We've been calling Grand Rapids "Beer City USA" for a good, long time... more than a decade!

To back that up, we should probably keep scoring these national honors, right?

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Well, Grand Rapids is once again in the running for a national contest. This time it's USA TODAY asking, "What's the Best Beer City in America"?

Grand Rapids totally nabbed the No. 1 spot the last three years in a row - can we do it again?

Your vote can help keep Grand Rapids "Beer City USA"!

Greyline Brewing, City Built Brewing, Kusterer Brauhaus, Founders Brewing Company, Broad Leaf Brewing, Arvon Brewing, Brewery Vivant/ Facebook
Greyline Brewing, City Built Brewing, Kusterer Brauhaus, Founders Brewing Company, Broad Leaf Brewing, Arvon Brewing, Brewery Vivant/ Facebook
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Grand Rapids in the Running for Best Beer City in America in USA Today Poll

We must defend our title! In 2023, and in previous years, Grand Rapids took the No. 1 spot in USA Today and 10Best's "Best Beer City in America" poll.

Brass Ring Brewing, Harmony Brewing, Perrin Brewing Co./ Facebook
Brass Ring Brewing, Harmony Brewing, Perrin Brewing Co./ Facebook
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In 2024 GR is once again duking it out with other beer-centric cities. Grand Rapids is among 20 U.S. cities chosen by a panel of beer experts as having the best beer scenes in the nation. According to USA Today,

That means stellar selections of established and up-and-coming breweries, beer bars, brewpubs, beer festivals and even thriving homebrewing communities where novice brewers can get their foot in the door.

Well, that sure sounds like Grand Rapids to me! And now it's up to us to vote for the Top 10.

You can vote for Grand Rapids once per day until voting ends on Monday, Feb. 26 at noon.

Here's USA Today's praise for GR:

"Michigan’s second-largest city sports the state’s strongest beer scene, thanks largely to the presence of the world-renowned Founders Brewing Co.

Inside Founders Brewing Co., Founders Brewing Co./ Facebook
Inside Founders Brewing Co. - Founders Brewing Co./ Facebook
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Not to be outdone, there are several other brewing operations around town, most notably the Belgian-inspired Brewery Vivant.

Inside Brewery Vivant - Photo: Randall Roberts, Brewery Vivant/ Facebook
Inside Brewery Vivant - Photo: Randall Roberts, Brewery Vivant/ Facebook
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The city’s official “Beer City Ale Trail” lists more than 80 breweries in the surrounding area, and the local calendar is constantly filled with beer festivals, events, and promotions. Throw in exceptional beer stores such as Siciliano’s Market, and it’s easy to see why Grand Rapids proudly stakes its claim as 'Beer City USA'."

So who are we up against this year?

Cities in the Running for Best Beer City in America 2024

Here are all the cities in the running for Best Beer City in America:

  • Asheville, North Carolina
  • Austin, Texas
  • Bend, Oregon
  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Columbus, Ohio
  • Denver, Colorado
  • Fort Collins, Colorado
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Jacksonville, Florida
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • New York City, New York
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Portland, Maine,
  • Richmond, Virginia
  • San Diego, California
  • Santa Rosa, California
  • Seattle, Washington

You can vote for Grand Rapids here.

City Built Brewing Up For Best Beer Label in USA Today Poll

Grand Rapids City Built Brewing is also in the running for "Best Beer Label" in another USA Today 10best poll.

USA Today says of the label of their Mi Gente Beer, which you can see below,

A mashup of colorful animals is featured on the label of this West Coast IPA from City Built Brewing Company in collaboration with Batch Brewing. Mi Gente means "my people" in Spanish, and it's meant to celebrate the contributions of Latino and Hispanic brewers.

Vote for City Built here!

Grand Rapids' Awesome Beer Scene: How Many Of These Beer City USA Breweries Have YOU Visited?

Michigan is filled with 100's of great craft breweries. Both large and small companies, there is no beer shortage here. Check out 25 breweries in Grand Rapids here. 

Gallery Credit: Google

New West Michigan Restaurants

Nearly 40 new restaurants, including authentic Mexican eateries, breakfast joints, pizza places, and Boba shops have opened in West Michigan in the past year.

How many have you been to?

Gallery Credit: Janna

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