Recommendations for Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo

Definitely hit up Hopcat, Brewery Vivant, and Sicilanos in GR, and Kalamazoo Beer Exchange in Kzoo.

 

I like Arcadia in Battle Creek. The food is really good, too in my opinion.
I really like their scotch ale. The barrel aged shipwreck porter is awesome too. (Dunno if its available, though)

 

Greenbush for lunch the day after FFF, Livery for a quick beer up towards Kalamazoo...that's a great day.
Then hit Founder's for lunch and some brews, then Vivant for dinner, and HopCat for late night munchies and just general drunken debauchery.

 

Perrin Brewing Co. in GR

 

No charge for the Crab garnish.

 

"I'm sorry sir, but your HMO doesn't cover this type of cream."

 

Obviously Founders is a must, but Brewery Vivant is also required. Great beer and a wonderful setting. Eat the duck nachos there - thank me later....

 

Besides Bell's in Kalamazoo there is Kalamazoo Beer Exchange, Central City Tap House,and Shakespeare's, Olde Peninsula Brew Pub. Paw Paw Brewing Company is not very far away and worth a stop if you have time. The three biggest bottle shops are Drake's, Tiffany's, and Mega-Bev.

I will also recommend stopping at Perrin in Grand Rapids

 

Hit up greenbush after FFF on the way up and Shoreline brewery in Michigan City. Skip the Livery- their beers are terrible now. They used to be outstanding about 3-4 years ago- and the last 2 years when we have gone on our annual mich beer trip- they have been downright awful. Greenbush and Shoreline are a must in my book along with Founders, and Hopcat. The hideout in Grand Rapids is very good too. I would skip Vivant unless you really like Belgian beers.

 

I did a similar tour back in April. Besides what has already been stated above, I would definitely recommend making a slight detour and heading over to Dark Horse. Cool place with some great beers and solid food. Arcadia and Dark Horse are only about 20 minutes away from each other, so hitting them both is pretty easy.

As a side note, we stayed at a B&B in Kalamazoo that was pretty awesome. If you're staying the night, I'd recommend http://www.hendersoncastle.com/. They have a pretty sweet hot-tub on the roof, breakfast was awesome, and it's no more expensive than most of the hotels.

 

In GR obviously Founders,Hopcat, Vivant (I love this place)..Grand Rapids Brewing co just opened not long ago..Also, the BOB is just down the street from founders..(not saying its great, but while your there)

 

Me and a good buddy just did this trip. Here is our trip:

http://www.hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/2012/10/mini-michigan-beer-tour.html and here: http://www.hoosierbeergeek.blogspot.com/2012/10/michigan-trip-continued.html

 

Hmm? Must have stopped different times than people that review, because they have 3 scores under 4/5 in the last three years...It's your opinion, I know...Just stating it's different than the last 20+ people to review it.

 

We had a very similar itinerary in Sept and Dark Horse was our #1 stop. Go and have fun. Do the tour and talk to brewers if they're around. They made our trip.

 

Plus the 6 other ba's guys with me = 7
Yes- just my opinion. To each their own - but we have taken this place off our trip and replaced with shoreline instead.

 

I see you do not have any place reviews...May I ask why? Your input here on the thread is great...but in 2 weeks, this thread will be long forgotten, and most people will rely on the reviews.