We've driven past the Elbow Room several times, but we hadn't ever stopped in until we visited for poutine week. The interior feels like a classic dive bar with lots of locals and regulars. But the food surpassed my expectations in terms of taste and attention to detail. Their special for poutine week was well thought out, with a couple of tweaks to the traditional recipe to improve the experience. It was also clear that the staff care about their patrons. Overall, a great experience, and we hope we can go back soon! read more

Elbow Room Bar & Grill - Chicken Strip - Burgers Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

See all

No complaints at all. Good food, large portions, great prices, friendly staff and super lively atmosphere. The turkey Reuben was delicious and our family loved the quesadilla and onion rings. We all split and still had leftovers!! This place was slammed at 5:30 on a Thursday. Such a great neighborhood pub feel with a welcoming ambience that you could stay a while in! read more

This spot is a true neighborhood watering hole with some great food! We stopped in here for Michigan Street Week, but every single item we got was fantastic! Menu prices were very reasonable and portions were big. This is a true sports style bar, so the acoustics can get a bit loud- but makes for a fun game-day atmosphere! The drinks were great and our server was so sweet, even when we had a lot of questions about the menu. read more

An unassuming, unpretentious Bar & Grill. In my experience, the service is friendly and attentive (Elizabeth was so kind and noticed that I was in a hurry without me saying anything. Her service was exemplary). The food is simple fare, but the quality is very good and the value is excellent. A good litmus test of any Bar & Grill is their ability to do a good burger. The Elbow Room's burger is literally one of the best in town and one I wouldn't hesitate to get again. read more

See all

Elbow Room is one of those hole-in-the-wall spots that you absolutely love. It's in such a weird spot, there's a decent amount of on-site parking, but it's right next to a busy intersection and highway. The place is small, there's a few booths but everyone is friendly! The drinks are cheap, the food is very standard bar food, but I will say that I still love it as a staple for GR. I'd definitely come back (and definitely do) to hang with friends for a low-key night or happy hour. Just don't be surprised if it's crowded AF! read more

See all

This was our first stop on Pulasky days. It's a bar that was ready for polish days. Decorated red and has a special of kielbasa pierogies sauerkraut and potatoes We ordered Bavarian pretzel with mustard and cheese sauce and a patty melt. The bloody Mary's were to die for. Great spot for a beer read more

See all

The last time I wrote a review for the Elbow Room, my favorite go-to dive bar in the neighborhood (Birch Lodge) was temporarily closed. They've since reopened and I hadn't been to Elbow Room in a while, so Nate and I decided to swing by recently on our way home to grab a snack and a drink. The Elbow Room definitely has its neighborhood regulars, but I've always felt welcomed whenever I'm there. The bar itself is pretty small, but we were there at an off time so we got a table. Lauren is one of the bartenders and she's super friendly and kind and always remembers us even when it's been years since our last visit. Nate got a beer and we ordered a wing basket to split. I really don't know how they make their wings so crispy, but they're some of my favorites in town. They come naked but you can get sauce on the side. I don't even miss the buffalo sauce. These wings are always very flavorful and nicely seasoned. The fries were fresh crinkle fries. The food is super cheap compared to most bars these days. I've always enjoyed everything we've eaten there and they have daily specials. The Elbow Room is a great option if you like a good dive bar. read more

See all

The elbow room has the best food and great drinks! The new server Kelly did such a great job! Very impressed :)

Generally, I like Elbow Room. Great burgers for sure. Disappointing service the last couple of times there, even if it's not busy like last weekend. They don't serve Oberon which is absolutely bizarre to me - it's a Michigan summer staple. It's also gross that people smoke right outside the door, including employees. Grand Rapids has an ordinance that you can't smoke within so many feet of the door of a business. Not sure what's going on there, if it's management or not the best servers, but it's been a bummer lately. read more

We've driven by this place many, many times. Finally popped in for burgers on a Friday night around 7pm. The place was packed and had that classic corner, neighborhood tavern feel. We were lucky to snag a table as a couple left. If you're looking for a cozy, neighborhood tavern setting, this is your place. Prices are right. Very reasonable for the burgers and drinks. Your wallet will like this place. On to the burgers... I ordered a mushroom swiss burger and my wife ordered a bacon cheese burger. She went with fries and I chose tater tots for my side. My burger seemed quite average. I want my beef burgers to taste like quality beef with some seasoning. I expect to taste quality beef. This burger didn't reach that standard. The tots were mediocre as well. My wife enjoyed her bacon cheese burger a little bit more. She thought "it was good tavern food." Well, I guess. I'd recommend this place for the feel and the low cost. If you're searching for a quality burger, you'll want to try some other place. read more

See all

One of the best burgers you will find in GR! Fast service. Recommend this place for a quick lunch.

