Restaurant
Unclaimed profileBestside
Grand Rapids, MI · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Bestside's beverage program leans on a broad, affordable cocktail list with creative mules and seasonal picks, plus a rotating local draft beer selection. The wine list stays basic with Gallo house pours, while non-alcoholic options include virgin cocktails and NA beers. Cocktails and beer are the clear strengths, with happy hour discounts on well drinks and drafts.
- What should I order?
- Start with Rosemary's Berry, a gin cocktail with muddled cranberries and a rosemary sprig, priced at $13. For something lower-proof, the Rye of the Beholder ($9) balances Templeton rye with pineapple and bitters. Pair either with the menu's food pairing suggestions.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who like creative, moderately priced cocktails and local Michigan beer will find plenty. The non-alcoholic list, including virgin Bloody Marys and NA beers, suits designated drivers or those avoiding alcohol.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $8 to $13; non-alcoholic drinks run $2.00 for coffee up to $5.50 for a virgin Bloody Mary. Beer and wine prices aren't published, but happy hour discounts apply to drafts and house wines.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail menu stands out for its range of mule variations and seasonal names, each with a food pairing suggestion. The beer list features several Michigan breweries, and the non-alcoholic menu includes a lavender lemonade N/A option.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A wide-ranging signature cocktail list with creative mules, seasonal picks, and classic variations. Cocktails are a focal point of the menu, with food pairing suggestions for several drinks. Happy hour discounts well drinks.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive menu of named cocktails with detailed ingredients
- — Food pairing suggestions integrate cocktails with the kitchen
- — Variety spans vodka, rum, gin, rye, and bourbon bases
Standout selections
- — Rosemary's Berry – Bowling & Burch gin, muddled cranberries, rosemary sprig ($13)
- — Rye of the Beholder – Templeton 4yr rye, pineapple juice, bitters ($9)
- — Fistful of Gold – Fistful of Bourbon, honey syrup, lemon ($12)
Pricing: $8-$13
Wine
A modest wine list centered on Gallo Family house pours, plus a few labeled bottles like Avalon Chardonnay and Kono Sauvignon Blanc. Covers basics without depth. House wines get happy hour discounts.
Menu strengths
- — Includes both house and premium labeled wines; Happy hour discount on house wines
Standout selections
- — House Chardonnay — House wine from Gallo Family
Pricing: House wines discounted $1 during happy hour
Beer
A solid beer program featuring a rotating draft list with several Michigan breweries, plus bottles, ciders, and seltzers. Non-alcoholic beers are also available, broadening the appeal.
Menu strengths
- — Local Michigan drafts including Founders and Grand Armory
- — Rotating draft cider from Blake's; Non-alcoholic beer options
Standout selections
- — Founders All Day IPA – local draft; Grand Armory Weezin Juice – draft
Pricing: Domestic drafts discounted $1 during happy hour
Nonalcoholic
A practical non-alcoholic menu with sodas, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and virgin cocktails. Includes non-alcoholic beers. Virgin drinks are priced reasonably, and the list covers common preferences.
Menu strengths
- — Variety includes virgin cocktails and NA beers; Low price point for coffee and tea
Standout selections
- — Virgin Bloody Mary – $5.50; Virgin Margarita – $5.00
Pricing: $2.00-$5.50
Spirits
A Brisket Bomb Shot with Au Jus and a $4 weekly shot are the only direct offerings. No dedicated spirits list, but the cocktail menu shows a varied back bar.
Menu strengths
- — Cocktail ingredients show varied spirit use; Shot of the week at a low price
Standout selections
- — Brisket Bomb Shot – savory shot with Au Jus
Pricing: $4 shot of the week
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