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Grand Rapids, Michigan, continues to hold onto its prestigious title as Beer City, USA, for an impressive sixth consecutive year, as recognized by USA Today.
This accolade comes after Grand Rapids was nominated by a panel of experts and subsequently voted as the top beer scene by USA Today readers. The magazine praised the city for its vibrant and exceptional beer culture, which stands out on the national stage.
Among the highlights that contribute to Grand Rapids’ beer supremacy are its renowned breweries, such as Founders Brewing Co. and Vivant Brewery & Spirits. The city also boasts the Beer City Ale Trail, a network of over 80 breweries, along with a variety of beer festivals and events that celebrate the craft.
Trailing behind Grand Rapids in the rankings were St. Louis, Missouri, and Yakima, Washington, with other notable mentions including San Diego, California; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Asheville, North Carolina. These cities, while impressive, have yet to surpass the beer culture championed by Grand Rapids.
USA Today cites Founders Brewing Co., Vivant Brewery & Spirits, the Beer City Ale Trail, over 80 breweries, beer festivals and events as reasons why Grand Rapids reigns brew king.
Runners up were St. Louis, Missouri, followed by Yakima, Washington; San Diego California; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Charlotte, North Carolina; Asheville, North Carolina; Milwaukee Wisconsin; Columbus, Ohio and Denver, Colorado.
Grand Rapids has informally called itself “Beer City, USA” for more than a decade now, after finishing tied atop an informal poll in 2012.
Founders Brewing Co. was also named on a separate USA Today 10Best list for best brewery tour. It took the 7th slot, beating out breweries in Missouri, Wisconsin and Illinois. HopCat was picked as the No. 8 best beer bar, and the Michigan Winter Beer Festival at LMCU Ballpark which happened last weekend took 8th on the list of best beer festivals.
Outside of West Michigan, Hop Lot Brewing Co in Suttons Bay took second in the list of best beer gardens, and Elder Piper Beer & Cider in Petoskey was named the No. 3 best new brewery.