Brick and Porter — Restaurant in Grand Rapids

If I could leave 0 stars I would. We called at 1030am prior to opening to ask if we needed a reservation or if we could make one for a birthday party for 11 people. The woman on the phone stated they werent taking any additional reservations, only walk ins. Great. So we can walk in with 11 people? So that is what we did. We were told at 520pm we would need to be out before a 630 reservation if we wanted sat. A member of our party agreed to comply. However we were served food past 6pm and hounded over every minute beyond when our food was made incorrectly (extra wait time) they couldnt check out our bill (extra wait time) we had to ask multiple time for our sides (extra wait time) our server was VERY friendly, kelton d. However we asked to speak with the manager FOUR TIMES , (extra wait time). Another server was then sent to tell us "we need this table to accompany our party" we stated AGAIN we have been wauting for the MANAGER ON SITE to come speak with us so we can leave (EXTRA WAIT TIME). MEANWHILE the 630pm party rolled in almost at 7. My fiance then had to go ASK the manager on site (turns out to be the said OWNER of the est) to come speak eith us. Which she tried to get out by stating we are very busy. (As she stood speaking to waiters). As she reluctantly came over the conversation I attempted to have with her she was immediately defensive as I asked her questions regarding our 1dt time experience and how they manage their guests and the reservations. When she was "fed up" of interrupting (i had to ask to speak multiple times) she walked away. Ignored when we asked for her name, until I stood in the front of house repeatedly asking her name (cowardly she finally answered) I have NEVER had to have a exchange like this and also told bystanders to take their business elsewhere. Our tab alone for 2 people with tip was $82. None of which deserves to go towards Corina Sepsakos business. I WOULD NEVER recommend this establishment to ANYONE in grand rapids with a dollar to spend. Which was quote unfortunate because our food was actually good and we enjoyed our waiter. This is a warning for anyone. No responsibility taken by the leadership staff on our terrible experience or an apology. Just told we should leave because they have...

I didn’t really have anything in mind when I walked into Brick and Porter, a local haunt with seemingly equal emphasis on beer as well as food.

I tried Stella’s twice on the same day. Different review different story. I had been betrayed by hamburgers and decided to go with a tried and true classic. I didn’t want to even risk being remotely disappointed. I was however pleasantly surprised and was given a second wind of enthusiasm and excitement for the level of quality for the Grand Rapids Restaurant scene.

My server was a really nice guy and I received great service. It’s a laid back environment but I received plenty of refills on my water. They care, and it shows.

Let’s talk about the sandwich.

I may just start making my chicken differently.

Crispy chicken, crispy bacon blackened at the edges, gooey cheese, the bun was formidable although not necessarily the best bun I’ve ever had but call me spoiled this one had great strength.

The chicken, interchangeable most times with any other joint. This however is something I’ve only experienced here. Tabasco. The familiar kick of vinegar, spice, and salt. Once you bite into the chicken, that flavor fills your nostrils and damn is it addicting. I made quick work of the sandwich. Noticed the juice that dripped off the sandwich onto my plate. Tinted red, is this chicken brined in Tabasco? It was in a word, impressive. How they managed to get this wonderfully juicy moist chicken cooked perfectly with a golden crispy outside, even then well endowed with condiments to also not wind up soaking through the bun might as well be sorcery to me. Fries were crispy and very well done, nothing to write home about however very well executed and nothing to lose points for.

I definitely left with questions for the chef and I think this establishment warrants another visit. If you’re in the mood for a very solid chicken sandwich try it out. You...

2026: Pros: We LOVED the outdoor, shaded seating. Great beer list. Cons: Our food experience wasn’t great. Food was a smidge pricey.

We ordered the Greek Fries, Mac & Cheese, B&P Beef sandwich with fries, French Onion soup, and a couple of beers. My hubs started out with the French Onion soup. I think my biggest problem with the soup is the consistency with relation to the recipe used. The first time we had it, it was amazing (hence we always order it now). But the second time wasn’t as good -the flavor wasn’t as deep and seemed like a different recipe. The third time we ordered it, today, it was, again, like a totally different soup. Very herby and too salty (and I happily over-salt everything so for me to say it was too salty is pretty big). I had been eyeing the Greek Fries for a while and took the plunge today. I do not recommend them. At all. I didn’t finish them or take leftovers home (that’s again saying a lot for me). I’ve never returned a dish, but considered it. Perhaps it was just not for me -I’m just really surprised at how much I did not like them. The Mac and Cheese was good. Very creamy. I’m not sure I would get it again, but I wasn’t unhappy. My hub’s B&P was very delicious. I feel like $17 was a little steep for the portion, but it was good. The beer was excellent!

2024: Omg. The French onion soup is a savory, umami dream! We also tried the cubano, pesto chicken sandwich, and tequila lime chicken. The tequila lime chicken is a little spicy -but super delish. All are definite repeats. Happy Hours on Mondays gave us a dollar off my wine and two off my husbands draft. Vega, our waiter, was really helpful with...