Grand Rapids is on a four year run of domination in the Best Beer City polling, having also previously won the title in 2012 and 2013 (as well as Best Beer Town in 2014 and Best Beer Scene in 2017). The case for it is simple: we don’t just have lots of breweries, we have lots of GREAT breweries! The quality and quantity of brewery options seems to have caught the eye of USA Today/10best yet again: “Michigan’s second-largest city sports the state’s strongest beer scene, thanks largely to the presence of the world-renowned Founders Brewing Co. There are several other brewing operations around town, like Belgian-inspired Brewery Vivant. Grand Rapids’ official “Beer City Ale Trail” includes a list of more than 80 breweries, and the local calendar is constantly filled with beer festivals, events, and promotions. Throw in exceptional beer stores like Siciliano’s Market, and it’s easy to see why Grand Rapids proudly stakes its claim as Beer City USA.”

As we post this article, Grand Rapids was in first place, holding off other cities like St. Louis, Boston, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Columbus, Asheville, and San Diego. You can vote for Grand Rapids as Best Beer City once per day now through February 24th! Let’s make it five years in a row!

While we recently put some focus on the Michigan nominees in the art-centered polls, this time around we’ve got a healthy handful of Michigan breweries and cities looking to get some recognition for their beers, beer gardens, brewpubs, beer labels, and more. Check out all our nominees below and don’t forget to vote often!

There is a Michigan finalist in Best Small Town Beer Scene as well. Traverse City once agains finds itself nominated in this category. Home to more than a dozen breweries, it also has its own passport program (the TC Ale Trail). “Traverse City has become a hotbed of craft beer action in the already beer-centric state of Michigan. The town features a sizable collection of breweries, taprooms, and brewpubs, including Jolly Pumpkin, North Peak Brewing Company, Brewery Terra Firma, Earthen Ales, and Right Brain Brewery.” Vote for Traverse City once per day now through the 24th, as of this writing they were in second place (In 2024 they finished in 3rd place)!

In the Best Beer Garden poll, Hop Lot Brewing in Suttons Bay makes a return to the finalist list. They are joined there by Stevensville’s Watermark Brewing. “Embracing its Northern Michigan roots, Hop Lot Brewing’s beer garden invites guests to warm up around the campfire or relax at a picnic table while enjoying their brews. In winter, you can even reserve your own igloo! Hop Lot was established in 2015 as a family-friendly brewery and offers a tap list of around a dozen traditional ales.”

Vote for Hop Lot once per day now through the 24th, or throw some Michigan love to Watermark: “Built on a passion for creating exceptional craft beer and unforgettable experiences, Watermark features a sprawling beer garden designed for relaxation and connection. The outdoor space boasts lush greenery, comfortable seating, fire pits, and open-air views perfect for gatherings of all sizes. Inside, the modern yet welcoming taproom serves as the hub for an ever-evolving lineup of meticulously crafted beers. Focused on fostering local connections, Watermark Brewing Co. partners with area food trucks and encourages guests to bring their own bites to enjoy alongside their beverages.” As of this writing Watermark was in second place and Hop Lot was in third, so there’s a good chance we can get a Michigan winner in this category!

Another new addition when it comes to Michigan nominees in these polls is Austin Brothers Beer Company in Alpena, which is nominated for Best Brewpub. We always enjoyed visited this great brewery when we were in Alpena and it’s great to see them get some national attention: “Established in 2015, it’s known for its handcrafted beers, including gluten-free options, and its fusion menu. Guests can also dine outdoors in the summer beer garden.” You can vote for Austin Brothers Beer Co. once per day through the 24th, as of this writing they had an uphill climb as they sit in 13th place.

Bell’s Brewery is a finalist for Best Brewery Tour: “Bell’s Brewery, one of the oldest craft breweries east of Colorado, started out with a 15-gallon soup pot in 1985. Today, visitors can tour their state-of-the-art facilities in Comstock, Michigan, and at their flagship location in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to learn more about Bell’s brewing processes, fermentation, and packaging. Tours include complimentary samples.” If you’re a fan of Two Hearted Ale, Oberon, or other Bell’s products then this is a can’t miss tour; vote for Bell’s Brewery for Best Beer Tour once per day now through the 24th.

Finally, it is no surprise that Grand Rapids’ City Built Brewing Company is once again a finalist for Best Beer Label. “City Built Brewing Company has consistently interesting, eye-catching labels. A recent favorite is Homeslice, a 5.5% ABV West Coast Pilsner brewed with Nugget, Saaz, and Tettnang German hops, and a collaboration with home-brewer Nick Rodammer. The label features a colorful, pop art-style squirrel holding up a long, sharp sword in each hand.” City Built won this contest in 2021 for Prague Underground and has been a finalist a few other times as well. Vote for HOMESLICE once per day, now through February 24th.