We found this place by chance. It was a really cool spot. Small and out of the way of the usual downtown bars. Loved it!

Best bar downtown! Great vibes, unreal (strong) drinks and super nice staff. Bernie the owner is such a nice guy. One of my favorite hidden gems downtown. Can't wait to come back! read more

Wow, this is the coolest bar in town. Hidden underground, next to Big O's, only 18 people can fit in this perfect bar. Hand crafted cocktails (obviously more expensive) made by bartenders with so much knowledge in making the perfect mix. The bartenders are awesome and you leave with a new friend. Nick (receipt said Duncan) was great and he made our first Sidebar experience perfect. We made it in for last call and we only wanted one drink before heading out. He made great recommendations and got to work. These cocktails take a little time to be prepared but it is completely worth it. He also said we were lucky to get in because usually it's a long wait. Definitely my new favorite place in GR! read more

After wanting to go here for months, the built up expectations didn't live up to reality. Yes, this place is cool, because like 20 people can fit in here. It's dark, they have great drinks, it's neat. But you have to stand outside until you can get a table, and you Literally have no idea how long u'll be waiting, it's very cramped, it's expensive, the service isn't great and the whole place really needs to be cleaned. There was dust built up and cobwebs hanging from the ceiling. It really is like a supply closet turned bar. There are better choices in GR. read more

Sidebar - Suburban was excellent! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Sidebar is an amazing speakeasy style bar that seats tops of 20 people. It is next door to Big O's Cafe and makes for a perfect hideaway if you don't know where to look. I came out here last weekend with my sisters on the recommendation of a friend of mine, and boy, am I glad we checked out this place! The drink menu has a seasonal variety of negroni, old fashioned cocktails, and signatures. I went with the Fey Lady, which was nicely balanced between cucumber, gin, prosecco and elderflower liqueur. My sisters went with the Banana Bread Old Fashioned, and the Wingtip Old Fashioned. We finished off with GB2. Goodness, that was a perfect roasted peanut and chocolate finisher to the night! I look forward to going back again to take in more cocktails from this fun place. read more

Awesome tiny bar in the basement of an office complex. The drinks were crafted perfectly and they weren't cheap. Expect $16-20 per drink, but totally worth it. I'll be back soon. read more

Their cocktails are pretty good... however, in all honesty, it takes more than a good cocktail for you to want to go back.. rudeness is not one of them. You can get good cocktails from many places. You go to places like this for ambiance, intimacy, friendly bartender... well, one night i got utter rudeness. No intention to go back nor would I recommend it to anyone. If you want a good cocktail, however give it a try. It's only fair. read more

A great atmosphere with great service! The bartenders are very knowledgeable and super friendly.

Incredibly small but intimate place with handcrafted drinks. It is hidden and shares an entrance with Big O's. There are only about 3-4 tables and the bar itself. The place fits less than 20 people and you never know how long the wait it; it all depends on how long the people in there decide to stay for. In addition, due to the small seating - the waiter will ask if it is okay to seat others at your table right next to you if your party does not take up the whole table - they seat 4 max. You have the right the decline if you want a more intimate experience. read more

AMAZING craft cocktails, very skilled and friendly bartender. Perfect atmosphere and music. This is definitely a go to bar from now on. read more

Let me start by saying that YES you may have to wait. But who isn't willing to wait for a good cocktail? The place only has 12 or so seats so you can't complain about the wait. I had about 3 different drinks and each were awesome. I watched them all being made and could see the effort and care that went into each. The selections are great. The decor isn't fancy but i think that makes it fun. Prices are high but comparable to a good cocktail at any of the nicer restaurants in town. At a place with 12 seats i wouldn't expect anything less. Of the 8 people we came with all enjoyed it. I would say 2nd best cocktails in town. read more

Great place! Limited capacity, amazing bartender, so knowledgeable about their drinks. Highly recommend it

My husband and I are craft cocktail lovers. He is deep into the bourbon scene and I am a fan of well crafted, thoughtful drinks. I loved the atmosphere of this hidden gem. It is so hidden that I paced back and forth in front of the entrance for about 5 minutes before we found it. It is very small (18ish seats) no windows, but that makes it perfect for giving bartenders time to perfect their craft. Many people stopped in and saw that it was full and left. I would say wait in line because the drinks are worth it. Some would say that the prices are steep but they were on point with the market in grand rapids for well crafted drinks with high quality ingredients. Nothing was jumping out at me for my second cocktail and the server asked what kind of things I liked and brought be something off menu and it was very good. Awesome service. Highly recommend. read more

I can't really give a star rating because we weren't able to actually have a drink there. We came downtown to check the scene for NYE. I totally get that this is a big holiday and everywhere is busy but the attitude given by the staff immediately upon entering was disappointing at best. We looked forward to trying one of the hand crafted cocktails in the unique atmosphere and would've stood with drinks, no big deal but the bartender blew us off upon arrival. "How many?" There were 2 of us. "We are on a wait." Everyone was seated. "What time is it?" It was 7:56. "Last call is at 8:30 and everyone just sat down". So basically we were greeted with a "f@ck off" upon arrival. We will probably give it another try later but so far I am NOT impressed. read more

