West Side
Grand Rapids' West Side is a dense, walkable neighborhood just across the Grand River from downtown, and its bars lean toward the unpretentious end of the city's music spectrum. Firebird Bar GR is a West Side bar and restaurant that brings together live music, casual dining, and a welcoming, high-energy atmosphere. Owner Robert Wahl positioned it as a country-themed spot, and every week Firebird features live performances and DJ sets that bring a mix of country, rock, and everything in between. There is a regular schedule of live music including karaoke on Sundays and open mic Mondays, and line dancing on Tuesdays. With a capacity of about 120, Firebird plans to have entertainment "on stage most every day." A few blocks south, Fulton Street Pub & Grill, opened in 1964, continues to reign as one of the West Side's favorite food and drink destinations. Its music programming skews toward participation: every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night the pub transforms into a karaoke spot, with a database of over 40,000 songs, and occasional live music and special events are held on Sunday nights, alongside an annual series of Friday evening patio parties with live entertainment throughout the summer. Rapid River Stillhouse and Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill round out the neighborhood's live-music options, though specific programming details for those two venues were not available to verify.
Venues4
- Firebird Bar GR526 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids
- Fulton Street Pub & Grill801 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids
- Rapid River Stillhouse401 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids
- Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill760 Butterworth St SW, Grand Rapids
