Best Grand Rapids Breweries

Discover the vibrant Grand Rapids brewery scene, where innovation, sustainability, and mouthwatering food menus combine to create unforgettable experiences.

From the rich history of brewing to the unique taprooms and locations, Grand Rapids offers something for every craft beer enthusiast. I should know, I’ve lived here for almost 40 years!

Get ready to explore the 20 best Grand Rapids breweries.

Short Summary

  • Explore 20 amazing breweries in Grand Rapids, Beer City USA!
  • Enjoy craft beer paradise with sustainable favorites, unique taprooms & delicious food menus.
  • Experience innovative styles and flavors from award winning Founders Brewing Co., HopCat & more!

Grand Rapids Brewery Scene

Nestled in the heart of Michigan, Grand Rapids boasts a long history of beer production and a thriving brewery scene.

With over 20 breweries in the city, there’s no shortage of options for craft beer aficionados.

In 2012, Grand Rapids proudly earned the title of Beer City USA, reflecting the city’s commitment to quality brewing and exceptional beer experiences.

From sustainable breweries like Brewery Vivant and Harmony Brewing Company to unique taprooms such as The Mitten Brewing Company and Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery, there’s something for everyone in this beer lover’s paradise.

History of Beer in Grand Rapids

The history of beer in Grand Rapids dates back to the late 19th century, when six local breweries joined forces to form the Grand Rapids Brewing Company.

Since then, the city’s brewing scene has continually evolved, with passionate brewers opening establishments to share their love for craft beer.

For instance, Greyline Brewing Co. was opened by Nate Walser, offering sixteen taps of delicious brews and proudly stands as downtown’s oldest local beer brewery, serving eclectic and diverse beers.

Beer City USA

The title of Beer City USA is a testament to Grand Rapids’ commitment to quality and innovation in the brewing industry. With a wide array of breweries, each offering their unique spin on classic and experimental beer styles, the city continues to impress locals and visitors alike.

Some of the 20 best Grand Rapids breweries include Brewery Vivant, Harmony Brewing Company, The Mitten Brewing Company, Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery, Speciation Artisan Ales, and Arvon Brewing Co.

So, get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Grand Rapids brewery scene!

Sustainable Breweries in Grand Rapids

Sustainability is at the core of many breweries in Grand Rapids, with Brewery Vivant and Harmony Brewing Company leading the charge.

These forward-thinking establishments are committed to using local ingredients and reducing their environmental impact, all while providing exceptional beer and delicious food options.

So, when you visit these eco-friendly breweries, you can feel good knowing that you’re supporting businesses that prioritize the planet and the community.

Brewery Vivant

Brewery Vivant is a trailblazer in sustainable brewing, specializing in Michigan farmhouse ales and rustic European-inspired beers.

Their commitment to the triple bottom line of profits, planet, and people is evident in everything they do, from their LEED-certified building to their B Corp certification.

Offering a warm and inviting atmosphere, Brewery Vivant boasts a from scratch food menu that includes unusual but delicious treats like escargot, duck nachos, and schnitzel.

With a diverse range of beers like Big Red, Farm Hand, and the newest Rapid IPA, Brewery Vivant is a must-visit destination for eco-conscious beer lovers.

Harmony Brewing Company

With two amazing locations in Easttown and Harmony Hall, Harmony Brewing Company is another shining example of a sustainable brewery in Grand Rapids.

Their dedication to the environment is evident in their commitment to using locally-sourced ingredients and eco-friendly practices.

Harmony Brewing offers a fantastic selection of beers, including the easy-drinking Tupelo Honey pale ale and the malt-heavy Grote Pier double dry-hopped IPA.

The brewery’s food menu features a variety of scrumptious options, from traditional bar fare to innovative dishes inspired by their commitment to sustainability.

Unique Taprooms and Locations

Grand Rapids is not only home to delicious craft brews, but also boasts unique taprooms and locations that add to the overall beer experience.

