River City Saloon, 1152 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids ~ 7/14/21

You know you're walking into a local favorite when everyone in the place turns and stares at you because they don't recognize you. Yes, that happened here 😊
The space is divided into three parts: the bar that includes a few tables, the large middle section with most of the seating, and a third room that contains pool tables. The bar has some very cool lighting.
The middle section has a stage where live music takes place on the weekends. Tonight was Comedy night, which sounded fun, but we didn't stick around for it.
The gaming section also has some seating.
We seated ourselves and were promptly greeted and welcomed by Michael. Arriving during Happy Hour we had some questions, and follow-up questions, and thought we might be being difficult. Michael's response: "This is the Westside. You're child's play to me." We were instant fans 😊 
We have a tradition of starting with tots if they are on the menu and River City offered up Philly style tots. Light and crispy with a great flavor combination, they were an excellent choice.
Being a Wednesday, we all went for the build-your-own burger special with the $2 beer.
The burgers were very messy but quite delicious with a nice char. They all arrived medium-well, which we didn't ask for but to be fair to the server/chef, we didn't request how they would be prepared.
Our service was superb and Michael was hilarious. At one point he said he'd be right with us but had to bus another table first because they had guns and knives. He later handed us off to another staff member (Devin?) who was equally friendly and helpful.
River City Saloon is a fun, local bar with good food and a quiet soundtrack so there was no need to shout at each other (and it has a very unique floor in the women's bathroom along with a teeny tiny, almost hidden second stall).
According to Zillow, this building was built in 1930. And according to some people on facebook, 30 or so years ago the bar was called Kent Bar. That is all the history I could find.
Until next time!

 

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