If you love a crafty cocktail you have to stop at this little hidden gem. This place has low lighting, cool decor and huge menu plus bartenders that will hand craft something special upon request. After moving back from the Bay Area this place was just what I needed in terms of creative cocktails and a cool atmosphere. read more

This little treasure nook is our most favorite place in Grand Rapids for smooth crafted cocktails! Yes, it's intimate (as it should be). Yes, it's a bit pricey (but you get what you pay for). The bartenders are always friendly and knowledgeable. Make this place an absolute must stop place when visiting the city. Make this bar your premier and exclusive spot for a quaint night on the town. It can get a bit crowded due to available space and you may have to wait, but it will be totally worth it! There is plenty of street parking and a parking garage real close. Find the entrance to "Big O's Pizza" and look left. No, this isn't a speakeasy, but it may feel like one. Find a chair (preferably at the bar), take a seat, grab a menu, and enjoy! Keep coming and the bartenders may remember your name. Make it a good night! read more

Sidebar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Terrible service and the 1 drink I had was OKAY! Bartenders/Server were rude and never offered to go over the menu. It was just a terrible experience and they never asked if we wanted another drink. Won't be back! read more

This "secret" lounge is amazing. Beware, capacity is 18! If you're lucky enough to get beyond this door, you'll be rewarded with a gorgeous menu of creative (and strong!) libations! Service was awesome- willing to give great suggestions and prices reasonable. Highly recommend! read more

Sidebar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Great little speakeasy with good drinks and a very chill, cozy vibe. We were lucky enough to get a table and enjoyed our cocktails and the service! Definitely recommend. read more

Very small hidden gem with interesting drink menu. We had to wait outside a bit for people to leave and open up seats. Limited seating and very busy. Great place to check out for something different read more

First time in Grand Rapids, and we stumbled across this GEM. Fantastic drinks, excellent personnel, and simply a great atmosphere to enjoy. Definitely a return visit in the future!!! read more

Sidebar nailed the basics of the speakeasy concept straight from the gate! 1. Is it hard to find? Yes, Find Big O's Pizza, across from the back of the GRAM in downtown Grand Rapids. Big O's has a round sign and it's underground (BTW, Big O's, owned by the same person as Sidebar, has good pizza!) Enter through the main door for Big O's. On your right is a frosted glass door that simply says Sidebar. If you didn't see the lettering on the door, you'd probably think it was a really nice janitor's closet. 2. Are the drinks obscure and crafted by hand? Yes but I must add an asterisk to this response. The drink menu is inventive, unique, and new ... For Grand Rapids. It seems some business' are just jumping on to the Negroni and Moscow Mule bandwagon here in GR (and if you don't know what these are, then a visit to Sidebar is a must; I trust they will give you a good introduction) As for me, I like super weirdo hipster stuff- make me a drink with a Robin's egg, a finger nail of a troll, and lavender infused ice cubes. Sidebar didn't appear to have those kinds of drinks. However, they do put a nice, unique spin on popular favorites and old classics, like their 'Darker and Stormier', which adds a porter and a heavy ginger factor to the drink. I asked for something with egg whites and I could tell the bartender knew the menu inside and out because he steered me to a Pisco Sour, with egg whites, whipped cream and brandy. It was cool, creamy, and desert-like-just what I wanted. They have wine and sipping liquors on the menu as well. ***A food menu was not offered when we visited. It doesn't appear they offer food (unless I guess maybe it comes from the next door pizza place???)** 3. Is it dark and moody with tons of personality? Yes, as all my favorite establishments and people are. The space seats about 10 total and that would probably be a tight fit. Ceilings are low. It's painted gunmetal gray inside. They have records playing. Two bartenders were working when we were in during Art Prize and I can't image that they could fit another one back there. It's a tiny and cool. You forget that you are inside a pizza joint or even that there is even sun light while inside. 4. Clientele: This one is tricky because an establishment can't control who walks through the door. But due to the small size, a large personality in the space can become domineering. When we were in, a well-dressed gentleman with jokes like Rodney Dangerfield, sipped his wine and loudly humble bragged about his jet setting lifestyle between corny 'dad' jokes with the couple next to him. At first it was amusing but we left after our first drink because we found his banter annoying. If you are visiting with a friend who is "that guy/that girl", maybe have a polite chat with them to cool it, otherwise, they may disrupt the vibe for everyone. Now, here comes the hard part- They don't serve Miller Light! Gasp! Keep calm and have a cocktail-You'll be fine without cheap beer for a night. I think $10 and up is the price point for a cocktail here. We saw a couple come in, look at the menu, and walk right out. Sidebar isn't going to be for everyone but you may just find that when you spend a little more time and money on your drink, you will savor it, and maybe even learn a thing or two about mixology. read more

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Fantastic. Grand rapids needs this place. A true gem and a place that one can be proud of in our city

Perfect little cocktail bar that feels like a secret. It has fantastic service with a staff that knows what they are doing. I ordered almost every drink off of the "bitter" page on the menu and loved all of them. Highly recommended!! read more

