Grand Rapids Ranked Second ‘Best Beer Scene’ in the U.S.

Oh man. So close. After taking the top spot two years in row, Grand Rapids was in the running again for "Best Beer Scene in the U.S." in a USA Today and 10 Best reader's poll. And the results are in...

GR took second place. So who took first?

St. Louis.

Psh. Well, there's always next year, right? It still is nice to be nominated... not as nice as winning, but still...

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:

Holder of the title Best Beer Scene for the past two years, 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 40 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."