As people look for a chance to gather around beverages while expanding their palate beyond beer, cocktail lounges have become hot spots for a night out.
Whether it’s a first date, a birthday celebration or just an excuse to get out of the house, these lounges offer a chance to sip on something tasty but classy in a relaxed setting. Lucky for us, not only are the vibes good, but the drinks themselves are being crafted by deeply passionate bartenders.
Thanks to their enthusiasm, we have top-notch cocktail lounges across the region that rival any big city (and typically with a cheaper bill). In fact, the options here are so good, we tried to narrow it down to 10 “best” spots and failed. In our opinion, every lounge on this list deserves high praise.
So instead, here’s our list of the 12 best cocktail lounges in West Michigan, offering a wide range of experiences.
Less Traveled
959 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids
longroaddistillers.com
Long Road Distiller’s location on Leonard is so beloved, they decided to spread the love to Cherry with Less Traveled. This chill cocktail bar is nice and moody on the inside, with a lovely patio out front. You always get a free little amuse-bouche to kick things off, and then can select from a menu of seasonal cocktails. Or, if you’re open to taking the road less traveled, you can roll an 8-sided die and get a mystery cocktail off a secret menu!
Eastern Kille Wealthy
634 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
easternkille.com
Eastern Kille built its reputation on craft spirits, and their Wealthy Street cocktail lounge is where those spirits really shine. You get inventive seasonal menus from a passionate team, highlighting precision and playfulness, all served in a sleek, modern space that’s always lively late into the night. Whether you’re into wildly adventurous drinks or just want a classic, there’s something for you.
Buffalo Traders Lounge
950 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
buffalotraderslounge.com
With its gorgeous blue and gold art deco vibes, Buffalo Traders is equal parts rustic and refined. You feel a little cooler just by walking in. They always have an enthusiastic team behind the bar, crafting a menu of inventive cocktails “for the people” that span from elegant and refreshing to bold, boozy and smoky.
The Nightwatch Lounge
201 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
nightwatchlounge.com
Even if you don’t know where Nightwatch is, chances are, you’ve walked right past it. This lounge is tucked away right downtown, behind a nondescript door in The Plaza Apartments. Look for the light shining a logo on the ground! It’s a classy yet welcoming place, full of lovely impressionist and naturalist art, so put on a smart outfit to match the vibes and prepare for boundary-pushing cocktails and mocktails.
SIDEBAR
80 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
sidebar-gr.com
A tiny bar with a big reputation, SIDEBAR is all about craft and intimacy. The menu may be short and the seating may be limited, but every drink is executed with exacting attention to detail at this speakeasy tucked away underground by Big O’s. Plus, they’ve recently renovated to refresh the mood and add a bit more seating!
Mo’s Cocktail Lounge
1033 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids
mangiamogr.com
Hidden away in the basement of Mangiamo is one of the coolest spots around, brought to life by Morgan Gilmore. The vibes are retro, with neon signs, moody black and red décor, exposed brick walls, vintage art, playing card menus and more. Come here for approachable, fun, photogenic drinks in a transportive space.
Stamped Robin
128 Portage St., Kalamazoo
stampedrobin.com
Stamped Robin knows their liquids, especially when it comes to amaro, vermouth, and spirits from around the world. It’s a casual, friendly space that takes its drinks seriously, whether it’s a spirit-forward cocktail, a carefully considered espresso martini, or a fun little “amaro bump.” If you like bitter drinks but aren’t a bitter person, it’s the place for you.
Drip Drop Cocktail Room
445 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids
dripdropcocktailroom.com
Playful and eclectic, Drip Drop embraces creativity in both flavor and presentation. It’s the kind of bar where “each drink is an event,” from the elote-inspired Children of the Corn to the wonderfully autumnal China Town (made with chai-infused vermouth). Get away from the hectic nightlife of Bridge Street and chill out in this calming space.
Principle Food & Drink
230 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo
principlekzoo.com
While Principle is also a restaurant, their cocktail game is so strong, it has to be highlighted. Plus, there’s a deeply cool lounge area downstairs that feels like stepping back in time. Head here for complex, layered drinks that have their roots in the long history of cocktails, going back to prohibition era, but updated for the modern era.
Lumber Baron Bar
187 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
amwaygrand.com
Easy to miss if you never find yourself inside the Amway Grand Plaza, this isn’t just a “hotel bar.” Lumbar Baron feels historic in the best way, making use of leather club chairs, ornate woodwork, a fireplace, and elegant cocktails that feel just as timeless as the setting.
Obstacle No. 1
92 W. 8th St., Holland
obstacleholland.com
Widely regarded as one of the best cocktail bars in West Michigan, Obstacle No. 1 thrives on creativity and precision. Each season, the bartenders craft new drinks that often weave in house-made ingredients and unexpected pairings, across a large menu of classics and innovative inventions.
