Pickwick Tavern

What the Pickwick does best is offer you a step back in time. With all sincerity, I say that there is a certain charm to their dim lights, the tiny bathroom, and the uneven floors. Everything has a green tinge to it. The slight smell of mold and stale cigarettes, is oddly comforting, like hugging an old man. The Formica tables and seats look like something from 1973 in an unironic way. It even has a phone booth in it, although, not working and I suspect too much of a hassle to remove.
Before the other hot shot craft breweries took over the neighborhood, I can image this being a simple watering hole for locals to trudge over and grab a cold one after a shift at the factory. Even now that the area is busier, it still has 1 – 2 workers on a weekend night, slinging drinks in a no rush fashion, just like they used to. I’ll save the bartender some breath and tell you that they mostly offer domestic bottles, «shot and a pop» type drinks, they don’t have food, and it’s cash only.
I’m giving it 3 stars because even compared to old bars in the city, this is just so unlike any place Grand Rapids has. I wouldn’t recommend you make it the focal point of your night, but if you happen to be in the area, a stroll over won’t hurt.
*** I got a tip that when you stop over at happy hour you can «pre-​purchase» your drinks — They give you a casino chip for each drink you buy at happy hour prices. You can then redeem that casino chip later on in the night, to get your drink when prices go up. Disclaimer: I have not tried this or even asked a staff about this (a former regular told me about it). Please PM me to confirm if they are still offering this type of deal***

Eighty years in business. The place is a classic and so are the regulars.

Don’t sit at my table, Once upon a time before the Cherry Hill district had any bars or restaurants. The little Pickwick Tavern stood strong against the tide of downtown and east town. Those who didn’t want to travel farther than two blocks would squeeze into this establishment and toast to the weekend, their dreams, their loves, and their lives
The Pickwick stands for resilience and truth. and I love it

Take a break from the normalcy of Ionia Ave. and head east to Pickwick.
On first visit, the place may seem a little unwelcoming to the naked eye. Walking into a dark, quiet bar with a meager ten people inside is not the most inviting situation; but after settling in you wish you would have never doubted the place. The walls are adorned with 50s beer memorabilia, making the bar feel like a basement rumpus room more than anything else. I like to examine the muted floor tiles; classic linoleum squares in working-​class hues of green, red, and black. The music is set to a regular volume, allowing free conversation between you and your compatriots.
The bar is well-​regarded as owning the cleanest taps in Grand Rapids. Usually the only three beers on tap are Killians Irish Red, Sierra Nevada, and Fosters; they are the best tastes of said beers I have ever had. And the price is right, as well.
For a stop after dinner or after work, come here.

Classic Dive Bar-​cold beer at great prices

I got nothing bad to say about this little gem of a neighborhood bar. it’s cash only so keep that in mind before ordering a round or four. The joint is very small and quite old. It’s full of all types and it’s a cool place to hangout with a few friends before or after dinner. If you dig down to earth little dive like joints than check it out.

Named after the Pickwick Papers, Dickens first published novel, this spot is in a constant rivalry for title of Grand Rapids’ oldest still operating bar. It says so on the wall. The other bar trying to claim the same is The Cottage Bar downtown.
If the Pickwick Tavern and The Cottage Bar would have a duel, the Cottage might win, but it wouldn’t be a shootout you could call, as the Pickwick with its years of old, dusty experience might just win out. Never underestimate the old-​timers, they be wily.
I do like taking people to the Pickwick. They’re often in wonder, in awe. Not cause it’s shiny and sparkly, but because of the opposite.
Tip: bring a deck of cards, or a game of backgammon, sit by the window, leave your watch in the car, and as noted by someone else, bring cash.

Growing up around here, Pickwick used to be the only bar in the area. That has since changed, but it’s still a great local dive bar. The staff has always been gregarious and accommodating, and it’s a great place if you just want to have a cheap night and chat with some neighbors.

It will deliver if you go there for the right reason. It was the first stop for me on a long bar hopping night. Not a place I would want to stay very long.

Just the local dive bar. Their claim to fame is that they’re one of GR’s oldest bars, but you could probably tell that just by walking in. No food, just cheap beer and cheap liquor. Kind of a local landmark, though.
A warning: they only take cash. No checks, no credit cards, no debit cards. To their credit, though, on my first visit I didn’t know (and didn’t have any cash), but when I told the bartender I lived a few blocks away, she kindly replied that I could «catch her next time» for my beer (which I did).