Lakes in Michigan
Michigan is the “Great Lakes State”. The name is earned partly because of the amount of water or bodies of water in the state. However, most refer to Michigan in this manner because it...
Visiting Beer City in Grand Rapids Michigan
This Visiting Beer City in Grand Rapids Michigan post is sponsored by Experience Grand Rapids. All Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Visiting Beer City and Its 60+ Breweries
Beer City is a place. Oh, yes, it's real. I'm a pretty lucky guy. Recently I had the opportunity to visit Grand Rapids Michigan with a group of guys for a weekend of fun and beer. Experience Grand Rapids wanted to bring us in and take us on a tour of the breweries that can be found in the city. Now I had never been to Grand Rapids, and I'm always up for an adventure plus beer, so this was right up my alley. In the end, we visited something like 12 breweries in two days (ok, we may have hit more than 12). I have to say, I walked away impressed. I hope you enjoy this post about Visiting Beer City in Grand Rapids Michigan.
Grand Rapids boasts over 60 breweries, which is an impressive number when you realize that the city itself is not all that large. Even better, these breweries aren't just pumping out world class beer, they are also creating some incredible food and dining experiences in the process. Many of the breweries specialize in specific styles. For example, if you head over to Brewery Vivant, you will be treated to French-inspired brews and food. You will find dishes like nachos…your typical bar food….made with duck confit, house beer cheese, and lemon zest. Now I know that may sound like an odd dish, but when you put it in your mouth…just wow. Incredible flavor.
Or maybe you find yourself at Harmony Hall, taking in a flight of brew while trying to finish the ridiculously sized pretzel. If you do find yourself there, be sure to try the grilled cheese. It's made with great bread, bacon, sour cream, chives, cheese, eh…you get the idea.
Grand Rapids seems to have a brewery for everyone. Into German-style beer and food? No problem; hit up Cedar Springs Brewery. Like pizza? Mitten Brewing has you covered. How about Puerto Rican food? CityBuilt Brewing can scratch that urge.
My Experience Visiting Beer City in Grand Rapids Michigan
To really get a feel for the beer scene in Grand Rapids, check out the video below. We shot this over the two days we were in town, and in it, you will meet the founders and brewers at places like Founders Brewing, Brewery Vivant, Cedar Springs Brewing, CityBuilt Brewing, and more.
Become a Brewsader
When you do visit Grand Rapids (and you really should), be sure to grab a Brewsader Passport. Available at many of the breweries as well as the welcome center at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, this little book tells you everything you need to know about the beer and breweries in the city. Each brewery has a page that tells you what they are known for and where to find them. In addition, as you visit breweries you have them stamp your book; acquire eight stamps and you get a Brewsader T-shirt. You can find out more about the Brewsader program at the Experience Grand Rapids website.
So no matter what it is that you like, when it comes to great beer and food, Visiting Beer City in Grand Rapids Michigan should be the first thing that you do.
Did somebody say BEER? 60 breweries? WOW! It would be wonderful to visit Grand Rapids and take in some of the local breweries. I like the idea of having great tasting food to go with all of that BEER.
That looks like the perfect place to take my husband for his bday. He loves beer, especially trying new craft beers, so this would be the ideal place for him! I never knew a BEER CITY existed!
I’m not a drinker, but I am an eater – And that pretzel looks ABSOLUTELY MAGICAL! LOL! But seriously, those were my weakness back when I could eat that kind of thing!
Oh wow this is my kind of city! I love beer flights too! I just love trying all of them because I am a huge fan of so many styles of beer!
The food looks great as well.
I have some friends who live in Grand Rapids so I need to ask them about Beer City!
What a fun and great experience you had. I have never been to Michigan but I always wanted to visit. Such a wonderful place.
I was in love with Michigan before. Now…I’m dying to go there again. I’ve not been to this place yet!
This sounds similar to the Brewing company that just opened in January. I’m not a fan of beer, I just can’t get passed the smell to drink it. My husband would love this brewery so he can try a bunch of different beers.
Wow that pretzel makes me want to get in the car right now to visit the area. My cousin lives out there so we have talked about heading out there but have not yet, now I have to!
This sounds like a neat place to visit. This would be something I’d have to bring my husband with too. I think he’d really love this.
What a cool experience. I would love to do this. Those samplers and the pretzel all look so good, it would be fun to try it out.
My son-in-law is in that area for work, and so I am going to share your post with him. He loves a well crafted beer!
Now i most definitely know a few people who would LOVE To go to and visit Beer city. I mean who wouldn’t want to try all those samples!
I’ve been to Grand Rapids many times, yet never stopped to visit Beer City! I think this will be a must stop place the next time we visit friends
I am not a beer drinker but my husband always likes a new beer. I never knew they had so many breweries in Grand Rapids so I think we have to get there some day.
I didn’t realize there were 60 breweries in Grand Rapids! The thing that appeals to me is the food quality in the breweries you visited.
YUM! This totally looks like the kind of local place I’d love to visit.
This is amazing! I am sure my husband would love to visit!
My friend lives in GR. I told her I’m always surprised when the city is featured in a travel magazine. It’s a hidden gem most people miss.
My husband and I love visiting breweries. This place sounds cool and definitely worth visiting!
This is one enjoyable trip I dream of having soon! Brewery and Winery Tours are always an awesome experience. I will let my husband know about this. How awesome it would be to be able to visit 60 breweries all in one place!
The different ways to experience beer are all there in Grand Rapids. I would love to have one of those gourmet pretzels with the beer.
I have family that lives in Grand Rapids I just did not realize there were this many delicious restaurants to try. I definitely need to take another trip back there to visit the family and check out all the delicious food and drinks I can get.
Holy moly, there are over 60 breweries in Grand Rapids
? I knew they were on the map for beer but that’s incredible! My father would love to visit, I’m sure!
Wow, that looks like a place that my girlfriend would LOVE to visit! She loves all kinds of beer and I could tag along for all the food!
That beer flight, and the pretzel have my heart skipping a beat!! I would so love to visit this place with my husband!
What a great experience you had. I have never been to Michigan but I always wanted to go there!
I’m not a beer drinker, but I have friends that are. That pretzel looks delish though 🙂
What a fun trip to visit these breweries! I wish we could visit one day!
My family is from this area. I am going to look into this event for when we travel
This looks like such a blast! My husband is really into beer and always loves having a tasting menu!
I am not a huge fan of beer, but this sounds awesome and fun! I’ve never been out this way before!
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