Grand Rapids’ HopCat in Running for ‘Best American Beer Bar’
Got a favorite place to sip beer in Grand Rapids? Well, one of Beer City USA's own bars is in the running for the best place to grab a brew in the nation.
HopCat is among 20 bars competing for "Favorite Beer Bar" in a USA Today and 10 Best Reader's Poll:
It's not an easy feat deciding what you want when going out for a beer at one of these 20 bars, nominated as the best in the U.S. by a panel of beer experts. Each offers a stellar selection of draft and bottled beers, many with a focus on regional or Belgian selections. Pair that with a relaxed atmosphere and knowledgable bar staff ready to help any guest become a beer junkie, and you've got a recipe for a great beer bar.
Here's USA Today's praise for HopCat:
HopCat started in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2008 and has garnered heaps of praise and many awards for its selection of great beer from around the world. Some of the best local, regional and global craft beers are on 49 taps, and more than 250 bottles expands the offerings. It could be their famous beer-battered Cosmik Fries, but more likely it’s the wide range of beers, passionate bartenders, a fun atmosphere and a year-round patio that make HopCat a top destination for beer aficionados.
HopCat has two Grand Rapids locations: downtown at 25 Ionia Ave. SW and on the East Beltline. They've also got locations throughout Michigan: Kalamazoo, Holland Detroit - and in Indiana and Nebraska.
It's been a year of transition for the Grand Rapids-based beer bar. Original owners, BarFly Ventures, filed for bankruptcy in summer 2020. The bars were sold to Congruent Investment Partners and Mainstreet Capital, who now operate Hopcat, Stella's Lounge, and Grand Rapids Brewing Company under a new company named Project Barfly LLC.
According to HopCat's website, their locations are now open for dine in, take out, and delivery.
You can vote once per day for HopCat in USA Today's poll through Tuesday, March 16 at noon ET. Winners will be announced on Friday, March 26.