For the last decade, Grand Rapids, Michigan has been home to some of the best craft breweries and microbreweries in the nation. They’ve consistently received awards dubbing the city Beer City USA and Best Beer Town in America. It is easy to see why tourists and locals flock to this mecca of beer. Having spent my college days in the city and surrounding towns, I’ve come up with a list of 6 great breweries to visit in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Founders Brewing Co.
For starters, no post or list about breweries in Grand Rapids would be complete without mentioning Founders Brewing Co. Founders really helped put Grand Rapids on the map for craft beer lovers across the globe. If you have trouble finding the brewery, just ask someone on the street and they will surely be able to point you in the right direction. You know you are getting close when you smell the sweet aroma of fermentation in the air.
Founders has a very relaxed vibe at the flagship taproom in Grand Rapids. In recent years, they managed to duplicate that scene at their Detroit taproom location. Check out their website before going and you might be lucky enough to catch one of their beer release parties, local bands, or classes. Families are welcome throughout the day, but they move to 21 and up for the evening. We love to visit Founders throughout the year. They have a large patio area complete with picnic tables and fire pit heaters. The seating is first come first serve. So on a busy night, you should arrive early or you might have to make a few new friends to get a seat.
And for the love of beer cheese dip…
Even though beer is their calling card, Founders offers a limited, but excellent food menu. Flag down the wait staff and order a round of beers and some appetizers. Their beer cheese dip, served with slices of crusty bread and tortilla chips, is out of this world! We also usually end up splitting a Mug Clubber sandwich because we can’t resist. Whatever you decide on, you will be given a pager to notify you when your food is ready to be picked up at the counter.
Founder’s offers plenty to choose from when it comes to beer. There is something for all types of beer enthusiasts. If you have never had their beer, ask your waiter or bartender and they will explain any of the beers in detail. Still not sure if you’ll like it? They will pour you a small sample to try! Founders is known for their barrel-aged series, so be sure to try a barrel-aged selection if it is available . Our favorite is KBS, Kentucky Breakfast Stout, which joyfully reminds us of all our trips to Kentucky.
Tip: One of our favorite pours is a pint of Breakfast Stout with a Rubaeus floater to top it off. This “beer cocktail” is a must try!
Grand Rapids Brewing Co.
Grand Rapids Brewing Co. is one of the most historic breweries in Grand Rapids and all of Michigan. GRBC, as the locals call it, was originally a collaboration of 6 local breweries joining forces to create one centralized brewery in the late 1800’s. This was a successful venture until the Prohibition Era in the 1920’s. The brewery simply wasn’t able to survive.
However, in 2012, GRBC reopened its doors in downtown Grand Rapids, just blocks from the original site. Today, you can still order a Silver Foam beer using the original recipe from 1893! How unique is that? When I’m not indulging in that classic, I thoroughly enjoy one of their beer flights. This is a great way to try many different beers in one sitting. Personally, I enjoy sitting in the back bar area with a few appetizers, cold beers, and great friends. This might be my favorite place to start a night out on the town.
Brewery Vivant
Located in the revitalized East Hills area of Grand Rapids, Brewery Vivant has much to offer locals and tourists alike. Brewery Vivant offers one of the most surprising venues of the breweries on this list. It is located in an old church, complete with beautiful, exposed wooden beams and gorgeous stained glass windows.
Fun Fact: While most people know the building was formerly a church, many do not know that it was also used as a funeral home for some time too!
Brewery Vivant is well known in the area for their delicious Belgian and French “farmhouse” style beers. Their Big Red Coq, a citra red ale, is a fan favorite, but I am a big fan of their easy-drinking Farm Hand, a farmhouse ale. In addition to the amazing beer, they offer a European inspired food menu that is outstanding in its own right. It is hard to pass on a large hot pretzel with beer cheese and grainy mustard for dipping. For the more adventurous eaters, they offer melt in your mouth roasted bone marrow. This brewery is a can’t miss on any trip to Grand Rapids.
The Mitten Brewing Company
Growing up a big baseball fan, I knew that I couldn’t miss trying out The Mitten Brewing Company. The first time I walked through the doors, I was immediately taken back to my “glory days” tossing a baseball around with my dad in the backyard. Situated in an old, brick firehouse, The Mitten is home to a large collection of local and national baseball paraphernalia.
In addition to the awesome atmosphere, The Mitten boasts some outstanding baseball themed beers such as the Extra Innings Stout, Bean Ball Blonde, Put Me In, Kolsch, and Peanuts and Cracker Jack Porter, just to name a few. Their food menu offers standard pub fare, but the pizza is the most popular option . If you are looking for a chill evening with a few friends or just by yourself, it is hard to beat The Mitten. I suggest you catch a Detroit Tigers game with a cold beer and a pepperoni pizza here.
Harmony Brewing Company
The Eastown area of Grand Rapids has long carried a fun, funky vibe. Eastown is home to some great dive bars and restaurants, and Harmony Brewing Company tops the list. The original location in Eastown is relatively small compared to some of the other breweries recommended here, so be prepared for a wait. They have been so popular since opening their doors that they opened a second location, Harmony Hall, on the west side of the city. I have not been to the second location yet, but I’ve heard the high quality translated over there too.
Most people will tell you the brewery has a solid selection of beers to choose from, but the real reason they go there is for the pizza. I happen to agree with those people! The Mitten proudly serves some of the best pizza in West Michigan. They use fresh, locally sourced ingredients combined with a wood fired oven, which is I believe is why their pizza is constantly winning awards. Be sure to grab some beer and pizza from The Mitten before leaving town!
B.O.B’s Brewery
No, this brewery is actually not named after a man named Bob. The B.O.B is the acronym for the Big Old Building in downtown Grand Rapids. Yes, it is in fact, a big, old building home to many attractions including B.O.B.’s Brewery on the “basement level” first floor. On a typical Friday or Saturday night, you will typically see lots of folks headed to the building to have dinner at one of the restaurants, catch a show at the comedy club, or have drinks at the piano bar. The building has many options to choose from and I recommend visiting their website for the full list of venues and events.
The B.O.B. Brewery is a must if you enter the massive building. Head down to the basement for a dimly lit bar with table tops and couches and order whatever beer your heart desires. Every time I go here, I order one thing, and one thing only: Peanut Butter Porter! Imagine taking a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and turning it into a beer and that’s what this sweet nectar tastes like. I would venture out to try some of their other beers, but why mess with success?