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Cheers to the Champs: Grand Rapids’ Best Cocktail Bars of 2025

Drink
in  Grand Rapids
by Kate Overbeek
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Raising The Bar

Shake, Stir, Sip, Repeat. Grand Rapids knows how to raise a glass – and this year’s cocktail scene proves it.

From artful classics to inventive pours that push the limits of flavor, these local spots are sitrring up something special. Meet the winners who’ve turned mixology into pure magic – one sip at a time.

The Winners of the Grand Rapids’ Cocktail Crown.

Shakers & showstoppers, these West MI favorite restaurants have mastered their craft (cocktails.)

The public has voted, we listened and here is the list.

Get ready to wet your whistle and swing by any of these locations for a real neat treat. 🥃

  1. Max’s South Seas Hideaway
  2. Butchers Union
  3. Long Road Distillers
  4. Gin Gin’s
  5. Eastern Kille Distillery – Rockford
  6. The Score
  7. Drip Drop Cocktail Room
  8. Stella’s Lounge
  9. Social Misfits
  10. SpeakEZ Lounge
winner!

Max's South Seas Hideaway

Address58 Ionia Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Max’s South Seas Hideway is an oasis in the middle of our city. Tropical decor, warmth, Tiki themed drinks and Polynesian food.

Note – the drink menu is massive, so you have lots to choose from.

Max’s South Seas Hideaway
no 2

Butcher's Union

Address438 Bridge St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Butcher’s Union offers delicious food, hand crafted cocktails and an unrivaled whiskey collection.

Also highly recommended is their espresso martini.

Butcher’s Union
no 3

Long Road Distillers

Address537 Leonard St NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Discover award-winning spirits at Long Road Distillers.

Guests visit for premium cocktails, tastings, tours, and more.

This industrial-style eatery & cocktail bar has a very cool vibe serving up their house spirits & New American fare.

Long Road Distillers
no 4

Gin Gin's

Address345 Summer Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Gin Gin’s is newer to GR, offering premium steaks, fresh seafood, and their to-die-for handmade pasta.

They are also popular for, you guessed it – their delicious drinks.

Try handcrafted martinis and vintage cocktails. A truly stylish and inviting place you don’t wanna miss.

Gin Gin’s
no 5

Eastern Kille Distillery in Rockford

Address7755 Childsdale Ave NE
Rockford, MI 49341

Eastern Kille boasts as a modest whiskey distillery with an industrial-chic tasting room.

They turn out the most delicious hand crafted cocktails. Try any of the smashes!

Eastern Kille Distillery

Masters of Mixing

Grand Rapids’ cocktail culture has never tasted better. This year’s standout bars blend craftsman-sip, and creativity.

They are serving up more than just drinks – they are shaping our experiences and memories. Our lucky community gets to revel in their inspiration and that’s something we can all toast to.

So the next time you’re out on the town, raise a glass to the mixologists who keep this city’s spirit scene truly spirited.

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Kate Overbeek

Kate-O-Headshot

Kate is a Grand Rapids native. After graduating from MSU, she landed there to raise her three boys with her husband of over 20 years. She loves to travel, especially to new spaces and places. Her teenage sons keep her schedule busy and her fridge empty. But when she's not rooting for them in sports, she's usually skiing, playing golf, hanging around the lakeshore, and trying to catch a view of sunset.

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