Founded in 1927 by Earl and Marie Coon during the height of Prohibition, the couple built into their private residence to open a classic burger joint. "It's authentic it's the real deal," says Dan Verhil, owner of The Cottage Bar & Restaurant on LaGrave Avenue, which is known as the oldest continuously operating bar in downtown Grand Rapids. These spaces are truly one of a kind, with the historic bars boasting stories of hauntings, Al Capone, Ernest Hemingway, selling spirits on the sly during Prohibition-and a whole lot more. With the cement still drying on so many fresh bars and breweries, we thought Grand Rapidians deserved a look back at a few of the oldest watering holes in the greater Grand Rapids area -some that have kept their doors open for more than 100 years-for a seasoned perspective on the ambitious business owners that laid the foundation for today's entrepreneurs. Though many of the establishments serving alcoholic libations are relatively new, the bar and brewery scene began long ago. With more than 20 breweries in GR's some 45 square miles and seven more set to open this year, along with dozens of bars, our moderately sized city by the river has certainly earned the title.
Formerly the mecca of furniture manufacturing, this metropolis has dabbled in a variety of industries over the past two centuries and recently has taken on the moniker of “Beer City, USA,” a label acknowledging the hard work by the city’s craft brewers, beer sommeliers and small batch enthusiasts. Founded in 1826, Grand Rapids is the second largest city and fastest growing metro area in Michigan.
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