Founders Brewing Co. Taproom - Image 1
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Founders Brewing Co. Taproom

4.3
·3k reviews·Grand Rapids, United States

Iconic Grand Rapids brewery with stunning brewing facility views, diverse craft beers, and a lively taproom atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Founders Brewing Co. Taproom - Image 1

Founders Brewing Co. Taproom

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Grand Rapids brewery with stunning brewing facility views, diverse craft beers, and a lively taproom atmosphere.

4.3
(3k reviews)

"This is one of the best Brew Pubs I have visited."

Vertical photo
TIP

🍻 Try a Beer Flight

Sample a variety of Founders' renowned craft beers with a beer flight to find your favorite. :beer_mug:

🍽️ Explore the Menu

Don't miss the food! From brussel sprouts to burgers, there are flavorful options for everyone. :forkandknife:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Brewing Facility Views

Brewing Facility Views

Taproom

Enjoy panoramic views of the active brewing operations while you sip your favorite craft beer.

Outdoor Seating

Outdoor Seating

Patio

Relax on the patio with great views, perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon or evening.

Iconic Craft Beers

Iconic Craft Beers

Bar

Sample award-winning brews like Dirty Bastard, All Day IPA, and the highly-rated DKML.

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Planning Your Visit

Taproom Experience

Founders Brewing Co. Taproom offers a spacious, high-ceilinged atmosphere with views of the brewing facilities. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, so expect a lively crowd, especially during peak hours. Consider visiting during off-peak times for a more relaxed experience.

Menu & Beer Selection

While known for its extensive craft beer selection, Founders also offers a diverse food menu with options for various dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegetarian choices. Some patrons note menu changes, so it's worth checking their current offerings.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

What’s your favorite Michigan brewery? @foundersbrewingofficial is def at the top of the list #puremichigan #michiganbeer #grandrapids #detroit
@thewanderingmichigander
2.9K likes • 48.9K views

🍻 Try a Beer Flight

Sample a variety of Founders' renowned craft beers with a beer flight to find your favorite. :beer_mug:

🍽️ Explore the Menu

Don't miss the food! From brussel sprouts to burgers, there are flavorful options for everyone. :forkandknife:

🚗 Feels like Chicago. 🧘‍♂️ Lives like Grand Rapids. People are calling GR the “Mini Chicago” — and for good reason. ✅ Walkable downtown ✅ Killer food + craft beer @foundersbrewing @breweryvivant ✅ Live music, festivals, and street art ✅ Way lower cost of living But here’s the real magic: you get the energy of a big city without the burnout. Less noise, more nature. Less chaos, more community. Pe...
@jeffvarnadojr
145 likes • 4.3K views
🍻 Founders Brewing Co Tour & Taproom Visit ‼️Just finished an awesome behind-the-scenes tour at @foundersbrewing 🍻 Got to see the ins & outs of the brewing & packaging process. Seriously so cool! 🍔 Wrapped it up with a chill lunch on the patio. 🥰 Great food, great vibes, highly recommend @foundersgrandrapids
heygrandrapids
155 likes • 17.1K views

☀️ Enjoy the Patio

The outdoor seating offers great views and a pleasant atmosphere, especially on nice days. :sunwithface:

🚗 Parking Advice

Parking can be a bit tricky; be prepared to drive around to find a spot. :car:

Founders Brewing Co. Grand Rapids, MI 1997. Co-Founders Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers open the doors to the 9,800 square foot brewery in downtown Grand Rapids, MI. The first batches of beer are brewed. #beer #beerblvd #cheers #drink #drinklocal #foryou #beerlife #beertiktok
@thebeerguyatl
5 likes • 332 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🍻 Try a Beer Flight

Sample a variety of Founders' renowned craft beers with a beer flight to find your favorite. :beer_mug:

🍽️ Explore the Menu

Don't miss the food! From brussel sprouts to burgers, there are flavorful options for everyone. :forkandknife:

☀️ Enjoy the Patio

The outdoor seating offers great views and a pleasant atmosphere, especially on nice days. :sunwithface:

🚗 Parking Advice

Parking can be a bit tricky; be prepared to drive around to find a spot. :car:

🎶 Check for Events

Founders often hosts live music and events, adding to the vibrant taproom experience. :musical_note:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Founders Brewing Co. Taproom is widely praised for its excellent craft beer selection, lively atmosphere, and delicious food, with many highlighting the great service and unique views of the brewing facilities. Some minor drawbacks include occasional loud music and challenging parking, and a few patrons have noted recent changes to the food menu.

