Welcome to Beer City, USA – Your Grand Rapids Breweries Tour!
Welcome to Grand Rapids, Michigan, proudly known as Beer City USA. With over 80 craft breweries in the area, the city has earned the title of Beer City in the US for three consecutive years. Today, we’ll be touring some of the area’s top local Grand Rapids breweries.
Founders Brewing Company
Let’s begin our tour with Founders Brewing Company. Established in 1997, Founders has grown into one of the largest craft breweries in the nation. By 2017, they were producing approximately 466,000 barrels of beer annually. Their flagship beers, such as All Day IPA and KBS have garnered national acclaim. Beyond beer, Founders operates a vibrant taproom in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.
Brewery Vivant
Next, we’ll visit Brewery Vivant in East Hills, renowned for its Belgian-inspired ales and commitment to sustainability. Housed in a refurbished historic chapel, this microbrewery focuses on quality and traditional brewing methods. Its on-site pub also offers a farm-to-table dining experience.
Mitten Brewing Company
The Mitten Brewing Company combines a love for craft beer and baseball on the west side of Grand Rapids. Operating from a historic firehouse, this microbrewery produces a variety of ales and is particularly known for its unique pizza offerings, making it a local favorite.
Harmony Brewing
Family-owned Harmony Brewing, which we’re at today in Eastown, specializes in small-batch brews and wood-fired pizzas. Their intimate neighborhood vibe is perfect for enjoying an experimental ale or a seasonal favorite.
New Holland Brewing
Next up on Bridge Street is New Holland Brewing, one of Michigan’s most recognized names, which extended its reach into Grand Rapids with the Knickerbocker on Bridge Street. Known for Dragon’s Milk, their legendary bourbon barrel-aged out, New Holland produces a diverse lineup of beers and spirits that are distributed nationwide and even internationally. The Knickerbocker combines craft brewing with a full menu, spirits, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Broad Leaf Brewery and Spirits
Then there’s Broad Leaf Brewery and Spirits on 28th Street. This brewery is where craft beer meets bold creativity. Known for their inventive ales and lagers, they also produce small-batch spirits. Broad Leaf is perfect for those seeking something a bit different with innovative brews and a focus on community engagement. They recently added a full pickleball court to their brewery that players can rent out by the hour.
With more than 80 craft breweries in the area, Grand Rapids offers a diverse and thriving beer scene that caters to all tastes, whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or experimental ales, Grand Rapids breweries provide an unparalleled experience solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for beer enthusiasts.