What do you recommend in Grand Rapids?

If you've only got 3 hours then your list may have already maxed you out. If you add anything else then you'll need places that are close to those on your list. The only ones that I can think of are Grand Rapids Brewing (a block from HopCat), The BOB (a few blocks from HopCat), and Harmony (a few blocks from Brewery Vivant). I've never been to The BOB so I can't comment on it, but GR Brewing has good food and beer, and Harmony has better food than their beer (although I was there a couple years ago, so that may be old info now). Stella's makes a great cheeseburger, but their tap list isn't all that great.

 

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What he said. Your list will be hard to do with just 3 hours without adding anything else. Good luck!

 

Perrin is a must when visiting GR

 

Vivant alone might take up two of your hours for dinner. But it'll have been worth it (more for the food than the beer, but the beer is good too).

 

Well, given that you now have more time I'll agree with raymo that Perrin MUST be added. It's about a half hour or so north from the downtown area and off the beaten path, but well worth the visit.

 

The guys have hit the main sites. Wouldnt argue with any or add any of the others.

Where are you coming in from? Some good breweries on the way in maybe.

 

I visited Grand Rapids a couple weeks ago and Siciliano's Market basically incinerated my wallet. Great place, great staff, and you can buy singles.

 

If you're going to be around that long, I would add the 45min trip out to Odd Side Ales in Grand Haven. Especially if you are a Short's fan boy since they are quite similar. Like the others have said though, Parrin is a must! IMO, probably the 4th best in the area. TO ME, it goes:

• Founders
• Bell's
• Odd Side
• Parrin

 

You must not like Perrin* that much...

 

I always tell people to hit white flame in hudsonville if they want a smaller place but good beer. Super G ipa is soooooo good.

 

Duck Nachos. Vivant.

Pyramid Scheme is a good bar. A ton of shorts on tap. So good. It's right down the street from HopCat.

 

Bring me a growler of dripa

 

You should take a dive to the south and come across on 94 so you can hit dark horse and/or bells. both great places , if you have not been. GR is pretty much covered by the places mentioned. However, if you are looking for a great hangover breakfast, Wolfgangs, or the westsider cafe are hard to beat! Also, if Perrin still has the Imperial Malted Milkball Porter, you MUST go, it is expensive, but delicious!

 

jbck is wise...

and Mothergoose at the beginning of the thread really hit the high notes.

for some reason Lansing and the northern route have little to offer.

 

THIS! Pyramid Scheme is a must. Plenty of great Shorts offerings, PLUS quarter pinball. Truly a place you should visit.

 

a good place for food (breakfast as they close by lunch time) also is the local chain New Beginnings. Good greasy breakfasts for cheap. There is quite a few within probably 10 minutes of downtown. I go to the one on Michigan just outside of Downtown.

 

The beat GR brewery Ive found is the Hideout.

I recommend it highly, especially if you cant find a seat at Founders or parking near Hopcat.