"WOW this is an amazing brewery. They do all the brewing on site. The outdoors seating is so nice with great views. If you like sports they have plenty of televisions to watch your favorite team. You definitely have to make a trip here to see how beautiful this place is. The brussel sprouts were amazing. We had a great time and a great server."

Damon Reynolds

"Founders Brewing Co. has a very nice taproom. The menu is fairly broad and includes salads, bowls, skillets, burgers, and platters. For those with celiac, they have gluten free options highlighted on the menu. Mentioned this to Hannah our waitress and she found the recipe had changed and made an alteration to our order. Also vegetarian options highlighted on menu. The beer selection is good as you would expect. Music a bit loud and not to my taste, but not a huge problem. Waitstaff very attentive. Great place for a meal."

Bill Cleveland

"Breweries are not my go to thing but I tagged along because my husband and dad wanted to go. Everything got the “I want to return” ratings… the beers, the food (looks simple but flavorful) , the service, and the atmosphere. Highly recommend, especially if it’s your first day in the city visiting."

Adriana Espino

What People Like

Exceptional craft beer
Great food options
Brewery views

What People Dislike

Parking challenges
Loud music
Menu changes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Founders Brewing Co. Taproom is located in downtown Grand Rapids. Many visitors find it easily accessible by car, though parking can be a bit of a scavenger hunt.Reddit Public transportation options are also available within the city.

Parking near the taproom can be challenging. Some visitors mention having to drive around to find a spot.Reddit It's advisable to check for nearby parking garages or be prepared for street parking. TikTok

Yes, the taproom is located in a walkable downtown area, making it a great stop if you're exploring Grand Rapids on foot. TikTok

Yes, Founders Brewing Co. is a popular destination for those traveling from Detroit and other parts of Michigan. It's often mentioned as a top brewery in the state. TikTok+1

Grand Rapids is often described as having a 'mini Chicago' feel with its walkable downtown, great food and craft beer scene, and live music. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, typically you do not need tickets to enter the Founders Brewing Co. Taproom. It operates as a regular restaurant and bar. TikTok

Hours can vary, but the taproom is generally open daily. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. TikTok

There is no admission fee to enter the Founders Brewing Co. Taproom. You pay for food and beverages consumed. TikTok

Yes, Founders Brewing Co. offers tours of their brewing facilities, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing and packaging process. Instagram

As a brewery and restaurant, Founders Brewing Co. Taproom is generally open to all ages, but specific areas or events might have age restrictions. It's best to confirm if you have specific concerns. TikTok

🍽️ 🍺 Beer & Food

Highly recommended beers include the Dirty Bastard Scottish Ale, All Day IPA (and its variations like Hazy and West Coast), and the barrel-aged DKML. TikTokReddit+2

Yes, Founders Brewing Co. highlights gluten-free options on their menu and is accommodating to dietary needs, with staff willing to make alterations. Reddit

The menu features a range of items including salads, bowls, skillets, burgers, and platters. They also have appetizers like fried cheese curds. Reddit+2

Yes, vegetarian options are highlighted on the menu at Founders Brewing Co. Taproom. Reddit

Yes, Founders Brewing Co. offers a selection of merchandise for sale, including apparel and beer-related items. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture shots of the brewing equipment from the taproom, the vibrant patio area, and of course, your delicious food and beer. TikTokInstagram

During tours, you'll have opportunities to photograph the brewing process. Even from the taproom, you can often see parts of the operation. Instagram

Look out for limited edition show posters or unique taproom decor that can make for interesting photos. TikTok

The taproom generally has good lighting, especially with natural light coming in from windows and the patio. TikTok

Absolutely! Many creators share their experiences, showcasing the beer, food, and atmosphere. TikTok+2

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Founders Brewing Co. Taproom is generally family-friendly, with a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that caters to various tastes, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.Reddit While the focus is on craft beer, the spacious environment and food offerings make it a suitable spot for families to enjoy a meal together. Some visitors have mentioned bringing their families along for a visit.TikTok

Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed experience for children. The outdoor patio can also be a great space for families to spread out. Always check their specific policies regarding children if you have any concerns.

