The Best Drinks In Grand Rapids

Let's toast to Grand Rapids! It's time to take a moment to celebrate our breweries, restaurants, cider mills, coffee shops, and everywhere else you can get a great drink in Grand Rapids. After weeks of sampling some fantastic Grand Rapids drinks, we've come up with the five best drinks in town. It's a tough job, but somebody had to do it.

5 - 1985 Chateau Petrus at Reserve (201 Monroe NW)

If you are a wine lover you need to stop by Reserve. Reserve has over 100 wines available by the glass. They also have more than 200 bottles, but none are better than the 1985 Chateau Petrus. Of course, we never actually tried the 1985 Chateau Petrus. It costs $3,000 for a bottle. We're just going to assume it will send your taste buds into ecstasy. If you would rather save that money to pay the mortgage, Reserve has more affordable choices available too.

4 - Fresh apple cider from Robinette's (3142 4 Mile Road NE)

Who doesn't love a cold glass of cider? For that matter, who doesn't love a warm glass of cider? Grab a donut and toss back a glass at Robinette's. It doesn't get much better. The Cider Mill at Robinette's has been in operation since 1971. They make fresh cider from the Tuesday after Labor Day through April. They also freeze cider so you can enjoy it year-round, but there's just something about getting it fresh at the cider mill.

3 - Vern Ehlers at The Meanwhile Bar (1005 Wealthy Street)

When The Meanwhile opened in 2007 they created a signature drink called a Vern Ehlers which was named after the longtime West Michigan politician. A Vern Ehlers is Vernors with Jameson whiskey. They've really hit the jackpot with this one. Even Democrats like the Vern Ehlers. Stop by The Meanwhile and place your vote for a Vern Ehlers before the next lame duck session/closing time.

2 - Coffee at MadCap Coffee (98 Monroe Center)

If you are truly a coffee lover, you will love MadCap Coffee. MadCap roasts their own beans, they brew by the cup, and they make sure that your coffee is perfect every time. You'll wait longer than at most other coffee shops since your coffee is brewed to order, but it's worth the wait. As for which coffee to get, the menu is always changing so trust your barista to help you choose one to match your tastes.

1 - Centennial IPA at Founders Brewery (235 Grandville Avenue)

It is not hard to find great local beer in Grand Rapids, that makes choosing a favorite a daunting task. What a great problem to have! If you have decided to get a beer at Founders you've made one good choice, now another choice faces you. Which beer to order? We suggest Centennial IPA. It's an award winning beer often described as having floral and/or citrus flavors. If it's not your all-time favorite there's a good chance one of their other beers on tap will be.