Eastside meets westside where Atwater Brewery is concerned. Atwater Brewery was founded in Detroit in 1977 and was bought in 2002 by Mark Rieth, an alum from Michigan State University. Atwater Brewery has three locations: Grand Rapids, Grosse Pointe Park, and Detroit. Detroit is known as Motor City, but at one time it did have the most production breweries than any other city in the country. Atwater being one of the many.
Atwater Brewery is located downtown on the corner of Michigan St. and sits adjacent to the Grand River. The location is in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids and takes place inside one of its buildings that make up Grand Rapids’ famous skyline. Atwater Brewery is famous among Michiganders, especially on the eastside, but now it has reached its grasp over here on the westside where it has gained a following from Grand Rapids beer lovers. Atwater in Grand Rapids is a classic take on a brewery: a large extension of a bar with taps poking out from every ledge, wood accents, a view of the brewing process, trendy tile, and of course cute curbside outdoor seating where you can view the city while enjoying a fresh, crisp beer.
Atwater has an abundance of brews from porters, lagers, IPA’s, ales, stouts, fruity beers, and even seltzers! Their tap menu changes with the seasons and sports many unique, festive, and delicious flavors. Dirty Blonde and Vanilla Java Porter are two of their most popular flavors— Vanilla Java Porter is a twist on a coffee beer beverage! Their seltzers are also gaining traction due to the summer seltzer trend that doesn’t seem to be slowing down even with the winter season.
Their food is also to die for and of course pairs perfectly with their beer. Bar food is by far superior to any other category of food. It’s greasy, savory, sometimes spicy, and heaping with flavor. Wings and nachos are on their menu and you know that is the beginning of a beautiful relationship between Atwater and your tastebuds. Their menu is chalked full of American food: burgers, chili, wings, but they also have a mix of Italian and Mexican favorites being tacos and pizza! A dream come true.
As Grand Rapids residents we are lucky to be surrounded by so many great breweries. Every night can be spent somewhere different for an overall different experience at each place from food, beer, atmosphere, and service. I have yet to visit all these incredible breweries, but I have been to most and I can’t wait to go back. I adore Grand Rapids and its many unique takes on breweries. Many breweries give back, support the community, and grow our city. Grand Rapids would not be Beer City USA without all these wonderful beer connoisseurs and their beautiful creations.
I mentioned six breweries in Grand Rapids but there are many more! Here is a list of other local breweries in the area that are just as good as the last!
· Elk Brewing
· Grand Rapids Brewing Co.
· City Built Brewing Company
· Greyline Brewing Co.
· Creston Brewery
· Arvon Brewing Co.
· East West Brewing Company
· Brass Ring Brewing
· Fountain Hill Brewery