The Mitten Brewing Company and Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery are two such establishments, each offering a distinctive ambiance and setting for visitors to enjoy their beers.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these one-of-a-kind taprooms are sure to impress.

The Mitten Brewing Company

The Mitten Brewing Company is a vintage baseball-themed brewpub located in a historic firehouse in Grand Rapids.

Offering a variety of exceptional beers, such as their signature Country Strong IPA and the popular Peanuts And Crackerjack porter, this unique taproom is a must-visit for sports enthusiasts and beer lovers alike.

The Mitten Brewing Company also boasts an extensive food menu, featuring mouthwatering options like sandwiches and over six specialty pizzas, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery

If you’re looking for a unique brewery experience, look no further than Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery . This eclectic taproom, known for its barrel-aged sours and farmhouse ales, offers a cozy atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their brews.

The highlight of Jolly Pumpkin’s food menu is their wood-fired pizzas, which pair perfectly with their innovative beers. So whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing sour or a hearty pizza, Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery has got you covered.

Innovative Beer Styles and Flavors

For those seeking innovative beer styles and flavors, Grand Rapids is the place to be. With breweries like Speciation Artisan Ales and Arvon Brewing Co., the city offers a plethora of unique and experimental brews that are sure to excite your taste buds.

Get ready to embark on a beer adventure like no other, as you discover the innovative creations of these talented brewers.

Speciation Artisan Ales

Speciation Artisan. Ales is a true innovator in the world of craft beer, experimenting with mixed and spontaneous fermentation to create excitingly funky brews.

By taking advantage of local Michigan flora and fauna in their brewing process, Speciation offers a unique range of flavors that you won’t find anywhere else.

Be sure to try their Hopeful Monster, Incipient (dry hopped), Megatrajectory, and Saltation (2018) brews for a taste of their exceptional craftsmanship.

Arvon Brewing Co.

Arvon Brewing Co. is another standout in the Grand Rapids brewery scene, known for their amazing hazies and incredibly fruity sours.

With a focus on bold, innovative flavors, Arvon Brewing continually pushes the boundaries of what craft beer can be.

In addition to their signature New England-style IPAs and heavily fruited sour beers, they also offer lagers, West Coast IPAs, kettle sours, and even a seltzer, ensuring that there’s something for every palate.

Breweries with Tasty Food Menus

No brewery experience is complete without a delicious meal to accompany your favorite brews. In Grand Rapids, you’ll find breweries like City Built Brewing Company and Brass Ring Brewing that not only serve up exceptional beers but also offer mouthwatering food menus.

So, whether you’re craving a flavorful Puerto Rican dish or some comforting pub fare, these breweries have got you covered.

City Built Brewing Company

City Built Brewing Company is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Their authentically exciting Puerto Rican-inspired food menu features delicious options like yuca fries, tacos, tostones, and mofongo, providing a perfect complement to their diverse beer selection.

With a philosophy that craft beer is for everyone and brings people together, City Built Brewing Company offers a welcoming atmosphere and a memorable experience for all.

Brass Ring Brewing

Source: @billander

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy some English-inspired pub ales, stouts, and from scratch comfort food, Brass Ring Brewing is the place to be.

Focusing on small-batch traditional pub ales, porters, and stouts, this community-focused brewpub offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Their menu features British-style pub fare like beer cheese with soft pretzels, scotch eggs, and a ploughman’s plate, ensuring a satisfying experience for all.

Grand Rapids Brewery Tours and Events

For those looking to dive deeper into the Grand Rapids brewery scene, brewery tours and events offer the perfect opportunity to learn more about the brewing process and enjoy fun activities.

Founders Brewing Co. and HopCat are two establishments that provide educational experiences, tastings, and a range of exciting events for patrons to enjoy.

Founders Brewing Co.

As one of Michigan’s biggest craft breweries, Founders Brewing Co. has a lot to offer, from its rich history to its wide selection of exceptional beers.

Visitors can enjoy an informative brewery tour, learning about the brewing process, while sampling some of their highly rated beers like All Day IPA, Breakfast Stout, and Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS).

