Came for the most amazing performance by comedian, Alok!…read more The Pyramid Scheme is a fun retro take on a dive bar known for their great shows, pinball machines and (somewhat) reasonably priced drinks. The staff may seem rough on the outer edges, but they are all actually teddy bears once you get to know them. Usually shows are standing room only, which is a drag if you are old like me and opt not to wear orthotics. Luckily, the 9 pm encore show was seated. My old bones appreciated this. Now look below as I'm fangirling in the attached photos! I absolutely adore Alok and their courage to humorously challenge the gender binary and systematically poke holes in the patriarchal system that comprises The USA.

i have been attending the Pyramid Scheme for years now. I absolutely love all of the staff and they…read morereally become like friends and family after constantly seeing them when attending shows. The lineups are often pretty diverse, now offering more local music and the addition of more free events to bring together the community. They've added vintage nights, trivia, and free pinball days which I think is a very important and necessary community good. The venue has a front half with a bar, pinball cabinets, and even some outdoor seating. The back hosts the concert venue with interior bar, seating, and elevated stage. I'm allergic to alcohol so I can't speak to the drinks nor the prices but they have free water jugs readily available which is a lifesaver during shows and is just such a small, nice feature to have access to. I definitely would recommend coming here for a concert, finding some new local music, or establishing a new hang out for your friends.

First off these guys here did a phenomenal job with crowd control and getting everyone in and out…read moreof the cold in a very timely manner , the line was wrapped around the block and it wasike it took no time at all to get in , the merch lineoved extremely fast forcas long as it was and the food and beverage lines almost no wait .....KUDOS to all the workers present for tonights Wallows show .....the venue was awesome the sound was superb and my son and I really enjoyed this show I couldn't get over how good they sounded and the sound crew was money today ....the crew here should be proud today ....if you ever get a chance to see a show here check it out seems like all seats in this venue are good we sat in 204 row E

Came here for a concert with friends and the layout sis not disappoint! The upper balcony seats are…read moresuch a nice touch for those who do not want to be stuck in the GA pit on the first floor! The views from the venue are great no matter where you are seated! Very clean and safe as well!

Huge arena. A lot of spots for snacks and drinks. However, expensive for drinks and snacks, it…read morewasn't half bad. Just an extremely lack of parking for big events. Might need a lot of extra time to figure out where to park.

Been to Van andel a few times now for concerts and a hockey game for the GR Griffins. Parking on a…read moreFriday night is usually a challenge if trying to find street parking but lots of garages/lots around for 10-20$ for the evening which are all pretty close by. Entrance/security has always been pretty easy and convenient. I just wish they had more food options inside the arena. Lots of beer, cocktails, canned drink options with arena pricing. Food options included popcorn, pizza, hot dogs, nachos and other snack kind of foods. I usually just plan to eat before or after the show or game. Thankfully, in the heart of downtown with lots of options for dinner.

I love this bar in the BOB. It is on the first floor, as soon as you walk in the back door. There…read moreis a small bar that no one ever sits at, so it's always open, there is a bit of an open area, and then there is a stage and dance floor. There are always bands here that play fun music and it's always a really good time. The bartender there is really nice (somehow we always see the same guy). They serve some of the Bob's Brewery beers, and some outside beers, along with liquor. This is a fun stop to make, and I would recommend checking it out if you've never been in there!

Stopped in on a Friday night with a group of friends. Sat at the bar- pretty quite inside the…read moreestablishment. Bartender did a good job, but not much of a personality... Love the decor and they have a nice selection at the bar. Music was odd.. cant even remember who or what was playing.. but just mediocre music. Not very busy, either. I like the idea of this bar.. but for some reason, I feel like the music and the atmosphere just kinda miss the mark. Personal opinion!

The Intersection is a multi-stage venue that gets some decent acts. I've seen at least 15 shows…read morethere since 2011. The main venue is large and cavernous with hard concrete floors and limited reserved seating. The "stache" is the front room with a small stage, which makes for an intimate show and we've seen some favorite bands there. Elevation is downstairs and I've only been in there once but is also pretty nice for a smaller show. The bar lines tend to move quickly, and I like that there's a bar in the lobby that's usually less busy. They don't serve any food, which is a bit of a bummer but there are a few places around where you can get dinner before a show. No designated parking lot for the Intersection but there's plenty of street parking nearby. Overall I prefer 20 Monroe to the Intersection these days mostly for their snacks :) But if a band I like comes to the Intersection, it's an easy yes for me since it's close to home and a decent spot for a concert.

My first experience going to the Intersection was fun and an enjoyable night out. There is parking…read moreeverywhere around the venue. We paid $20 cash or card and walked just a block to the front door. We were greeted and asked for our ID. We were directed to another counter after we go in the door to show our tickets for the show. All the staff were polite, professional and welcomed us to the venue. There were ample amount of wait staff and people at the bar to get drinks fast. I was drinking ling islands and they cost $10.75 without tip. We were notified due to the venue not selling out the VIP section was open and first come first serve so we found the most perfect spot to enjoy the band, people watch and have a place to put our drinks. The sound system was incredible and the auto very clear. The bathroom were clearly marked and there were plenty of stalls. Overall good night out.

A friend was playing a show at the Tip Top recently and it had been years since I'd been there. The…read morebar is cozy and people were very friendly. We paid $15 per person for the band, cash only (they do have an ATM on site). They have live music most weekends, and you can reserve tickets online ahead of time. We got a booth for our group of four and it had an okay view of the stage - there are a couple of pillars that obscure the view but the music sounded great. I was worried it might be way too loud in the small bar, but it seemed fine. Bring earplugs if you need them! I think they sell them at the bar too. We got some food to split - the fried green beans and the grilled cheese sandwich. This food is simple but tasty, and goes great with a cold beer. I especially liked the crispy fried green beans with jalapeno ranch! Tip Top definitely gives the vibe of a Nashville honky tonk, and I had a great time.

So went for a concert, didn't know anything about the venue. It looks like a neighborhood bar from…read morethe outside but dang you get transported to a sonic retro oasis on the inside. Great crowd, awesome drinks and delicious food. Won't break the bank.. promise you that So go take a chance at some great live music and have the chicken and waffles, AT THE BAR!!!

A very cozy casual soccer bar/restaurant :) i live close by so it's just an easy place to go to for…read morea drink or a quick bite. They have most sports games up but i know they're known for having the early soccer games playing! I've heard great things about their brunch only on the weekends. They brought back their lunch special and it seems like they have trivia there now!! I feel like food is 4/5 but overall the vibe, lots of seating, and staff just make it a fun nonjudgmental place to be :) All the staff are super friendly. Parking is just metered street parking.

Loved the atmosphere and the food and drinks were outstanding. Was our first time there and will…read moremake sure to come back the next time we're in Grand Rapids

Still good 11 years later. This is the place to go for arcade games, stuffed burgers and good beer/…read morewhiskey options. Unabashedly a hipster/ alternative vibe that I love. I didn't have time to wait 20-25min for a burger because I had to make a show at the Pyramid Scheme across the street and opted to try the cubano nachos. Delicious and fun authentic flavors with a satisfying crunch. You can share it, but I ate most of it as my dinner and loved it. I guess branching out from the amazing stuffed burgers was well worth it. Everything here goes well with a beer or whiskey. Cheers!

Such a cool place!!! Had no idea it was here. Definitely will go more! Food was good and drinks…read moreeven better. Service was amazing! As we were here a homeless woman came in asking the tables for $$ for food. I told the waitress and the manager came shortly to the lady and offered her food and gave her a coat. I think this was such a good thing!! But if word gets around to other homeless ppl I think it will turn into something that's not good. Would go again!!!

Great venue for a comedy show. I went on Friday night to Brad Williams. Tickets were easy to buy…read moreonline ($36) and I just showed my mobile ticket entry. There are parking garages nearby- I walked. There are metal detectors as you enter. Security watches you go through and bam -you're at the bar! I got a local beer ($12) and headed for the stairs. Apparently there is an elevator for those who cannot or do not want to take the stairs. People were filing in. I heard the bell to take your seat so I hustled all the way to the top. I had a seat in the very last row- row L. L for Last lol. Seat 24 so kinda in the middle. I would say I could see the stage without anyone blocking my view. It's steep up there. There were ushers on each level, assisting people to their seats. Those nosebleed seats did not have beer holders. Oh well. The sound was good- I heard everything. The seat was comfortable. After the show i used the restroom- plenty of stalls- no line, clean, easy signage to tell you where it is. Exiting was easy. So I'd say this is an easy in and out experience. I was comfortable. I could see and hear everything. No big TVs so you really need good vision. They don't take your phone away. Not a bad Friday night.

Beautiful space with great acoustics! I came for the symphony and it did not disappoint! Super…read morehelpful attendants with clean facilities. Can't wait to return for another event!