Stella’s Lounge opened with a mission to serve giant stuffed burgers, and they’ve won Best Burger in Grand Rapids for nine consecutive years running.
This hipster beer bar delivers award-winning burgers, over 250 whiskey varieties, and retro arcade games that make it the perfect downtown spot.
The Commerce Avenue location has become famous for its vegan and vegetarian specialties, with Meatless Monday specials drawing crowds throughout the week.
What Makes Stella’s Lounge Special
These award-winning giant stuffed burgers have earned REVUE Magazine’s Best Burgers in West Michigan title for nine straight years, which tells you everything you need to know.
The Government Cheese Burger gets stuffed with American cheese, then topped with more American cheese plus an onion ring for a delicious combination that defines their famous burger lineup.
With over 250 whiskey varieties covering Canadian, Scotch, Irish, and American options (including Michigan-made), there’s something here for both whiskey connoisseurs and the whiskey-curious.
The Story Behind the Lounge
Stella’s launched with a focus on giant stuffed burgers that quickly became award-winning staples recognized by Grand Rapids Magazine.
Winning Best Burger for nine consecutive years built their reputation, while retro arcade games added an entertainment factor that sets this beer bar apart.
Their vegan and vegetarian menu options have earned consistent recognition, with these specialties becoming the go-to spot for plant-based dining in Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids’ Favorite Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Government Cheese Burger: Stuffed with American cheese, topped with more American cheese, and finished with an onion ring. This double cheese approach creates the indulgent combination that won them nine consecutive awards. 🍔
- Stella Blue Burger: The namesake burger showcases their signature stuffed preparation and represents everything that earned them Best Burger recognition year after year. 🍔
- Chronic Fries: Your lips will still be burning but oh man, they’re tasty. At $4 during Chronic Hour, these addictive fries are the perfect pairing with any burger. 🍟
- Mr. Fables Burger: Available with an Impossible patty plus dirty martini mayo for $15. The sauce combination is SO good, making this a standout vegetarian option. 🍔
- Poor Man’s Wings: These bomb potato wedges are super tasty, battered and fried until crispy. Don’t skip these – the buffalo sauce coating makes even vegetarians crave wings. 🍗
- Vegan Chickpea Wings: Formerly called Blessed Black Wings, these come with sweet chili sauce and create an awesome shareable portion at $12. Really tasty and a great option for plant-based diners. 🥙
Atmosphere
The restaurant sits at 53 Commerce Avenue SW with an electric vibe that’s filled with excitement and stimulation throughout downtown Grand Rapids.
Inside, you’ll find a cool retro ambiance with dim red lighting, arcade games including pinball and Pac-Man, and even a Bitcoin ATM creating that perfect hipster environment.
The loud, wonderful, unpretentious atmosphere welcomes groups, with an outdoor patio and trivia nights adding to the casual beer bar setting.
Bottom Line
Visit Stella’s Lounge for award-winning giant stuffed burgers that have won Best Burger nine consecutive years, with the Government Cheese burger and Chronic Fries leading the way.
Over 250 whiskeys including Michigan-made varieties, vegan chickpea wings, and Poor Man’s Wings showcase their consistently recognized vegetarian options.
With retro arcade games, Meatless Monday specials, and Chronic Hour $4 fries, this hipster beer bar has earned its status as a downtown Grand Rapids institution. 🌟
Address: Stella’s Lounge
53 Commerce Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
📞 (616) 742-4444
🕐 Mon-Tue: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Wed-Thu: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Fri-Sat: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Sun: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Chronic Hour: Mon-Thu 4:00-5:30 PM & 9:00 PM-Close ($2 off cocktails, $4 Chronic Fries)
Reservations available | Outdoor patio | Retro arcade | Trivia night | Meatless Monday specials