Interesting cocktail spot. We stayed in GR for the evening and was looking for something open after 10 on a weekday. Found this basement "speakeasy," I use quotations because instead of feeling like you were in prohibition era bar you feel like you are in your uncle's basement with a really well stocked bar. Checkered black and white tiled floor and black walls with exposed pipe didn't really set the mood. Adding to it was the other patrons in the bar, two tables specifically, didn't seem to know how to conduct themselves in the small environment. There conversations were loud and obnoxious, the bartender tried to subdue them as best as possible by upholding that every patron must be in a seat to be served to try and maintain the intimacy of the bar, but you could tell she was annoyed with the group as well. As for the cocktails, they were delicious and well prepared, but we only stuck around for one round because of the group next to us. As for the prices I think they were a few dollars high. My wife and I live in Chicago, so we are not against paying $15 for a cocktail, but there is usually more of an experience above and beyond the drinks that help justify the price. Not the case here. With some minor tweaks to decor I think Sidebar could be something special, but it is not quite there. read more

Cool little place - took a minute to find it but once you do...Drinks were solid, I stayed with Bourbon, good pours and lots of selection. My co-worked had mixed drinks and no complaints. The 2 bartenders were very engaging and nice - fun place and definitely a "go back to" next time in GR. It's a small place but enjoyable. read more

The hostess/waitress was very rude making insulting comments at my group. There are many better places in Grand Rapids with more reasonably priced drinks, better selections, and friendlier staff. read more

I've been here a few times now and I have had a great experience every time. If you read the smug reviews that have been posted prior to mine, please disregard them, as they do not give an accurate portrayal of Sidebar. Yes, it is small. Yes, it is dark. Yes, the drinks are pricey. Yes, it can be hard to find. That is what makes this place great. They will not let you pack the bar full of people so that people have to stand, and they will only allow enough people in to fill the limited number of seats (16-18). This preserves the atmosphere for the current customers, so that they don't have Ronald McGriddle or Snookie yelling and reaching over everyone's shoulder to throw $20 at the bartender. Before one simply walks into Sidebar, one must realize their drinks are from the 1930's (iirc) and prior and they stick to this theme. They have Sinatra on vinyl, drinks are made from premium products, and their bar tenders (mixologists) are absolute perfectionists. So where is this place located? Search Big O's, walk in the sub-level Ottowa Ave entrance of Big O's, and look to your left. Voila, you found the hidden premium drink gem of Grand Rapids. Enjoy it if you are lucky enough to get in. read more

Been here once, pretty outstanding experience. Sat at the bar and chatted with the bartenders while they made some killer drinks. Expect it to take a while. This isn't the place to slam drinks. I very laid back and meant to take a while. while pricy it's worth it to stop in for a drink and check it out. Very intimate, might seat 15-20 people total. read more

The best bar in Grand Rapids hands down. The bartenders are amazing and truly take ownership of the program. The service is impeccable. Drinks are beyond amazing and personal to you. Be prepared to wait as it's only 18 seats but it's well worth the wait. read more

Definitely has a speak-easy vibe and great niche bar; dimly lit, small, kind-of hard to locate unless you know where it is, not too loud inside so you can carry a conversation with your peers. All of the bartenders are talented and happy to help those who aren't sure howto order. Just know that all cocktails all $10+. My go-to is the "Dark and Stormier" read more

This place is amazing. Creative drink list. Expertly crafted cocktails. Girls behind the counter know what they're doing, absolute professionals! Among the best Manhattans I've had. Place is very small, and can get pretty loud...and difficult to find! But, very worthwhile if you like a great drink. read more

The best hidden gem in Grand Rapids. This tiny bar (capacity is 18!) has some of the most interesting cocktails I've ever had. We visited on a Tuesday evening, shortly after they opened, and were 2 of 3 patrons. Erin, our mix-mistress, was amazing!!! Her suggestions were on point, and the drinks were incredible. If you're looking for something to kick off an evening, do yourself a favor and check this place out. read more

Yessir, this is why America is great. Service, location, creativity, attention to detail. Drinks were well curated, menu is extensive (almost too much), and atmosphere is cozy and speakeasyish. Tell your friends! read more

The drinks are good, with a knowledgeable staff and fairly cool atmosphere. However, there isn't anything really special for the prices and the wait. Plus, we were made to wait outside because standing was not allowed inside; however, shortly after being seating a group of people entered the bar and starting standing over our table. I think the bar was worth the visit but unlikely to go back anytime soon. read more

