Grand Rapids Help

On our last trip, we liked the Knickerbocker a lot. Mitten was a good stop, I have always liked the beer and a pizza. The BrewsI had at Greyline were outstanding. The beer at Harmony Hall was OK, the Wurst was disappointing, but I go to Germany often and have my own viewpoint on good Wurst.

 

Any opinions on Cedar Springs Brewery? ~20 miles North of GR.
https://csbrew.com/
Having just returned from Germany, where I drank plenty of German beer, the German 'connection' is intriguing to me.

 

I was there once, and need to give them a second try. The food looked good, we just had one beer and a Brezel.

 

My guess is that you will be a big fan of CS Brewing; haven't been to Germany myself, but frequently hear about how their beers are true to the style. David Ringler is the owner and spent decades researching (that would be FUN research, for the most part!) and really has this brewery dialed in. I believe it would be worth the drive for you.

 

I'm biased but love GR for all the mentioned reasons. Besides being a cool up and coming city, I love the fact that within an hour you can be in a cool beach town or in the woods fly fishing some of the best rivers in the country. The food scene here is decent but is rapidly improving. Sovengarde is a new restaurant and would stand out in New York and they often have a great tap list. Brewery wise, as mentioned, I like obviously Founders then Vivant and The Mitten. Greyline is really good beer but I just don't dig the vibe in the tap room. Cedar Springs is a bit north but I was pretty impressed the few times I've been there.

 

I'll second the recs for NH Knickerbocker and Pike 51. The latter is probably my favorite small brewery in the area.

 

This guy gets it

 

For those of you near GR that don't know @nachos, I suggest taking the time. He's a great person to have around.

When you settle in man, let me know of your take on the scene. With the little one on the way, we'll want to take trips together, and GR isn't terribly far from us now

 

Just let me know when you're back, I'll break out the beers.

Cheers!