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The Pubb Food and Spirits, 1568 Broadway Ave NW, Grand Rapids ~ 12/17/24

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In 1904 Louis Shader ran a saloon here and these are other establishments that once operated here: Olree's Saloon, Wilson Brothers Soft Drinks, Tommy's Tavern, and West Side Bar.  West Side Bar was a biker bar that closed in 2011. In February of 2012 Jason and Steve Jenkins bought the bar and did an extensive remodel. The Jenkins sold the business about a year ago and that's about all the history we could dig up, other than the current name. The Jenkins had a friend who passed away in 2011 by the name of Robb, with 2 B's. Hence "The Pubb" with 2 B's.  The space is long and narrow, divided into two areas by the bar. We started with a Blue Moon, Voodoo Ranger, and a Bells Two-Hearted. The menu is concise, which is a smart move for a smallish bar. We like to start with tater tots but the Pubb was out tonight. Our server, Heather, recommended the waffle fries, and since tacos were on the menu, we asked if the kitchen could make our appetizer into a nacho dish,...
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Nick Fink's, 3965 W. River Dr, Comstock Park MI ~ 11/14/24

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Established in 1888, Nick Fink's has always claimed to be the oldest bar in the Grand Rapids area. Its competitor for the title was The Cottage Bar, whose claim as the oldest continuously operating bar in Grand Rapids can now be put to rest. They opened in 1927 and closed in October 2024. It's currently for sale. So back to Nick's. It closed in 2021 due to the pandemic and re-opened September 2024. The first Nick Fink was a Prussian immigrant and opened the bar inside a hotel. These are old photos from the bar's website and they are awesome. Three generations of Finks owned the bar but in 2008 they sold it to the Gilmore Group. Gilmore put on some additions but kept the vintage wallpaper and patent leather booths. They have an old safe near the entrance and say they've been unable to open it. Here are a few more interior photos. Self-serve free popcorn is available. We paired our popcorn with a White Pine Pilsner, Brew Detroit Campin' and a Shorts Local Light. ...
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