Since at least 2012, breweries have been deeply intertwined with West Michigan’s culture.
That was the year Grand Rapids was voted by readers as Beer City, USA, and it only spurred dozens more craft breweries to open across the region. While some spots sadly didn’t survive the last few years, many breweries remain bastions of community in their neighborhoods—especially as they’ve expanded offerings well beyond the taps.
In 2025, people go to breweries not just for the beer (and sometimes not at all for the beer), but for the food, the games, the patios, the events, the music, and even the family-friendly atmospheres. And the same goes for cideries, making use of Michigan’s natural beauty and many apple orchards to provide a similar yet different experience.
Of course, some of us still love craft beer and cherish a beautifully bitter IPA or a funky, complex sour, and there are plenty of passionate brewers serving up quality liquid across West Michigan. Everybody wins!
Whatever you’re looking for, there are so many breweries to choose from, there’s no way we could tell you about them all here. And let’s be honest: You don’t need us to put the heavy hitters like Founders and Bell’s on your list. If you haven’t been, of course you should go!
Instead, here are some of our favorites, whether it’s because they have stellar food, the perfect atmosphere for gathering, or exceptional beer.
GRAND RAPIDS AREA
Harmony Brewing Co.
1551 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids / harmonybeer.com
From the day Harmony opened 13 years ago, they cemented themselves as a staple of Eastown with not just great beer, but unforgettable pizza. The list of reasons to visit has grown alongside the taproom, which now has a lovely patio, perfect for a pint and pie in the autumn air. They also host euchre, trivia and vinyl nights throughout the week, every week. Whether you drink beer or not, Harmony has something for you—but it doesn’t hurt that the brews are quality too.
Speciation Artisan Ales
928 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids / speciationartisanales.com
Speciation is a brewery that’s never content to just pour beer. Their calendar is stacked with creative events—bird trivia, craft classes, nature nights—all centered around their adventurous lineup of wild ales and natural wines. The patio is the cherry on top, perfect for sipping something funky and fresh.
TwoGuys Brewing
2356 Porter St. SW, Wyoming / twoguys-brewing.com
TwoGuys has developed a reputation specifically for incredible meals, the kind of food that lingers in your mind long after. Just look at any one of their social media posts about dinner specials and you’ll find fans salivating, hoping they can get a plate before they sell out. For example: Slow-braised pot roast, roasted swordfish sausage pasta, Grandma Joanne’s iconic soup, salad fresh from their own garden. And yes, it all pairs perfectly with a glass of beer.
Brewery 4 Two 4
321 Douglas Ave., Holland / brewery424.com
Across the Macatawa River from most of Holland’s other taprooms, Brewery 4 Two 4 is pumping out truly amazing beer in a cozy little taproom with an open brewing setup. The taps at this strip mall treasure host a wide variety of brews like the Juice Weasel, their flagship hazy IPA, and the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, made with a “ridiculous amount” of real fruit.
Broad Leaf Local Beer
2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, Kentwood / 443 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids
broadleafbeer.com
Broad Leaf is like a playground for adults, with pickleball courts and fowling at the Kentwood location, and one of the best patios in town at the “underground” Westside location. Not to mention unique cocktails with house spirits, fabulously creative food in Kentwood, and Taqueria Chilango on the Westside, an authentic Mexican kitchen that just won Best Food Truck in Best of the West.
Arvon Brewing Co.
1006 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids / arvonbrewingco.com
Arvon keeps the focus on the beer, and they’ve more than earned it. They brew “for enthusiasts,” which is clear from the moment you get your first sip of their outstanding IPAs and kettle sours. If you’re the kind of person who knows exactly what kind of hops you like in your beer, this is the place for you. But if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t know the difference between a festbier and a marzen? Arvon is also for you—don’t worry, it’s all delicious.
Greyline Brewing Co.
1727 Alpine Ave NW, Grand Rapids / greylinebrewing.com
Greyline keeps things simple, and that’s its strength. Solid beer, affordable and tasty food, firepit seating outdoors (sometimes with live music), and a no-fuss atmosphere that makes you want to linger. It’s comfort in brewery form.
City Built Brewing Co.
820 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids / citybuiltbrewing.com
City Built doubles as a gathering place, thanks to its welcoming vibe and Puerto Rican-inspired menu. Fried plantains, tacos, and yuca fries pair perfectly with a tap list ranging from crisp lagers to fruited sours. Zero-proof options and kid-friendly dishes round it out, with the Grand River as your backdrop.
