Most places pick either burgers or bourbon as their thing.
Butcher’s Union on Bridge Street decided to do both, pairing a serious butcher’s beef program with one of Grand Rapids’ most impressive whiskey backbars in a warm, brick-and-wood gastropub.
It’s the kind of place where you stop in for “just a burger and a drink” and end up lingering through steaks, sides, and dessert.
How they won locals’ hearts
Butcher’s Union opened in 2017 with a mission: delicious food, inspired cocktails, and an unrivaled whiskey collection in a space that feels welcoming instead of exclusive.
They built a menu around locally sourced beef and pork, grinding their own blends for meatballs, stroganoff, and burgers while featuring cuts like flank, New York strip, and wagyu tartare.
The West Village Double Cheeseburger quickly became a sleeper hit, two smashed patties of BU butcher’s beef blend with cheddar, caramelized onions, spicy pickles, and creamy aioli on a griddled brioche bun.
Yelp and Wanderlog users describe the place as a “premier dining destination” with “great food and service,” calling the burger and meatloaf the best bets alongside a huge whiskey list and strong bar staff.
Happy hour from 4–6 PM makes the West Village Single Cheeseburger a steal, giving newcomers a low-risk way to see what the hype is about.
Food Highlights
- West Village Double Cheeseburger: BU butcher’s beef blend, cheddar, caramelized onions, spicy pickles, creamy aioli, griddled brioche, juicy, beefy, and one of the most-mentioned mains on the menu. 🍔
- West Village Single (Happy Hour): A scaled-down version offered at a deal from 4–6 PM, ideal bar snack with a whiskey pour. 🥃
- Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf: Local favorite with cracked black pepper pan gravy, sweet red onion marmalade, and garlicky mashed potatoes frequently recommended alongside the burger as a “best bet.” 🥓
- Flank Steak & New York Strip: Char-grilled steaks that show off the kitchen’s butcher program for guests who want more than a burger. 🥩
- Mild Mannered Meatballs: Freshly ground local beef and pork with ricotta dumplings and tomato sauce. Reviewers call this appetizer “PERFECT” and worth the splurge. 🧆
- Hand-Cut Fries: Topped with crispy fried egg, mornay, and aioli during dinner, or added simply as a side to sandwiches. 🍟
Atmosphere
Butcher’s Union sits in a renovated brick building on the west side, with historic charm and modern gastropub energy, think wood, leather, soft lighting, and walls lined with whiskey bottles.
The vibe is busy but warm: bar seats for whiskey nerds, booths and tables for date nights, and a steady hum of conversation that makes it feel like a proper city staple.
They operate with a mix of reservations and walk-ins (often 50/50 or 80/20 depending on time of day), which helps balance neighborhood regulars with destination diners.
Bottom Line
Butcher’s Union delivers butcher-driven burgers and steaks backed by an enormous whiskey collection and a room that feels both cool and comfortable.
Between the West Village Double Cheeseburger, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, and that wall of bottles, this Bridge Street spot absolutely earns its place on any Grand Rapids must-eat list.
Address:
Butcher’s Union
438 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
📞 (616) 551‑1323
🕔 Mon-Thu: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Fri: 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM | Sat: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM | Sun: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM