Grand Rapids Breweries

Discussion in 'Great Lakes' started by DanK4, Jan 28, 2013.

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  1. DanK4

    DanK4 Initiate (0) Jan 17, 2012 Maine

    Hey fellow BA's. I'm making a trip back home to MI to visit my family for a quick stay and would like to know of some notable breweries to visit on my way to or from Bell's and Founders. I know Dark Horse is another popular brewery, but what breweries/brew pubs/or general attractions do you all recommend to see or burn some time while sobering up between visits. Thanks
     
  2. fickenmeimirish

    fickenmeimirish Initiate (0) Feb 18, 2011 Illinois

    Brewery vivant, the livery, hopcat
     
    semibaked likes this.
  3. Michigan

    Michigan Initiate (0) Oct 24, 2012 Michigan

    Arcadia (Battle Creek), Brewery Vivant (Grand Rapids), Hopcat (Grand Rapids), Kzoo Beer Exchange (Kzoo). Are you heading to the east side? if so, Kuhnhenn (Warren), Dragonmead (Warren), Jolly Pumpkin (A2). Heading North? if so, Short's (Bellaire), Right Brain (TC), North Peak (TC), 7 Monks Taproom (TC). AND MANY MORE!!!
     
  4. drtth

    drtth Initiate (0) Nov 25, 2007 Pennsylvania
    In Memoriam

    http://beeradvocate.com/beerfly/list?&c_id=US&s_id=MI&city=Grand+Rapids&sort=name&sort=rating
     
  5. GVJoemomma

    GVJoemomma Initiate (0) Jul 20, 2010 Michigan

    If you are going to hit Bell's, than Dark Horse is a no-brainier. Being a GR guy, I would say that you definitely need to check out Brewery Vivant, as they are producing beers that are unlike any other in the area. Even if they aren't your thing, the food and atmosphere of the place are unique enough to warrant a visit. I would highly recommend checking out Perrin Brewing Co. on the far north side of town as well. In my opinion they are making some of the most flavorful yet balanced beers in the state. It's a shame that they don't have their canning line up and running yet, because they deserve to be known outside the GR area. Hopcat is also a great stop, as has already been mentioned.
     
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  6. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,291) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Walldorff in Hastings is not so far out of the way that it deserves a visit. Great beers and food.

    If you are also looking for general attractions, what time of the year are you going to be in the area?
     
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  7. founder26

    founder26 Initiate (0) Sep 9, 2009 Michigan

    I would skip arcadia, unless you like horrible customer service
     
    steebo777 likes this.
  8. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,291) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Society

    On the other side of the coin, I'm at Arcadia a lot and I've never had bad service. But I'm not saying that they have a bad day service-wise (or probably just one employee who is having a bad day) -- any restaurant can have that happen. :slight_smile:
     
  9. founder26

    founder26 Initiate (0) Sep 9, 2009 Michigan

    T
    true, except it was 3 employees and there was hardly anybody there...
     
  10. chpueblo22

    chpueblo22 Initiate (0) Oct 4, 2007 Michigan

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  11. liamt07

    liamt07 Initiate (0) Jul 26, 2009 Canada (ON)

    Mitten Brewing Co. in GR
     
  12. raymo55

    raymo55 Initiate (0) Oct 3, 2011 Michigan

    Walldorff in Hastings is a must. But if you are staying in the GR area and want to visit a brewery that no one is talking about yet and will be the next big name Michigan brewery....go to Perrin Brewing.
     
  13. Dcv

    Dcv Initiate (0) Nov 12, 2009 Michigan

    When are you visiting? how long are you staying? There are enough new breweries,breweries that have been around for years, and bars in and around Grand Rapids to keep you busy for a few days.
     
  14. chpueblo22

    chpueblo22 Initiate (0) Oct 4, 2007 Michigan

    Agreed. Try the double IPA and the strong pale.
     
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  15. DanK4

    DanK4 Initiate (0) Jan 17, 2012 Maine

    I'm visiting sometime during the week. I'm actually staying right outside A2 but I want to make a road trip to the west side of the state, probably a day trip though.
     
  16. DanK4

    DanK4 Initiate (0) Jan 17, 2012 Maine

    Solid. I looked into Vivant and I think I definitely need to stop in. I'm only making a day trip out to the west side of the state from Ann Arbor so I think while Bell's and Founders are a definite, Dark Horse and/or Vivant will need to work in there as well. What do you suggest for things to do around town? It will most likely be my girlfriend and I (god bless women who love beer) and we definitely wouldn't mind tromping around GR in between breweries to sober up for the next round.
     
  17. GRBrew

    GRBrew Initiate (0) Jan 12, 2009 Michigan

    There is an art museum right in the center of gr. Hit founders, art museum, hopcat then vivant.
     
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