
Butcher's Union
A modern gastropub celebrated for its meat-centric menu, impressive whiskey list, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a go-to for both special occasions and ...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Butcher's Union

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern gastropub celebrated for its meat-centric menu, impressive whiskey list, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a go-to for both special occasions and casual nights out.
"Life changing. Worth the price and the drive for exemplary service and food."
Make Reservations
Essential for securing a table, especially on weekends. They offer an online waitlist.
Happy Hour Deals
Enjoy more affordable menu items by visiting during happy hour.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Modern Gastropub
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exceptional Steaks & Meat Dishes
Renowned for its premium meat cuts like Wagyu and Ribeye, served with creative pairings.

Extensive Whiskey Selection
Boasting over 100+ whiskeys, it's a haven for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

Vibrant Atmosphere & Ambiance
A lively gastropub with charming decor, perfect for special occasions or a casual night out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
Essential for securing a table, especially on weekends. They offer an online waitlist.
Happy Hour Deals
Enjoy more affordable menu items by visiting during happy hour.
Bar Seating
Sit at the bar for quick service and knowledgeable bartender recommendations.
Patio for Quiet Dining
Opt for the patio for a more relaxed and quieter dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
Essential for securing a table, especially on weekends. They offer an online waitlist.
Happy Hour Deals
Enjoy more affordable menu items by visiting during happy hour.
Bar Seating
Sit at the bar for quick service and knowledgeable bartender recommendations.
Patio for Quiet Dining
Opt for the patio for a more relaxed and quieter dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about Butcher's Union for its incredible food, especially the steaks and appetizers like whipped feta and crispy Brussels sprouts. The extensive whiskey selection and expertly crafted cocktails are also major highlights. While the lively atmosphere is a draw, some find the music a bit too loud for conversation. Service is consistently praised for being friendly and accommodating.
"Had a blast here! Really love the accordion potatoes, went perfectly with my steak! Great environment and very attentive staff. The meatball app was so freaking good!! Really got to experience good vibes in GR, will be back! Reheated my leftover steak and potatoes then added scrambled eggs and it was perfect."
Chuk N
"Beautifully decorated, delicious food, friendly staff!! Luke waited on us and he was so nice and helpful! The salmon and Wagyu New York Strip was delicious. My espresso martini, while very strong, was also delicious. The chocolate mousse cake melted in my mouth it was so good. A definite try if you’re in the area!"
Emily
"What a wonderful first time experience at this restaurant! Originally we showed up as a walk in and they told us it would be a 45 min wait, but 10 mins later we got a text that our table was ready! Such great delicious food at good prices. We sat in the patio area and the atmosphere was amazing, definitely quieter back there. Will definitely be coming back next time we are in GR!"
Tina Schuler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. They also offer an online waitlist system.
Popular dishes include various steaks, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, pappardelle, and appetizers like whipped feta and crispy Brussels sprouts.
Yes, they boast an extensive selection of over 100 whiskeys and are known for their expertly crafted cocktails.
Yes, the patio area is often cited as being quieter and more relaxed than the main dining area.
While meat-centric, they offer seasonal vegetable dishes and salads that can cater to diverse preferences.
Diners often describe the prices as reasonable for the quality, with some mentioning it as 'fantastic price points' for the dishes offered.
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Opened just a few short months ago, Butcher’s Union specializes in meat and whiskey. While Butcher’s Union offers more than just meat and whiskey, we are fans of the meat offerings, such as the Tri-Tip Steak topped with balsamic grapes, red onions and a parmesan sauce, the Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf topped with pan gravy, sweet onion marmalade and served with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, or the Smoked Pastrami Sandwich, topped with apple slaw, cheese, and mustard. When devouring the meats, you will need a nice whiskey to pair.
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Located on the west side of the city in a renovated building with historic charm, Butcher’s Union is the perfect place for those who are seeking comfort in the basics — meat and whiskey. This restaurant has earned a reputation for offering the best cuts of meat in the city, but that’s not all. The chef expertly pairs the meat entrees with side dishes that are sourced from local Michigan farms, ensuring that everyone gets a fresh and flavorful meal when they dine at this location.
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Why you should go: This downtown hotspot specializes in meat and whiskey, but there are plenty of great seasonal vegetable dishes too. Start with one of the multiple Manhattans or old fashioneds on offer, like the Butcher’s Manhattan with Four Roses, Dubonnet rouge, Angostura, and orange bitters. The butcher’s cut section features seasonally changing composed steak dishes like a ribeye or hanger steak with crispy potatoes, patty pan squash, roasted garlic butter, and salsa verde.
