Grand Rapids Ranked Second Best Beer Scene in America… Again

So. Close. After taking the top spot in 2016 and 2017, in 2018 GR lost the top spot of "Best Beer Scene in the U.S." in a USA Today and 10 Best reader's poll to St. Louis...

And the same thing has happened this year.

St. Louis has been ranked the No. 1 Beer Scene in America in 2019, with Grand Rapids coming in at No. 2.

Picked by a panel of beer-loving experts, 20 U.S. cities were in the running. All were chosen for having "stellar selections of established and up-and-coming breweries, beer bars, brewpubs, beer festivals and even thriving homebrew communities where novice brewers can get their foot in the door".

Here’s what USA Today and 10 Best had to say about GR:

Winner of two past Best Beer Scene titles, Michigan’s second-largest city sports the state’s strongest beer scene, thanks largely to the presence of the world-renowned Founders Brewing Co. Not to be outdone, there are several other brewing operations around town, most notably the Belgian-inspired Brewery Vivant. The city’s official “Beer City Ale Trail” lists more than 80 breweries in the surrounding area, and the local calendar is constantly filled with beer festivals, events, and promotions. Throw in exceptional beer stores such as Siciliano’s Market, and it’s easy to see why Grand Rapids proudly stakes its claim as “Beer City USA.”

And about the winning city, St. Louis:

Large German and Irish populations, plenty of water and rail connections pretty much destined St. Louis to have a thriving beer scene. The city is not only home to Anheuser-Busch, the world's largest brewer, but a host of other craft breweries and pubs the likes of 4 Hands, Urban Chestnut and Schlafly. The 50 taps at 21st Street Brewer’s Bar give beer lovers a chance to sample many local brews in one spot, while the popular Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar boasts a beer list of more than 200 labels.