Grand Rapids isn’t just any city; it’s a vibrant hub known as the Craft Beverage Capital of the USA. But beyond its breweries and distilleries, Grand Rapids also offers a fantastic happy hour scene. In fact, Travel + Leisure ranked Grand Rapids as the second most beautiful and affordable city to live in.
The city boasts a ton of great restaurants, bars, and breweries, and many of them roll out awesome happy hour deals. Whether you’re a local looking for a new after-work spot or a tourist wanting to experience the city’s culinary scene without breaking the bank, Grand Rapids’ happy hour options are hard to beat.
This guide is your key to unlocking the best happy hour spots in Grand Rapids. We’ll cover everything from cozy pubs with discounted drafts to upscale restaurants offering special appetizer menus. Get ready to discover your new favorite Grand Rapids happy hour destination!
Understanding the Grand Rapids Happy Hour Landscape
Grand Rapids has a thriving food and beverage scene, and happy hour is a time-honored tradition that’s alive and well here. If you’re new to the area or just want to branch out from your usual haunts, here’s a look at what you can expect.
What is happy hour?
Happy hour is a period of time, generally in the late afternoon or early evening, when bars and restaurants offer discounts on drinks and appetizers.
It’s a popular tradition because it provides a chance for people to gather and socialize, relax after a long workday, and enjoy affordable food and drinks.
The Grand Rapids context
Grand Rapids has a thriving culinary and beverage scene, offering a wide range of options, from casual restaurants and bars to craft breweries and upscale cocktail lounges. You’ll find plenty of places to take advantage of happy hour.
The best happy hour experiences offer a combination of atmosphere, friendly service, high-quality food and drinks, and affordable prices.
Typical happy hour times and offerings
Most happy hours in Grand Rapids run from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., but some may vary, so it’s best to check the specific establishment’s schedule.
You can typically find deals on beer, wine, cocktails, appetizers, and even some entrees.
Breweries and Brewpubs: Hoppy Hour Deals
Grand Rapids is known as Beer City USA, so it’s no surprise that many of the best happy hour deals are at local breweries and brewpubs. Here are a few places to check out:
City Built Brewing Company
City Built Brewing, located in the heart of the Monroe North district, offers a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere. They’re known for their innovative brews and creative menu with Puerto Rican-inspired dishes. It’s a great spot to unwind after work or kick off a night out.
Happy Hour Special: Enjoy $2 off starters from 3-5pm Wednesday through Thursday.
New Holland Brewing’s The Knickerbocker
The Knickerbocker, a New Holland Brewing establishment, is a sprawling complex that includes a brewery, distillery, restaurant, and live music venue. The atmosphere is industrial-chic, with exposed brick and soaring ceilings. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Happy Hour Special: They really know how to do happy hour. You can find deals on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4 p.m. until closing time.
7 Monks Taproom
7 Monks Taproom is a cozy and inviting spot with a focus on craft beer from around the world. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, making it a great place to catch up with friends or enjoy a solo pint.
Happy Hour Special: Unfortunately, this bar doesn’t have a traditional happy hour. However, they do offer a rotating selection of food and drink specials throughout the week, so it’s always worth checking their website or social media for the latest deals.
Archival Brewing
Archival Brewing offers a rustic and charming atmosphere, with exposed brick and vintage décor. They specialize in traditional beer styles brewed with a modern twist. It’s a great spot for beer enthusiasts looking to explore new flavors.
Happy Hour Special: Archival Brewing doesn’t have a specific happy hour but often runs specials on select beers and appetizers. Check their social media pages for the latest offerings.
Gravity Taphouse Grille
Gravity Taphouse Grille boasts a modern and lively atmosphere, with a focus on craft beer and gourmet pub fare. They have a huge selection of beers on tap, as well as a delicious menu of burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers.
Happy Hour Special: Gravity Taphouse Grille doesn’t currently advertise a specific happy hour, but they do offer daily specials on food and drinks. Check their website or social media for details.
Bars and Lounges: Cocktail and Wine Specials
If you’re looking for a place to unwind with a cocktail or glass of wine, Grand Rapids has plenty of bars and lounges offering happy hour specials. Here are a few to check out:
The Holiday Bar
The Holiday Bar is a laid-back spot with a neighborhood feel, perfect for catching up with friends. They’ve got a great happy hour menu featuring:
- $5 appetizers
- $4.50 wines
- $3.50 vodkas
- $2.50 domestic beers
These specials are available Monday through Friday from 3-6pm.
