Best shop in Grand Rapids

I do not stop at many shops in GR but if I do Siciliano's is usually the stop. Peter's in Grandville is a convenient stop for me, they have a decent selection and is usually worth my while.

 

I think Siciliano's will win out on having the greatest selection but that's probably subject to some debate. I've been to Peter's Imports and I agree with kzoobrew that it's a good one. I've also been to GB Russo's on the east side and felt they had a good selection too.

 

Although on the opposite side of town, International Beverage on E Paris is my go to.

 

Here is what all BAs thinks about places/stores in GR:

Search - Michigan (United States) - BeerAdvocate

Other than the above mentioned. This would seem to be the next logical consensus stop:

G.B. Russo & Son - Grand Rapids, MI - Reviews - BeerAdvocate

 

Siciliano's has been trading on its historic reputation a bit too long I think. Preferable to it would include International Beverage (East Paris location), Pauly's, and to a lesser extent GB Russo. And B&B and D Schuler's are probably equal to it in terms of quality.

 

Kingma's market on Plainfield is pretty decent too.

 

Siciliano's
GB Russo
Martha's Vineyard

 

GBRusso, because the people there are awesome. I try to buy from those I like.

 

Copper Vine in Grandville is solid as well as the rest of the shops mentioned above.

 

I was there on a trip last year about this time. The owner was very friendly and had lots of suggestions. It also helps that the store allows you to buy individual bottles.

 

Find a place you like, try to shop there as much as possible and talk with the beer guy. This will help you score at least a bottle or two of specialties.

 

When I get sick of Siciliano's and Martha's, I occasionally venture out to Pauly's and haven't been disappointed. Kingma's also has a decent selection, but I think stuff sits on the shelf a little longer. (But they are close to me and close is good.) I've found the best thing to do is just follow each store on facebook/sign up for their e-mail lists. I've scored a few good bottles by just getting lucky because I saw a post, and immediately took off in my car to said store. There is a party store by the zoo that gets good stuff, but they tend to price rare stuff way higher than anyone else. I only go there if it is something I REALLY want and can't find anywhere else. You can also try Smitty's and Art of the Table in Eastown. The Crushed Grape near Knapp Corner Meijer has mostly wine, but I've found good stuff there on occasion after my usual stores were out.