What is The Oldest Bar in Grand Rapids? Wrong Guess!
I have always believed that The Cottage Bar was the oldest active bar in Grand Rapids. It opened in 1927 and in 1934, just a year after prohibition ended, the original owners got their hands on a liquor license and turned The Cottage, as it was known then, into The Olde Cottage Bar and Grill.
Sadly, The Cottage is closed now and in disrepair. It's heartbreaking because it was a favorite "joint" for Grand Rapidians for years and years.
👇 BELOW: FUN IRISH BARS IN GRAND RAPIDS!
So the oldest bar in Grand Rapids might be the Holiday Bar whose roots go back to 1905 and they are still going strong. So they are the oldest bar, right? Nope!
Okay, another great watering hole is Putt Putt's, on the West Side and was founded in 1920. So that's not it I guess.
Geeze! There isn't anyone older is there?
Yes there is and your guesses are probably wrong.
The Knights of St. Casimir Aid Society / 6th Street Hall's posted on Facebook that some Polish Halls go way, way back, as in old, older, and oldest.
On Grand Rapids West Side, and just down the street from the Holiday, is St. Adalbert's Aid Society Fifth Street Hall and they were founded in 1872! WOW!
It is a great place to stop for a drink and wonderful friendly chats. They don't have food, but you can bring your own food in or have it delivered. The last time I was there a pizza truck stopped, and as if by magic, we had pizza!
Then there is the 6th Street Hall, another great place!
The 6th Street Hall was founded in 1895! Who knew?
You do have to be a member of the Polish Halls, but it is very inexpensive to join.
Back then, The Knights of St. Casimir Aid Society / 6th Street Hall's post said Polish and Lithuanian halls weren't just places to enjoy a cold beer. "They were created by immigrants helping immigrants — supporting families, building churches, preserving traditions and creating a community."
More than 100 years later these places still keep bringing people together and turn out to be Grand Rapids oldest bars!
Irish Bars In Grand Rapids
Gallery Credit: Big Joe Pesh
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