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Kicking off our list of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids, we have Butcher’s Union, located on the west side of the city right by John Ball Zoo. This semi-upscale establishment has ranked on Yelp’s Top 100 Midwest eateries list on more than one occasion, with its meat, whiskey, and locally-grown vegetables serving as standout menu items. Butcher’s Union touts over 100 beverages in their whiskey selection, making it the perfect place to bring a connoisseur for a big date.
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Known for its fine meats and extensive whiskey list, Butchers Union is one of the most popular restaurants on Bridge Street and is a top choice for great food in Grand Rapids. Guests will be greeted with a cozy atmosphere complete with leather tufted booths. Be sure to try one of the Butcher’s Cut’s to get your choice of an 8oz Hanger, 14oz Ribeye, or 6oz Wagyu Tenderloin served with Japanese white sweet potato, feta, honey, cultured butter, baby kale, and dill.
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There are no reservations at this insanely popular meat-centric restaurant. And, for good reason, because if there’s one thing I remember about this place, it’s that the steaks and cocktails on the menu are obnoxiously good and very reasonably priced. The Charred Flank Steak with wine reduction and potato gratin (which I recommend) will set you back $19.75, while the smoked Beef Brisket Stroganoff (which I recommend even more!) will set you back just $18.50.
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Located in the city’s hip West Side neighborhood, Butcher’s Union has quickly become a local favorite of mine and pretty much everyone I know. This modern gastropub takes meat and whiskey seriously, and that is certainly evident on its meat-heavy menu and list of 200+ whiskeys. But, I’m a big fan of two of its sandwiches — the triple grilled cheese and the B.B.E.L.T., which is why I named Butcher’s Union one of my top 10 brunches of 2017.
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Conveniently located at the heart of Grand Rapids, Butcher's Union is among the most well-known Restaurant among natives and tourists alike!. See us at 438 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 and savor a Modern gastropub with a meat-heavy menu of globally inspired fare, 100+ whiskeys & draft beer. Book a reservation with us at (616) 551-1323 and enjoy an original Grand Rapids dining experience at Butcher's Union.
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If I said you can get a great glass of wine for less than $7 at a nice steakhouse in this day and age, would you believe me?. Its affordability, warm ambiance, and great food make Butcher's Union one of the top restaurants near downtown Grand Rapids on the Westside. They don't take reservations, but they have an online waitlist, so be sure to get on it if you're on you're way there, especially on weekends.
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For the client who is visiting from out of town, taking them to a place with more offerings than just a drink is probably your best choice. Butcher’s Union, located in the booming Westside of Grand Rapids, is a restaurant that matches up to any bar offerings in town. Butcher’s Union presents itself as providing locally sourced food, inspired cocktails, and an unmatched whiskey collection in Grand Rapids.
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A post shared by Butchers Union GR (@butchersuniongr) on Mar 5, 2019 at 12:29pm PST. This hip West Side restaurant has a simple tagline, "Meat and Whiskey." The whiskey list here features more than 200 varieties, with both bourbons and Scotch whiskies well represented. Local libations from Long Road Distillers and New Holland Brewery & Distillery make an appearance alongside top-shelf staples.
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For lovers of craft cocktails and hearty fare, Butcher's Union is a must-visit destination. This stylish gastropub combines the rustic charm of a butcher shop with the sophistication of a modern dining establishment. Indulge in expertly crafted cocktails and savory dishes like dry-aged steaks, house-made sausages, and gourmet burgers, all prepared with care and attention to detail.
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Butcher’s Union offers al fresco dining options along the street in front and in its walled-in patio in the back. They don’t accept reservations, so if you want a coveted outdoor table, you’ll have to wait. Saddle up to the bar for the summery caipifruta cocktail (Gold Cachaca shaken with turbinado syrup, muddled strawberry, lime and cucumber) to keep you company while you wait.
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Try over 100 whiskeys and dishes like the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, Wagyu Sirloin, and Smoked Ribeye Sandwich at Butcher’s Union. Share the Chorizo Queso Tots, order the J-Dawg Burger, and sip on a Blackberry Marg at Blue Dog Tavern. For nostalgic vintage vibes, grab some of “the best doggone good hot dogs” in the city at Yesterdog in Eastown—famously featured in American Pie.
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A popular “meat & whiskey” restaurant in the city’s Bridge Street Entertainment District, Butcher’s Union serves up delectable food and drink deals from 4-6pm, Monday through Friday. Grab bites like their famous deviled eggs or a juicy cheeseburger for $6-$11. Wash it down with cocktail specials, deals on select draft beers and wine, and discounted sangria pitchers.
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Head to Butchers Union downtown Grand Rapids for a diverse selection of fantastic food – which they strive to source locally, the biggest selection of whiskey around, and some unforgettable craft cocktails. Butchers Union is a cozy and inviting restaurant complete with tufted leather booths, making it a must-try intimate choice for date night in West Michigan.
