
Best Bars & Nightlife in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
1. Founders Brewing Company
This Grand Rapids icon offers a variety of beers and an expansive taproom. It's a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts.
- Unique Beer Selection: Features unique, small-batch brews not available elsewhere
- Tours and Events: Offers tours, events, and educational programs about beer production
- Community Gathering Spot: Serves as a popular spot for socializing and networking within the local community
2. HopCat Grand Rapids
Known for its extensive selection of craft beers, HopCat also offers a full menu in a vibrant atmosphere.
- Beer Variety: Features more than 130 different beers on tap
- Vegan and Vegetarian Options: Offers a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes
- JAEP (Judgement of Pizza): Hosts an annual pizza competition, showcasing the best pies from local pizzerias
3. SpeakEZ Lounge
Step back in time at this Prohibition-style speakeasy with live jazz music and craft cocktails.
- Authentic Atmosphere: Features authentic 1920s decor, transporting you back in time
- Live Music: Offers live jazz music performances throughout the week
- Craft Cocktails: Features a carefully curated selection of classic and modern cocktails
4. Gilly's Pub
A cozy, welcoming Irish pub offering live music and a great selection of beers.
- Live Music: Features live acoustic performances several nights a week
- Community Hub: Serves as a social hub for local artists, musicians, and creatives
- Traditional Irish Pub Atmosphere: Authentic Irish pub atmosphere with warm, inviting decor
5. The Mitten Brewing Co.
This brewery offers a friendly environment and a rotating selection of creative beers.
- Creative Beer Selection: Features unique, seasonal, and experimental brews
- Family-Friendly: Offers a family-friendly atmosphere with games and activities for kids
- Community Events: Hosts regular community events, such as trivia nights and open mic nights
6. The Kirby House
Enjoy stunning views of the Grand River while sipping on a cocktail at this elegant rooftop bar.
- Stunning Views: Offers breathtaking river views and city skyline vistas
- Elevated Cocktails: Features a menu of inventive, elevated cocktails
- Live Music: Offers live music performances on the rooftop during the summer months
7. Fulton Street Farmers Market
This bustling market transforms into a vibrant nightlife hub on Thursdays with live music and food trucks.
- Live Music: Features live music performances throughout the evening
- Food Trucks: Offers a rotating selection of food trucks serving delicious eats
- Community Gathering Spot: Serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike
8. The BOB (Monroe Center)
This entertainment complex offers a variety of dining, shopping, and nightlife options in one convenient location.
- Variety of Options: Features a range of restaurants, bars, and shops under one roof
- Live Music Venues: Hosts live music performances at venues like The Stache and The Pyramid Scheme
- Centrally Located: Centrally located in downtown Grand Rapids for easy access to other attractions
9. The Knickerbocker
This historic speakeasy offers an elegant atmosphere and a menu of classic cocktails.
- Historic Atmosphere: Features a historic, art deco-inspired interior
- Classic Cocktails: Offers a menu of classic cocktails, many of which are prepared tableside
- Live Music: Features live jazz music performances on select nights
10. The Garage Bar at the JW Marriott
This sophisticated rooftop bar offers stunning city views and creative cocktails.
- Stunning Views: Offers breathtaking city skyline views from its rooftop location
- Creative Cocktails: Features a creative and innovative cocktail menu
- Luxurious Atmosphere: Offers a luxurious, upscale atmosphere ideal for special occasions
11. Grand Rapids Art Museum Cafe
Enjoy a meal or cocktail in the beautiful surroundings of this art museum's cafe.
- Artistic Surroundings: Located within a world-class art museum, offering a culturally rich atmosphere
- Creative Menu: Offers a creative menu with locally sourced ingredients
- Hours Extended for Events: Stays open late on select event nights, allowing visitors to enjoy the cafe after hours
12. The Hanger at WYOT
This aviation-themed bar offers a unique atmosphere and a menu of classic cocktails.
- Unique Theme: Features an aviation theme, with planes and airplanes decor
- Classic Cocktails: Offers a menu of classic cocktails, many of which are named after famous pilots
- Live Music: Features live music performances on select nights
13. The White House of Golf
This golf-themed bar offers a fun, laid-back atmosphere and a menu of creative cocktails.
- Unique Theme: Features a golf theme, with golf decor throughout the bar
- Creative Cocktails: Offers a creative menu of cocktails with golf-themed names and ingredients
- Live Music: Features live music performances on select nights
14. The Silver Spoon Kitchen & Cocktails
This farm-to-table eatery offers a delicious menu and a selection of craft cocktails in a cozy atmosphere.
- Farm-to-Table Dining: Features locally sourced ingredients, focusing on freshness and flavor
- Craft Cocktails: Offers a menu of craft cocktails made with high-quality ingredients
- Community Gathering Spot: Serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike
15. The Chocolate House
This dessert-focused cafe offers a wide variety of chocolates, pastries, and coffee in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Wide Variety of Desserts: Offers a diverse menu of chocolate-based desserts, pastries, and coffee drinks
- Cozy Atmosphere: Features a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxing and enjoying treats
- Craft Coffee: Offers a selection of craft coffee drinks, including signature blends and specialty roasts