If you live in Beer City USA, you could throw a pint glass and hit a brewery (but don’t do that, please).
The number of establishments has grown by the year and the reach has spread far beyond the 49503, with greater West Michigan boasting options in the upper double digits.
With that many places to choose from, you might need a little help deciding where to take your next date night, friends’ meetup, or after-work drinks outing.
To narrow it down, we’re highlighting just a few of GR and beyond favorites, along with what they’re best known for.
For a vintage vibe, go to Grand Rapids Brewing Company. They’re the oldest operating brewery in the city, so you know they have real cred. Today, they offer some of the same beer recipes from their 1893 founding year, so you’ll definitely be sipping a part of history. They also incorporate modern fun, of course, with a stellar Game Room and community events.
1 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids | grbrewingcompany.com
When you want a tall one that’s as familiar as an old friend, make your way to Founders Brewing Co. They’ve been brewing West Michigan favorites since 1997 and have been integral to putting Beer City on the map. The space is expansive, yet is still seems to fill up quickly—an obvious testament to their reputation.
235 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids | foundersbrewing.com
If you crave cuisine infused with Puerto Rican and Creole fare, head over to City Built Brewing. They have an extensive drink menu with a selection of “drinkably complex” beers from light to hoppy to fruity and more. They also have hard seltzers, ciders, and wines available.
820 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids | citybuiltbrewing.com
Like your quaffs rustic and wild? Speciation Cellars not only crafts nature-inspired beers, but also ciders, seltzers, and native species wines. Their taproom is located off Wealthy Street in a 100 year old auto shop and their cozy patio space is dog friendly.
928 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids | speciationartisanales.com
For a taste of Saugatuck without the drive, pull up a stool at Creston Brewery. They feature Saugatuck Brewing beers and, among other tasty menu items, Nashville Hot Chicken so spicy you’ll need a pint at the ready to cool your palate. Also, check out their concerts, comedy and other events at Golden Age upstairs. We also recommend visiting Saugatuck’s hometown pub and Kalamazoo location!
1504 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids | saugatuckbrewing.com
If you’re a gourmet pizza lover, hit up The Mitten Brewing Co. Along with classic microbrews, you can order specialty pies, including gluten free options. Try one with Everidae Sauce—it’s a favorite! They’re also heavily involved with charitable giving in the community, so you can have a little slice of feelgood, too.
527 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids | mittenbrewing.com
Have sustainability top of mind? Brewery Vivant is the world’s first LEED certified microbrewery and they also strive to Beer The Change® in their environmental efforts. The food menu and beers have European flair with a focus on French and Belgian tastes, and their heated patio is great for happy hour when there’s a chill in the air.
925 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids | breweryvivant.com
Whether you have kids in tow or just want to have some adult playtime, go to Archival Brewing. They have a large outdoor biergarten with yard games and room to run around—for you, your littles, or even your dogs. In addition to beers, they have ciders and meads on tap.
6266 W River Dr. NE, Belmont | archivalbrewing.com
For firepits and Igbrews (that’s an igloo where you can sip a brew), Third Nature Brewing has you covered—whether the weather is warm or cold. Situated between the Rogue River and the White Pine Trail, this spot welcomes bike riders, trail hikers, and river floaters to relax after a day of adventure. They’re also dog friendly!
7733 Childsdale Ave. NE, Rockford | thirdnaturebrewing.com
For delicious food ranging from eccentric takes on American classics to bold Asian-inspired dishes, check out Rockford Brewing Co. right down the White Pine Trail from Third Nature. The Drunk Noodles are a local favorite, and their wings have been voted some of the best in West Michigan multiple times. And the beer’s great too!
12 E. Bridge St. NE, Rockford | rockfordbrewing.com
Want to celebrate Oktoberfest all year round? Take a mini road trip to Cedar Springs Brewing Co., where traditional German suds, grub, and gemütlichkeit are served up. Ordering is Bier Hall counter style and there’s plenty of dining space inside and outside. Or, for a similarly excellent experience in GR, visit Küsterer Brauhaus.
95 N Main St. NE, Cedar Springs | csbrew.com
If you like your beers old-school and your music live, go to Bell’s Brewery. They’ve been making beer since 1985 and are one of region’s trailblazers in the craft beer arena. Have a seasonal, summery Oberon or a heady Two Hearted at the Eccentric Café while enjoying a concert or show and handcrafted food.
355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo | bellsbeer.com
For those times when Lake Michigan calls, end your beach day with a cold brew and some Dr. Rolf’s BBQ at Grand Armory Brewing in downtown Grand Haven. This hotspot is a community gathering space with a diverse selection of beers and other imbibables on tap—and it’s steps away from the lakeshore!
17 S. 2nd St., Grand Haven | www.grandarmorybrewing.com
