OPENED
At long last, Michigan Moonshine Distillery opened its doors last month at 4005 Chicago Drive SW in Grandville, with the goal to elevate moonshine by highlighting it in unique craft cocktails. Common whiskey it is not! Shine fans get to enjoy the signature beverage in a new tasting room dotted with plenty of warm wood touches. Michigan Moonshine is open from 3-9 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday, and 3-10 p.m. on Saturday.
When you have the munchies and your cravings are for sustenance that’s both delicious and affordable, Sloth’s Revenge at 1539 Plainfield Ave. NE in Grand Rapids has you covered. This new to-go spot popped up in the former Main Street BBQ Express location last month with a killer menu featuring snacks, burgers, sandwiches, wings and a generous selection of tacos. On a recent visit, we tried the Mary Jane, Rastafarian and Jamaican Lion, and they didn’t disappoint. (The dank Za’Atar Fries also looked amazeballs.) Need another reason to visit? Two words: Walking tacos. You even get your choice of Doritos or Fritos bag.
The interwebs have buzzed in a hazy meat coma of delight after Dr. Rolf’s BBQ opened at 447 W. Western Ave. in Muskegon. The menu features the smoked trinity of pork, beef and chicken, along with down-home Southern sides like collard greens, butter beans, fried apples and cornbread waffles. We’re also intrigued by the Dirty Tots, which feature pulled pork, poblano peppers, cilantro and white cheddar queso.
Before you head out on the friendly skies via Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport, stop in for a munch at the new Traveler’s Cafe and Pub, which opened in the former location of Theo and Stacy’s. Now under new owners, Traveler’s offers traditional American fare, as well as a full bar.
It’s time to turn off your phones, pull up a chair and play a board game with friends. That’s the concept behind Blue Bridge Games at 954 E. Fulton St. in Grand Rapids. For a $5 day pass, you have your choice of more than 100 games in the game store’s library. Feel free to play your favorites, or ask the staff for a recommendation and broaden your horizons.
A new DIY studio franchise, Hammer & Stain West Michigan, is now open for your girls night out, bachelorette party, date night or corporate outing. Located at 3901 Chicago Drive SW, Suite 109, in Grandville, Hammer & Stain offers workshops and guided programs so you can personalize your own wood and paint projects. If store-bought “Live, Laugh, Love” signs fail to meet your expectations, here’s your chance to roll up your sleeves, grab a brush, and live your credo in real time.
CHANGES
Gonzo’s BiggDogg Brewing Co. at 140 S. Westnedge Ave. in Kalamazoo will soon have new owners in Saugatuck Brewing Co. Pending various regulatory approvals, Gonzo’s will be renamed Saugatuck Brewing Company — Kalamazoo, but will maintain several of the former product brands. The new owners also plan to expand the brewery’s hours and produce Saugatuck Brewing brands on site in Kalamazoo.
CLOSED
Hideout Brewing Co., an offbeat and off-the-beaten-path brewery in Grand Rapids, has closed after a run of about 14 years. Tucked away in a former Hubba Tubba (that chlorine smell!) at 3113 Plaza Dr. NE in Grand Rapids, The Hideout was always weird and yet always inviting, no matter who you were. They even let Revue Publisher Brian Edwards drink there; he will forever miss that lovely Hazelnut Stout.
— Compiled by Joe Boomgaard
RESTAURANT REPORT
RECENTLY ARRIVED
HopCat Knapp’s Corner
2183 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
Schaendorf Brewing Co.
412 Water St., Allegan
Waverly Stone Gastropub
20 W. 8th St., Holland
Marcona on Lyon
623 Lyon St. NE, Grand Rapids
Char
6 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
Danzon Cubano
1 Carlton Ave., Grand Rapids
Zivio
724 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
Rise Authentic Baking Co.
1220 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
Guardian Brewing Co.
3657 63rd St., Saugatuck
The Pub at Paddock
1033 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids
Mudpenny
570 Grandville Ave., Grand Rapids
Mannie’s Pizza
10 Jefferson Ave., Grand Rapids
The Commons
547 Cherry St., Grand Rapids
Burger Bros
806 Riverview Dr., Kalamazoo
ROAM by San Chez
250 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Juju Bird
435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
Rad Dads’ Tacos and Tequila Bar
470 W. Western Ave., Muskegon
Linear
1001 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Citizen
2115 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
Tillman’s
1245 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Tom + Chee
3060 44th St. SW, Grandville
Georgina’s Fusion Cuisine
724 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
Gouleese
1635 Beidler St., Muskegon
Mazzo Cucina D’Italia
122 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids
Marie Catrib’s
1001 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids
Balinski’s
4255 Alpine, Comstock Park
— Compiled by Josh Veal
