Founders Brewing Co & MadCap Coffee: An Afternoon in Grand Rapids, MI

Lauren and I are here in Michigan this week visiting my parents for Thanksgiving.  It’s so great to be home.   One of Lauren’s best friends and her boyfriend were also traveling through Michigan for the holidays.  While we were here, we decided to meet them in Grand Rapids as they were on their way to Chicago from Northern Michigan.

While I grew up in Michigan, I didn’t spend that much time on the West side of the state.  So I didn’t know good spots to eat in Grand Rapids.  I consulted Foursquare Explore and the first place it listed was Founders Brewing Company.   Was very familiar with the beer.  I’m a HUGE fan of their Breakfast Stout and the Red Rye Pale Ale.  I had no idea they had a taproom you could visit.

I was impressed when we first walked into the taproom.  It was packed with people having a good time and imbibing on Founders fine craft beers.   You could get all of their standard beers (which were $4 *smiles*).  Plus, you could get a variety of beers that were exclusive to the taproom.  I started with the taproom exclusive Whale Ale.  I think it was an easy to drink pale ale (I think).  My second beer was their specialty scotch ale the Backwards Bastard.

Their food menu was pretty simple filled with a huge variety of delicious sandwiches.  I had the Backwards Bastard sandwich (bbq pork, colby jack cheese, and coleslaw).   It was DELICIOUS.  There was a ton of meat on it.   I left full.

Founders Brewing Co taproom was a fantastic experience.  If you’re looking for a relaxed environment for a moderately priced and delicious craft beer & sandwich in Western Michigan then this is the place for you.

After lunch, I wanted a quick coffee and knew that MadCap Coffee wasn’t far away.  I’d heard about MadCap via some of the food blogs that I read but had never been there.   So I knew we had to stop.   Not only is MadCap a great coffee shop.  They also roast their own beans.

When you walked in the front door, you noticed that like most indie coffee shops MadCap was an enclave for all kinds of Grand Rapids hipsters.  There menu was small with the classic espresso made drinks (with latte art).   Additionally, there was an extensive drip coffee list that you could get from their pour over bar and all of those coffees plus more were available to take home in 12 oz bags for your own brewing adventures.

I’m always on the hunt for a great cup of coffee, cappuccino, or latte. MadCap is great and definitely worth stopping by.

Grand Rapids isn’t the first place I’d think of for great food, beer, and coffee but it definitely proved itself.