
The B.O.B.
A multi-level entertainment hub in a former warehouse, offering diverse dining, bars, a brewery, comedy club, and live music.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

The B.O.B.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A multi-level entertainment hub in a former warehouse, offering diverse dining, bars, a brewery, comedy club, and live music.
"The B.O.B. is a great concept, a food court of bars and restaurants with interesting vibes."
Happy Hour Deals
Take advantage of excellent happy hour deals on food and drinks, especially between 2-6 pm.
Seating Away From Music
Request seating away from the stage if you prefer conversation over live music, particularly after 5 pm.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Multi-Level Entertainment Hub
A sprawling former warehouse offering diverse eateries, a brewery, piano bar, and comedy club.

Sky Patio Rooftop Experience
Unique rooftop dining with colorful flowers and a botanical wall providing fresh produce for dishes.

Vintage Pinball Machines
Discover rare, vintage pinball machines, including a working Roller Coaster Tycoon machine in the basement.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Happy Hour Deals
Take advantage of excellent happy hour deals on food and drinks, especially between 2-6 pm.
Seating Away From Music
Request seating away from the stage if you prefer conversation over live music, particularly after 5 pm.
Card-Only Payments
Be prepared for card-only payments as cash may not be accepted.
QR Code Ordering
QR code ordering is available, but traditional waitstaff service is also an option.
Tips
from all over the internet
Happy Hour Deals
Take advantage of excellent happy hour deals on food and drinks, especially between 2-6 pm.
Seating Away From Music
Request seating away from the stage if you prefer conversation over live music, particularly after 5 pm.
Card-Only Payments
Be prepared for card-only payments as cash may not be accepted.
QR Code Ordering
QR code ordering is available, but traditional waitstaff service is also an option.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The B.O.B. is a popular entertainment complex offering a variety of experiences, from dining to live music and comedy. Diners often praise the unique atmosphere and good happy hour deals. However, some patrons have encountered issues with staff rudeness, payment methods, and the QR code ordering system.
"The BOB is a great concept, kind of a food court of bars and restaurants.
A great space of interesting bars and restaurants with a nice flow between.
An actual working Roller Coaster Tycoon pinball machine is secretly in the basement. That's a hard to find game in working condition from about 20 years ago.
There are some good dining choices too.
Highly Recommend."
vid 1900
"We stayed one night in Grand Rapids, and we did not plan to do anything but to go for a walk. We stopped by at BOB to see what is going on and it ended with a very nice experience! From the entrance to the bar everyone was very polite, great energy and good food. Happy hour deals are excellent! If we’ll have a chance we will come again!"
C L
"Great for ArtPrize! Be sure to check out the great art they host!!!
My own work can be found just to the right of entering the third floor ballroom!!!
Sept. 18 2025 -Oct 4 2025"
Cheryl Anne Barill
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The B.O.B. primarily accepts card payments and may not accept cash. Be prepared for card-only transactions.
Yes, The B.O.B. features live music performances, often on its piano bar or other levels. Consider seating away from the stage if you prefer a quieter environment.
The B.O.B. offers a diverse range of food options across its various eateries, including pizzas, BBQ, and steakhouse fare.
Cover charges may apply, especially later in the evening or for specific events like comedy shows or themed nights. It's advisable to check in advance or upon arrival.
The B.O.B. welcomes well-behaved dogs on its patio and even offers a special menu for them.
While not explicitly stated, the venue caters to a variety of events and may have different expectations depending on the area or night. Casual to smart casual is generally appropriate.
The Sky Patio is a unique rooftop dining area accessible through Bobarino's, featuring a botanical wall with fresh produce used in their dishes.
Mentioned in
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Rooftop Reservations: Guide to GR's Best Rooftop Bars
Accessed through Bobarino’s, the historic B.O.B.’s second-floor restaurant, the Sky Patio is its own style of rooftop that sits on the corner of Monroe and Fulton, beautifying the busy intersection with colorful flowers and its double-sided botanical wall. Wall planters filled with a mix of perennials, annuals, vegetables and herbs not only brighten up the patio but also provide the kitchen with fresh produce used in their dishes. Enjoy their freshly grown mint, lemongrass and basil in your summer cocktails.
