Traveling to Grand Rapids, MI. Wat local brews should I check out?

Discussion in 'Great Lakes' started by Chacofirk, Jan 9, 2013.

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  1. abaculy

    abaculy Initiate (0) Sep 14, 2005 Michigan

    Not to knock on Perrin, but I would probably save that for a different time. Every time I've been, the wait for a seat is very long unless you are lucky, so plan on standing. The food is definitely hit or miss. The beer was solid, but in my opinion, nothing standout. You would be better served going to New Holland, Hideout, or Odd Side since they have had a lot more time being open to really set themselves apart and put out good but unique products. I'm assuming Founders is already on your list... their place was definitely the inspiration for Perrin's design and concept in many ways, but they have been around for 15 years and have their own distinct products. I think that given a year or more, Perrin will be able to draw people there for their beer, even after the newness factor wears off. Their fruit beers were their only standout to me.
     
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  2. imfrommichigan

    imfrommichigan Initiate (0) Jul 12, 2012 Utah

    Add Rockford Brewing Company to this list. Really solid brews for being a few weeks old. IMO the best opening beers of the new breweries around. That Belgian Multigrain was great!
     
  3. abaculy

    abaculy Initiate (0) Sep 14, 2005 Michigan

    They rarely have less that 12-13 beers on tap, and usually have 15-17. They were expanded 4 times in 5 years due to their popularity and inability to keep up with demand. They had to expand the taproom (and NEED to again) because Founders and craft beer as a whole has seen such a rise in popularity recently that they attract more than jut the locals.. more than just the Michiganders and Midwesterners. I find it funny to note the license plates I see on any given week day or week night, let alone weekends. (Washington, Florida, Texas, Nebraska, Iowa, Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire). I HIGHLY suggest stopping by again s9me time, but checking their website and Facebook first to make sure the aren't renovating the taproom. They may be knocking down the parking lot in front to expand the taproom out further. The weird thing is, when they last expanded, the kitchen was closed for a while, so I'm not sure when you would have been able to get food but only 4 beers on tap. Oh well... Come to GR and try it again!
     
  4. abaculy

    abaculy Initiate (0) Sep 14, 2005 Michigan

    How long ago did they open? I've been anticipating this one for quite a while now! The logo is awesome!
     
  5. imfrommichigan

    imfrommichigan Initiate (0) Jul 12, 2012 Utah

    Dec. 20th was their official opening. Check it out! No IPA right now because it was amazing and sold out but their other brews are all solid.
     
  6. rolandboy

    rolandboy Initiate (0) Oct 11, 2012 Michigan

    i second this for sure. i can't leave odd side without a growler of the citra and usually a second growler of one of their other offerings to boot!
     
  7. TheBeerDad

    TheBeerDad Initiate (0) Sep 6, 2012 Michigan

    I totally agree, imo the only reason Perrin is seeing the success that it is due to the existing capital they had to market their product. Everyone north of GR that lives in Sparta, Cedar, Kent, etc. think that this mythical beast known as craft beer is a majestic animal that recently appeared out of no where because they didn't serve it at the Bow Tie bar...
     
  8. Kiwi

    Kiwi Initiate (0) Mar 15, 2004 New York

    Always a required visit to Founders and Hop Cat on my annual trip to visit the grand kids in GR in October. I went to the Hideaway-aptly named; try and find it. I was blown away though by the beers at Brewery Vivant--DON"T miss it!!
     
  9. tommyz

    tommyz Initiate (0) May 28, 2007 Michigan

    Agree with this as well..Founders is great! Also, within a couple of Blocks is the BOB...Worth a stop to say you've been there..Nothing great, but a stop in for a sampler..
     
  10. scud

    scud Zealot (536) Sep 22, 2010 Indiana
    Trader

    Hop Cat and Founders are my favorite stops while in GR also Sicilianos market
     
  11. jbck109

    jbck109 Initiate (0) May 30, 2010 Michigan

    But they dont brew it anymore, so it is now a whale!
     
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  12. jbck109

    jbck109 Initiate (0) May 30, 2010 Michigan

    There are 3 must stops in the GR area; Founders, Hopcat, and Perrin. If you Want to try some shorts beers, check out the pyramid Scheme too.
     
  13. tommyz

    tommyz Initiate (0) May 28, 2007 Michigan

    I believe Brewery Vivant is a must stop while in GR
     
  14. tommyz

    tommyz Initiate (0) May 28, 2007 Michigan

    Also, I just feel hopcat is a beer bar more so than a brewery..Yes they brew their own beer, but more known for having an awesome selection of beers on draft
     
  15. blacknyellow20

    blacknyellow20 Initiate (0) Dec 28, 2012 Ohio

    Definitely more of a beer bar, but its the best beer bar I've ever been to. The bottle selection is amazing there as well.
     
  16. jbck109

    jbck109 Initiate (0) May 30, 2010 Michigan

    Oops! ,four must stops.
     
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  17. tommyz

    tommyz Initiate (0) May 28, 2007 Michigan

    I just wanted to point that out as I was disappointed at first during my first visit believing it was a brewery only..Got over that very quickly though.. lol
     
  18. Chacofirk

    Chacofirk Initiate (0) Nov 5, 2010 Minnesota

    Thanks a ton for the advice! I'm definitely going to hit up Founders. Prob my favourite brewery after Surly! (afterall, I'm from St. Paul) HopCat sounds like a good place to tuck in for an evening! You guys are great!
     
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