When it comes to drinking in West Michigan, the tides are changing.
It’s not like a bubble has burst—we’re not seeing breweries around the region close doors en masse or anything, and in fact, many breweries remain the social hub for their local community. However, we just barely had enough spots for the New Brewery category to call it a contest, and all three finalists are taprooms for existing breweries, rather than completely new businesses.
This is a case of quality over quantity, lucky for us. The category’s winner, Broad Leaf Westside, has set itself apart with an incredible Asian fusion food menu, from bao buns to ramen, fried chicken sandwiches and much more. We also love the wide range of unique craft beers and the creative cocktail menu, using Broad Leaf’s own spirits. On top of all that is the gorgeous patio/beer garden, originally set up by Sovengard.
In second place is Brewery Nyx. They placed in the category last year for arriving on the scene with tasty gluten-free beer that you can hardly tell is gluten-free, aside from the fact it leaves you feeling lighter and less bloated than usual (at least in my humble opinion). This year, voters are celebrating their taproom, tucked away off Wealthy near downtown GR. The cozy, modern setting has the brewing equipment right out in the open, giving that authentic trailblazer vibe we love—plus a selection of brews exclusive to the taproom.
Thirdly, we have Küsterer Brauhaus, which is Cedar Springs Brewing Co.’s extension into the Grand Rapids community. This Bavarian-style beer hall is all about bringing authentic German beer culture to the area, and it’s certainly succeeded, quickly developing a devoted following thanks to excellent beer, tasty snacks and a great atmosphere.
Another sign of shifting tides is the fact Founders Brewing, for the first time ever, didn’t win best Brewery! Congrats to Brewery Vivant. Of course, our local drinking scene has much more than just beer. Yet again, local distilleries received a whole lot of love, and West Michigan cider is some of the best in the country. The sober scene is growing too—maybe next year we’ll get to add a Mocktails category, if local spots want to start building their case.
*Each category lists the winner with two finalists listed alphabetically below.
BAR/PUB/TAVERN
Blue Dog Tavern
bluedogtaverngr.com
SpeakEZ Lounge
The Unicorn Tavern
BEER BAR
HopCat
hopcat.com
7 Monks Taproom
Logan’s Alley
BLOODY MARY BAR
Rockwell Republic
rockwellrepublic.com
Blue Water
The Winchester
BOURBON
Long Road Distillers
longroaddistillers.com
Bier Distillery
Eastern Kille Distillery
BREWERY
Brewery Vivant
breweryvivant.com
Founders Brewing Co.
Rockford Brewing Co.
CIDER
Farmhaus Cider Co.
farmhauscider.com
Peoples Cider
Pux Cider
CRAFT COCKTAILS
Long Road Distillers
longroaddistillers.com
Buffalo Traders Lounge
Eastern Kille Distillery
CRAFT LAGER
Founders Brewing Co. - Solid Gold
foundersbrewing.com
3 Gatos Brewery - German Rex Doppelback
Rockford Brewing Co. - Malph’s Premium Beer
DISTILLERY
Long Road Distillers
longroaddistillers.com
Bier Distillery
Eastern Kille Distillery
GERMAN BEER
Cedar Springs Brewing Co. - Küsterer Original Weißbier
csbrew.com
Third Nature Brewing Co. - El Hefe
3 Gatos Brewery - Minskin Kölsch
GIN
Long Road Distillers - MICHIGIN
longroaddistillers.com
Eastern Kille Distillery - Barrel Finished Gin
New Holland Brewing Co. - Knickerbocker Gin
HAPPY HOUR
Butcher’s Union
butchersuniongr.com
HopCat
Rockwell Republic
IPA
Founders Brewing Co. - Centennial IPA
foundersbrewing.com
Rockford Brewing Co. - Hoplust IPA
3 Gatos Brewery - Maine Coon Hazy IPA
MARGARITA
Donkey Taqueria
donkeygr.com
Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano
Luna
NEW BREWERY
Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits - Westside
broadleafbeer.com
Brewery Nyx
Küsterer Brauhaus
SOUR BEER
Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery
jollypumpkin.com
Brewery Vivant
Speciation Artisan Ales
SPORTS BAR
The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar
thescoregr.com
Peppino’s Pizzeria Sports Grille
Uccellos Ristorante
STOUT
Founders Brewing Co. - KBS
foundersbrewing.com
3 Gatos Brewery - Bengal Oatmeal Stout
Rockford Brewing Co. - Sheehan’s Stout
VODKA
Long Road Distillers - Original Vodka
longroaddistillers.com
New Holland Brewing Co. - Lake Life Vodka
Eastern Kille Distillery - Utility Vodka
WINERY
Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
robinettes.com
Hudsonville Winery
St. Julian Winery