Recommendations for bars in Grand Rapids

Hit up hopcats for sure, its only a couple blocks from founders, they have a great selection of beer and awesome food. Also you could check out the score, over 120 beers on tap also great food for a sports bar.

 

Hotels:

If you're looking to stay downtown and splurge then there isn't better accommodations than the JW Marriott. Amway Grand and Courtyard Marriott are just a step below that. Additionally, there is a Holiday Inn within walking distance of everything (just across the river but only about a 5 minute walk to downtown). I've seen Founders post on Twitter that the Holiday Inn gives a discount if you mention that you're visiting the brewery. I've never confirmed this though.

Outside of Downtown, there are some nice and cheap hotels by the airport (28th and I-196). This is about a 12-15 minute drive from downtown but it's all on the freeway.

Downtown Bars:
HopCat is the place to go for at least one but I do recommend branching out unless you're absolutely in love with the tap list. GRBC is owned by the same people and they have some great beers (Rosalynn Bliss Blonde!). It's located on the same block so walking won't be an issue. Additionally, Pyramid Scheme (don't let it's dive look turn you away) always has at least 10 Short's beers on tap and there is always rarities (BBA stuff, one-offs, etc.) and is only located a block from HopCat.

There are a few places that are just on the cusp of downtown that have great taps. Graydon's Crossing is about a 4 minute drive and has great food and excellent beer selection. Logan's Alley, which is owned by the same owners, is much of the same. I'd also recommend taking a drive into Heritage Hill/EastTown/East GR to check out Brewery Vivant, another great place to grab dinner.

Local Breweries:
If you feel adventurous, there are a few places I always recommend people visit. Perrin is one of the newer, serious breweries in town. They're located about 12-15 minutes (driving) from center city. Huge tap list with some real treasures. The Hideout, which is kind of on the way to Perrin, is another fun spot. They usually have 20-30 of their own beers on tap. It's literally a hole in the wall but very quiet and very friendly.

Good Restaurants that aren't quite craft beer establishments:
Grove in east town is absolutely fantastic. The Winchester which is in Heritage Hill has a great menu as well. Reserve, downtown, is a great establishment for wine if you're looking for a break from beer. If you're looking for something culturally different, XO Asian Cuisine, Cinco De Mayo, and Parsleys Mediterranean Grill are all downtown as well.

Beer Stores:
Definitely save some time for checking out Siciliano's. Roughly a five minute drive from downtown. It's easily the best craft beer store I've ever been to.

Grand Rapids in General:
We're a relatively safe town and you'd be hard pressed finding a craft beer establishment in a "shady" part of town.

Hop this helps!

 

Stella's Lounge, Pyramid Scheme, Hop Cat.

Founders, Vivant.

No advice on avoids.

 

I would avoid GRBC -- there are enough great places to go that, IMO, are substantially better than they are. However, they are close, proximity wise, to Hopcat, Founders.

 

I would agree with avoid GRBC but would also add to avoid the hideout & Osgood. I was not impressed by either.

I would suggest going to Perrin and if you want to trail out a bit I would either check out Gravel Bottom in Ada (15 mins from downtown) or White Flame in hudsonville (8 miles sw of founders) I may be going a bit far but IMO they have the best IPA in west michigan.

 

The OP asked for beer joints with good food. In GR, it probably doesn't get better than Vivant and GRBC (brewery wise). While GRBC doesn't quite have beers that are on par with Founders or Bells, they always have a beer on tap that will likely fit something you're looking for (hell, they even have two BBA beers right now). They have quite an extensive menu (sausages!) and even do a tremendous brunch on the weekend.

The Mitten is quite fun as well but I'd recommend driving.

 

Breweries that are always a must when im in GR is Vivant, Perrin, and obviously Founders...Hopcat is really the only "beer bar" that I hit up..

 

Logan's Alley
Big Bob's Pizza
Graydon's Crossing
Derby Station
HopCat
Pyramid Scheme
Monarch Club
The Meanwhile
The Green Well
Rezevior Lounge

 

I try to visit the Belt Line Bar when I visit GR for some really great Mexican food. Founders, HopCat and Brewery Vivant are must visits for food and beers.

 

Shhhhhhh....quiet, just follow along and keep telling people to go to Hopcat

 

Ahh, I forgot the Meanwhile. Top notch spot, good drafts, and pinball machines!

 

Has anyone mentioned harmony brewing company? Best pizza hands down in my opinion and some if the better beer. I love me some Stella's and Mitten as well. Hop cat isn't bad, but not my favorite joint.

 

hopcat