Local Watering Holes

The township of Grattan was formed in 1846 and became an Irish Catholic settlement. It was named after Henry Grattan, an Irish politician (1746-1820). This charming pub was established in 1937 and has since catered to the local population. The menu may not be strictly Irish but they do have Guinness on tap and the decor definitely says Irish. We rounded off the Guinness with an Oberon, an Arnold Palmer and an Old Fashioned. It's best to stick with the beer here and avoid cocktails. Our starters were lightly battered fried mushrooms seasoned with garlic, and onion rings, thick slices of onion dipped in homemade batter. They were both pretty good bar food appetizers with the onion rings being exceptional! Tonight was burrito night and for the first time ever we all ordered the same thing. It was an excellent choice. Spicy seasoned ground beef and refried beans were served up in a flour tortilla and topped with lettuce, chopped tomatoes and onions, melted cheddar cheese and a housemad...

Any conversation regarding this restaurant has to begin with the historic building. According to Zillow, it was built in 1920. Bono Italian restaurant was established here in 1974 and their name is still on the structure. The Sazerac Lounge opened in 2005 (this 2011 photo shows the Sazerac name).  (Information from Michael Page in the West Michigan Then & Now group states that this three story building was built in 1890 and was known as the Shanahan block. Maurice Shanahan lived in a nearby house and was treasurer of the Bissell Carpet Sweeper Company for many years. Part of the building called Shanahan Hall was used as a meeting place for fraternal organizations and various neighborhood groups. Maurice Shanahan, 8/3/1848 - 12/24/1910.) In 2012, the lounge was forced to change its name due to trademark bullying by The Sazerac Company of New Orleans. Since then it's been the Rezervoir. However, they still serve Sazeracs, the official cocktail of New Orleans. The restaurant has a...

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'...