Discover why Celery City Craft has become a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts exploring Grand Rapids. This locally owned brewery masterfully blends the city's rich agricultural heritage with modern craft brewing techniques, creating distinctive beers that reflect West Michigan's character. Whether you're a seasoned craft beer connoisseur or simply looking for a genuine local experience, understanding what makes this brewery special will enhance your visit and appreciation for Grand Rapids' vibrant beer scene.
The Historical Connection: Why "Celery City"?
Before becoming Michigan's craft beer capital, Grand Rapids earned the nickname "Celery City" in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The region's sandy soil and proximity to the Grand River created ideal conditions for celery cultivation, with West Michigan once producing over 75% of America's celery. At its peak around 1920, the area shipped more than 14 million crates of celery annually.
Grand Rapids' Celery History Timeline
- 1830s: First celery planted in West Michigan by early settlers
- 1880s: Celery farming boom begins as commercial enterprise
- 1900-1920: Peak production period, earning "Celery City" nickname
- 1920s: Introduction of refrigerated rail cars reduces local advantage
- 1930s: Production shifts to California and Florida
- 2010s: Craft beer industry revitalizes local agricultural connections
Celery City Craft pays homage to this agricultural heritage while contributing to Grand Rapids' current identity as "Beer City USA." The brewery intentionally bridges these two eras of local history, creating beers that reflect both the region's past and present.
What Sets Their Craft Beer Apart
Unlike many craft breweries that focus solely on hop-forward IPAs, Celery City Craft emphasizes balance and drinkability across their rotating selection. Their brewing philosophy centers on creating approachable yet distinctive beers that showcase quality ingredients without overwhelming bitterness or alcohol content.
| Beer Style | ABV Range | Flavor Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Michigan Wheat | 4.8-5.2% | Citrus notes, light spice, crisp finish | First-time visitors, warm weather |
| River City IPA | 6.2-6.8% | Tropical fruit, moderate bitterness | IPA enthusiasts seeking balance |
| Celery City Stout | 5.5-6.0% | Chocolate, coffee, smooth mouthfeel | Cold months, dessert pairing |
| Seasonal Specials | Varies | Locally inspired ingredients | Returning visitors, unique experiences |
What truly distinguishes their approach is the intentional connection to local ingredients when possible. While they don't actually use celery in their beers (a common misconception), they frequently incorporate Michigan-grown hops and collaborate with regional farms for specialty ingredients in seasonal releases.
Planning Your Visit: Essential Information
Understanding the practical aspects of visiting Celery City Craft will help you maximize your experience. The brewery operates with the following schedule:
- Wednesday-Thursday: 3 PM - 10 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 12 PM - 11 PM
- Sunday-Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Special events only (check website)
Located at 324 Wealthy Street SE in the historic Eastown neighborhood, the brewery offers both indoor seating with a view of the brewhouse and a spacious outdoor patio. Parking is available in the adjacent lot and along surrounding streets. For those using ride-sharing services, the drop-off point is clearly marked.
When to Visit for the Best Experience
Celery City Craft experiences varying traffic patterns that significantly impact your visit:
- Weekday afternoons (3-5 PM): Quietest time, ideal for conversation and tasting flights
- Friday evenings (6-8 PM): Busy but energetic atmosphere, may require waiting for seating
- Saturday afternoons: Family-friendly environment with occasional live music
- Sunday game days: Limited seating during major sports events
Unlike larger breweries in the area, Celery City Craft maintains an intimate setting that can fill quickly during peak times. For groups of six or more, calling ahead for table availability is recommended.
Food Options and Pairing Suggestions
While not a full restaurant, Celery City Craft offers a thoughtful selection of food options designed to complement their beers:
- Artisanal pretzels with house-made beer cheese dip
- Local charcuterie boards featuring Michigan meats and cheeses
- Rotating food truck schedule (check their social media)
- Non-alcoholic craft sodas from regional producers
For optimal flavor pairing, consider these recommendations from their staff:
- West Michigan Wheat: Pairs beautifully with the pretzels or light salads
- River City IPA: Complements spicy foods or sharp cheddar cheese
- Celery City Stout: Ideal with chocolate desserts or smoked meats
- Sour Ale Specials: Excellent with seafood or goat cheese options
Community Engagement and Events
Celery City Craft actively participates in Grand Rapids' community fabric through several initiatives:
- Monthly "History on Tap" events featuring local historians discussing Grand Rapids' celery farming era
- Partnerships with Michigan State University's horticulture program for experimental hop varieties
- Quarterly charity tap takeovers supporting local food banks and agricultural education
- Collaboration with nearby businesses for the Eastown neighborhood's "First Friday" events
The brewery's commitment to local agriculture extends beyond marketing. They maintain transparent relationships with Michigan hop growers and regularly feature the farms' stories on their website and taproom signage.
Visitor Tips for an Authentic Experience
To fully appreciate what Celery City Craft offers, consider these practical suggestions:
- Ask about their "Celery City Heritage" series - limited releases that connect to specific aspects of local history
- Request a brewery tour if available; staff often share insights about their brewing process
- Check their social media for "Taproom Only" releases not available elsewhere
- Join their email list for advance notice of special events and new releases
- Bring a reusable growler if you want to take beer home (128oz capacity)
Remember that while Grand Rapids has earned the title "Beer City USA" with over 20 breweries, Celery City Craft distinguishes itself through its intentional connection to the region's agricultural roots and focus on approachable, well-crafted beers rather than extreme styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Celery City Craft actually use celery in their beers?
No, Celery City Craft does not use celery in their standard beer recipes. The name pays homage to Grand Rapids' historical nickname as "Celery City" due to its prominence in celery farming during the early 20th century. They occasionally create limited-edition seasonal beers featuring celery as an experimental ingredient, but these are clearly labeled as special releases.
Is Celery City Craft family-friendly?
Yes, Celery City Craft is family-friendly during daytime hours (until 8 PM on weekdays and 6 PM on weekends). They offer non-alcoholic craft sodas and have space for strollers. After these times, the atmosphere becomes more adult-oriented as the taproom fills with patrons enjoying craft beers. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Can I bring my own food to Celery City Craft?
Yes, Celery City Craft has a "BYOF" (Bring Your Own Food) policy. While they offer pretzels and charcuterie boards, many visitors bring takeout from nearby restaurants. They maintain relationships with several Eastown eateries that offer taproom specials for Celery City Craft patrons. Please note that food delivery services cannot drop off inside the brewery.
How often does Celery City Craft rotate their beer selection?
Celery City Craft typically rotates 4-6 beers weekly, with their core lineup (West Michigan Wheat, River City IPA, and Celery City Stout) remaining available consistently. Seasonal offerings change quarterly, while their experimental small-batch series changes bi-weekly. They maintain a current beer list on their website and social media channels, updated every Monday morning.
Do they offer brewery tours?
Yes, Celery City Craft offers complimentary 15-minute brewhouse tours on Saturdays at 2 PM and 4 PM. No reservation is needed, but groups of 6 or more should call ahead. The tours cover their 10-barrel brewing system, fermentation process, and quality control procedures while explaining how they maintain consistency across batches. Tours are not available during busy periods or special events.
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