Grand Rapids Nightlife Tips by themac2000

Nightlife Spot: The BOB

This place is incredibly beautiful. If you have never been to GR before you have to at least visit this place.
There are four floors (including the basement) -- much of which are restuarants. This place normally attracts crowds in their 30's and 40's so I don't really go in there much. There are comedy shows on the third floor Thursdays through Saturdays. Totally worth seeing... check out every floor.

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Theme: Nightclub
Dress Code: Dress nice... no baseball hats or tennis shoes
Directions: Corner of Monroe and Fulton st

Nightlife Spot: 48 West

For those of us GR people that were around when this was The Duece this popular middle aged bar has certainly caught on in the downtown area. With live music on the weekends and the classier look than before 48 West is an icon. It is connected to Taps if you want a change in scenery.

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Theme: Nightclub
Dress Code: No real dress code... but everyone is usually dressed business casual at least. I have worn jeans in there though... it's no big deal.
Address: 48 Fulton st
Directions: East of the Bob 2 blocks... corner of Ionia and Fulton

Nightlife Spot: The Black Rose

This place is the Ultimate Chill out place. The scenery is very elegant... good place for a first date for drinks. I have heard that the food is good too but have never tried it. Fairly expensive drinks... may as well buy a pitcher if you are going to stay for awhile. Mondays have a special... $5/pitcher for everything on tap... quite the deal!!! Totally recommend this place.

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Theme: Nightclub
Dress Code: None: atmosphere is mostly casual.
Directions: Ionia st South of Van Andel Arena

Nightlife Spot: Margarita Grill

This place is more of a low to mid 20's bar. A lot of specials here during the week. If you know what "beer pong" is they have tournaments every Thursday. (if you don't know I had never heard of it neither) Specials like $.25 drafts on Thursdays, live music on Wednesdays with $1 drafts make this a nice cheap way to spend an evening. Patio overlooks Van Andel arena in the summertime.

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Theme: Nightclub
Dress Code: Most of the people here "dress to impress"... you'll see people in all atire though.
Directions: Ottawa st next to Van Andel Arena on the South side on the st.

Nightlife Spot: One Trick Pony

This place has a great atmosphere with kind service and moderate pricing. If you want a downtown restaurant that is reasonably priced with a good atmosphere this is a good one.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Directions: Fulton st about three blocks East of the BOB

Nightlife Spot: Taps

With 32 beers on Tap you can't really go wrong. There are two floors to this bar with their different atmospheres... definitely worth checking out. Attached to 48 West.

Mon - Thurs nights Karaoke downstairs. Friday live music downstairs.
Thurs - Sat DJ and dance floor upstairs

Note... on weekends there is a $3 cover to go upstairs... and you might want to get there rather early (9:30 or so) to avoid waiting in line. (at least the line is inside :-)

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Theme: Nightclub
Dress Code: None

Nightlife Spot: Z's

I have always loved this bar for two reasons.
#1. they don't serve their shots in shot glasses... but in whatever they have available. Hence a $4 shot is more like two and a half shots. Good warm-up bar for downtown.
#2. this place will serve a FULL MENU until 2:00am!!! It is definitely the latest serving bar in Grand Rapids as far as food goes. Good food and really late... can't beat that combo!!

Note: under a new owner tip #1 is sort of fazed out but the people that work there have worked there for a long time and understand and if you ask them for a big shot they will give you one.

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Theme: Nightclub