Best place to watch the game in downtown Grand Rapids

Submitted by Happyshooter on

We are going to find ourselves in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sat during the game. Anywhere good within 10 blocks of the amway hotel to watch some of the game?

ronmexico

September 29th, 2009 at 9:40 AM ^

i wouldnt go to the bar for this game. way too many msu fans in gr and they tend to "one up" each other on who can be the most annoyingly close minded sportsfan. i recommend staying in your hotel. dont be surprised to get A. get in a fight because MSU pulled off a win or B. get in a fight because UofM pulled off a win or C. one of their bro's got cut off for PARTYIN!

jg2112

September 29th, 2009 at 9:44 AM ^

last week that the MGoCommunity ought to initiate a spreadsheet where people can post the best places around the world to watch Michigan games should get on it. It would be useful.

TTUwolverine

September 29th, 2009 at 11:44 AM ^

I sent Brian an email asking him what he thought of creating a more permanent database on the site, which users can add to but not modify. As of now I am still waiting on a response, but I will share the info I receive.

In the event that Brian OK's this idea or some variation of it, but doesn't wish to spend time actually creating it (which, I mean, come on man. Its not like UFR's take time or anything), I will need some help from a database-savvy user out there because I don't know diddly-squat about it.

baorao

September 29th, 2009 at 10:02 AM ^

McFadden's or The BOB, but I would go to Z's Bar & Restaurant.

http://www.zsbar.com/

its just across the street from your hotel but its kind of off the beaten path of downtown bars. they have plenty of TVs and really good wings. better prices than most bars as well.

MaizeSombrero

September 29th, 2009 at 10:41 AM ^

If you're an alum (and maybe even if you aren't), the U of M club of Grand Rapids is watching the game at McFaddens, by the arena. It gets douchey at night, but it shouldn't be bad during the day.

Flying Dutchman

September 29th, 2009 at 10:42 AM ^

Ottawa Tavern at Ottawa and Pearl, about 1 block from the Amway, just past Flanagan's. Whenever I gather a crowd for a game, this is my place of choice. Great beer prices. There should be plenty of supporters from either team. The only difference is that Spartan graduates will be pouring your beer and delivering the buffalo wings to your table. Zing!

Z's is solid as well, but with fewer screens.

The Score is about a 6 mile drive. You don't need that.

MH20

September 29th, 2009 at 10:48 AM ^

The OT is a great place to watch a game or just grab a few and shoot the shit. A buddy of mine works in the Waters Building and has become good friends with the GM of the OT, he is hilarious and a hell of a guy. He's comped drinks for us on more than one occasion. And the female waitstaff is extremely easy on the eyes.

Anyway, I'd throw my vote out for the OT. It's on the corner of Ottawa & Pearl, up the street from Flanagan's (another solid choice as noted) and Mojo's (die, overrated dueling piano bar, die).

Off-topic slightly: Z's is a great place to get a low-key lunch, they have all sorts of lunch specials with good portions for a small price.

MH20

September 29th, 2009 at 11:54 AM ^

The first time I went to Mojo's was before the State game in 2004. I immediately fell in love with the dueling piano gimmick, and even threw down $20 so those sonsabitches would stop playing Sparty's fight song and play "The Victors" - a back and forth that I assume is pretty customary on the eve of this game.

Anyways, the more I go to Mojo's the less I like it. It's overcrowded, filled with creepers trying to date rape your girl (ditto McFadden's), and (as you mentioned) is unbearably loud and a total smokeout. The upstairs is better, but on the whole the experience is not worth the hassle, IME. Getting a drink is next to impossible.

Maximinus Thrax

September 29th, 2009 at 1:11 PM ^

I had a douchey moment at the Friday's on Monroe in GR during the 2004 MSU/UM game. I cheered when Stanton went down (I know...classless, but I was drunk) and when an old Sparty called me an ass then I threatened to beat him down. WHen his tewnty something son said "Don't even go there" I threatened to beat him down too, all in front of his mom and his wife/girlfriend. Real nice. Luckily they were classy enough not to take me up on my threats.

JeremyB

September 29th, 2009 at 10:49 AM ^

I second McFadden's. There are lots of Sparty fans in GR. Most of them went to GVSU or Calvin. Best to find a safe haven with the alumni club.

Shameless but actually relevant plug: I should also point out (since I work there) that Celebration Cinema is showing the game on the theater screen, and they'll have a bar. You need to register first though:

http://celebrationcinema.com/index.php?pid=105&id=1398

GRBluefan

September 29th, 2009 at 11:39 AM ^

they hook the Alumni club up with free appetizers and drink specials, and have been very good to us over the years for hosting events. Also, it's not like it is 11:00 on a friday night with dudes in wife-beaters trying to grind on your girlfriend...it is noon on a saturday. It is a nice big place with nice TVs and a good location.

Ernis

September 29th, 2009 at 4:11 PM ^

Personally I would go to Founder's or HopCat. Excellent breweries and I'm pretty sure they have TV's. HopCat is basically the Ashley's of western Michigan.

I can't imagine Sparties would have such good taste as to frequent such fine establishments. But then again, I have no idea

MH20

September 29th, 2009 at 4:31 PM ^

HopCat has 3 or 4 TVs, I can't recall if/how many there are at Founders.

I definitely echo your sentiments on the places, they are top-notch. I have to clarify your statement just a bit, though. HopCat doesn't brew their own beer; they simply specialize in microbrews, both in Michigan (and the rest of America) and from overseas. Awesome place.

Founder's brews are delicious.