Local Watering Holes

This local favorite (St. An's) has been in business over 75 years. Joe Stalec is the current owner and his great uncle, Stan Kulik bought the bar back when it was called Walt's Tavern. As part of his re-model, he moved the very long bar from one side of the building to the other. Because the building is so narrow, people carried the bar outside to turn it around, and carry it back into the building. That's a good story 😊 Although there is a very cool, neon sign above the front entrance, the regulars know to enter through the back. There are a few tables in the back and some in the front, along with a large booth. Otherwise it's just the very long bar. We took a table in the front and weren't sure if we had to order at the bar or if their was wait service. No one paid us any attention so we went up to the bar to figure it out. The man at the bar was not friendly at first but warmed up to us by the time we were finished for the night. The draft beer list was hung up ...

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. ...