Restaurant
Unclaimed profileButcher's Union
Grand Rapids, MI · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Butcher's Union brings serious range to its drink program, from a creative cocktail list to a weekly whiskey flight and a 23-tap draft selection. The Smoke Screen and Barrel & Proof Flight anchor a menu that balances house originals with classics. Wine spans regions and price points, while non-alcoholic options get real attention. A strong stop for drinkers who want options without sacrificing quality.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Smoke Screen, a peaty, herbaceous house cocktail that shows off the program's range. For whiskey drinkers, the Barrel & Proof Flight—Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch, Wild Turkey 101, and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked—is a rotating way to taste three bourbons.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts will find creative originals and well-executed classics; whiskey fans can explore a changing flight and a reportedly deep scotch list. The extensive draft lineup and non-alcoholic options also make it a comfortable stop for beer drinkers and designated drivers.
- What should I expect to spend?
- House cocktails run $11.75-$13.75; happy-hour cocktails are $9.50-$11. Whiskey flight is $24.75. Wines by the glass start around $9.50, drafts from $3.50, and non-alcoholic drinks from $5.50.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The venue's 'Meat & Whiskey' identity drives a strong spirits focus, but the cocktail menu is just as ambitious—smoky, fruity, and bitter-leaning originals sit alongside classics. The weekly-changing whiskey flight and a draft list heavy on Michigan breweries give repeat visitors reasons to return.
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 creative, well-priced cocktail list covers house originals and classics. The Smoke Screen and Raspberry Tart Smash show range, while community praise for the Sidecar and Old Fashioned confirms execution.
Menu strengths
- — Eight named house cocktails with distinct ingredients, from smoky and herbal to fruity and tart.
- — Happy hour offers discounted classics like Sazerac and Dirty Martini, broadening accessibility.
- — Community reviewers praise the creative presentation of the Old Fashioned and call the Sidecar among the city's best.
Standout selections
- — Smoke Screen: Monkey Shoulder, Laphroaig Quarter Cask, Green Chartreuse, lime, simple syrup, mint ($13.25)
- — Raspberry Tart Smash: Buffalo Trace bourbon, lemon, raspberry syrup, mint ($12.50)
- — Bridge St.: Buffalo Trace bourbon, sugar, cardamom and Angostura bitters ($13.00)
Pricing: House cocktails $11.75-$13.75; happy hour $9.50-$11; sangria pitchers $19-$31.
Wine
A compact but broad wine list covers sparkling, white, rosé, and red from multiple regions. By-the-glass options are reasonably priced, and the bottle list extends to prestige Champagne.
Menu strengths
- — Selections span Italy, New Zealand, California, and France, offering geographic variety.
- — Happy hour features select wine pours at $9, making exploration affordable.
Standout selections
- — Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, Champagne, France ($145 bottle)
- — Te Mana Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ ($9.75 glass / $39 bottle)
- — Howling Cellars Pinot Noir, California ($11 glass / $44 bottle)
Pricing: Glasses $9.50-$17; bottles $38-$465.
Beer
A deep draft list of 23 beers emphasizes Michigan craft breweries like Bell's and Founder's, with domestic and imported bottles rounding out the selection. Happy hour deals add value.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive draft list with local representation from Bell's and Founder's.
Standout selections
- — Bell's Two Hearted Ale, 7% IPA ($6.00); Founder's All Day IPA, 4.7% IPA ($6.25)
Pricing: Draft $3.50-$8; bottles/cans $3-$5.50; happy hour select drafts $5.50.
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic options are more thoughtful than typical, featuring craft root beer, botanical lemonade, an NA IPA, and specialty sodas. The range gives designated drivers and abstainers real choices.
Menu strengths
- — Includes a non-alcoholic IPA from Athletic Brewing, a craft option not always available.
- — Specialty sodas like Pineapple Espresso add a house-made feel.
Standout selections
- — Athletic Brewing Run Wild NA IPA ($5.50); Fentiman's Rose Lemonade ($6.00)
Pricing: $5.50-$9.
Spirits
Venue self-describes as 'Meat & Whiskey' with an emphasis on its whiskey collection.; Weekly-changing whiskey flight offers a rotating taste of three bourbons.
Menu strengths
- — Venue self-describes as 'Meat & Whiskey' with an emphasis on its whiskey collection.
- — Weekly-changing whiskey flight offers a rotating taste of three bourbons.
Standout selections
- — Barrel & Proof Flight: Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch, Wild Turkey 101, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked ($24.75)
Pricing: Whiskey flight $24.75.
Community reviews
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