💰 Budget Travelers

While Founders Brewing Co. is a popular craft brewery, it can be enjoyed on a budget. Opting for a beer flight allows you to sample multiple beers without committing to full pints, potentially saving money. Reddit Look for daily specials or happy hour deals if available. The food menu offers a range of prices, so choosing appetizers or simpler entrees can help manage costs. Reddit

🍻 Craft Beer Enthusiasts

For serious craft beer lovers, Founders Brewing Co. is a pilgrimage site. You'll find an extensive tap list featuring their core brews and often limited releases. Don't miss the chance to try highly-rated beers like DKML or explore the variations of All Day IPA.TikTok+2 Taking a brewery tour offers a deeper understanding of their brewing process and philosophy.Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers to Grand Rapids

If you're visiting Grand Rapids for the day, Founders Brewing Co. is a must-stop. It's centrally located in the walkable downtown area TikTok and offers a quintessential 'Beer City USA' experience. Enjoy a flight of their famous beers and a delicious meal before exploring other attractions. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Founders Brewing Co. Story

Founded in 1997 by Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers, Founders Brewing Co. has grown from a small operation in downtown Grand Rapids to a nationally recognized craft brewery.TikTok Their commitment to quality and innovation has earned them numerous awards and a loyal following. The Grand Rapids taproom, with its expansive space and views of the brewing floor, remains a central hub for experiencing their craft.

The brewery's philosophy centers on creating exceptional beers that are both approachable and complex. This dedication is evident in their diverse portfolio, which ranges from sessionable IPAs like the popular All Day IPA to robust stouts and barrel-aged creations. Their expansion and continued success are a testament to their passion for brewing and their connection to the Grand Rapids community, often referred to as 'Beer City USA'.

Founders has also embraced its role in the local scene, hosting events and collaborating with other Michigan businesses. Their taproom is more than just a place to drink beer; it's a destination that embodies the spirit of Grand Rapids and the craft beer movement. TikTok+2

Exploring the Taproom Experience

The Founders Brewing Co. Taproom in Grand Rapids is designed to immerse visitors in the brewing experience. High ceilings and large windows offer direct views of the brewing equipment, allowing patrons to witness the magic happen firsthand.TikTok The atmosphere is often described as lively and energetic, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the wide selection of beers and food.

Beyond the visual appeal of the brewing operations, the taproom boasts a spacious layout with multiple bars and a variety of seating options, including comfortable indoor areas and a popular outdoor patio.Reddit The patio, in particular, is a highlight, offering great views and a pleasant ambiance for enjoying a meal or a pint, especially during warmer months.Instagram

Whether you're a seasoned craft beer aficionado or new to the scene, the taproom provides a welcoming environment. The staff are generally attentive and knowledgeable, ready to guide you through the beer list or menu. It’s a place where you can easily spend an afternoon or evening, soaking in the vibrant craft beer culture of Grand Rapids. Reddit+1

A Taste of Founders: Beer & Food

Founders Brewing Co. is renowned for its diverse and high-quality craft beer selection. Fan favorites include the Dirty Bastard Scottish Ale, known for its rich malt profile, and the All Day IPA, a highly sessionable and popular choice for any time.TikTok+1 For those seeking something more adventurous, the DKML (Barrel-Aged Malt Liquor) has received exceptional ratings.TikTok The brewery also offers beer flights, allowing visitors to sample a range of their offerings and discover new favorites.Reddit

The food menu at the taproom complements the beer selection with a variety of options. While some patrons have noted recent menu changes, the offerings typically include hearty burgers, flavorful skillets, salads, and appetizers like the highly recommended fried cheese curds.Reddit+2 Founders is also mindful of dietary needs, clearly marking gluten-free and vegetarian options on their menu, and their staff are known to be accommodating.Reddit

From classic pub fare to more unique dishes, the food at Founders is designed to pair well with their extensive beer list, making the taproom a complete culinary and beverage destination. Instagram

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