The 4 best breweries in Grand Rapids, according to locals

The Grand Rapids Food Guide: The best breweries of 2025

Photo courtesy of Archival Brewing

By The 'Gander Staff

August 13, 2025

Grand Rapids is unofficially officially known as “Beer City USA,” so it’s not a shocker that the city is overflowing with breweries. When you’re wanting a crisp and cool beer on tap, where do you go? Who has the tastiest brews and the coziest of spaces? Well, we tasked you all with voting for your favorites, and you had words. You exercised your right to vote by telling our readers where to head in Grand Rapids for the best brewery. The 2025 Grand Rapids Food Guide results are in, and you’ll want to grab what’s on tap from one of these four contenders.

4. The Mitten Brewing Co.

Since 2012, the Mitten Brewing Co. has been hitting homeruns. The baseball metaphor is apt because the two friends behind this brewery made it a baseball-themed microbrewery. Today, the Mitten has three locations and a pizza take-away spot. Even more, the Mitten has its own charity, and to this day, they’ve raised over $500,000 for local nonprofits.

These people are true gems, obviously. And they have a passion for good beer and pizza. What could be better? Although they’re ranked at number four, it’s still a feat to rank in Beer City USA when there’s a brewery on every corner (only slightly hyperbolic).

The Mitten Brewing Co. is located in a restored Victorian-era firehouse and is decorated in old-timey baseball paraphernalia. While their beer is great, their pizza is the true talk of the town.

3. Archival Brewing

Archival Brewing is delightful. The space is *chef’s kiss.* The taproom is light and airy, and the beer garden is best enjoyed on a fall night when the firepits are roaring. The location is scenic, the drinks are seasonal perfection, and the food caters to palates and diets of everyone: vegan, vegetarian, meat lovers—you name it.

They pride themselves on comfort food and comfort drinks, and it’s no wonder that Archival Brewing made it on this list. The owners—a husband and wife team–spent a long time learning the ancient styles of beer-making, hence the name. Archival Brewing does indeed come straight from the archives; it’s tried and true. The mead is top notch.

2. Vivant Brewery + Spirits

Vivant Brewery + Spirits is located in a historic funeral home, which perfectly illustrates this institution’s dedication to history, sustainability, and craftsmanship. In other words, Vivant’s atmosphere is just as critical as their food and drink offering (but not in a morbid way, of course). Located in the East Hills neighborhood, Vivant Brewery is inspired by European craft drinks and cocktails. They also serve made-from-scratch menu items with locally-sourced ingredients.

Patrons tout the beer cheese, which is served with a pretzel loaf. Delectable. Their poutine and duck nachos are also house specialties and often get rave reviews.

If you’re into sours, Vivant is definitely the place to visit. And if you want a solid cocktail selection, you won’t want to miss this stop. The Big City Sour is the drink of choice, featuring bourbon. Vivant has options. Simple, yet innovative—and the 2025 Food Guide’s second place winner for Best Brewery.

1. Founders Brewing Co.

The tried and true, our number winner: Founders. Not only are they number one in Grand Rapids, but they’re also ranked as one of the best breweries in the United States. The brewery started back in 1997, and even after setback after setback, this place has continued to remain a popular institution. It’s a testament to Beer City USA’s brewing success, and it’s an example for other brewery owners to aspire to.

Today, Founders has partnered with other beer makers to create Mahou USA. You can also buy their products at stores across the country.

But if you’re catching a drink in person, you’ll also want to grab a bite to eat. Start with the beer cheese, of course, and then move onto a sandwich, preferably the Glutton sandwich, which has a cult following. Their beer is the uncontested winner, of course, so you can’t go wrong with your drink order.