Sidebargr

The drinks are good, with a knowledgeable staff and fairly cool atmosphere. However, there isn’t anything really special for the prices and the wait. Plus, we were made to wait outside because standing was not allowed inside; however, shortly after being seating a group of people entered the bar and starting standing over our table. I think the bar was worth the visit but unlikely to go back anytime soon.

This is hands down the best bar I’ve been to since moving to GR over a year ago. Small, dark, out of the way and intimate — a great music selection (classic vinyl spins all night!) and the staff can mix a complex drink with care. A cool place to take a date before a show or to stop in for a well deserved drink after work. They don’t suffer whiners and I can really respect that — I like a business with principles as too many are willing to go soft and bland to make a buck. Things that polarize tend to be great and I’d be comfortable saying one drink here is worth three in any brewery.

This was my first time in Grand Rapids and I was looking for a quiet place to finish the night with some great cocktails. Sidebar did not disappoint. They are very serious about the atmosphere they are trying to create, so be patient and respect that and you should have no problems. I was alone but had a great time chatting with the bartenders and the other patrons. The drinks were absolutely perfect and well worth the price. Sit at the bar and you’ll understand why it takes a little time to get your drinks. They put a lot of work into each and every drink they make.
To sum up: If you’re just looking to grab a quick drink before hitting the next bar, maybe not the best place for you. But if you’re looking to settle in for a bit and sip on some wonderful drinks in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere this place is a must.

I’ve been here a few times now and I have had a great experience every time. If you read the smug reviews that have been posted prior to mine, please disregard them, as they do not give an accurate portrayal of Sidebar.
Yes, it is small. Yes, it is dark. Yes, the drinks are pricey. Yes, it can be hard to find. That is what makes this place great. They will not let you pack the bar full of people so that people have to stand, and they will only allow enough people in to fill the limited number of seats (16 – 18). This preserves the atmosphere for the current customers, so that they don’t have Ronald McGriddle or Snookie yelling and reaching over everyone’s shoulder to throw $ 20 at the bartender.
Before one simply walks into Sidebar, one must realize their drinks are from the 1930’s (iirc) and prior and they stick to this theme. They have Sinatra on vinyl, drinks are made from premium products, and their bar tenders (mixologists) are absolute perfectionists.
So where is this place located? Search Big O’s, walk in the sub-​level Ottowa Ave entrance of Big O’s, and look to your left. Voila, you found the hidden premium drink gem of Grand Rapids. Enjoy it if you are lucky enough to get in.

Do not waste your time or money! We had a horrible experience two different times. It’s so dark in there you can’t read the menu, it takes 20 minutes to even get greeted and drinks take another 20 minutes. Out of the 4 of us, only 1 drink was fully drank; the other 3 were disgusting. On top of paying $ 15 for a drink you hate, they expect a 20% tip and will literally call you out for not tipping ‘to their standards’. Unreal! We will never go back again.

Good drinks and an eclectic collection of spirits. Small in size so sound carries and echos. Pur bartender had a good knowledge of spirits and cocktails as well.

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.

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 décor 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 2^nd best cocktails in town.

We were excited to check Sidebar out after reading reviews and hearing about this place. We got there to an overly lit and slightly rundown entryway shared with big o’s and were put on a waiting list. We waited at big o’s for an hour (which is owned by the same owners) and watched several people walk in and go in before us. When we asked why weren’t let in they said it was because it was more efficient to let multiple parties of 2 in before us, and that the we were still at the bottom of the list. After an hour! I struggle with that logic. We were literally the last people in big o’s as they were trying to close thinking we’d get in soon. That never happened and we decided it was best to leave. I don’t care how good their drinks are, their service has a long way to go.