Nicole is the shit! Absolute best bartender, gets to know you and makes it a great time. Food is great as well.

It's indisputable, The Elbow Room is easy to get to, small, and no-nonsense. I would give it a 3 stars, but I must sneak in an extra star for the fact that I have never seen drunken college kids here. The Elbow Room is a place to go to enjoy the company of your friends over a drink. Not to see and be seen. read more

After teaching a night class I was up for a brew & burger. I was getting off the highway at Fuller St. when I recalled Matt T's claim: "They have the best burgers and fries in town!" CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! OK, maybe Matt was a little overboard but the burger basket was a solid contender. I wonder why we don't hear it mentioned more often. I thought my burger was better than Cottage Bar or Broadway and many others that are always mentioned. This place is small and loud but friendly. Four stars may be a bit high but they had a decent offering of craft beers on tap and the staff was super friendly. read more

I love this bar. Good food... Bob the bartender is the best. It's nothing fancy but the perfect place to have a few beers with friends. Also their name is awesome. read more

Elbow Room Bar & Grill - Burgers Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Three stars for the old timers still taking care of the regulars near and far. An old broad came in tonight wanting to see the wings vs the broad st bullies and was not even looked at. The Tigs are a big deal, the wings used to play hockey. The Broad Street Bullies made sure you had the nuggies to step on the ice in the SHOW. Respect your elders and put on the goddamn game! read more

Elbow Room Bar & Grill - Hockey vs. Baseball... Put the damn game on - Burgers Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

First time here. Small place but still nice vibe! Excellent food and drink prices. Service was great!

This is a good locals bar, filled with GR natives that want a solid booze selection, cold beers on draft/in the bottle, decent food (not amazing or anything, but it works for filling , and a Tigers/Lions/Piston game. The bartenders were both pretty friendly and the ambience is very casual. Lot parking, easy to get to, and no college students to lower the vibe. read more

What was once the scary dive bar when I was in college has grown to be my staple watering hole. Always great service. The waitstaff/bartenders always remember me and are warm and welcoming. Grown to love their menu for that greasy guilty pleasure at 10:00pm. Make it a point to come here at least 5 times a month. read more

I am seriously disappointed all the way around. I left a review on Facebook detailing a terrible experience I had, and it was deleted with no response. I have never been treated so poorly. My girlfriends and I loved going to this bar. This is where we met before events, after a rough weekend at work, or just to have some drinks and catch up. I went there on Friday for the same reason at which point I was told I was barred. When I asked why, I was told 'I dont know, I was just told the last time you were here things got out of hand'. I had been there about 10 days earlier with some friends and my son was my DD. No one seemed to remember what the issue was...until I spoke to my son. I thought it was really weird that no one could give me an answer as to what could have possibly happened. My son told me that I left a crappy tip, but he adjusted it. There was no argument, or scene, I wasnt rude, there was no altercation. However, he was also told "your mom does this all the time". That is a bold face lie. I generally over tip. I have been in that bar 2x this year. I was there 3x last year...the ENTIRE YEAR. I dont know how long that particular server has been employed at the establishment...but that was COMPLETELY unprofessional and uncalled for. To blatantly lie to my child makes me feel like the tip was deserved. I wont be spending one more penny in this establishment. After such terrible treatment, and embarrassment by the staff...then to have my comment removed and ignored on Facebook...thank you for making the decision for me....its like the trash took itself out. Now I can spend my money somewhere I can be respected and NOT have vicious lies spread to my children. read more

I'm giving this place a strong three. It's small, easey to get to, and cheesey. Cheesey in the right way. It's a good place to go with a few friends and knock a coulple back, but it's nothing fancy. Sometimes they have free hotdogs or something. They do have a good amount of TVs to watch sports on for such a small place. I like it! read more

Walked into a less than stellar bar room hoping to find a cool dive, finding nothing but old people and extremely rude wait staff who had no common manners & no intentions of being polite. After rude & terribly negative attitude she threw my friend's valid ID back at her while listing the draft choice selections to my out of town friend at the speed of light and when asked about a draft beer was so noticeably irritated. Bartender lady then told us as we were leaving in reaction to such inhospitable service that she had no intention of ever serving us. I am very confused for our seriously unenjoyable experience, for my friends and I have(some still do) worked in the service industry...we were all completely sober & friendly & just wanted to checkout a bar in town... I never write reviews but holy moly that was the most awful & disappointing service I have ever experienced. read more

