Brewery Vivant — The Bar Inside A Funeral Home

Just east of the Grand River, in Grand Rapids’ famous historic district, is a watering hole like no other: Brewery Vivant. Inspired by the countryside farmhouse breweries found in the Belgian and northern French countrysides, the founders of this craft brew haven seek to not only pay homage to the beer of this region, but also to share its philosophy. The word vivant means to be alive — a fitting name considering the fact that the brewery was built inside of an old funeral parlor.

The proprietors of this establishment renovated this historic landmark, which served as a place for loved ones to commemorate their dead for nearly 100 years, and in a way brought it back to life. Patrons can sit at the cafeteria-style seating and indulge on tasty beer and bar food, all while admiring the canopy of exposed wooden beams sprawling across the cathedral ceiling, and watching the sunlight pour through the stained-glass windows.

At Brewery Vivant, beer is treated as the nectar of life, inspiring memories and nurturing friendships. The bar has a rotating beer calendar, featuring a wide variety of homemade suds. Their homebrews range from usual suspects like Farmhand and Undertaker, which are always on tap, to specialty beers like Tart Side of the Moon and Wizard Burial Ground that come around just once a month.

For just $10, visitors can explore the famous brewery and sip on a number of samples. Although the brewery is only open to the public on Saturdays, and only a handful of guests can take part in the activities, each tour comes with a 10 percent off coupon to be spent at the gift shop or to purchase a four-pack of cans.

Brewery Vivant

925 Cherry St SE

Grand Rapids, Mich. 49506

616 719 1604