5 of the Best Bars in Grand Rapids
Everyone has their favorite “bar scene.” Some like to dance all night, while others like to kick back with a craft beer and listen to live music. One of the highlights of being back in my hometown of Grand Rapids is discovering all of its downtown bars. While GR is now known as “Beer City,” I’m happy to report that its nightlife is on the rise. Below are the bars my friends hit up on the weekends that are great spots to meet young people, bar hop, plan a bachelorette party or rediscover GR.
Founders
Is the new place to chill, try a craft beer or two and listen to live music. Its huge outdoor patio and fire pits make it a great hangout spot in the summer. If you’re looking for a casual and spacious area to sip a drink or kick off your night downtown, this is the place to go.
Events/Specials:
Tuesday: Open Mic Night starting at 8 p.m.
Thursday & Saturday: Live music acts (start times and cover charges vary)
Stella’s Lounge
It’s pretty hard to miss the painted rainbow skulls on the outside of my favorite bar. Lucky for you, the eclectic decor doesn’t stop on the outside. Graffiti, creepy dolls, and strange knickknacks can be found throughout the bar; old cartoons play on the TV screens and there are even retro arcade games if you’re not feeling the bar scene. There’s a dance floor and bar downstairs, but be warned that it gets incredibly toasty. I’m never disappointed by the crowd Stella’s draws and always have a good time here.
Events/Specials:
Monday: “The Drunken Retort”, which features spoken word, comedy and acoustic performances at 8 p.m.
The B.O.B
This famous Big Old Building is a staple for a night out because it hosts seven different venues that offer everything from karaoke to breweries to a nightclub. Its location is also a major plus: right in the heart of downtown by Van Andel Arena.
- Cellar: BOB’S BREWERY– Microbrewery with craft beers that features live music and karaoke every weekend. There’s usually a younger/college crowd here and fun bar games like giant jenga, cornhole and ping pong.
- 1st Floor: H.O.M.E – Newest live music venue known for its bourbon bar.
- 2nd Floor: BOBARINOS – Traditional bar vibe with pool tables, great pizza and live music on Fri & Sat.
- 4th Floor: EVE – A posh nightclub only open on Friday from 11 p.m.-2 a.m. and until 3 a.m. on Saturday. It’s an additional $5 cover for guys.
* It’s a general $5 cover to get in the building, which includes all venues, but women get in free on Friday.
The Tin Can
One word to describe The Tin Can: grungy. It’s the place you swear you won’t go back to but always end up at the end of the night. You’re almost guaranteed to run into people from your High School, which always makes for a good story. While I’m not a huge fan of the narrow layout and lack of a dance floor, its pudding shots ($2.50!) & dive bar “charm” give the Tin Can its unique reputation.
Events/Specials
Wednesday: Water pong tournaments with cash prizes for the last two teams. Starts at 9:30 p.m.
Mojos
What I love about Mojo’s is how it’s like two bars in one. The bottom floor is all about the dueling pianos where you can hear some of your favorite songs played by the live band. It’s a fun time because the band is really interactive with the crowd and you’ll be singing along with all the songs that were played at your prom. On the 2nd floor, there’s another bar, dance floor and great DJ playing today’s hits (his playlist is always on point).
Events/Specials
Wednesday: get in for free with a college ID
$3 cover. Dueling pianos happen on Wednesday & Thursday at 9 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 7 p.m.
Dance floor is open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m.
For more of our favorite things to see and do in cities around the U.S., check out the rest of our U.S. destination guides.
