selection of imports and Belgian beers but almost all of it was the typical stuff you'd find in any beer store. One beer to make note of was Avery's Ten (10th Anniversary ale) which was something like $8 and bottled in 2003. A bit odd they would still have this.

Sweem grabbed it and asked the cashier who said he just had one recently and it was fantastic. While he was helpful and nice I'm not sure if he was just trying to get it off the shelf because I didn't think it was all that fantastic at all. Either way he was vocal about helping us with anything we needed, in addition based on what Sweem said about their service, generally, I was getting a good vibe about the place.

I also liked that they had what seemed to be a decent selection of meads and ciders too among an amazing wine selection upstairs (so I'm told from Sweem who is also a wine connoisseur).

A good stop for a few gems in Grand Rapids, especially with the majority of them being in coolers. I'd like to make it back to this location again!
Apr 27, 2010
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Reviewed by sullenbee from Michigan

4.3/5  rDev +8.6%
The best thing about Martha's Vineyard is the staff. I always feel at home, and I am always welcomed. Prices can be a bit high, but the selection is pretty decent, with a good part of the store dedicated to Michigan beer. Beer seems to be well rotated, I have yet to pick up a dusty brew. (Though everything is kept in a cooler, other than one stack of sale beer) They always have a few beers on special, and good deals can be found. Staff is extremely knowledgeable, honest and attentive.

On more than one occasion, I have had the staff offer to carry out my beer. Whenever I experience a line, someone always pops up at another register to help out. Now, that's service!

Downfall is the price. Honestly, I've found Martha's to be slightly higher than many of the other specialty stores in Grand Rapids. On the plus side, they are open till midnight most nights, making them more convenient for late night stops. (Though I always rely on Smitty's in Eastown in a pinch, open till 2am with a better beverage selection than your average quick stop)

I recommend Martha's to anyone who lives or is visiting the downtown area of Grand Rapids. You can't beat the selection unless you travel out to Sicilianos or further.
Feb 15, 2010
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Reviewed by sweemzander from Illinois

3.95/5  rDev -0.3%
I frequent Martha's due to the selection they have. Very unique to rare offerings with just about every local selection of beer made. Their prices are not the best, but usually you can find something very interesting depending on the season, or know that the place holds something no other place does.

Everything is stored in coolers, so you know that the beer cold and out of the hot sun. Decent service, but not totally happy with the non-friendliness of some of their employees.

An overall superb place to purchase rarities of both beer, wine, and spirits. The prices are not bad, but not great either. Stop in sometime; you wont regret it.
Sep 17, 2009
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Reviewed by JordanEllwanger from Michigan

4.25/5  rDev +7.3%
After years of being told to come here I finally did. I was visiting my brother who lives about fifty yards away, and decided to take the plunge.

There was a better selection of beers here then the beer/wine store by my house on the western side of the Grand Rapids area. Great selections from Stone, Rouge, Dogfish Head and a fairly decent selection of Michigan goodies. Lots of bombers! A decent mix from breweries around the states. A very good selection of Trappist, in fact I am enjoying an Orval right now thanks to them. I didn't receive any help but it did seem busy. Their prices are a little higher that my regular specialty store but for the great selection of bombers and Belgians I'll gladly pay a little extra.

Aside from that there seems to be much wine and health foods. I was kind of sad because I brought along my four year old daughter who wanted some candy, but they didn't have any:( But even better they had ice cream.
Jul 24, 2009
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Reviewed by ShareANevada from Ohio

4/5  rDev +1%
This store was recommended by the bartender at Founders, when I inquired where to find some bottles of Shorts. A quick ride down the road and I was there.

A nice brick building has your typical corner market. Seems like a focus on wine in here, but the back wall is coolers of beer. Very shortly after I started perusing, one of the staff asked if he could be of any help. I told him I was traveling, and inquired about any 'cant miss' beers he might have. I had already seen the Dragonmead and Shorts selections on the shelf.

He took a good bit of time and walked down the coolers and pointed out a number of bottles. Most of these I could get at home, but there were a couple interesting things here, and his working knowledge, having actually drank these beers, was quite helpful.

I amassed my haul on the counter as I worked, and when it came time to check out, the same gentleman already had my two cases in his hands and ready to go out the door. Now THATs service. Maybe not the end-all selection, but I got what I came for, had a great experience, and will be back to patronize. Thanks so much, kind beer sir.
Jul 08, 2009
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Reviewed by Roeters from Michigan

3.55/5  rDev -10.4%
There isn't anything that really stands out for me at Martha's with their beer selection, there wasn't anything that I could not find at another beer store in the area. With less then the normal places that I beer shop at. I was impressed with some of their other items i.e. their cured meats looked good.

Other then the hello when I walked in and normal small talk as I checked out I hand no interaction with the staff in the store.

Beer prices where very close to what you would pay at most beer stores around.

This would be a nice place to have right next door for the last second beer run, but it is a little too far from me.
Jan 14, 2009
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Reviewed by sarahspat from Illinois

4.45/5  rDev +12.4%
This is an amazing resource for beer (and wine, tobacco, gourmet food & coffee, etc.) enthusiasts in Grand Rapids. They have the second best selection of bottled beer in the city (after Siciliano's) which is still a very impressive selection; it's pretty evenly split size-wise between three basic categories: Michigan, American microbrews, and European beers.

