Pure Michigan Pints

Grand Armory Brewing Company

Grand Haven, Michigan

I first discovered Grand Armory when I was driving through Grand Haven. For the longest time Odd Side Ales remained the only brewery in the city. A truck pulled up next to me. The logo read, “Grand Armory Brewing.”

“Wait, where is that located?” I asked. After a brief phone search, Google informed me it was another brewery in Grand Haven. How could another brewery open without notifying me prior to their opening? It seemed like it should be a requirement by all breweries in West Michigan.  (I still think all breweries should be required by law to notify all beer snobs when they open within a 15-mile radius.)

I immediately went to Grand Armory to experience GH’s second brewery.

As with many breweries within an hour vicinity of me: I’ve been there numerous times since. And, yes, this story dates me as Grand Armory has been around for over 8 years.

Beer Selection

They normally have a decent amount of beers on draft at Grand Armory. I feel like sometimes they don’t have what I’m looking for, or, more importantly: what I didn’t know I was looking for but needed. Over the years, their selection’s only gotten better and they had over 20 drafts last time I was there. Their expansion continues to impress me.

Vibe

The vibe’s decent in Grand Armory. Initially, you’ll be met with the smell of fresh coffee upon entry. (Don’t worry, you’re in the right spot. There just happens to be a coffee place before you get to the brewery part.)

There bar is decent enough. There’s tables. There’s nothing amazing going on in here … BUT …

There is a top level. However, it’s not as open as it used to be and they discourage people from going up there unless there are enough people there. They used to have shuffle board but not anymore.

Service

The service will vary on the server here. Some will be more helpful than others in my experience. This based on over ten different visits.

The service here isn’t necessarily bad. I’d use the word inconsistent. You never know what you’re going to get.

Beer Quality

There are some good beers here. Nutter Your Business (Peanut Butter Stout) and Wheezin’ the Juice (Hazy IPA) are at the top of their game. You’ll more than likely find a beer you like. You should try a few because they definitely don’t make bad beer.

Pro Tip: Mix their Nutter Your Business with their Mother Smucker’s (Blonde Raspberry Ale). Peanut butter and jelly in a glass!

Do it and you won’t regret it. Unless you never had a PB & J, but if that’s the case, I’m going to assume you had a lousy childhood and your mother never loved you.

The last time I visited I was impressed with their Goddess Blood (7.3% abv), a blood orange IPA—it hit right on every level you’d want from a slight hoppy bitterness to fresh blood orange.

Food

Grand Armory Brewing appears to be caught up in a love triangle when it comes to their food options. Before, Righteous Cuisine was their main squeeze (for many years), but then Dr. Rolf’s entered the picture. Now Righteous Cuisine is back like they never left. (I don’t know the whole story behind this.)

While I could critique the food from both through the years I’d rather reflect on my last experience.

I shared the nachos and they were exactly what you’d expect from nachos: meaty enough but not only meat, with some cheese, sauce, and a few interesting items such as beans and tangy pickled red onions. Add some hot sauces to this and you got yourself something special. Their fried mushrooms fell a bit flat for my pallet with too much breading.

Overall—Recommend

Stop at Grand Armory if you’re in Grand Haven. Depending on what you’re planning on doing. Maybe you can weasel it into your schedule after Odd Side Ales? Or maybe you want to save the best for last and stop here for one before going to the OG. They’re both really close to each other BTW, and in more than reasonable walking distance.

Total—15.5/20