To round out the experience, Founders Brewing Co. also offers a delicious food menu, featuring options like munchies, sandwiches, pizzas, and salads.

HopCat

With its original location in Grand Rapids Downtown, HopCat is a Midwest brand known for its multi-tap experience. Offering a wide selection of beers, including lagers, light ales, wheat beers, IPAs, and more, HopCat is the perfect destination for beer enthusiasts.

In addition to their impressive beer offerings, HopCat also boasts a mouthwatering food menu, featuring beer-battered fries, burgers, salads, and pretzel nuggets.

So, whether you’re a local or just visiting, don’t miss the opportunity to experience HopCat’s unique blend of beer and food.

Breweries with Non-Alcoholic Options

For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, Grand Rapids has plenty to offer as well. Breweries like Sacred Springs Micro Taproom and Thornapple Brewing provide a range of non-alcoholic options, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

So, even if you’re not a beer drinker, you can still enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and delicious food that these breweries provide.

Sacred Springs Micro Taproom

Located in Grand Rapids, Sacred Springs Micro Taproom is renowned for its delicious mead, meaducha, and kombucha offerings. With a focus on using natural yeast, bacteria, and locally-grown ingredients, Sacred Springs provides a unique and refreshing alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.

In addition to their non-alcoholic kombucha, they also serve hard kombucha, mead, and meaducha, providing a diverse selection for patrons to enjoy.

Thornapple Brewing

Thornapple Brewing, located in Cascade, Michigan, is a versatile brewery that produces its own beers, ciders, meads, and even spirits like vodka, gin, rum, and agave.

In addition to their alcoholic offerings, Thornapple Brewing also provides non-alcoholic options for those looking for a different kind of beverage experience.

With a variety of food options available, including appetizers, specialty pizzas, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and salads, Thornapple Brewing ensures a satisfying experience for all guests.

Summary

From the rich history of brewing in Grand Rapids to the innovative beer styles and flavors, there’s no doubt that this city is a beer lover’s paradise.

With sustainable breweries, unique taprooms, delicious food menus, and non-alcoholic options, the Grand Rapids brewery scene has something for everyone, making it the perfect destination for your next beer adventure.

So grab a glass, gather your friends, and get ready to explore the 20 best Grand Rapids breweries. Cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many breweries are in Grand Rapids?

Wow, there are over 40 breweries in Grand Rapids! Get ready to explore all that the Beer City Ale Trail has to offer!

From the classic IPAs to the unique wines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With so many options, it can be hard to choose.

Is Grand Rapids known for beer?

Yes, Grand Rapids is known for its beer! With 10 years of being named Beer City USA and breweries crafting experimental and acclaimed beers, it’s no surprise that Grand Rapids has become renowned as a beer destination.

The city is home to over 40 breweries, ranging from small, independent operations to large, nationally-recognized brands. Visitors can explore.

What is the oldest brewery in Michigan?

The oldest brewery in Michigan is the Frankenmuth Brewery, which was established in 1862 and is still going strong today.

Located in the historic town of Frankenmuth, it is an award-winning microbrewery that celebrates Bavarian heritage with its wide range of beers.

Where does Shipyard brew their beer?

Shipyard Brewing Company has been brewing hand-crafted beers for over 25 years in Portland, Maine, founded in 1992 by entrepreneur Fred Forsley and master brewer Alan Pugsley at Federal Jack’s Restaurant & Brew Pub in Kennebunkport Harbour.

Their award-winning beer is crafted with passion and creativity, making Shipyard an unforgettable experience!

How many breweries in grand rapids?

Wow, Grand Rapids is the proud home of 40+ amazing breweries! Whether you take a tour or craft your own brewery path using the Beer City Ale Trail map, there’s plenty to discover in this vibrant city.

From Founders Brewing Co. to Harmony Brewing Co., Grand Rapids has something for everyone. With a variety of beer styles, flavors, and experiences, you can explore.