I used to come here and really enjoy it. I didn't like the food one of the times and didn't eat it. Before ordering I asked specific details about the dish and the waitress had no knowledge but said they were both her favorite. I didn't ask for the manager but she came by and asked how things were and I told her nicely that the soup just tasted like salt and my salad was only iceberg lettuce and cheese. She told me this is a bar what do you expect! Didn't know that bars were suppose to have shitty food and waitresses saying things are "delicious" when obviously she has never had them. They aren't delicious, after all "it's just a bar, what do you expect." Don't have a food menu just to have it. Have one that people want to eat. read more

Food was great before new ownership a few years ago. Now it's your run of the mill frozen crap from Sysco or Gordon. Drinks are still good and beer selection is decent. The staff is a C+ at best but if your going for drinks and don't mind waiting then it's a good place to go. Not pretentious but a fair amount of hipsters sitting around griping about paying taxes or the world being unfair. read more

Jessie sly was the rudest most impolite waitress I have ever expirenced. She screemed at my friend and violently ripped a beer bottle out of my hand for no reason. In 15 years legal at a bar I have never been treated this way. I will not ever return to this bar. read more

I have been there many times. It is a nice place to meet friends for a drink without the noise that other local bars have. The one thing that remains consistent is the extremely poor service. Most recently the bartender was extremely rude and after serving several people out of turn, made a rude remark when I asked to be served next. Waited over 30 minutes to get first drink. Will not be going back. For better service, there are several bars less than a mile away. Recommend going elsewhere. read more

Good simple bar food...nice little hang out. Not family friendly but great for hanging out with friends.

Biggest and best drink pours in the city. And pretension level is very low. Maybe the best regular folks bar in a city that could use more of them. read more

We had just came from an outdoor wedding and were ready to have some fun and throw down $$ for drinks. Went to Elbow room. The bar is in a hallway of 3' wide. so whenever someone walks past they can barely get by. Hence the name "Elbowroom" I guess. The female bartender was a real piece of work ! Told us we were in the way as we sat at the bar and served drinks with a scowl on her face. She would practically throw your change back at you. When one of our group asked her " are you serious"? she grabbed his drink from his hand and dumped it out. After he stated that he wasn't going to pay for it she threatened to call the cops ! She obviously has some major issues. I cant believe the owner knows how the bar is being run. She could have easily gotten $30 in tips from our small group but instead she got $00 and didn't seem to mind at all. Don't go out of your way to spend your money there is my advice. I see other reviews from over a year ago that are similar. She treated us like we were her long lost enemy as we handed her money. CRAZY ! never saw anything quit like it.The only reason I left one star is because it wouldn't let me leave zero. A better name would be "Elbow with a total BIATCH room" TRUST ME . Go somewhere else. read more

When I was there on a Saturday night; the closing bartender's lack of people skills is synonymous with her conflict resolution skills. The remainder of the staff is completely genuine and kind and I know I would have had a much better experience with them instead. The bar seemed like the right place and the right fit for me, but I'd hate to have to plan around her schedule to make sure I was going there when she wasn't. read more

Although I've lived in Grand Rapids for over 30 years, I hadn't been to the Elbow Room until this year. Good thing I waited, as even though the smoking ban has been in place for a few years now, there's a very faint odor of cigarette smoke imbedded in the walls here. But not enough for it to be a detriment. It's a nice cozy neighborhood place, not a pick up joint or sports bar but enough flat screens tuned to stuff people want to watch. Menu is small but adequate for a place this size. Their Friday night fish and chips special is a true bargain and better than what I've had in places charging three times as much. Beer is cold and they have a couple of microbrews on tap besides the usual. Wait staff isn't the most attentive in town but okay considering this is primarily a bar, not a restaurant. read more

I've never been disappointed by the Elbow Room's service, food or drinks. It's a great place to stop in for a beverage or two and the food always hits the spot! read more

Local watering hole... Great food especially the Perch basket, soups and friendly staff

Device was rude!!! We were a party of 6 and planned on hanging out for the evening. Bartender was very rude and disrespectful so we took our money and left. Would not recommend as people in the parking lot said they would not go in because of her!! read more