People coming together to socialize over beverages—it’s a tale as old as time.
While society is inching away from the necessity of alcohol as the lynchpin of every gathering, the fact remains that we love to come together and hang out while enjoying drinks. Bars are called watering holes for a reason. If we didn’t have this draw, mocktails wouldn’t be such a thing. The people yearn for tasty liquids.
Okay, maybe we could have phrased that better, but the point is, bars aren’t going anywhere. There might be fewer people willing to camp out for hours to get a taste of KBS, but local breweries have remained steadfast as community strongholds. Spots like City Built Brewing and Arvon aren’t just pouring great pints, they’re serving quality food and actively creating an exciting space for people to gather.
And besides, some of us are still passionate about craft beer, even if their allotted space on the shelves keeps shrinking. You can pry Beer City, USA from our cold, malty hands.
Of course, beer isn’t all West Michigan does well. We have world-class distilleries here, served up at lounges staffed by enthusiastic people putting together innovative cocktail programs. We have incredible cider that truly lets the apples from local orchards shine. We have our own wine, made from hundreds of vineyards all along the shores of Lake Michigan. We even have one of the best sports bars in the country in the form of SpeakEZ Lounge.
Whatever you’re drinking, even if it’s just good ol’ H2O, remember that if you’re feeling isolated and seeking connection, every place on this list is a great place to start.
STAFF PICKS
Craft Cocktails: Butcher’s Union
The vibes may be 70s inspired by the drinks here are decidedly modern. With a frequently changing menu, I can’t point you to just one cocktail, but I don’t need to—they’re all great, always. I like to sit at the bar and frequently end up chatting with fellow patrons and bartenders while nursing the most bitter drink on the menu, but there’s also plush seating all around and a lovely little patio. — Josh Veal
