New LGBTQ Bar On Grand Rapids’ Westside Opens This Week

A new LGBTQ bar and restaurant is coming to Grand Rapids' West Side - and we now know when it will open!

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New LGBTQ Bar and Restaurant Planned For Bridge St.

Alberto Garza and Jeff Steinport are the owners of The General Wood Shop at 507 Bridge St. NW.

Garza tells MLive,

There’s a lot of places in Grand Rapids that are friendly to our community, but we kind of want to make one in reverse where it’s a community space that is welcoming of everybody.

The owners say the new bar, which will host drag shows and other special events, is named for the business that occupied the same space in the 1940s and 50s. Most recently the space was occupied by Mayan Chocolate and Ice Cream shop. The building was also once home to the Eagle Tavern.

They have been renovating the building, adding a wood-slat bar and brown leather booths, and restoring the original brick walls. Here's a rendering of the inside owners shared in January.

The General Wood Shop will serve signature cocktails and a selection of non-alcoholic options as well.

The menu is a fusion between Asian and Mexican, and will offer items like a spicy iteration of bao buns, along with staples like fries and desserts, Wood TV 8 reports.

When Will The General Wood Shop Open in Grand Rapids?

The new bar is opening this week!

The General Wood Shop shared to Facebook their grand opening is this Friday, July 25, at 5p.m.

Follow the General Wood Shop on Facebook for updates!