Things to Do in Grand Rapids, MI?

If you don't get much response, check out the places directory. Grand Rapids is pretty well represented there.

 

Bells is in Kalamazoo, so not exactly local to GR, but not a terribly far commute. HopCat seems to be the other big venue in GR. If you have a few days, there are so many excellent locations you will not be disappointed. I'm not local but when I'm up there have really enjoyed both Founders, Bells, and New Holland up the road in Holland, MI.

 

New Holland is a must.

If you can, get to Benton Harbor and go to The Livery. They had a sour perry which is amazing - hopefully they will still have it.

 

Perrin, Brewery Vivant and Harmony.

 

I'm going to GR in a couple of weeks and staying downtown for one night ... I plan to hit the following which are all walking distance -> Founder's, Vivant, HopCat and Pyramid Scheme (supposedly a ton of Shorts on tap).

 

I will give some time to places that are not the usual suspects.

Mitten brewing has very good beer and good Pizza.
Harmony brewing has good beer and very good Pizza.

Elk Brewing is new, haven't been.

If the weather is nice enough, Meijer Gardens is fun, as it is an outdoor art gallery of modern-ish stuff.

You will go by Greenbush at exit 12 (sawyer) on I-96, and just up I-96 in Bridgman is Tapasty. I have enjoyed the Tapastry beers I have had at festivals, plus they just won a GABF medal.

 

unless you want mediocre at best beer do not go to new holland, there is much better stuff around. Stick to perrin, founders, odd sides and vivant. If you want a small local place go to white flame or the mitten.

 

I vote for Harmony not because beer is greatest ever, but nice overall little place making their own pizza and beer...and Vivant is right around the corner. That's a score!

 

Donkey Mexican restaurant is nice, great tacos homemade salsas and some tasty ass twist on margaritas. Anna's house is a must stop for breakfast and is pretty close to Perrin. Be prepared to wait(sign yourself in on the pad of paper when u get in) food is BOMB!

 

I disagree. There are usually some decent beers on tap, and I love their tap room

 

Perrin, Brewery Vivant and HopCat. "Do It!"

 

If you make it to Bell's (good idea), try Arcadia Ales also. They have a brewpub right down the street and they have some nice English Ales.

 

When will you be visiting?

 

Arcadia has great beer but their food is second to none when you are strictly talking about breweries. Their bbq is outstanding and they have it all - brisket, pulled pork, spareribs, chicken, abts (best abts ever!) and they usually smoke up a few other treats as well. And their food is very reasonably priced. Bell's is currently working on expanding their kitchen and dining room and I believe imho that it is in direct response to Arcadia raising the bar for lunch and dinner options. Definitely time your visit to Arcadia around dinner time. You won't regret it.

And I second what the previous poster asks. When are you visiting? The last day of ArtPrize is October 12. ArtPrize is an absolute blast to walk around downtown GR checking out phenomenal pieces of art while stopping by different stops to have a beer.

 

To each their own, If you go to bells, yes..Stop at Arcadia...Good food, cool place...Just very mediocre beer imo....While in Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange is pretty darn cool...walking distance from Bells....

GR is pretty simple.. Founders, Vivant (get the duck nachos), and Perrin are musts imo....Its withing walking distance from founders, the BOB Brewery, if they have anything peanut butter is a must..they do amazing peanut butter beers...Hopcat (beer bar) should have some awesome stuff on..And LOADED crack fries are awesome

 

Seconded HopCat, Vivant, Harmony.

Other good stops IMO:
Graydon's Crossing. Good food, pretty good tap list.

Logan's Alley is a great hole in the wall bar with a good tap list and huge bottle selection to chose from. Truly one of my favorite haunts in GR. If you do one thing, make sure you get the loaded tots.

Brick Road Pizza, go for the food not the tap list. They do brunch too and from what I've heard it's good.

Angel's Thai or Erb Thai also get votes if you are into that genre of cuisine.

 

For a good brewery, Bell's has the stupidest set up to get beer. You'd think they could triple the length of their bar and get some staff back there. Waiting in line for a long time while people cut, get pissy, etc. just to get a beer ruins the experience a bit. One very easy suggestion, have a separate line for food.