Rapids Brewing Company — Restaurant in Grand Rapids

I went here with coworkers for an after work social meetup, and will say we had an excellent time. I was informed that "they will just throw anything into their beer and advertise it correctly" when I asked a coworker if the "Oyster" beer really meant it had oysters in it. On arrival I ordered the bogo dark beer (menu revealing indeed that the oyster beer was brewed with said shellfish), and made sure that I could come back for the second when paying for the first. They honored this with no question, however when I went for the second, they served the gal in my group who went up to the bar with me right away, then served the entire line of customers (6 or 7 people) that showed up AFTER me before asking me for my order. This was frustrating and I expressed that, but my second beer came moments after I indicated that I was also a paying customer (had I paid after-the-fact this would have reduced their tip, however I was already committed). Kudos to the slightly effeminate bearded guy who took my original order, and not to any of his three coworkers operating the bar after that time. The oyster beer did indeed have a hint of oyster to it, but it wasn't nearly as unique or fishy as I had expected. My second beer was the "Potato Kraut" beer, and it was quite obviously sauerkrauty in a way that added taste and didn't detract from the beer. I had also ordered the Friday special fish and chips dinner (not all-you-can-eat like some locations in town), and it was also north atlantic cod and not in-state walleye like some other places. That being said the Fish was excellent (although one of three pieces was barely a finger in size). The chips are a beer-battered normal fry (not "chip" sized wedges like one expects with fish and chips, which is actually better) and had some cheese, seasoning and chives thrown on top. I opted for the ($10! seems a little excessive but I mean IT IS poor-mans caviar) upgrade for trout roe on top, and there was a measurable amount of orange salty fish eggs mixed in with the "chips". It did not take long for the food to come out, and it was a delicious salty greasy dish, nothing less than I expected, and definitely enhanced a little bit the somewhat disappointing "Oyster" beer. I have never been to a bar where they adequately provide service to random patrons who approach the bar, but the delay in service for my second beer was atrocious enough to discourage me, otherwise this place would have a...

I have always loved RBC!! However, after a bout with COVID, I ended up with Parosmia - a disorder where all taste is altered. Parosmia triggers for most sufferers are onion, garlic and meat. That definitely poses a difficulty when going to a restaurant! I figured that The Margie would be safe, but I talked to the cook just to be sure. He let me know there was garlic 🧄 in the red sauce. I thanked him and told him I needed a flight of beer 🍺 in order to make a decision! Parosmia sufferers get anxiety when they eat something new because most foods taste acidic, metallic or rancid. While ordering my beer, the cook came over to me and offered suggestions that might work for me. That was so nice!! I ended up ordering the Sweet Potato Empanada, the Wood-fired Mushrooms (no crispy leeks) and the Crispy Sweet Potato (no onions) with hoisin sauce on the side. Not only was I super thankful that there were vegetarian options but also options that were easy to customize. In addition, I was still so impressed that the cook cared about what I could order. I promise that when I get my normal taste buds back, The Margie will be the first thing I eat. And in the meantime, I will be back to try more customizable meals. Thank you from the bottom...

Excellent contemporary bar food, drinks, and beer that would be at home in any major metro area but with a meaningful Northern Minnesota take with local beer and ingredients.

As a local who has been coming here for several years, I can say they've moved through a couple variations of their menu and drink list. They've improved each time and are certainly serving some of the best food and cocktails in the Northland. Depending on your preferences, their brewing is definitely a contender among Northern Minnesota Brewers.

Their occasionally rotating selection of outside beverages and drinks from semi-local and regional cideries, wineries, kombucha brewers,, and distillers is notably well curated.

Their food menu is well thought out and offers a strong variety of classic dishes and excellently executed contemporary and modern gastro pub fair and wood...