Tiny place with great cocktails. Room for 4 at the bar, and 12 more at some narrow tables. Really good gin selection plus additions like smoked rosemary make this a very special bar! read more

Very cool little "speak easy" type bar. Four of us went on a Friday night with a short wait. The atmosphere was unique and the cocktails were fantastic read more

The only speak-easy cocktail lounge I've visited with an authentic aesthetic. Cocktails are absolutely worth the prices. Bartenders (mixologists?) are helpful, friendly, and talented. If you appreciate cocktails, you cannot miss this place! read more

Such a special hidden gem! Got to sit at the bar and watch the amazing cocktails being made. The bartenders were friendly and well-dresssed. Perfect spot for a night cap! read more

Awesome little hidden gem. Please don't go here because I am selfish and don't want to share however. I must say the drinks are great. Enjoy

Feels special being in here because it's so small and there's only room for you as long as there are seats for you. So if it's busy you wait outside. The bartender was also the DJ, putting on some classic cool music to match the mood. The drinks we had were great, very unique (menu was interesting to read), but you're paying for the experience. read more

Love this place!!! It's a bit pricey and you can't bring food in but it's definitely a treat to get to be here!!! Most of the time I can only identify 2 of the ingredients in my drinks but whatever else they add in is great!!! read more

The best Manhattan in town. Love this place. The bartenders are fun to talk to, and the drinks are fantastic.

Ambience is spectacular. Ventured in here alone for a quiet cocktail and was pleasantly surprised with the 18-person capacity cupboard that was an adventure to find. The quirkiness of Sidebar is as much about the speak easy feel as it is about the person behind the bar controlling the entire atmosphere of the room. Hole in the wall. Must visit. read more

This was my first time in Grand Rapids and I was looking for a quiet place to finish the night with some great cocktails. Sidebar did not disappoint. They are very serious about the atmosphere they are trying to create, so be patient and respect that and you should have no problems. I was alone but had a great time chatting with the bartenders and the other patrons. The drinks were absolutely perfect and well worth the price. Sit at the bar and you'll understand why it takes a little time to get your drinks. They put a lot of work into each and every drink they make. To sum up: If you're just looking to grab a quick drink before hitting the next bar, maybe not the best place for you. But if you're looking to settle in for a bit and sip on some wonderful drinks in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere this place is a must. read more

If you're willing to hang out for a spot, it's worth the wait! The staff is VERY friendly and the drinks are delicious! It's obvious you're paying for ingredients, prep and knowledgable mixologists, if you're looking for a bud light or jack and Coke, don't go there. If you're looking for a quality drink and explore the world of cocktails, DO go there! read more

Good drinks and an eclectic collection of spirits. Small in size so sound carries and echos. Pur bartender had a good knowledge of spirits and cocktails as well. read more

Had a small group experience at Sidebar tonight. Not a pleasurable experience as far as customer service goes. The staff member that appeared as a "manager" was rude, pushy with customers, and seemed excessively stressed out by the "packed house" of 5-6 tables. We're talking 15 people TOPS in this place with THREE bartenders on this particular shift. As a professional in the hospitality industry, I know that the three bartenders were perfectly capable of serving this small bar. As for our second round of drinks... it didn't happen. A member of my party tried to order a drink and when the server finally came over he walked away almost immediately to clean a table for new patrons before my friend could even order her drink. He never came back. She had to walk to the bar to order her drink, where she had to wait to place her order because he was busy polishing glassware and told her he'd meet her at the table. My goodness. It will be awhile before I try to give this business a second chance. Drinks were good. But so what? You could get a good drink at many places in this city. People look for EXPERIENCES. This was not a pleasurable one. End of story. read more

This is hands down the best bar I've been to since moving to GR over a year ago. Small, dark, out of the way and intimate - a great music selection (classic vinyl spins all night!) and the staff can mix a complex drink with care. A cool place to take a date before a show or to stop in for a well deserved drink after work. They don't suffer whiners and I can really respect that - I like a business with principles as too many are willing to go soft and bland to make a buck. Things that polarize tend to be great and I'd be comfortable saying one drink here is worth three in any brewery. read more

