Last updated September 25, 2026 · ranked from 16,350 Google reviews · How we rank
This list ranks 9 bars in and around Grand Rapids, MI, led by Gin Gin's, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse and Butcher's Union. Together they have 16,350 Google reviews; Gin Gin's has the highest Google rating on the list at 4.8. Every place on the list is in Grand Rapids, MI. Rankings weigh Google rating, review volume, how complete and current each listing is, and our own notes on each place.
Handcrafted martinis and vintage cocktails anchor Gin Gin's first-place spot among bars in Grand Rapids, MI, backed by a 4.8 Google rating from 662 reviews. Beer, wine and happy-hour drinks broaden the options, while small plates, handmade pasta and late-night food make it possible to stay for more than a drink. Leather booths, sapele wood paneling and a fireplace define the interior, with an outdoor courtyard offering another place to sit. Friday and Saturday hours extend to 11:30 p.m.
An extensive house-brew list anchors BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse’s No. 2 placement, supported by a 4.7 Google rating from 6,540 reviews. At 3445 28th St SE in Grand Rapids, MI, this casual, family-friendly spot serves pub fare at the bar alongside beer, cocktails, wine and liquor. Happy-hour food and drinks, fast service and a setting suited to watching sports give it several practical draws. Friday and Saturday hours extend to midnight, and groups can reserve ahead.
More than 100 whiskeys anchor the drinks selection at Butcher's Union, earning it rank 3 with support from draft beer, cocktails and a 4.7 Google rating across 3,322 reviews. This modern gastropub at 438 Bridge St NW in Grand Rapids, MI pairs its bar offerings with a meat-heavy, globally inspired menu. Happy-hour food and drinks, late-night food and an 11:30 p.m. closing time on Fridays and Saturdays give it practical appeal for an evening out. Outdoor seating adds another option.
More than 200 microbrews give Logan's Alley a clear draw, while its mellow neighborhood-pub setting helps explain its No. 5 ranking in Grand Rapids, MI. At 916 Michigan St NE, the bar serves New American fare alongside cocktails, liquor and wine, with happy-hour offerings for both food and drinks. Bar games, sports viewing and outdoor seating add options beyond a seat at the counter. A 4.6 Google rating from 1,145 reviews adds support to its place on the list.
House spirits and a cocktail-focused bar give Long Road Distillers its case for No. 6 among bars in Grand Rapids, MI. The industrial-style space at 537 Leonard St NW pairs drinks with New American food, including food served at the bar. Beer and wine broaden the options, while happy-hour food and drinks, trivia nights and outdoor seating add reasons to visit. Fast service is a listed highlight, and a 4.6 Google rating from 654 reviews supports its placement.
Two stories of tiki art and a perpetual-twilight setting give Max's South Seas Hideaway a distinctive backdrop for drinks in Grand Rapids, MI. It earns rank 7 for its notable cocktails, original interiors by tiki artisans, and large collection of vintage and modern decor. Beer, wine, and liquor round out the drinks selection, while food is available at the bar or through table service. A 4.5-star Google rating across 2,129 reviews adds support, and reservations are accepted at this spot that usually has a wait.
Sports viewing and arcade games give Big E's Sports Grill a clear role among bars in Grand Rapids, MI, earning it the No. 8 spot. Beer, cocktails, wine and liquor are available, with food served at the bar and casual seating for groups. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4–6 p.m., plus Monday through Thursday from 9–11 p.m. Its 4.5 Google rating across 901 reviews adds support, while free Embassy Suites garage parking—when you notify your server—is a practical benefit.
Classic arcade games and art-adorned red walls give Meanwhile Bar, Inc. a distinct setting at 1005 Wealthy St SE in Grand Rapids, MI. It earns rank 9 with beer and cocktails, happy-hour drinks, and a casual atmosphere suited to groups. Outdoor tables offer another place to sit, while free lot and street parking add practical convenience. Open daily from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Meanwhile also has a 4.5 Google rating from 588 reviews.
Bocce, billiards, and live music give SILVA more to offer than drinks alone, earning it the No. 10 spot among bars in Grand Rapids, MI. The bar at 975 Ottawa Ave NW serves cocktails, beer, wine, and liquor, alongside a dinner menu with comfort food, small plates, and vegan and vegetarian options. Its 4.5-star Google rating across 409 reviews adds to that case. Group-friendly seating and a private dining room make it a practical option for gatherings, with dinner reservations recommended.
Ratings and review counts shown are Google ratings, displayed with attribution.
How we ranked this list
Each bar is scored on a Bayesian-weighted rating (its rating adjusted for how many reviews it has compared with the Grand Rapids category average), how recently we verified its details, and how complete its listing is. Scores and ranks are stored, so the order only changes when the underlying data changes.
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