Guys! There’s a road that leads from Chicago to a magical town with a flowing river, flowing of beer (the town not the river). In fact, it’s so brew centric, it’s nicknamed the Beer City. After passing numerous billboards egging us to visit, it was hard NOT to decide to take a roundtrip, so in March, I surprise my boyfriend for a “hoppy” birthday weekend (can you self appoint Best Girlfriend Award? Michael Scott bought himself Best Boss mug, so I’d say so).
Mikey was squiggling in his seat, wondering where my mischievous mind would be taking us, and more frighteningly, what was entailed. After about 3 hours of driving, we pulled into White Flame Brewing Company in Hudsonville. Here, we popped a squat at the bar for a pint, which is a perfect remedy to ease some tension.
I pulled out a green folder and handed it to him. “Your mission, should you choose to accept it….”
Its contents were comprised of a map of the Grand Rapids breweries, a Brewsader passport, and a pen.
Quick tip: Grand Rapids has it’s own Brewsader Program, where you can check off every brewery you visit. After you’ve visited eight breweries, you can check in at the Grand Rapids Art Museum Store to have your passport checked by an official and claim your most deserving prize to wear with pride – A Brewsader t-shirt! You can grab a passport from any participating brewery, or if you are more technologically savvy or have a green thumb, download the app!
“Eight breweries in less than 48 hours? I’m up to the challenge!” That’s my guy!
We made our way towards downtown, as we need some grub to hold us over for our shenanigans ahead. We love seafood so we stopped for dinner at the Downtown Market Grand Rapids in hopes of scoping out a seat at the 6 person counter at Fish Lads. Circling like vultures for about 30 minutes, we were victorious! Tip: get here early or late as the line can grow quickly. But it’s worth it! The halibut fish and chips were some of the best we’ve had in the Midwest!
We left and headed towards downtown, where we checked into the CityFlats Hotel. I had pre-ordered a Beer City Growler to be left in the room for when we arrived. “In case you find a beer this weekend that you love, it will be your souvenir to return with”. It is one of the best growlers as it is stainless steel (no glass bottles to hinder taste with light) and has a lock seal.
We made our way to B.O.B.’s Brewery which is in the basement of the Big Old Building, adjacent to a concert venue. The vibe downstairs is cool, with many game options. And afterwards, if you’re in the mood to bust a move, on the main level there was a DJ and dance floor to fit.
Favorite Beer: Blondie
A little background, Hop Cat had a location in our neighborhood of Chicago, so we spent many a night running through their 60+ draught list, sampling some of the best in the Midwest. So naturally, a visit to Grand Rapids wouldn’t be complete without a visit to our beloved establishment and the OG location of the Hop Cat family. Though, along with their ~50 craft beers on tap, they sell their OWN beer as well.
Favorite beer: Hoppopotamus
Saturday morning we woke up and took a stroll in search of some coffee and taking in the sights of downtown GR in the daylight. We ‘found’ ourselves at probably one the most popular GR breweries, Founders Brewing Co. Saturday afternoon seems to be a haven for the young, old, male, female, singles and families. And with gracious space, two indoor bars and outdoor patio with firepits, it’s easy to see why.
Tip – Get here early, as this place is a constant buzz.
Favorite Beer: Quad Pro Quo
Next stop we made our way out a little ways to Elk Brewing (Wealthy Street). We loved the simplicity of the location, options of board games, and outdoor space. It’s still one our places to visit each time we drive through.
Favorite Beer: Dank-alicious IPA
Unique Beer: PB and J’ale’y – literally PB and J in liquid form. Takes me back to my brown bag elementary school days.
Only two blocks away is Brewery Vivant, famous for their farmhouse ales. You feel as though you’ve stepped into a Belgium monastery, as it’s a converted old chapel and beer is served in goblets abound. Who says you need to hop across the pond for a European adventure? The food here is AMAZING as well. Highly recommend the Duck Confit Nachos.
Favorite Beer: Big Red Coq
Continuing on our journey, we Ubered to a brewery named after the state shape and playing into a baseball theme, The Mitten Brewing Co. Quaint place, that may be even more popular for their unique pizza.
Favorite Beer: Peanuts and Crackerjack
We capped off the night by heading down the street to New Holland The Knickerbocker. Greeted by a dragon safeguarding the door, we were able to sneak past and grab a seat at the bar. This place is huge! And has a wrought iron décor.
Favorite beer: Hoptronix
Sunday morning, we woke up and took a stroll to the river for the Fish Ladder Park. During migration season of spring and late summer, there are legit fish who can’t make it up river so they built a water latter for them to jump up (my imagination quickly jumps to little Free Willies everywhere). Though unsuccessful in spotting these flying fish, we still enjoyed the river view.
The finish line in sight, we made last sprint towards the Grand Rapids Art Museum store, where we handed the lady our completed passports and were handed a high five and an Official t-shirt (so much better than a medal, though after the weekend, may have needed a size to fit my beer belly into).
Grand Rapids has developed a place in our hearts for beer, and truly earns it’s nickname. Grand Rapids – we will definitely be back (we have to complete our passports obviously)!
Quick Recs:
Favorite Brewery: Elk Brewing
Places to Stay: CityFlats Hotel – great location and the COMFIEST beds
Things to do:
- Fish Ladder Park
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- Lake Michigan Beaches
Grab Some Grub:
- Fish Lads – delish fish and chips
- Brewery Vivant – even if you don’t want beer, the culinary menu is out of this world
- Slows – BBQ on POINT
- Mitten Brewing – Unique pizza
