The Beer Issue
Brewery Guide
Our comprehensive list of breweries in West Michigan and beyond Compiled by Revue Staff and Minions
GRAND RAPIDS AREA 57 Brew Pub & Bistro
1310 W. Washington, Greenville 57brewpub.com (616) 712-6226
Not only does the pub have a reputation for its Dirty Blonde Ale but also for partnering locally. To celebrate Montcalm Community College’s 50th anniversary, 57 Brew Pub created a special new farmhouse-style Centurion Ale for the occasion. Released Sept. 1, Centurion will be on tap all year to honor the college’s 50th anniversary. 57 Brew Pub also has food and beer pairings starting up in October, including presentations by chefs and brewers course-by-course.
B.O.B.’s Brewery
20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids thebobsbrewery.com (616) 356-2000
B.O.B.’s Brewery, located on The B.O.B.’s lower level, produces a variety of beers from light, refreshing summer styles to rich, robust, dark beers for cold-weather months. Some of the standards are Crimson King, Blondie, and Full on India Pale Ale, while the seasonal specials include London Calling (4.5% ABV), Hopsun (4.5% ABV), Bobinator (4.5% ABV), and Hop Zeppelin.
Blue Cow
119 N. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids bluecowcafe.com (231) 796-0100
In addition to Blue Cow’s restaurant and brewpub, there is also a wine shop, proving this joint dabbles in a little of everything. Dedicated to farm-to-table eating, the restaurant changes its menu every week as
a result of seasonal and weekly offerings from local farms. Try a Blue Cow Burger with a Poolside Porter or an English Ale. Or even a wine from the shop that you can bring to the table.
Brewery Vivant
925 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids breweryvivant.com (616) 719-1604
Living up to the translation of its name “to be lively,” Brewery Vivant is all about brewing the best beer and bringing together people who enjoy eating and drinking. While Vivant sticks to the fall tradition of having pumpkin beer on tap with Pumpkin Tart, it also switches that up with Blandford Maple Amber (6.0% ABV). The beer is made with fresh maple syrup from trees at Blanford Nature Center, making it a hyper-local and creative transition into fall. Also worth a taste is the Tripel Belgian Style Ale, a light body brew with a bread sweetness. What the hell are we talking about? All of Vivant’s beers are worth a taste... or four.
Cellar Brewing Co.
500 E Division St., Sparta cellarbrewingco.com (616) 883-0777
Cellar is a business of many talents. Not only is it notable for its beer selections, but the brewing company also has a winery and on-site distillery. Yes, friend. All your craft alcohol needs can be met in one place. There are 16 beers on tap, specialty cocktails, shooters and a number of wines in various styles. Don’t get overzealous, though, because we all know what happens when you mix beer, wine and spirits.
Cranker’s Brewery
213 S. State St., Big Rapids