Happy Days: A Shortlist of West Michigan’s Must-Visit Happy Hours
It’s difficult to imagine Grand Rapids without the B.O.B, and for good reason. The Gilmore Collection has kept that big old building fresh for years with some of the best venues,foods and drinks Grand Rapids has to offer. Plus, they have incredible happy hours, whether it’s the $2.99 beverage list at Gilly’s Smokehouse (including $2.99 beers, well liquor, wines and more from 5-6 p.m.) or Bobarino’s select $3 and $4 beer selections from 2-6 p.m.
Get Your Fix at 7 of the Best Restaurants in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Next up on our list, we have The B.O.B., perfect for those with a hankering for classic all-American eats at a reasonable price point. The establishment, lovingly nicknamed the Big Old Building, is actually home to a number of restaurants and breweries, all operating out of a converted warehouse. Located in the heart of Grand Rapids’ downtown area, The B.O.B. includes Bobarino’s Pizzeria, Gilly’s BBQ Grill, Judson’s Steakhouse, and many more.
The 10 Best Wedding Venues in Grand Rapids
Some of the most popular wedding venues in Grand Rapids celebrate the urban charm in the center of the city. Choose from any number of downtown event spaces with modern designs or historic buildings that capture the city's industrial past. For couples looking for a countryside wedding removed from the urban vibe, there are plenty of country clubs, golf clubs and event centers set in the idyllic green expanses outside of Grand Rapids.
Dr. Grins Comedy Club at The B.O.B. Tickets & 2025 Concert Schedule - Grand Rapids, MI
Whether you're coming from out of town or just a short drive away, Dr. Grins Comedy Club at The B.O.B. is located at 20 Monroe Ave NW in Grand Rapids, MI. For directions and parking info, visit Dr. Grins Comedy Club at The B.O.B.’s official website at http://www.thebob.com/drgrinscomedy/ or call them at 1-616-356-2000. Make sure to check out other concerts and live events happening in Grand Rapids, MI on Bandsintown.
Guide For The Best Weekend in Grand Rapids, Michigan - RF
The B.O.B. (Big Old Building) is a multi-level eatery that includes several bars, restaurants, a comedy club, and a top-floor nightclub. Each level has a completely different atmosphere and style to it. I only visited once in the winter but when we arrived around 9 the lines were already starting to get bad so make sure to get there earlier, especially during the warmer months when the city is more lively.
5 Places to Take Your Dog in Grand Rapids, Michigan
The BOB - One of the best things about summer in Grand Rapids is being able to enjoy drinks and food on The BOB's huge outdoor patio while people watching (and dog watching). The BOB welcomes well-behaved dogs on their patio, and they even have a special menu for them that includes items like "The Rathbone" (a 6-inch bone stuffed with peanut butter) and "The Puptender" (a non-alcoholic doggy beer).
Buy Dr. Grins Comedy Club at The B.O.B. Tickets in Grand Rapids, Event Schedule at TicketSmarter.com
Secure your seats at Dr. Grins Comedy Club at The B.O.B. in Grand Rapids with our powerful and effortless seating tool. Most comedy clubs will have rows of seats or tables and booths that allow for clear views of the stage and performer. Depending on the size of the venue there can also be balcony or box seat ticket options available allowing for a heightened comedic experience.
Grand Rapids Nightlife: The 10 Best Grand Rapids Nightclubs
Let’s kick things off with The BOB, a multi-faceted entertainment hub that’s as quirky as its name suggests. This downtown landmark isn’t just a nightclub; it’s a cultural phenomenon. With its multiple levels of bars, a comedy club, and live music venues, The BOB is where you can start and end your night without ever stepping outside.