The Apartment Lounge
The Apartment Lounge is a landmark in Grand Rapids, known as Michigan’s longest-running gay bar. They’ve got daily happy hour specials from 2-9 pm, so you can always find a good deal.
One Bourbon
One Bourbon is known for its extensive whiskey selection and sophisticated atmosphere. They haven’t published happy hour specials, but check their social media or give them a call to find out if they’re running any deals.
Flamingo Lounge
The Flamingo Lounge is a stylish spot with a retro vibe. Check their social media or call ahead to find out about happy hour specials.
Billy’s Lounge
Billy’s Lounge offers a cozy and eclectic atmosphere. Check their social media or give them a call to find out about happy hour specials.
Restaurants: Food and Drink Combos
Grand Rapids has tons of great restaurants, and many of them have happy hour deals where you can save money on drinks and appetizers.
Birch Lodge
Located in the Medical Mile district of Grand Rapids, Birch Lodge has a rustic, cozy vibe, and their happy hour is one of the best in the city. From 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays, you can get drinks and appetizers for as little as $1.99!
Linear Restaurant
Linear, located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, has a sleek, modern vibe and a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Their happy hour, from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, features $2 off all draft beers, well drinks, and house wines, along with discounted appetizers like truffle fries and crispy Brussels sprouts.
Butcher’s Union
If you’re looking for a spot with a cool, industrial vibe and a focus on craft cocktails and high-quality meats, Butcher’s Union is the place to be. Their happy hour, from 3 to 6 p.m. every day, includes $2 off all draft beers, $5 well drinks, and a rotating selection of discounted snacks.
Bistro Bella Vita
For a taste of France in the heart of Grand Rapids, head to Bistro Bella Vita. This upscale bistro has a warm and inviting atmosphere, and their happy hour, from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, includes discounted wines by the glass, draft beers, and appetizers like mussels and charcuterie boards.
San Chez Bistro
San Chez is a Grand Rapids institution, serving up delicious tapas and Spanish-inspired dishes in a vibrant and colorful setting. Their happy hour, from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, includes discounted tapas, sangria, and Spanish wines.
Social House Kitchen and Bar
Social House, located in the popular Eastown neighborhood, is a lively spot with a focus on creative cocktails and globally inspired cuisine. Their happy hour, from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, features $2 off all draft beers, $5 well drinks, and a selection of discounted appetizers like sliders and tacos.
Hidden Gems and Unique Happy Hour Experiences
Grand Rapids has plenty of well-known happy hour spots, but sometimes you want to venture off the beaten path. Here are a few places offering something a little different:
Max’s South Seas Hideaway
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise at Max’s South Seas Hideaway! This tiki bar offers a fun, immersive experience with its Polynesian-inspired decor and exotic cocktails. Their happy hour, from 3pm to 6pm Monday through Friday, features discounted tropical cocktails and select appetizers. Think fruity concoctions and pupu platters!
The Green Well
If you’re looking for a sustainable and delicious option, The Green Well is your spot. This gastropub focuses on locally sourced ingredients and craft beers. Happy hour runs from 3pm to 6pm daily, with deals on select drafts, wines, and appetizers. It’s a great place to enjoy a responsible and tasty happy hour.
The Winchester
For a cozy and inviting atmosphere, head to The Winchester. This neighborhood bar offers a relaxed vibe and a great selection of craft beers and cocktails. Their happy hour, from 4pm to 6pm Monday through Friday, includes discounts on select drinks and snacks. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day.
Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm Market
Okay, so it’s not technically a “happy hour,” but hear me out! Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm Market offers a unique experience with their Friday night bonfires. Enjoy live music, local brews, and delicious food from their farm market. It’s a family-friendly way to kick off the weekend and enjoy the beautiful Michigan scenery.
Summary
From upscale lounges to neighborhood pubs, Grand Rapids offers a diverse and affordable range of happy hour options. Whether you’re looking for craft cocktails, local brews, or discounted appetizers, you’re sure to find a happy hour spot that perfectly suits your taste and budget.
To get the most out of your happy hour experience, be sure to check restaurant websites and social media pages for the latest specials and promotions. Think about what matters most to you: location, ambiance, or a particular drink or dish. Do you want an intimate setting or a lively vibe? Are you after the best burger, the strongest margarita, or the most creative appetizers?
Grand Rapids’ local food and beverage industry contributes a lot to the character of the city, so get out there and explore! By supporting these businesses, you’re not only treating yourself to a great time, but you’re also helping to keep the local economy thriving.