Brews on the Lakeshore

Grand Rapids earned the title of Beer City in 2012, and it has lived up to the name ever since. While breweries like Brewery Vivant, New Holland Brewing, and The Mitten Brewing Company helped shape the city’s brewing reputation, Founders Brewing Co. is arguably the godfather of brewing in Michigan: being the most iconic and well-known.

A Founders Story

Founders Brewing Co. that most Michiganders know–the sprawling beer factory with standout sandwiches, an unforgettable bar, and iconic Michigan-brewed beers–opened in Grand Rapids in 2007. But the brewery began a decade earlier, when two men wearing all the hats–bartenders, brewers, and owners–opened a smaller brewery and began to brew beer magic.

Even before moving to the iconic location, Founders had brewed some of the greats: DirtyBastard, KBS, and the All Day IPA. Now, more than 25 years later, Founders Brewing Co. sells in all 50 states, firmly placing West Michigan on the national craft beer map.

A massive red brick building with its name in bright yellow, Founders is easy to find. Immense, silver barrels of beer greet the brewery goer as the smell of Rubaeus unfurls over Grand Rapids, making its stamp. Brewery tours and a shop full of merchandise further cement Founders’ iconic place as a Grand Rapids icon.

Hop-Heavy and Proud

But it’s the beer itself that truly put Founders on the map. In addition to its famous flavors, newer releases are becoming fan favorites, keeping Founders’ recipes creative. Mortal Bloom IPAs are especially popular, with a host of versions, and the All Day IPA lineup continues to grow with a West Coast-style IPA and a refreshing shandy.

Most of the brews on tap at Founders are not for the weak. In front of the iconic stained-glass window beyond the bar, the tap list at Founders leans toward bold IPAs, along with popular porters, stouts, and lagers. For those looking for something lighter and fruitier, the Rubaeus, a berry wheat ale, is a famous option. In addition, a Michigan-style pilsner is also gaining popularity as an easy-drinking option. A short list of draft cocktails, cider, and wine is also available at the taproom, plus a newer hop water for those going NA.

Over the years Founders has grown its food menu just as substantially as its tap list and massive brewing room, now offering a full, wide-ranging menu. In addition to their fan favorite sandwiches, a host of starters, bowls, and burgers are available with variation, for everyone to enjoy.

A Michigan Brewing Icon

Founders Brewing Co. serves Beer City in more than just bold brews–it is a cultural hub for brewers and beer-lovers alike. The stage of the brewery perfectly complements the size of the dining room at Founders, and it is utilized more often than not. Frequent live music and open-mic nights draw crowds from across Grand Rapids. 

Live music moves outside at Founders as well, to a beer garden that rivals its indoor dining room. With a smaller outdoor bar and a series of picnic tables, a refreshing beer in the sun isn’t hard to find.

Whether visiting for a glass of All Day IPA, catching a local band, or enjoying the Grand Rapids sun in the beer garden, Founders Brewing Co. brings more than just beer to West Michigan—it’s at the heart of Grand Rapids culture. With decades of history, nationally favored brews, and a space that invites connection, Founders continues to define Beer City.