Küsterer Brauhaus
642 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids / grbrauhaus.com
Step inside Küsterer Brauhaus (from the minds behind Cedar Springs Brewing) and you’re in Bavaria—at least it feels that way. Authentic German beers, schnitzel, pretzels, and seasonal events like Oktoberfest make this beer hall a slice of Munich in Grand Rapids.
Mitten Brewing Co.
527 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids / 329 Water St., Saugatuck
112 W. Nagonaba St., Northport / mittenbrewing.com
Pizza and beer are a popular pairing here, and The Mitten does both superbly—there’s a reason they have three locations. Beers like the Country Strong IPA and Peanuts & Crackerjack porter have been a hit, while locals have flocked here for pizza flights, which let you try a sampling of specialty pies like the Westerdog, essentially a chili dog in pizza form.
New Union Brewery
400 W. Main St., Lowell / newunionbrewery.com
Craft beer might feel like a modern craze, but Grand Rapids has been at it since the 1860s—New Union even nods to its predecessor, Union Brewing, which poured just three options back then. Thankfully, the choices now are far wider, with a lineup that spans goses, coffee blondes, IPAs and much more, including housemade root beer and birch.
Railtown Brewing
3595 68th St. SE, Dutton / railtownbrewing.com
Located just 15 minutes southeast of downtown Grand Rapids, Railtown is well worth stopping by for its large space with two floors, an outdoor patio, and an in-house kitchen serving up all kinds of grub. The rotating tap list features quality selections from top to bottom, but be sure to check out mainstays Citra Warrior IPA and Bike Ride Blonde.
Trail Point Brewing Company
6035 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale / trailpointbrewing.com
Allendale’s first brewery, Trail Point is the perfect place for a pit stop to or from Lake Michigan. They offer a huge selection of brews in a spacious taproom with a lovely patio, well-hidden from the main road. With nearly 20 brews spanning the style gamut alongside seltzers, cider and cocktails, you’ll find a drink for you.
LAKESHORE
Transient Artisan Ales
4229 Lake St., Bridgman / transientartisanales.com
Out in Bridgman, Transient’s brews are truly transcendent, specializing in beers that take time. Over the years, the brewery has developed an impressive lineup of farmhouse ales, sours, IPAs and barrel-aged brews, served up in a small, intimate taproom that’s all about the beer. Stop by on your way to Chicago, or find their cans at your local specialty shop.
Starving Artist Brewing Co.
634 S. Stiles Rd., Ludington / starvingartist.beer
The very definition of a hidden gem, you’re not likely to find Starving Artist’s backyard barn on accident. And yet, owner Andy Thomas’ fierce passion for introducing people to great beer has made this easily one of the most beloved breweries in the state. Creativity, balance and boldness, they have it all. The next time you’re in the Ludington area, make a trip and fall in love for yourself.
Odd Side Ales
41 Washington Ave, Grand Haven / oddsideales.com
Odd Side thrives on experimentation. From peanut butter stouts to easy-drinking IPAs, their lineup is always playful. Pair that with a game of darts in their laid-back taproom, and you’ve got a timeless mix of fun and flavor.
Grand Armory Brewing Company
16 S. 2nd St., Grand Haven / grandarmorybrewing.com
This Grand Haven brewery has paired up with Gnarly Varley’s to offer pub food alongside their beer, which is solid, true-to-style and pays homage to the lake town’s history. Try the Wheezin’ The Juice IPA, which lives up to its name, or the Nutter Your Business Stout, a chocolaty, peanut butter milk stout.
Watermark Brewing Co.
5781 St Joseph Ave, Stevensville / watermarkbrewing.com
Laid-back and breezy, Watermark is built for good times. Their spacious patio, complete with firepits and a four-season room, is a local favorite. The beer matches the vibe: creative, approachable, and full of personality.
Our Brewing Co.
76 E. 8th St, Holland / ourbrewingcompany.com
Tucked right into the heart of downtown Holland, Our Brewing Company specializes in small-batch beers that change up often, so there’s always something new to sip, from playful sours to a minty stout, cider and spirits. And make sure to enjoy the velvet painting gallery while you sip.
Arclight Brewing Co.
