Did you know that Grand Rapids, Michigan is known as Beer City USA? For several years now Grand Rapids has been voted as Beer City for the large number of craft breweries in and around the area offering up their own unique lineup. While we can’t feature them all today, here are 5 great local breweries based in Grand Rapids that you can’t miss. 

Top 5 Local Grand Rapids Breweries

City Built Brewing Company

On the north side of town is City Built Brewing Company, established in 2016, and pretty much right in the heart of the city. This is such an awesome venue seating about 150 people and they specialize in more of the IPAs and sours. Their food is inspired by the owner’s Puerto Rican heritage and so delicious. In 2020, City Built even won an award for the Best Beer Label Of The Year in the nation. Come check out City Built on Monroe on the north side of Grand Rapids. It’s a great place to hang out with a great atmosphere, and of course, great beers. 

Founders Brewing Co

Next, we’re going to talk about a brewery that started locally and has definitely made waves on a national and international level. We’re talking Founders Brewing over on the south side of town. Founders was established in 1997 and if you know beer, you have probably had one of Founders’ many beers. Their number one seller is definitely the All Day IPA. Solid Gold is another great one making a big push right now, and you can’t forget the KBS and the CBSs, and the list could go on. 

Founders is also an amazing venue to hang out and grab a drink with friends. You can get a customized tour of the factory which is always a highlight for people coming to town. Then after your tour, you can go down to the main floor and experience some of the great beer. 

New Holland Brewery 

Moving over to the northwest side of Grand Rapids, we have to mention New Holland Brewery. New Holland Brewing started in Holland, where all of the beer and spirits are still brewed today, but they put an incredible building on the northwest side, affectionately known as “The Knickerbocker.” You can experience some of their world-famous drinks, most notably Dragons Milk which is a favorite within our team. If you’re looking for a place to have a party, gathering, or event, they have a variety of different unique event spaces. Our team has hosted events at The Knickerbocker and everyone loved the drinks, food, and space. 

Brewery Vivant 

Popping over to one the Southeast side of Grand Rapids on Cherry Street is Brewery Vivant. This may be one of the coolest buildings of all the breweries we are highlighting today. While some people say it’s a refurbished church, Brewery Vivant is actually a remodeled funeral home. Their number one beer is a Farm Hand Ale and the environment is second to none. They focus on farm-to-table experiences and our team suggestion is to try the duck nachos.

Mitten Brewing Company

Rounding things out on the northwest side is Mitten Brewing Company. Located on Leonard Street, Mitten is a converted fire station showcasing a fantastic baseball-themed brewery that pairs some incredible pizzas with their beer. We highly recommend going there to grab a fantastic beer and some of the best pizzas in town.

Now we want to hear from you, what are your favorite local breweries in Grand Rapids?