Brews on the Lakeshore

The Allure of Eastown

It’s easy to overlook just how vast Grand Rapids is—the largest city in West Michigan, filled with distinct districts, each with its history and style. Eastown is a special hotspot of these districts for many reasons. Its walkable streets, vibrant atmosphere, a blend of Victorian and modern homes, and iconic red cobblestone streets make it unlike anywhere else.

Harmony Brewing Company

What I ordered: Lovely Day

A visit to Harmony Brewing Company transports you from Eastown’s red cobblestone streets straight to a 1960s Florida patio. A disco ball, blue umbrellas and chairs, and bright flower boxes give the feel of a tropical bungalow. Compared to the rest of the creative and urban businesses in Eastown, it seems to stick out and blend in at the same time.

Opened in 2012, Harmony Brewing is a sibling-owned dream, styled with a touch of 1960s Mexican flair as a tribute to the building’s previous owners. Inside, every detail is thoughtfully designed: a sleek, glossy bar with wooden stools greets guests upon entry, while cozy brown booths line the left.

A unique addition to the decor of the dining room is a small display of interesting prints, charms, jewelry, and paintings perfect for browsing with a beer in hand. A sign below reads, “Check out the work of our talented staff,” showcasing the creativity within Harmony. Each booth also features similar artwork, making the space feel like a little gallery.

A collection of glass jars on shelves leads to another indoor section with immense garage doors to let in the warm afternoon (if it is still warm!). Inside, lights, artwork, and dark sage walls give a hint of the decor you will find outside: thriving plants, original artwork from Grand Rapids patrons, and a large wooden portrait of their mascot of sorts, the “Jack-of-the-Woods” or “Hop Eyed Guy”. On the wall next to him is an enormous mural of hops falling from a tree. Beyond this space lies even more summer seating, alive with greenery, tables, and large blue umbrellas.

Harmony leans toward the more seasoned beer drinker, with a tap list that might seem daunting to fans of lighter brews. While there are a few pilsner options, the menu mostly features bolder choices like IPAs, a stout, porter, lager, plus a cider and hard seltzer. Several cocktail options took up the menu, all made with in-house distilled liquor. 

My Favorite IPA

Harmony’s featured beer, Lovely Day, is a lavender-orange IPA with just a hint of fruity sweetness—enough to make it a great choice for those who prefer a less hoppy brew. In addition, Harmony has another IPA on their menu that is a crowd favorite, the Grapefruit Moon, a refreshing IPA Shandy. Two other flavors were popular enough to be available in cans as well: the Fiddlestix IPA and Black Squirrel: a smoked porter. 

Beer, Events, and Community at Harmony

Beyond its exceptional beer and vibrant decor, Harmony is also known for its award-winning, stone-fired pizza and extensive menu. Guests can enjoy beer bites, sandwiches, salads, and pizzas, making it an ideal spot for a full lunch or casual snack with a brew. The menu balances elevated, unique flavors with reasonable pricing.

Grand Rapids is a unique “college town” in that Harmony will receive as many middle-aged, older, and young families enjoying their beer as students. Eastown’s energy is constant, with coffee shops, boutiques, and more bars attracting people to stick around. Harmony serves as the perfect starting point, offering events like trivia nights, spelling bees, and vinyl nights that capture Eastown’s creative, community-focused spirit. Whether you’re there for the craft beer, the events, or the local flavor, Harmony Brewing is a nice slice of Grand Rapids.