544 N. Main St., Watervliet / arclightbrewing.com
Watervliet’s Arclight proves small-town breweries can pack a punch. Along with well-crafted classics, they shine with standout sours that rival anything from Michigan’s bigger beer cities.
Unruly Brewing Company
360 West Western Ave., Muskegon / unrulybrewing.com
The people who created Unruly Brewing don’t just love beer — they love beer, music and art. Unruly Brewing Company combines all three to create a lively atmosphere all bundled up in a restored 1890s building that’s also serving pizza, burgers and coffee.
Pigeon Hill Brewing Co.
500 W Western Ave, Muskegon / pigeonhillbrew.com
Games, events, and great beer define Pigeon Hill. From board games and darts to duckpin bowling and live music, it’s equal parts brewery and “big kids’ wonderland.” The ever-changing beer lineup, ranging from stouts to lagers to a Salted Caramel Porter, seals the deal.
KALAMAZOO
One Well Brewing
4213 Portage St., Kalamazoo / onewellbrewing.com
When you’re in Kalamazoo, One Well is the perfect one-stop food and beer stop for families, friends and everything in-between, thanks to the incredible amount of games and fun things to do within. Grab a board game off the wall, or play some darts, or foosball, or pool, or pinball, or arcade games, or even duckpin bowling!
Wax Wings Brewing Co.
3480 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo / waxwingsbrewingco.square.site
Wax Wings is small but mighty, with a cozy, cabin-like space and big craft beer cred. Their Untappd ratings put them at the top in Michigan, while quirky events like speed dating, darts leagues, and game nights keep things interesting.
Brewery Outré
567 E. Ransom St., Kalamazoo / breweryoutre.com
One of the younger breweries around, opening in 2022, Brewery Outré is defying convention with unique yet highly drinkable beers. Outré, pronounced “ooh-tray,” comes from the French word for outrageous, but with positive connotations. With roots in saisons and beer-wine hybrids, the brews here tend to go against the norm while still being highly approachable.
Territorial Brewing Company
256 N. Helmer Rd., Springfield / territorialbrewing.com
Territorial is one of the few Michigan breweries laser-focused on German traditions. Expect schnitzel and lagers brewed with house-milled malt that makes a real difference. Authentic, hearty, and bold.
CIDERIES
Farmhaus Cider Co.
5025 Stanton St., Hudsonville / farmhauscider.com
Farmhaus blew up fast, opening in 2015 with a Cidergarten and beginning to distribute statewide in just two years. The couple-owned cidery enjoys both simplicity and seasonal flavors, with styles like the Midwest Nice, which is fresh, bright and semi-sweet, and Sweater Weather, with cozy, warming chai spices. The taproom out in the woods is beautiful and has a food truck at hand most days.
Painted Turtle Hard Cider
3550 Alden Nash Ave. NE, Lowell / paintedturtlehardcider.com
Painted Turtle arrived in 2016 and is clearly here to stay. The Traditional, Blueberry Bliss and Humdinger Hopper ciders have made a splash, being packed full of flavor without going overboard—and their cider bar at an apple farm in Lowell is the perfect place to enjoy it.
Pux Cider
311 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids / puxcider.com
The family at Pux has a real passion for apples, going back six generations at the Schaefer Orchard. It’s here that they crank out a wide variety of excellent ciders, including barrel-aged, hopped, blueberry rhubarb and single apple varietals, all served in a space with games, trivia and music sessions.
The Peoples Cider Co.
539 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids / thepeoplescider.com
The smallest bar in Michigan, Peoples Cider has established itself as a destination for top-tier cider that’s nuanced, complex and full of flavor, served in a totally unpretentious tasting room. Whether you’re a first-timer or a cider fanatic, you shouldn’t pass up Peoples.
Virtue Cider Co.
2170 62nd St., Fennville / virtuecider.com
Virtue’s ciders are legit and true to the dry European style. Their location’s sheep, chicken and Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs—common to Old World cideries—add to the traditional vibe at the farm and cider mill. Stop in for a tasting and walk the trails of this expansive cider mill that’s the passion project of Goose Island’s Gregory Hall.
Vander Mill Cider
505 Ball Ave. NE, Grand Rapids / vandermill.com
Vander Mill is a cider powerhouse, both in terms of quantity and quality. The taproom reflects that, with an indoor deck overlooking the massive production facility churning out cider across the flavor spectrum, as well as all kinds of sandwiches and snacks.