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During the summer months the patio at Butcher’s Union just seems to call my name for a crisp glass of rosé. After living in Chicago for five years there’s just something above the vibe at Butcher’s Union that takes me back to that “big city” feel. I’m also impressed with the types of wine they offer and you can’t beat their happy hour during the week.
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We’re going to head west now onto Bridge Street to visit another local favorite called Butcher’s Union. They have an expansive whiskey and meat-focused menu. Outside of the amazing whiskey and meat options, they also have some very veggie-focused meals and seafood-focused meals as well, so there are really options for anyone here.
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Settle into a booth at Butcher’s Union on the Westside for happy hour with spicy, crispy fingerling nachos and a NY Sour. Take in city views at MDRD on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel for Spanish-inspired tapas. Cozy up at French-inspired steakhouse Merten’s Prime for a nightcap and tableside bananas foster.
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Butchers Union is known for their whiskey collection, meat-heavy menu, and their unbeatable vibe. They have created a culture of warmth and belonging and it truly is the perfect place to enjoy a meal or a creatively crafted cocktail with your favorite people!. We absolutely love Butchers Union and know that you will too!
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If you're in the market for drinks and brunch, then Butcher's Union is the spot for you. Although Butcher's Union provides Grand Rapids residents with more than just brunch, the restaurant is known for its top notch brunch menu. Try out the Wagyu Steak and Eggs, the Huevos Rancheros, the French Toast, or the BLT Quiche.
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It’s a place that celebrates the art of butchery and elevates the dining experience with a creative flair that’s hard to match. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and contemporary sophistication. The focus at Butcher’s Union lies on two things: meat and whiskey.
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Butcher’s Union is the perfect spot for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner. The moment you walk in, the cozy, rustic setting welcomes you with warm, dim lighting. The walls, filled with bourbon bottles, add a touch of character, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy a holiday meal.
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Our first night in town, we decided to treat ourselves to a nice Old Fashioned, which we heard the best place to do that is Butcher’s Union!. The whole vibe of this place is inviting. It’s a little modern meets Mad Men, with its stellar cocktails, gorgeous bar and red leather booths.
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While they offer super different menus and dining experiences, they both offer an extremely knowledgeable and hospitable staff, quality ingredients and a passion for what they do. I wouldn’t go to Grand Rapids without eating (and drinking) at both of these fine establishments.
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We are enamored with everything we’ve tried at Butcher’s Union. My husband even wanted to lick his plate clean last time, it was so good!. Delicious cocktails, an unrivaled whiskey selection, and perfect dishes come together in this welcoming haunt on GR’s northwest side.
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A modern gastropub with a heavy-meat menu is only available at Butcher’s Union, which will definitely give you a good feeling with some good food. Butcher’s Union is famous because of its high-quality food and well-done services that offer a wonderful experience.
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Known for its impressive whiskey collection and hearty, meat-centric menu, Butcher’s Union is a must-visit among Grand Rapids restaurants. Few, if any other Grand Rapids restaurants can boast over 100 whiskeys from around the world.
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Butcher’s Union – “Our first-ever stop when we visited Grand Rapids a few months before our big move. A gastro-pub with an unrivaled whiskey collection and the most eclectic menu. Sit in the indoor terrace + enjoy the ambiance!.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (354 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 438 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-5322- Read more on Tripadvisor
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Other bars that were highlighted for their atmosphere included Blue Dog Tavern on Stocking Avenue NW, Anchor bar on Bridge Street, Brewery Vivant on Cherry Street, General Woodshop, and Butcher’s Union, both on Bridge Street.
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Get yourself an old fashioned cocktail and order up the biggest slab of meat on the menu. It’ll come perfectly seasoned and cooked to your liking and you won’t leave hungry. Expect a wait on most nights.
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438 Bridge St NWGrand Rapids, MI 49504(616) 551-1323 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Butcher’s Union, which opened in 2017, is a modern gastropub featuring an eclectic menu of various dishes.
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The menu itself has a strong international influence which is always fun. Butcher’s Union offers a big shareable menu which I love. In my opinion, it’s the best way to try a bunch of the option.
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Located right off the booming Bridge Street, Butchers Union is creating a peaceful cafe style atmosphere within a busy city. We highly recommend grabbing the West Village Double Cheeseburger.
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438 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504Phone: 616-551-1323 Visit Website. A post shared by Butchers Union GR (@butchersuniongr). Just northeast of downtown Grand Rapids is Butcher’s Union.
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Speaking of dinner, my fourth recommendation is to grab a bite to eat at one of the hottest restaurants on the West Side, Butcher’s Union.
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Butcher’s Union on Bridge Street has been very popular from the moment they opened!. Meat and whiskies is what this hot spot is all about!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit