Are you a beer lover? Then Grand Rapids, Michigan is the place for you! Home to over 100 breweries and counting, it’s no wonder Grand Rapids has been dubbed “Beer City USA.”
From lagers to ales, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city – but with so many choices, where do you even start? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back!
Here are some of the unmissable breweries that you need to check (see also: 6 Unmissable Delaware Breweries You Need To Check Out)out when visiting Beer City USA.
1. The Mitten Brewing Company
This microbrewery is baseball-themed and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide selection of craft beers to sample and buy.
The atmosphere is inviting, with exposed brick walls and outdoor seating that overlooks the street. There are also TVs throughout the bar if you’re looking to catch up on sports or other programs while you sip your beer.
The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, so don’t be afraid to ask questions! They’ll help guide you through their menu of ales, lagers, stouts, IPAs and more.
Plus, they offer delicious gourmet pizza to perfectly complement your beer!
2. Grand Rapids Brewing Company
Have you ever wondered why Grand Rapids has become such a hotbed for craft beer? The answer may lie in the city’s most iconic brewery: Grand Rapids Brewing Company.
Founded in 1893, GRBC is one of Michigan’s oldest breweries and was instrumental in helping to kick off the state’s booming craft beer industry.
GRBC offers an extensive selection of beers, from light lagers to rich stouts. Many of their offerings pay homage to classic styles, like their Belgian-style wheat ale or English brown ale, while others are unique seasonal creations that showcase the brewers’ creativity.
No matter what your preference is, there is something on tap at GRBC that will satisfy any pallet.
What sets GRBC apart from other local breweries is its commitment to sustainability.
From using locally sourced ingredients to recycling spent grain into animal feed, they take an active role in protecting our environment with every pint brewed. A great brewery to support!
3. City Built Brewing Company
Owned by Edwin Colazo, City built Brewing Company is an unmissable brewery (see also: 5 Unmissable Oregon Breweries You Need To Check Out)in Grand Rapids. Located near downtown, this microbrewery has quickly become a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
The taproom offers a variety of beers made on-site, as well as other craft brews from around Michigan.
The atmosphere is laid back and welcoming – the perfect place to relax with friends or family after a long day exploring the city.
The beer selection at City Built changes often, but there are always several staple options that keep customers coming back for more.
Popular choices include their flagship IPA, which features tropical fruit flavors and aromas; their Pilsner, brewed with citrusy hops; and their Berliner Weisse, a tart wheat ale that packs a punch of flavor without being overly sweet.
For something different, try one of their seasonal offerings, like the Mexican Chocolate Stout or Raspberry Saison. A great brewery to visit if you like to try a variety of unique beers.
4. Brewery Vivant
Brewery Vivant is a must-visit for beer aficionados in Grand Rapids. Located in the East Hills neighborhood of the city, it’s housed inside an old funeral chapel from 1915.
With its classic Americana vibe and rustic decor, it offers a unique atmosphere to enjoy craft brews as well as great food.
The brewery has various house beers on tap, including their signature Farmhand Ale, which is made with Michigan hops and malts. They also have plenty of other styles like IPAs, stouts, lagers, sours and more.
Guests can sample flights of four different varieties or try one of their seasonal specials.
Brewery Vivant also serves up scratch kitchen dishes such as flatbread, salads, charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and burgers that pair perfectly with their selection of drinks.
The brewery is also committed to sustainability and offers a transparent insight into their sustainability goals and achievements on their website.
5. Founders Brewing Co
Founders Brewing Co. is an unmissable Grand Rapids brewery you need to check (see also: 8 Unmissable Seattle Breweries You Need To Check Out)out!
From its classic beers to seasonal and specialty releases, Founders has something for every beer enthusiast. Here are some of the highlights:
Core Beers
- All Day IPA: A light-bodied session ale with a hoppy finish.
- Centennial IPA: An American-style India Pale Ale with citrusy hop character.
- Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale: Full bodied and complex, this malty scotch ale packs a punch.
Seasonal & Specialty Releases
- KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout): Aged in oak bourbon barrels, this highly sought after imperial stout is released once a year.
- CBS (Canadian Breakfast Stout): An ode to KBS, this variation utilizes coffee and chocolate for added complexity and flavor.
- Curmudgeon Old Ale: This robust old ale features molasses and dark sugars layered upon sweet malt flavors.
These core beers and special releases make Founders Brewing Co. one of Grand Rapids’ premier breweries!
Its taproom offers plenty of seating as well as food pairings from The Cheese Lady that perfectly accentuate each sip of your favorite brews!
6. Greyline Brewing Co
Greyline Brewing Co. is one of the most beloved breweries in Grand Rapids, and it’s not hard to see why. Founded in 2017, they have already served over 24 million pints of beer to locals and visitors alike!
The atmosphere at Greyline is warm and inviting, with plenty of seating both indoors and outside on the patio.
The menu features an extensive selection of brews that range from light wheat ales to hoppy IPAs and dark stouts. Their food options are also delicious; you won’t be disappointed no matter what you order.
Their commitment to quality extends beyond just their drinks; Greyline also offers events such as live music nights, trivia nights, yoga classes, and more throughout the year.
Whether you’re visiting solo or bringing friends along, there’s always something fun happening at this popular establishment.
7. Brass Ring Brewing
This family-run business focuses on creating unique styles of beer that are both flavorful and unique. The taproom atmosphere is welcoming and friendly, with plenty of seating for socializing and enjoying the wide range of brews they offer.
Brass Ring’s variety includes classic ales like IPA’s, Stouts, Porters, Saisons, Lagers and more. They also have several experimental series of beers that showcase their creativity as brewers.
These robust creations feature unusual ingredients such as hibiscus flower petals or smoked malt to create truly original flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
The team at Brass Ring takes pride in their brewing process and strives to provide customers with quality beverages made from only the freshest ingredients.
In addition to offering delicious food and beer, the company provides weekly events such as their famous “Neighbor Night”. “Dungeons and Dragons Night“ and “Cask Night”.
8. Harmony Brewing Company
Harmony Brewing Company has been voted the city’s best brewery for four consecutive years by its inhabitants, making it a must-see destination on any beer lover’s list.
Additionally, Harmony boasts an impressive 50+ beers and ciders available in their taproom.
Here are 4 of their top brews to get you started:
- The Oh My Quad! Belgian Quadrupel Ale
- The Nona Stout Imperial Coffee Oatmeal Stout
- Barrel Aged Sour Brown with Cherries & Raspberries
- Red Hot Mama Chili Beer
The atmosphere at Harmony Brewing Company is friendly and welcoming, perfect for couples looking for a casual evening out or groups of friends gathering for drinks and conversation.
With regular events like trivia nights, live music performances, yoga classes and more, there’s something for everyone here!
Plus, they offer delicious wood-fired pizzas that pair perfectly with your favorite beverage choice.
9. Speciation Artisan Ales
Speciation Artisan Ales is a must-see brewery in Grand Rapids. They specialize in experimental and wild beers, using ingredients like local Michigan fruit and spices to create unique flavor combinations.
With their ever-rotating selection of delicious brews, you are sure to find something that piques your interest.
The taproom features a cozy atmosphere with plenty of seating for visitors. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the beer they serve, so don’t hesitate to ask questions about any of the varieties offered.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of their mixed culture creations; these special beers are aged in oak barrels or foeders (large wooden vats) filled with various microorganisms, which give each beer its own distinct flavor profile.
10. Brewery Nyx
Brewery Nyx is the epitome of craft beer excellence and innovation. It’s a must-visit destination for any self-proclaimed beer enthusiast. Owned by Jess, this brewery is the first to offer a completely gluten-free menu.
Unlike most beers, the beer served here is completely without gluten, so beer lovers with intolerances can enjoy beer once again.
Here are some things to look forward to when visiting Brewery Nyx:
- A wide variety of craft beers on tap including IPAs, stouts, lagers, sours, ciders, and more
- An interactive tasting room where you can sample before committing to a full pint
- Special events throughout the year such as live music performances and exclusive brewery tours
With its excellent atmosphere, friendly staff and amazing range of drinks – this place truly has something for everyone.
Conclusion
Grand Rapids is a great place to visit for craft beer lovers. With nine local breweries, there’s something for everyone!
From The Mitten Brewing Company with its unique beers and cozy atmosphere to Speciation Artisan Ales’ specialty small-batch brews, the city has it all.
Inspired by my love for brewing, I started this site with my friend Derek. We travel, discover unique beers, and share our experiences and recommendations. Join us in exploring our favorite beers and breweries. Enjoy our site as we share our passion with you!
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