Birch Lodge, 732 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids ~ 7/31/18

Tucked in next to the shiny new 616 Lofts and 7 Monks Taproom building is where you will find Birch Lodge. The contrast between structures makes us want to declare Birch Lodge a historic landmark.
The main entrance is on the side of the building, and we walked into this long narrow space, with a bar that seats about a dozen, and the rest of the place filled with various sized tables, most of which were full. Happy Hour!
The decor here is unique with outdoorsy paraphernalia like animal heads and sporting equipment on the walls and the not-so-unique TVs everywhere.
They've also acquired lots of signs.
And what's not to like about a wagon wheel chandelier?
Our promised $1.99 happy hour beers were Old Style and Miller High Life, old school indeed.
Joining our beverages were Fried Zucchini and Mushrooms (stout battered and homemade). So greasy and delicious.
Every night here has its specials and Tuesdays offer complimentary Chili or Soup, but you have to ask for it. If you are not pro-active enough to read through the menu, that is your loss. So since we read the menu, soup and chili were ordered.
We tried four more items from the menu, two of them burgers. The Lodge Burger came with  American cheese, grilled onions and bacon, and the Olive Burger combined green olives and Havarti. Both were consumed without complaint.
The Fish (cod) and the 'chips' were greasy like the appetizers and the fish was slightly overcooked but still tender.
The Parmesan encrusted patty melt sound better than it tasted. The promised 'light rye' bread wasn't rye and the sauce, although described on the menu, was not the traditional sauce. So just take that into consideration.
Back on July 8, 2017, this place suffered a devastating fire that destroyed its kitchen but thankfully spared the rest of the building. In May of 2018 the Lodge re-opened and we think the neighborhood is better for it. Birch Lodge is still standing.

8/19/23 historical postscript from Michael Jermstad: "I purchased Chicos years ago and converted it into Birch Lodge. Many years later I sold it to my brother John who is still there. I named it after a place on Higgins lake where we gathered for family reunions called Birch Lodge. The 'church at the Birch' free taco bar is still a big hit on Sundays."

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