Grand Rapids area breweries

When we first moved to Grand Rapids, we were less than impressed.  Both of us came with some preconceived notions about the conservative nature of GR.  Yes, it is VERY socially conservative, but I don't feel beat over the head by it (maybe because I've managed to find some of the liberals in town to associate with), nor do I feel like people can tell I'm not one of them just by looking at me.  Anyways, we've come to realize that there are some cool things in Grand Rapids (some have been here for years, and some have arrived in the five years that we've been in town).  Oddly enough, GR has developed itself quite the happening bar scene; our bars, of course, make their own beer!

Founders
Oh Founders, how we love thee.  Jeff told me he couldn't possibly blog about Founders, as its greatness should go without saying.  I argue that for prosperity's sake, we must review ALL breweries we've attended.  Thus, I will attempt to blog about our Cheers, also known as Founders. 

So, we're being a bit dramatic.  Not everyone knows our name.  But some people do....at least they know Jeff's mug club number.  Founders was created in 1997 - sadly we didn't know about Founders when it was in its original location - a real dive, so we've been told.  I think we would have liked it, apart from the smoke.  Founders as we know it is in an old warehouse, complete with garage style doors that open to a porch covered in climbing hops.  Founders prides itself on STRONG beers - if you come in looking for something light, you may well get laughed out the door.  Its staples includes their Pale, IPA, Red's Rye, Dirty Bastard and Oatmeal Stout.  They also brew up seasonals, special batches, and super special, super high ABV brews (so high, you only get a half pour).  Jeff's favorite is probably the Red's Rye - an IPA laced with Rye and, you guessed, red in color.  I dig the Pale and the Oatmeal Stout.  I wish they brewed more wheat beers, but you can't get everything you want in one place, I suppose. 

Celebrating my 30th in style - at Founders with beer and cake!

Founders also makes some damn tasty sandwiches which are perfect compliments for the brews.  You can also eat peanuts and throw the shells on the floor - a surefire sign that this is a place that you can hang comfortably.  My one beef with Founders - and this isn't really a complaint - is that they've become very popular.  In part because people are catching craft brew fever.  In part because of this new bar scene; though its pretty easy to tell the people who are there for the beer and the people who are there because they heard it was cool (they're the ones asking for light beers).

B.O.B Brewery
Housed in the B.O.B. (aka. the Big Old Building), across from Van Andel Arena, is the B.O.B. Brewery.  Jeff describes the clientele as "the Grand Rapids eccentrics."  I think he means people from GR who think they're really cool because they drink local microbrew beers, even though the B.O.B. is a bit of an obnoxious scene for people who could really care less about beer but want to hook up on the weekends.  The beer is very mediocre, but the food (if you're coming before 8 on the weekends) is pretty ok.  This is probably our least favorite brewpub in GR, which is why we've only been there maybe twice.

HopCat
I think THIS is where the Grand Rapids eccentrics go.  Again, a bit of a weekend hotspot for people who don't necessarily like beer, but like to THINK they know a lot about the subject.  They probably have the best selection of microbrews on tap in GR, but not all are local.  They do have a few homebrews - Jeff like Hoppapatamus (an IPA, surprise surprise), but you go to HopCat if you want to try out some other small batches from both in and out of state.  But don't go on evenings during the weekend - you won't get in.  It's too close to Van Andel, and again, a bit too trendy.  Head there on a weeknight or during the day on the weekend, saddle up to the bar and order yourself a beer and some crack fries!

Grand Rapids Brewing Company
Yes - they brew beer.  But this is a restaurant - let's not be mistaken.  They have a similar (but not nearly as good) menu to North Peak and Grizzley Peak.  Pretty decent food and a nice family atmosphere.  The beer is ok.  I've had a couple mildly good ones (a winter seasonal spiced ale comes to mind) and a couple not so good.  They usually only feature 5-6 beers at a time, and most are mediocre at best.  Oh yeah, it's by the mall on 28th street - that automatically lowers it a notch in my mind (I'm a snob, I know).

Hide Out
I have to confess, I've only been here once.  Jeff says, "The name says it all."  It's way on the north side of town, and you have to drive through an apartment complex to get there.  It's in a building that used to sell hot tubs and it still smells a tad like Chlorine.  It's a pretty easy jaunt for Jeff on his way home from work (though he usually stops at Founders).

Jeff rates this as the second best brewery in GR.  I think he likes the free popcorn. :)  But seriously, they do have some pretty tasty brews.  They maybe have 6-8 brews at a time, with standards like IPA, Pale and their Abbey Ale.  Any guesses which one Jeff drinks?

Oh yeah - and in warm weather, you can play lawn games out back.  Awesome!

Schmoz
Talk about your dive bar.  It's off 28th street in what looks like an office building (much like Michigan Brewing Company, only smaller).  You walk in and it looks like nothing's been updated since the 80's.  The owner is clearly a fan of Michigan Tech hockey, which of course makes Jeff happy.  They also have free popcorn and peanuts - you can't go wrong with free food.  The bartenders are always super friendly, as are the regulars (there's bound to be at least one hanging out at the bar).  They have some really good beers and some mediocre.  Jeff loves the Hopknocker - a double IPA.  But I've had a couple that I wasn't super impressed with - like a Cream Ale that wasn't at all creamy - way too crisp.  But I kind of love how incredibly low key this place is - too bad it's on the other side of town.  Oh yeah - bring the kids for home brewed rootbeer and arcade games straight out of 1984.