Duncan is the heckin' MAN. Watching these artists make the crap out of these cocktails is amazing. The skill. The control. Upon first sip, I knew I was in love. My fiancée got the Italian Afternoon, and was instantly transported to Venice, wind tousling her chocolate brown hair as she sipped her beautifully crafted libation. I ordered some Ernest Hemingway shit for myself, 2 rums, some sugar and some lime juice. I was feeling like an old man with the sea all around me, salty sweet air ripping through my beard as I slaked my thirst. Sidebar is a vision. We will be back. read more

Came on a Wed with 1 friend around 8:30pm and there was plenty of seating but it packed out within the hour. We sat at the bar. It's a dark, cozy spot. The bartender was attentive. He took my suggestions of flavors and liquors I enjoy and turned them into a delicious cocktail. My friend ordered off the menu and was equally impressed. We will be back! At one point a party of 6 came in and caused a scene when they couldn't be seated - basically threatened they'd never be back and that the place was doomed or something super ridiculous. This place seats 18 and has award winning cocktails. You can't waltz into ANY place with 1/3 of the capacity in patrons and expect to be seated immediately. Don't be foolish - come w/ one or two...mayyyybe 3 other people max and prob not during peak hours if you wanna be seated as a group. My one request for the bar would be for them to offer at least 1 type of low key snack because the drinks are strong. Local bakery bread and butter and/or dipping oil? Anyway - this place is wonderful. read more

Worse waitress ever. Very rude. Don't recommend this place bar tender was nice but it didn't make up fir rudeness of waitress

Posts a bunch of fake numbers on their website and on Facebook. Speaks to their customer service

Do not waste your time or money!! We had a horrible experience two different times. It's so dark in there you can't read the menu, it takes 20 minutes to even get greeted and drinks take another 20 minutes. Out of the 4 of us, only 1 drink was fully drank; the other 3 were disgusting. On top of paying $15 for a drink you hate, they expect a 20% tip and will literally call you out for not tipping 'to their standards'. Unreal! We will never go back again. read more

We were excited to check Sidebar out after reading reviews and hearing about this place. We got there to an overly lit and slightly rundown entryway shared with big o's and were put on a waiting list. We waited at big o's for an hour (which is owned by the same owners) and watched several people walk in and go in before us. When we asked why weren't let in they said it was because it was more efficient to let multiple parties of 2 in before us, and that the we were still at the bottom of the list. After an hour! I struggle with that logic. We were literally the last people in big o's as they were trying to close thinking we'd get in soon. That never happened and we decided it was best to leave. I don't care how good their drinks are, their service has a long way to go. read more

This place is fantastic. It is small. VERY small. Keep it to small 2-4 people groups. The service is excellent. The bartenders are friendly and conversational, I immediately felt like I was a regular there with the great way they treated me. They are also passionate about their craft. Each cocktail made with care and precision, but they never have an "above you" additude about it. My new favorite bar. Go Sidebar GR!! read more

Cool little bar with a great drink selection. Quiet and mellow atmosphere with hand made drinks. Tiny but if you can find a seat, worth the visit. read more

Just randomly walked into side bar while waiting for our table at Big O' and found my new favorite spot. The ambiance is amazing and service impeccable. read more

Great drinks! Nick is an extremely friendly and knowledgeable tender that made are experience complete.

Joel and Ally were spectacular bartenders! We were thrilled with all our drinks and look forward to making this our nee go to bar in GR. Yes, the place is small, but it allows a much more personal touch (with the vinyl records being hand chosen by the guests). And yes the drinks are a tad bit pricy, but for what you get its all top shelf custom made and would cost twice as much in chi town. Cant wait to go back read more

The absolute worst bar and service ever experienced - it's like out of a Woody Allen movie - the drinks are completely average: but by far the worst service, most overpriced and in such small portions. If you're all about feeling cool because you know of a place that other people don't and the staff acts like you should be honored because they let you in, then this is definitely the place for you. The only worse service I've had in my life was in a bar in NYC where models hung out. They got away with it because, you know, it was the place where models hung out. Sidebar can't offer that or really anything else. But they do nail the hipster "I must be somebody because I'm here attitude" When you eventually get your drink you will find that what you suspected was correct - it's just a drink you can get anywhere else for a much lower price in a better atmosphere with better service. In addition, I actually watched the bartender slam the door in a patron's face who was trying to explain what had been messed up. Never ever go, unless of course, that whole hipster shtick works for you. read more