Last Chance Tavern and Grill, 1132 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids ~ 2/20/24

Formerly and/or currently known as "LCB" or "The Chance" the building in some form has been here since the 1930s.

 From Gina Bivins in the West Michigan History Then and Now facebook group:  In 1933 Fred Powell had a store here. Sometime between then and 1941, it was converted into Fred Powell's Bar. Last Chance Tavern is recorded as being here in 1949.

The place has had 6-7 different owners and the current owner is Dan Waterman, the same Dan who also owns "Gippers" that we visited on 1/23/24

Our excellent server was Jeanine, who has been here 12 years.
She reminded us that LCB used to be a Calvin Bar in the 70s and two of us laughed - we were attendees of Calvin and this bar in the 70s 😊. 
I don't remember what the interior looked like then but here it is now.



It's spacious, with a nice mix of booths, tables, high tops and a long bar.
A Sam Adams Cherry Wheat, a Chubby Squirrel, and a Brewery Vivant Ski Patrol started us off. And if you'd like a taste before ordering your brew, you'll receive a very generous pour.


These were accompanied by delicious Loaded Tots (bacon, cheese, and green onions).
Unlike at Gippers, there was no house made French onion dip but the ranch offered is house made.

We heard in advance about the unique Italian Beef sandwich on the menu. Instead of beef only, Italian sausage is added. Someone had to try it. It arrived with mozzzarella cheese, sauteed onions, giardiniera, and au jus (with free refills) on french bread.
The slow roasted prime rib was excellent but when a piece of sausage was eaten, the beef flavor disappeared. So it doesn't really add to the Italian Beef sandwich but if you like a little sausage with your beef, give it a try.

The Cali Reuben was a great choice: turkey, swiss, coleslaw, and thousand island on rye. The turkey was not lunch meat but a thick slice carved from a turkey breast with tons of flavor.

The tasty Patty Melt was a mushroom deluxe with onions, American and Swiss cheese, 1000 island dressing on rye bread, and was a solid selection. 
One of us having resisted the 1/4 lb hot dog at Gippers, today it had to be tried. And it's worth it 😀
(Photo from the Gippers Dog)
This is a very comfortable bar with a quiet soundtrack that varied between classic rock and country. Most of the TVs are at the bar, and the bartender working that night came over to chat with us. Chris works here one night a week and the rest of his time he helps out at his parents' breakfast restaurant that's been open 58 years (Agon at 36th and Clyde Park - we stopped in a few weeks later for breakfast - definitely check it out).


So say hi to Chris at Agon or visit him at LCB. He'll be glad to see you as will the rest of the staff at the Last Chance Tavern and Grill.
 

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