GReat pub crawling in Grand Rapids
Continuing north, we made our way to B.O.B.’s Brewery, located in the basement of older brick building with sort of an indoor mall holding several other retail businesses and restaurants. The small-batch brewery was brewing beer, but their taproom wasn’t open on Mondays. Luckily, a second floor bar had many of B.O.B’s beers on tap.
What to Do (and Eat) in Grand Rapids, Michigan
The B.O.B is the place to see smaller acts; it's several stories and each floor has a different restaurant on it. One level is a steakhouse, for instance, but there's also a level that's a music venue. If a comedy show comes through town, it'll happen at The B.O.B. The bigger names come to Van Andel, a hockey arena.
Grand Rapids Beer and Travel Guide
The entire hotel is dog friendly and the location can’t be beat—you can walk to a ton of great spots like Hopcat, Grand Rapids Brewing, Founders, Stella’s, Madcap Coffee, The B.O.B., the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and so much more!. The lobby of the hotel has plenty of space to lounge or work and its own bar.
Kid-friendly Grand Rapids - Grand Rapids Coffee House
I was just in The BOB recently and they've changed the foyer into a jungle theme, much like the old Big Cahuna's in Rivertown Mall (that closed). They've also added a trippy new glass catwalk on the fifth floor level. If you go early enough, I'd say it's kid friendly (Bobarino's maybe?).
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Gilly’s Smokehouse at The B.O.B.: Located within the entertainment complex The B.O.B., Gilly’s Smokehouse offers a convenient option for grabbing a bite before a concert or show. Their menu features a good selection of smoked meats, with a focus on St. Louis-style barbecue.
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The B.O.B. (Big Old Building) in downtown GR offers four different places to display your fancy footwork:. is a classic big-city nightclub with a spacious dance floor featuring music spun by the area’s most talented DJs. It’s open Fridays and Saturdays from 10pm-1am.
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- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (153 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Barbecue- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 20 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-6208- Read more on Tripadvisor
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In downtown Grand Rapids, the B.O.B. is an acronym for the Big Old Building. History buffs will have fun in this former Judson’s grocery warehouse, built in 1903. The 70,000-square-foot, red brick building stands four stories tall.
Grand Rapids Wedding Photographer
The B.O.B is a wedding and event venue in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The B.O.B or Big Old Building is a flexible space in downtown Grand Rapids. The building is 70,000 square feet, four stories tall, and made of beautiful red bricks.
25 Must-try restaurants in Downtown Grand Rapids
Refined but casual locale offering Angus & Wagyu steaks, plus chops, seafood & a robust wine list. Must try dish: Certified Angue Delmonico- 16 oz, served with green herb butter. Address: 20 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
GRNow Patio Guide - GRNow.com®
Right in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids is The B.O.B. Be sure to spend some time on the patio at Bobarino’s this summer while enjoying a pint from BOB’s Brewery. We recommend pairing that cold pint with a wood fired pizza.
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The BOB (Big Old Building) has two options on floors 3 and 4 that are very different. The 3rd floor offers exposed brick feel while the 4th floor (EVE) is built more like a nightclub in New York City with furniture to match.
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20 Monroe Ave NWGrand Rapids, MI 49503(616) 356-2000 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. The B.O.B. is a highly acclaimed entertainment spot with at least three restaurants in the downtown neighborhood.
Places to Eat in GR When You're Sick of the Cafeteria
The B.O.B. is located conveniently across the street from Van Andel Arena. It can be the perfect place for a night off-campus. You can catch dinner and then head across the street for a concert or an event.
2 downtown spots dubbed top Grand Rapids nightlife locations by readers in survey
While over half of respondents (34) said they preferred two downtown locations - The B.O.B. and Tin Can - a variety of different spots across the city were also named.
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Dr. Grins at The Bob is famous for its local and national comedians. It’s a place where laughter fills the air, making it a top choice for a night out.
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The B.O.B.: A unique option, this venue is located in the heart of downtown and offers a modern, hip atmosphere
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit