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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Founders Brewing Co. Taproom
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Grand Rapids brewery with stunning brewing facility views, diverse craft beers, and a lively taproom atmosphere.
"This is one of the best Brew Pubs I have visited."
🍻 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Iconic Craft Beers
Bar
Sample award-winning brews like Dirty Bastard, All Day IPA, and the highly-rated DKML.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Taproom Experience
Menu & Beer Selection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍻 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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
It's advisable to check for nearby parking garages or be prepared for street parking.Yes, the taproom is located in a walkable downtown area, making it a great stop if you're exploring Grand Rapids on foot.
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.
Grand Rapids is often described as having a 'mini Chicago' feel with its walkable downtown, great food and craft beer scene, and live music.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, typically you do not need tickets to enter the Founders Brewing Co. Taproom. It operates as a regular restaurant and bar.
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.
There is no admission fee to enter the Founders Brewing Co. Taproom. You pay for food and beverages consumed.
Yes, Founders Brewing Co. offers tours of their brewing facilities, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing and packaging process.
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.
🍽️ 🍺 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.
Yes, Founders Brewing Co. highlights gluten-free options on their menu and is accommodating to dietary needs, with staff willing to make alterations.
The menu features a range of items including salads, bowls, skillets, burgers, and platters. They also have appetizers like fried cheese curds.
Yes, vegetarian options are highlighted on the menu at Founders Brewing Co. Taproom.
Yes, Founders Brewing Co. offers a selection of merchandise for sale, including apparel and beer-related items.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture shots of the brewing equipment from the taproom, the vibrant patio area, and of course, your delicious food and beer.
During tours, you'll have opportunities to photograph the brewing process. Even from the taproom, you can often see parts of the operation.
Look out for limited edition show posters or unique taproom decor that can make for interesting photos.
The taproom generally has good lighting, especially with natural light coming in from windows and the patio.
Absolutely! Many creators share their experiences, showcasing the beer, food, and atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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
🍻 Craft Beer Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers to Grand Rapids
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Founders Brewing Co. Story
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.
Exploring the Taproom Experience
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. 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.
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.
A Taste of Founders: Beer & Food
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. 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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit