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Absolutely loved our experience at SidebarGR -- hands down the best speakeasy in Grand Rapids! From the moment you step in, you're transported to a cozy, classy hideaway that feels both exclusive and inviting. What really stood out was the bartending -- not just the skill, but the passion. After hearing the bartender's take on the Old Fashioned, I let him make it his way -- and it might be one of the best I've had. Balanced, bold, and beautifully smooth. Two of my friends described what they were in the mood for, and the bartender crafted custom cocktails for each of them -- both drinks were spot on and had them raving the rest of the night. If you're in Grand Rapids and want a cocktail experience that goes beyond the ordinary, SidebarGR is a must. Expert mixology, great atmosphere, and personalized service that makes you feel like a regular -- even on your first visit.
I've known about this bar for a while but finally went for the first time recently and it wasn't full! To find the entrance, go down the stairs towards Big O's Pizza and instead of turning right, take a left and you will see Sidebar's subtle entrance. It's dim lit and quite cozy in there. Limited seating and some spots at the bar were open and we took a seat up there. We did notice to the right of the bar there is a small additional area with more seating but still not a lot. I really enjoyed the espresso martini from here. The drink was so smooth and had the perfect balance of flavors. Highly recommend. We only stayed for one drink but I would definitely come back for another sometime. The bartenders were also really kind and having a good time with everyone in there! Really loved the atmosphere and our experience while we were there.
I stumbled upon this place and I'm so happy I did! Super cool crafted cocktails! Server was so great! He helped me decide on a drink and I was not disappointed. I recommend coming in with an idea of what u like and being willing to try something out of your comfort zone! Speakeasy vibes, quiet, small and intimate. Incense , lights, and music compliment the drinks
The atmosphere is a vibe! The drinks were great! The staff were fun and knowledgeable. Willing to teach us things and engage.
Very small space but it was a nice vibe! I love coming here with my girls when we go out for yap sessions Their drinks are all quite fancy and bit expensive, but they're so good that it's worth it. Being right next door to Big O's is nice as well because of the location downtown but also for the food. Not sure if this place has its own bathrooms. I ended up using the one at Big O's. The bartender was great as well! Good conversation and they had lots of knowledge on the drinks and ingredients.
What a fun unexpected end to our night! I was at CityFlats next door for a Yelp event, and fellow Yelper Sarah and I decided to take her friend Steve to Sidebar on a whim as he had never been! As we were about to walk in, another fellow Yelper Karsen called out to us and asked if we were going to Sidebar, and we confirmed that we were, so we all decided to sit together. A big thank you to our mixologist Noah for being so welcoming and kind to us, and for joking around with us when we told him we were all Yelpers. When we initially walked in, it was only the 5 of us, but it quickly filled up with patrons and everyone was talking to each other like they were old friends. I had the Captains Kidd (espresso and rum), which tasted like a refreshing old fashioned/espresso martini (no cream, light sugar). Left Sidebar with 4 new friends, exchanged stories about Japan, and ended the night with a lovely cocktail. Keep in mind that Sidebar is very speakeasyesque and has very limited seating (I want to say 20 seats max?), so go early if you want to be able to snag a drink, especially on a weekend. Today is Tuesday and there were already 13 of us in there at 9pm, so I'm positive that the weekend gets crazy busy! It's worth the experience!
Great intimate, speakeasy ambiance. We had been looking forward to trying SIDEBAR as we had never been able to get in before due to no open seats. For this visit, there was no wait and the service was quick, although we did get there around 7:30. Jimbo was our bartender and was very helpful and personable. The drinks tasted good, however I would not describe them as bold or complex. I plan to revisit because I do not feel this visit lived up to their reputation or potential. Look forward to trying them again.
We visited after our high school reunion for a few drinks while my husband grabbed pizza next door. The space is very small and intimate, but we squeezed four at a table. Service is excellent and I enjoyed my cocktail but my friend's husband did not. Good spot for a date, not for large groups!
SERVICE: 5 FOOD QUALITY: N/A DRINK QUALITY: 4 ORDER TIME: 5 AESTHETICS: 5 NOISE LEVEL: 2 MENU SELECTION: 4 OVERALL EXPERIENCE: 4.17 Small speakeasy experience right next to BigO Pizza, and Booze. You can definitely miss it if you're not paying attention but the music is loud enough that you will definitely wonder what is going on behind the door. As you enter the darkened bar you will only see a few tables and a few bar seats. With this place being first come first serve you just have to get lucky, and hope something is available when you arrive. I've actually gone 3 times, and 1 of those visits we had to leave because they had no seats. I love speakeasy's and being that this is probably one of the best in Grand Rapids, I find myself wanting to go often. Menu selection isn't too large, and overwhelming, which is pretty common for speakeasies. One thing that I really dislike is the loud music which is uncommon. Every time I've gone the music is so loud that you can't really hear yourself think. In terms of quality I have found that my drinks were not consistent. I've ordered the same drink 3 times and each time it tasted a little different and the last time it tasted like a straight bourbon on the rocks. Overall, I find this place to be a neat little hidden bar with great drinks if mixed properly. I, personally, would choose to have a lower music volume, and make a playlist that is fitting for a speakeasy. The experience should feel like you're living a secret life and not in a crowded night club. Just the opinion of one worldly speakeasy seeker though. Definitely recommend going if you have a small group or you're flying solo. Not large group friendly.
Sidebar is absolutely one of my favorite gems in GR. The two bartenders are super friendly and can help you figure out whatever type of drink you want. However, the place is SUPER small given it was a storage closet that turned into a Speak-Easy type of cocktail bar. Make sure that you get there early or be prepared to wait. It is definitely a spot that I'd come to often but the drinks are a little on the pricey side. This is great for a pre-dinner date night or for a night-cap. Definitely not a place that you'd stay and hang and drink all night though. Given how small it is, I don't think the bartenders would love not being able to turnover the maybe 20 seats they have in total. However, they are amazing mixologists and you can never go wrong with ordering anything while there!
The establishment does not open until 5:00pm. It's an intimate venue that does not allow standing room so if you show up and there is not a place to be you need to wait in the entrance next to the pizza place. The drinks are pricey but worth it. The staff are brilliant when mixing and matching speciality drinks. Jeff got a drink off the menu (classic old fashion) I asked to be surprised with a limoncello concoction. Thankfully I was presently surprised. You would park in the parking garages a few blocks down, the venue is hidden but able to be found if you are looking for it and the bathroom is in the Big O's Pizza and they are okay with that. Overall it's a good stop in for one or two drinks and move along. Definitely something to experience.
The bartender greeted us warmly and skillfully prepared delicious drinks. My husband and I thoroughly enjoy frequenting this establishment. Every visit has been met with exceptional drinks and service. The ambiance exudes charm and sophistication.
Stumbled upon this little speakeasy inside of a pizza place downtown. We almost walked past it but someone directed us towards it. When you step inside it's dark, quaint and has a sexy vibe to it. Very limited seating with a small bar and back room that's beautifully decorated. We both got "my girl" and that drink was delightful and refreshing. Noise level was moderate but we could still talk. Had a nice time with my bff but I could see it being a great first date spot! read more
4 months ago
We were visiting friends and they heard this place was cute but hard to get into. We took a chance and luck was on our side. It was a Saturday around 9p and we got the last table. **Reservations are recommended** the space is very small and intimate with only 4 tables. We met the bartender who curated the menu. Each cocktail was designed with intention and he took a lot of pride in them. Would definitely go back! Granda sue was our fav! read more
1 year ago
Absolutely loved our experience at SidebarGR -- hands down the best speakeasy in Grand Rapids! From the moment you step in, you're transported to a cozy, classy hideaway that feels both exclusive and inviting. What really stood out was the bartending -- not just the skill, but the passion. After hearing the bartender's take on the Old Fashioned, I let him make it his way -- and it might be one of the best I've had. Balanced, bold, and beautifully smooth. Two of my friends described what they were in the mood for, and the bartender crafted custom cocktails for each of them -- both drinks were spot on and had them raving the rest of the night. If you're in Grand Rapids and want a cocktail experience that goes beyond the ordinary, SidebarGR is a must. Expert mixology, great atmosphere, and personalized service that makes you feel like a regular -- even on your first visit. read more
I've known about this bar for a while but finally went for the first time recently and it wasn't full! To find the entrance, go down the stairs towards Big O's Pizza and instead of turning right, take a left and you will see Sidebar's subtle entrance. It's dim lit and quite cozy in there. Limited seating and some spots at the bar were open and we took a seat up there. We did notice to the right of the bar there is a small additional area with more seating but still not a lot. I really enjoyed the espresso martini from here. The drink was so smooth and had the perfect balance of flavors. Highly recommend. We only stayed for one drink but I would definitely come back for another sometime. The bartenders were also really kind and having a good time with everyone in there! Really loved the atmosphere and our experience while we were there. read more
I stumbled upon this place and I'm so happy I did! Super cool crafted cocktails! Server was so great! He helped me decide on a drink and I was not disappointed. I recommend coming in with an idea of what u like and being willing to try something out of your comfort zone! Speakeasy vibes, quiet, small and intimate. Incense , lights, and music compliment the drinks read more
5 months ago
The atmosphere is a vibe! The drinks were great! The staff were fun and knowledgeable. Willing to teach us things and engage. read more
Very small space but it was a nice vibe! I love coming here with my girls when we go out for yap sessions Their drinks are all quite fancy and bit expensive, but they're so good that it's worth it. Being right next door to Big O's is nice as well because of the location downtown but also for the food. Not sure if this place has its own bathrooms. I ended up using the one at Big O's. The bartender was great as well! Good conversation and they had lots of knowledge on the drinks and ingredients. read more
3 months ago
Perfect for a date or nightcap. Cozy, relaxing plus GREAT drinks. We had a Flower Moon cocktail A+ and found a unique bourbon to enjoy on the rocks. Recommend!! read more
2 years ago
What a fun unexpected end to our night! I was at CityFlats next door for a Yelp event, and fellow Yelper Sarah and I decided to take her friend Steve to Sidebar on a whim as he had never been! As we were about to walk in, another fellow Yelper Karsen called out to us and asked if we were going to Sidebar, and we confirmed that we were, so we all decided to sit together. A big thank you to our mixologist Noah for being so welcoming and kind to us, and for joking around with us when we told him we were all Yelpers. When we initially walked in, it was only the 5 of us, but it quickly filled up with patrons and everyone was talking to each other like they were old friends. I had the Captains Kidd (espresso and rum), which tasted like a refreshing old fashioned/espresso martini (no cream, light sugar). Left Sidebar with 4 new friends, exchanged stories about Japan, and ended the night with a lovely cocktail. Keep in mind that Sidebar is very speakeasyesque and has very limited seating (I want to say 20 seats max?), so go early if you want to be able to snag a drink, especially on a weekend. Today is Tuesday and there were already 13 of us in there at 9pm, so I'm positive that the weekend gets crazy busy! It's worth the experience! read more
1 year ago
Great intimate, speakeasy ambiance. We had been looking forward to trying SIDEBAR as we had never been able to get in before due to no open seats. For this visit, there was no wait and the service was quick, although we did get there around 7:30. Jimbo was our bartender and was very helpful and personable. The drinks tasted good, however I would not describe them as bold or complex. I plan to revisit because I do not feel this visit lived up to their reputation or potential. Look forward to trying them again. read more
4 months ago
10 months ago
3 years ago
We visited after our high school reunion for a few drinks while my husband grabbed pizza next door. The space is very small and intimate, but we squeezed four at a table. Service is excellent and I enjoyed my cocktail but my friend's husband did not. Good spot for a date, not for large groups! read more
8 months ago
SERVICE: 5 FOOD QUALITY: N/A DRINK QUALITY: 4 ORDER TIME: 5 AESTHETICS: 5 NOISE LEVEL: 2 MENU SELECTION: 4 OVERALL EXPERIENCE: 4.17 Small speakeasy experience right next to BigO Pizza, and Booze. You can definitely miss it if you're not paying attention but the music is loud enough that you will definitely wonder what is going on behind the door. As you enter the darkened bar you will only see a few tables and a few bar seats. With this place being first come first serve you just have to get lucky, and hope something is available when you arrive. I've actually gone 3 times, and 1 of those visits we had to leave because they had no seats. I love speakeasy's and being that this is probably one of the best in Grand Rapids, I find myself wanting to go often. Menu selection isn't too large, and overwhelming, which is pretty common for speakeasies. One thing that I really dislike is the loud music which is uncommon. Every time I've gone the music is so loud that you can't really hear yourself think. In terms of quality I have found that my drinks were not consistent. I've ordered the same drink 3 times and each time it tasted a little different and the last time it tasted like a straight bourbon on the rocks. Overall, I find this place to be a neat little hidden bar with great drinks if mixed properly. I, personally, would choose to have a lower music volume, and make a playlist that is fitting for a speakeasy. The experience should feel like you're living a secret life and not in a crowded night club. Just the opinion of one worldly speakeasy seeker though. Definitely recommend going if you have a small group or you're flying solo. Not large group friendly. read more
5 years ago
Sidebar is absolutely one of my favorite gems in GR. The two bartenders are super friendly and can help you figure out whatever type of drink you want. However, the place is SUPER small given it was a storage closet that turned into a Speak-Easy type of cocktail bar. Make sure that you get there early or be prepared to wait. It is definitely a spot that I'd come to often but the drinks are a little on the pricey side. This is great for a pre-dinner date night or for a night-cap. Definitely not a place that you'd stay and hang and drink all night though. Given how small it is, I don't think the bartenders would love not being able to turnover the maybe 20 seats they have in total. However, they are amazing mixologists and you can never go wrong with ordering anything while there! read more
3 years ago
The establishment does not open until 5:00pm. It's an intimate venue that does not allow standing room so if you show up and there is not a place to be you need to wait in the entrance next to the pizza place. The drinks are pricey but worth it. The staff are brilliant when mixing and matching speciality drinks. Jeff got a drink off the menu (classic old fashion) I asked to be surprised with a limoncello concoction. Thankfully I was presently surprised. You would park in the parking garages a few blocks down, the venue is hidden but able to be found if you are looking for it and the bathroom is in the Big O's Pizza and they are okay with that. Overall it's a good stop in for one or two drinks and move along. Definitely something to experience. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
The bartender greeted us warmly and skillfully prepared delicious drinks. My husband and I thoroughly enjoy frequenting this establishment. Every visit has been met with exceptional drinks and service. The ambiance exudes charm and sophistication. read more
2 years ago
There's a naughty little hideaway in Grand Rapids. Go down to get a pizza, turn the wrong way, and you're there! This closet is full of atmosphere, a small bar, and a couple of tables. If you are into quality over quantity, this is the place to wet your whistle. My bride and I love popping in here after a night out. read more
2 years ago
OMG best drinks ever! it was a little hard to find :) -- NEXT TO THE PIZZA SHOP LITERALLY! lol pero we (boyfriend & i) on our 5year anniversary and counting can i get a YAYYYY our server- Chad got our drinks to a T! was and will always be fire! love the drinks and the vibe, it is small, so if claustrophobic but if you've never been it's so welcoming& music is great! also just perfect for us barback Joe was very welcoming! and awesome i got a - ramblin man / tequila my boyfriend got - mango jerry / gin read more
2 years ago
Sidebar is such a hidden gem! A great experience (if you can get in-seating is limited!!!) and there's always some fancy cocktails to be had (although I heard their OG bartender moved on to a new experience, and I'm hoping that doesn't effect drink quality!) They were at capacity when we were there (which is about 20 people) and the only reason I took a star off is because service was a little rough, but when you're making some time consuming drinks, I get it! Definitely stop in and make your own judgements. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Although this bar is small, it is well worth the wait. A cool, laidback ambiance and the drinks are incredible. I got the Water Lillie cocktail and it was amazing. The staff was super friendly, and a big shout out to Joey who was so fun and took such good care of our group. read more
3 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Giving them 5 stars because is it exactly what you think of when you say speak easy...excellent bartender who is proud of his craft and meticulously makes the cocktails on the menu or something that you want...music is great...ambiance...dark, small so that you have to speak to others and make friends...would definitely come again...oh and yes to find it you have to go thru the pizza place door... read more
5 years ago
Awesome "hidden" spot for amazing drinks. Small; former storage closet turned cocktail bar. Impressive drinks, great service, reasonably priced. Do not sleep on SidebarGR!! read more
Sidebar is a tiny, 18-seat "hidden" cocktail bar in the basement location that is also home to Big O's Cafe next door. I had tried to check out Sidebar previously but they were closed during their posted open hours, kind of a bummer. My boyfriend and I found ourselves downtown one day with no real agenda at an off hour, so we decided to stop in and see if we could get a spot. Luckily there were only a few other people there at that time so we could sit right away. I think you have to wait outside if there are no tables, which isn't great for our Michigan winters! The bartender came over and gave us drink menus. The menu is pretty small but nicely curated. I ordered the Laughing Lopez ($15) because it sounded tropical with dark rum, pineapple rum, scotch whisky, coconut cream, lime, and orange. My boyfriend got an old fashioned which comes in a few different variations. The drinks didn't take too long to make but I would be patient if it's busy! The Laughing Lopez was pretty much what I was expecting; slightly fruity but not sweet, with a little kick. The old fashioned was good too--not the best we've ever had but a very good take on a classic cocktail. I liked the drinks we had at Sidebar, but I likely won't be back super soon just due to the small size of the establishment. There are plenty of other places to get fantastic cocktails where you don't have to risk waiting outside in the cold for who knows how long! read more
2 years ago
this hidden *tiny* gem was such a treat! drinks only (super tasty and unique)! ambiance was amazing - they had an incense burning , dim lighting, and an amazing playlist going. only 2 servers in the establishment but our server was so sweet and friendly with great recommendations. this is such a great place for a nightcap, but be warned, it may be hard to snag a seat (it's all about good timing and luck! read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
7 years ago
This place is SUPER cool! You MUST ask for Levi (like the jeans). He can create, suggest, and bring to life the PERFECT cocktail for any guest. The location is a little tricky to find, but once you do you won't leave. The space is limited so make sure to plan accordingly and travel with smaller groups if possible. The bartenders will work diligently to get your party accommodated quickly, but you might wait a small amount of time. The drinks are very well priced for the QUALITY Of cocktail you are getting. 100% of the time I would suggest this of the time! read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
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More info about Sidebar
80 Ottawa Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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(616) 551-9195
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https://www.sidebar-gr.com
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