The staff is another strong suit for Martha's. Although I have not drilled any of them on their beer knowledge, I have picked up a couple tidbits from Martha's employees, and they were especially helpful when I had no clue what I was doing. But equally as important, they are all very friendly and make me laugh almost every time I stop in.
Nov 09, 2008
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Reviewed by jjshutty from Ohio

4.7/5  rDev +18.7%
This is the greatest store on the planet when it comes to calorie laden food stuffs. As a cook/caterer/brewer/beer and wine drinker Martha's is never outdone in the quality and quantity of their foods and drinks. Everything is perfect.

The staff is always eager to assist in your shopping needs, no matter how little or how large. Even if you have no idea what you are looking for, they will help.

If you have never been upstairs I recommend you ask to see , there is over a million dollars of wine up there at any given time. I have been up ther twice now and have always left a little poorer.
Dec 12, 2007
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Reviewed by pixel from Ohio

3/5  rDev -24.2%
This a very beautiful decorated store and an excellent place to go if you are in search of a gourmet goodies, weather its for beer, wine, cheese, snacks or pastries. My mouth was watering when I walked in and had a gander at all the delicious looking goodies in the front of the store. Being from out of town we were looking for some specific beers we can’t get in Dayton, none of which we found, but we were able to pick up a few interesting Michigan beers we can’t get. I’ll have to say I was immediately turned off by the place when I walked up to the register. The clerk (or perhaps he was the owner?) was a snobby older man who literally acted like he didn’t even want us in his store. What’s up with people like that? I’ll never understand, but if I lived nearby I don’t think I’d be returning to help his snobby arse profit.
Jul 11, 2006
Photo of mcallister
Reviewed by mcallister from Ohio

3.75/5  rDev -5.3%
Stopped here while on a brewery tour of Grand Rapids on a tip that they may have some Kuhn Rapberry Eis-bock. Unfortunately I was too late. However they did have a very good selection of beers. I have access to most of them but they did have many local goodies that I was anxious to get my hands on.

Upon entrance they have some fantastic looking deli meats, cheeses, and sweets which all seem to made in house. Pretty crowded place but easily accessible.

The one thing that bothered me is the employees weren't really trying to win the friendly contest. When asking for the eis bock I just received a short answer no and the guy walked away. And then upon paying for my beers I bought the clerk was what I'd call a "prick" also.

Definitely worth checking out however. And if you're like me a must see for wine.
Jul 11, 2006
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Reviewed by SupaCelt from Michigan

3.35/5  rDev -15.4%
I went to this place once. As far as selection, it had some things that other more patronized establishments in the area did not have. I went there to get some Devil Dancer out of season when the rest of the merchants had already been depleted of their stock. Hidden treasures as it were. They seemed to have a decent selection. As I recall they did have a bunch of Rogue selections. Most of the local fare was well represented along with Great Lakes and even some stuff I hadn't seen at my usual haunt. Rather limited but acceptable import stock which I really couldn't care less about anyway. They had a bunch of wine and some big deli cases with cheese and meat and dessert items. Overall a nice place. My buddy the Bogmonster bought some GL Locktender Lager that should have been put to death long before he purchased it, so I see where the previous reviewer ( olacub ) is coming from on that topic. I agree that they are not paying too close of attention to freshness on some of their stock ( it seems like I see old GL brews at other places I visit as well though ). I will most likely go to Martha's only to search for things that have disappeared from the other places. Treasure trove type stuff. On the DL. Not bad. Not the best.
Nov 29, 2005
Photo of olacub
Reviewed by olacub from Ohio

1.9/5  rDev -52%
Here's the deal. I stopped in at Martha's Vineyard back in May for the first time. Cool atmosphere, solid selection of wine and beer, and a very nice gourmet cheese selection. I was checking out their lineup of Great Lakes (specifically the freshness dates for GL stuff - something I do everywhere as a GL geek) and they were all slightly out of date, some extremely old. The GL Anniversary Ale was outdated from 2003, and the Nosferatu was last year's batch, outdated in October '04.

So I called over the manager and told him about the GL beers. He was a good listener if nothing else and told me that they'd pull them immediately. OK.

Well, I was there again recently on my Founders trip (almost 3 months later), stopped in and....they're still there. The Anniversary Ale, Nosferatu, the entire outdated gang. Scumbags. Maybe I'm being too harsh, but Martha's Vineyard is the kind of store that doesn't do the craft beer business any damn good.
Aug 14, 2005
Photo of Silphium
Reviewed by Silphium from Michigan

3.15/5  rDev -20.5%
Martha's has a nice array of beers (well, for the area), all stored in coolers at the back of the store. A handful of beers are available as singles, including most offerings from Bells, New Holland, and Founders. Has a handful of Belgians including Gouden Carolus, several Unibroue, and Dupont Avec les bons Vouex. Other micros include Dogfish Head, Rogue (very nice selection), and other standards for the area. Not as many rare beers show up here than at a couple other local stores, but the stock tends to move more slowly here (perhaps the pricing has something to do with this), leaving a few nice finds on the shelves long after they're sold out elsewhere. The store also offers a variety of deli foods, wines, liquors, and even ice cream. Classy place, but probably a #3 or #4 option when seeking beer in Grand Rapids.
Jan 17, 2005
Martha's Vineyard in Grand Rapids, MI
Place rating: 3.96 out of 5 with 42 ratings