Lumber Baron Bar — Restaurant in Grand Rapids

Amazing atmosphere. I'm not a drinker, and even I thought it was awesome in there. I appreciated that, after not being able to get a table at Ruth's Chris, my friends and I were brought next door to this place, told that we could still order whatever we wanted from Ruth's Chris and it would be served here. Unfortunately, we didn't want to try and eat a full meal off their small, low tables, and opted to just stay here for drinks/dessert. I ordered the chocolate cake off Ruth's Chris' menu, as well as a glass of milk, which I appreciated they did off the menu (who can eat chocolate cake without some milk??). I got the milk fairly quickly, and then for the longest time, nothing. I was honestly beginning to believe that the waitress had not actually heard me ask for the cake. It took a long time (far too long for something that was likely already prepared and just needed to be plated), but I finally did receive it. The cake itself wasn't bad, but I'm hesitant to call it "cake", as it was so dense and rich, it was more like eating a chunk of fudge.

Overall, seems like a great place to chill and have drinks, but I don't know if I'd recommend getting food...

It sure starts by being located in one of the best hotels in downtown Grand Rapids, the Amway Grand, but this little cubby hole of a club just oozes old school cool ! Dark paneled rooms are lit by small library lamps or wall fixtures with equal distinction, and you'll be waited on by prompt waiters who can mix literally anything that your heart desires .... A cozy fireplace welcomes you to sit back and enjoy your cocktail in a casual club atmosphere that is hard to find these days .... My particular visit was marred by a warring argumentative couple across from me, which only made me move to a more secluded location in the bar, but still made me appreciate the type of old school club that you can rarely find...

Lumber Baron is a superb hidden gem (you do not need to be a guest at the hotel to visit) in GR. As I understand it was originally built to be a cigar lounge but when permits fell through it stayed a bar, but has some of that cigar lounge feel with leather chairs and a close intimate setting. The dark wood and mood lighting make it feel like you could be in Mad Men, and many of the cocktails are named after 20th century socialites. The cocktails are superb.

It's a small bar so it's best to stop for a few drinks rather than a long stay or for a meal (although they do have some small plates). All in all its a great place to relax and share a couple drinks alone or with a...