Pure Michigan Pints

Odd Side Ales

Grand Haven, Michigan

This is my own subjective review. I’m highly opinionated. It’s out of 20 total (based on Beer Selection, Vibe, Service, and Beer Quality; I grade harshly and my 4 is probably most people’s 5. Also, I don’t count food against breweries in the total because not all breweries need food to be good and some are in a partnership with nearby restaurants.

Odd Sides Ales is an OG when it comes to craft beer. They originally opened in 2010, a little before I could legally drink. My first visit happened sometime in 2012. I remember going there and already being impressed then. My college girlfriend—who didn’t like beer (it obviously didn’t last)—went with me.

These bartenders tried and tried and tried and tried to find a beer for her with little samples. All to no avail. But having this type of dedication is what makes Odd Side Ales unique and makes you feel cared for. This brewery will always hold a special place in my heart.

Beer Selection—5/5

This place normally always hits the mark with its beer selection. At its height before COVID, it boasted over 40 of their own drafts! Yes, some of them were seltzers, etc. But 40!!!!! This is unheard of. A complete flex of their innovation and variety.

They have everything here from super light beer to the hoppy IPAs to stouts to sours to the weird. There’s something eccentric that makes you say it’s what?!??! A sweet potato pie stout? A hipster brunch stout—a barrel-aged stout with coffee, maple syrup, and bacon?

Be prepared to be blown TF away.

Vibe—5/5

Throughout all the phases of Odd Side Ales, I’ve dug their vibe. Something about the place always vibed with me. I’ve liked their high tops, bar, darts, cozy room with a fireplace, and the outside seating area.

At first, they shared the first floor of the building they are currently in with a coffee shop and other small shops. They’ve expanded. Now they own pretty much the entire first floor (with some exceptions) and have adopted the coffee shop. The new bar: beyond epic. I don’t even know how many people can sit at it, but it’s definitely over 20. They still have darts and a classy décor.

Then, a more secluded private room. It’s all about what you’re in the mood for here. If I’m solo, I’ll grab a spot at the bar and enjoy. Other times with friends or family a spot at a high top feels right. When it’s sunny, I venture outside. And if I want some intimacy, that fireplace room is where it’s at.

Service—5/5

Much like many places that have expanded and sold out, I worried about the customer service going downhill and it being like Founder’s—standing in line for hours to order a pint with minimal customer interaction. To my surprise, when I first came in after the renovations, I asked a bartender, and I was instantly filled in about the details of their expansion. The bartenders are always willing to offer their input on the beer, willing to let you try samples, and retain a sense of professionalism while still have a personality.

Beer Quality—4/5

Odd Side has many, many, many, great beers. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were the first in West Michigan to put coffee into their blonde ale with Bean Flicker. They’re mint stout hits. If you want a spiced-up version of a stout, the Mayan Mocha Stout is good too—I generally can only handle one of these at a time. (Although, I think either my spice tolerance increased, or they used to make it way spicier.) As I said before, a wide range of weird to amazing. A surprise I found was the Fruitsicle. A sour with lactose that tastes like a fruit popsicle. These go down way too smoothly.

Food—1/5

They’re connected to The Toasted Pickle. It’s interesting since other restaurants were in the area well before. Personally, I’d recommend sliding to Porto Bello next store and grabbing a pizza. Toasted Pickle hypes itself up but delivers below mediocre sandwiches at best. Nothing to write home or rave about here.

Over. Rated.

Overall

If you’re in Grand Haven and craving a beer, go to Odd Side Ales. Even if you’re not craving a beer: go to Odd Side Ales. I highly recommend this OG West Michigan brewery as it’s an ode to what craft beer should be.

Total—19/20