Asked the bartender for some suggestions. She asked what I like. I told her, and she made me one of the best drinks I've ever had. And then even proceeded to write down the recipe for me! Fantastic experience. read more

Visiting from out of town and hoping to find a quality cocktail in Grand Rapids. Truthfully, we didn't have very high hopes. After reading a few reviews, we decided to give Sidebar a go. I can honestly say that Jenna made me the best cocktail I've ever had. She just made it on the fly and it was magnificent. Smooth, complex, unusual, featuring ingredients I've never had. If you're looking for a rum and coke and some 28 layer nachos, this is not the place. If you're looking for truly well crafted cocktails by a bartender who knows what she's doing, this place is for you. If there were more stars, I'd give them. We will come back to Sidebar every time we are in Grand Rapids. We went on a week night, so the crowd was small. read more

Sidebar is a fantastic concept and the cocktails are perfect. But, the drinks are expensive and the space is limited. The tight space is part of the appeal, but it's such a drag if I have to wait. In fact, I might not wait because there are enough watering holes within a stone's throw, including Big O's just next door. I understand that they don't want to be a "standing room" or "sidle up to the bar" kind of place, but I wish they would allow some limited standing room to bump capacity just a bit. I typically reserve 5 stars for places that I can't get enough of, and want to visit every single day. Sidebar is something I have to be in the mood for--when the mood strikes *and* I don't have to wait, this place can be as good as it gets. read more

Extremely fun little bar with top quality high end cocktails. Total diamond in the rough place.

What a find! The best cocktails in the city. With only 12 seats, I'm afraid to even mention it on yelp. I got lucky and met a patron at another bar, and was given the rather obscure directions to the Sidebar. It was worth it. Found one open stool, and right away I could see the craft and creativity of the bartenders. I had a few drinks that were completely new to me, and because the bartender and I had talked about what I like, these crazy new drinks were perfect for me. read more

One of GRs best kept secrets! Amazing cocktails, but really pricey. Worth every dime. You pay for a top not he he experience. This place seriously holds about 15 people. As long as you expect that, and the high price, you're fine. read more

This is a cute little hideaway. The drinks were actually cheaper than what I was anticipating from reading reviews online. I enjoyed my drink. But a lot of drinks didn't list what was in them in the description, which I'm personally not a fan of. The tiny room is dimly lit. And weirdly arranged, but worked. The bartender was nice and not overly nosey. He checked on us but never interfered. All in all, if I'm wanting a couple quality drinks .... I'll definitely come here. read more

This bar is almost a game of luck it seems - I would really give this place 3.5 stars but I'm rounding up because this place has the balls to be one of the only real bars in GR. Atmosphere - speakeasy's are awesome places and the people are super hipster, I love it. The main problem, you have to get here early or just be lucky - not a lot of seating available at all, very small place The drinks - now I don't drink, but my boyfriend tells me the drinks are amazing BUT the prices are most definitely inflated, tad pricey read more

Great place with great cocktails. Unique twists on classic cocktails that are well designed and well made. read more

This tiny prohibition era inspired bar has a lot of things going for it. The house cocktails are delicious and meticulously prepared. The atmosphere is dark and intimate. There are very few tables and they don't allow standing and waiting. We have been here several times. This place could be really, really great if the staff weren't all such a pompous, self important collection of A-holes. They behave as if the millennial made-up title of "mixologist" were an actual aristocratic station entitling them to an incomprehensible and intolerable level of arrogance and condescension. If only they could get over themselves for a minute this could be not only a cool place to go have a drink but a pleasant one as well. read more

Didn't know this place existed but the drinks were top notch and I like the small space it's in. Private but happening! This bar is 18 person capacity. If you want a good cocktail stop by his place! read more

Sidebar - McMaster Manhattan & Green Eyes White Dragon - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

This place is a Grand Rapids gem. Definitely a hole in the wall. Bartender knew her stuff and made us both very tasty cocktails! We'll definitely be back! read more

I've only been once and had one drink but I cannot speak highly enough of the space. If you find it, stay! The drinks may appear pricey but for what you get, it's a very fair price. It's a small venue with seating for about 12 people total and doesn't offer food, if I'm correct. If you like well made cocktails, try Sidebar! read more

I came here a few weeks ago about 11pm on a Friday night. We were able to grab a seat right away. The bartenders were very knowledgeable, made great suggestions, and the drinks were delicious. I would go back the next time I'm in town! read more

This "secret bar" is really cool! I was able to walk right in and get a spot at a table but the people behind me were not as lucky. There is very limited seating (maybe 4 - 4 person tables and some seats at the bar). The drinks are pricey but they are strong, unique and good! It was a really cool experience and fun for a date! read more

Cool little place - took a minute to find it but once you do...Drinks were solid, I stayed with Bourbon, good pours and lots of selection. My co-worked had mixed drinks and no complaints. The 2 bartenders were very engaging and nice - fun place and definitely a "go back to" next time in GR. It's a small place but enjoyable. read more