Gippers Bar & Restaurant, 2929 Kraft Ave SE, Grand Rapids ~ 1/23/24

 

The Dodgson family has owned this land since 1936 and it was originally a horse barn/stable. We found some old photos hanging in the restaurant.


An English restaurant was opened here at one point and in the late 1980s, the place became Gippers. It became Tavern on Kraft for a while and now it's back to Gippers. The current owner bought the business in 2018 and the real estate is still owned by the Dodgson family. And that is all the history I could find 😊 
It was a cold and icy night when we stopped in.



The place is divided into two bars, one small and sad (or maybe just cozy), and the other large and happy. We chose the happy part.


Our server, Bri, was wonderful and our service was great. She started us off with Tangerine Space Machines and a Sam Adams Cherry Wheat with cherries.
Our appetizer was deviled eggs with green onion and siracha candied bacon. It was a creative combination and with just the right amount of heat.
The Classic Burger was irresistible: 1/2 lb patty with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, and mayo. It was pretty, pretty good 😀
A fine chili and two tacos were up next.

The Italian Beef received high praise, that of being the best he's had outside of Chicago: prime rib, mozzarella cheese, sauteed onions, giardiniera, au jus and on French bread. The au jus was good, the bun was lightly toasted, and the beef was really tender but saltier than is usual.
When we saw a 1/2 pound hot dog on the menu, we knew one of us had to order it 😁 It was all beef with shredded cheese, mustard, onions, and added chopped pickles. Hmm hmm good but so big, and more seasoned than most beef hot dogs.
The chips and French onion dip are both made in-house and were superb. The owner, Dan, took the time to talk with us and was very friendly and amiable.
We also ran into James & friends, more employees at the restaurant. 
The smaller bar has a entire different feel to it. It's just regulars and you know that because everyone looks at you when you walk in. The space has pool tables and Golden Tee Live.


We had a great experience at Gippers and would highly recommend it as a notable local watering hole.

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