Guide to the Best Breweries in Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids, Michigan, is known as Beer City USA, so if you're someone who loves a good brew, you're in luck. You're sure to love this midwestern gem.
As a newcomer, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of breweries in the area. Don't worry. We've broken down some of the best breweries in Grand Rapids, so you have somewhere to start. Read on and start planning your brewery crawl!
Harmony Brewing
Harmony Brewing Company is a popular fixture for beer lovers in Grand Rapids. It's an excellent spot to hang out with friends or spend some time alone reading a good book or trying to meet the locals as a newcomer. There are plenty of regulars who call Harmony their home base, so if you make yourself known, you're sure to make a few friends.
They host trivia nights and have DJs playing music to keep the vibe lively and fun. They also serve awesome wood-fired pizza, so if you start getting peckish while you're drinking, no worries. You'll have some carbs ready to soak up the beer. As a matter of fact, they've won an award for having the best pizza in West Michigan!
Founders Brewing Co.
Founders Brewing Co. is one of the biggest Grand Rapids breweries, so it's definitely worth a visit if you're into beer. It doesn't have the same cozy vibes as some of the other Michigan brewery options on this list, but it's a great spot to hang out with friends and try a few new beers.
The outside patio area is where this brewery really shines. Once the weather warms up, this is an excellent spot to enjoy a marvelously warm evening with the soft fairy lights overhead. They have plenty of great shareable snacks and a kids' menu as well if you're bringing some youngsters with you during the day.
Brewery Vivant
Do you consider yourself an eco-friendly person? If so, you may want to check out Brewery Vivant. At this brewery, sustainability is at the forefront of everything they do, and it really shows. This is the world's first LEED-certified microbrewery and is housed in a refurbished funeral home with tall ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows.
They focus on locally sourced ingredients for everything from their beer to their food offerings. They give back to the community while keeping their carbon footprint as small as possible. You can learn more about their sustainability practices and goals right on their website. The brewery itself is bright and cozy. Their Farmhand beer is one of their most popular brews, but they have a lot of fantastic options to choose from (as well as a few tasty house cocktails).
Brass Ring Brewing
If you're ready to get social and hang out with friends or any big group, Brass Ring will be one of the best local breweries for you to check out. Their old-fashioned English pub-inspired ales and stouts bring a touch of the traditional to Grand Rapids. While it may not be a hip and trendy brewery, it's a must-visit spot in the area.
This is where you go when you're looking to escape from the cold with a big group of friends, and you want something warm to eat alongside a traditional British Ale. You'll leave feeling warm and happy (and perhaps a little tipsy). When you go here, you're going to a brewery with heart.
Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria and Brewery
With a name like Jolly Pumpkin, how could you not pay this little brewery a visit?
Jolly Pumpkin has several midwestern locations, but the Grand Rapids one is hardly an afterthought. It's hip, warm, inviting, and a totally cool hangout spot to grab a bite to eat alongside a unique beer, like one of their signature sours. As the name implies, Jolly Pumpkin also serves tasty wood-fired pizza alongside their beers, as well as a variety of other shareables, handheld foods, and even desserts. Come hungry!
City Built Brewing Company
If you feel bored by the many modern breweries, you may want to pay a visit to City Built Brewing Company. This brewery brings a bit of creativity and diversity to the Grand Rapids brewery scene.
Beyond your basic beers, they have things like coconut porters, mead, and even house-made hard seltzer (which has been popular over the past few years). It's a great place to take people who aren't beer lovers. They also have one of the most unique food menus we've seen among breweries in the area, featuring ingredients like plantains and cassava. Like we said, if you think you've seen it all, try City Built.
The Mitten Brewing Co.
Baseball? Great. Beer? Also great. Combine them and you have The Mitten, a "baseball-themed" brewery in Grand Rapids. This old-school firehouse-turned-brewery is a great place to grab a pizza and a beer with friends. This is a casual hangout spot, and we recommend getting both a flight of pizza and a flight of beer (yes, you can get both). The pizza is top-notch, and the beer is classic. While you won't find many unique brews here, everything is tasty.
New Holland Brewing
This may be the "fanciest" brewery on our list. New Holland boasts several separate dining and drinking areas as well as a full beer garden that's accessible year-round (though it's best during the warmer months, of course). It's a popular spot for events, so if you have a birthday party coming up, consider reserving a space. The Dragon's Milk beer is their specialty, but they have plenty of beer and liquor available to suit any taste. They also have an extensive food menu with local ingredients.
We Love the Best Breweries in Grand Rapids
These are just a few of the best breweries in Grand Rapids. There are so many excellent options that we can't possibly list them all. As we said, this city is truly a beer drinker's paradise. So where will you go first?
If you're new to Grand Rapids and looking for a new place to call home, we can't wait to welcome you to Springbrook Flats. Our pet-friendly community offers a dog park, a variety of fantastic floor plans, and so much more. Schedule a tour and find your new home today.