Very nice little bar and restuarant. Small, cozy but some of the best burgers in town. Highly recommend the swiss mushroom burger. For a big eater, I suggest getting it double meant and cheese with sauteed mushrooms for only a couple of dollars more. The fries are average. We suggest trying fried beer battered mushrooms or fried cheesesticks instead. The steaks are also excellent. If you like yours medium well or well they don't burn them or mess them up like Bethhams at Amway, nor are they over priced like Louis Benton. You can get a small steak salad, and mashed potatoes for around $12. They also have excellent wet burritos - better than beltline bar and much better than adobe. We love this place and it is one of our favorite places. For the last ten years we have been going there. The only things we suggest you stay away from is the meatloaf sandwich- it is the only thing we don't like. The chili is good however it is not spicy, not even the 4 alarm. The four alarm is equivalent to mild salsa. Lines and service sometimes are slow and lacking at night. For shorter wait times and for excellent service we suggest you go from 11 to 4 when possible. We have gone at night too but highly recommend lunch or early afternoon, if you go in the evening go early as possible
Burgers are amazing!. The cottage Bar is tucked away and easy to miss but if you are looking for an amazing burger or Reuben's with a frothy brew you better check this one out!
Grub 'n' Brew In Da Zoo
+4.5
Solid. The Mrs. and I have been coming to Cottage Bar for over a decade. Regulars in our college days, the passage of time and our various relocations have kept us away recently. So, when we came down for a nostalgic visit during ArtPrize2012 (this time, with three kids in tow), we were pleasantly surprised to see that, well, nothing has changed. It's the same strangely-laid out bar/restaurant with a "patio" that's little more than an 8' wide alleyway and restroom that is, literally 4' from the closest table, featuring a warm, inviting fireplace in the back and oddball, low-ceiling dining area in the front.
The service -- which has always been outstanding -- had also not changed a bit as we, and our 3 small children were promptly seated and treated like any other guest.
Most importantly, however, the food hasn't changed a bit either. The thing to get here is the Cottage Burger. Basically, a high-flavor olive burger on a rye bun, it is a standout, not only on the Cottage Bar menu, but among burgers generally. The rye bun, cheese blend, bacon, and unique mayo give it a distinct flavor profile that's different than any olive burger you've had before, and the hand-made and seasoned burger patty is really something else. It all comes together to form a truly excellent burger. With other great burger joints in town like Stella's, Choo-Choo, and the like, I'm not prepared to declare it the best burger in town, but I can and will say that it's definitely in the Top 5.
So, if you're in town looking for a good, comfortable place to get a burger and a beer, head up the hill and stop in. You won't be sorry.
So this place had an amazing burger an even more amazing waffle fries that the most excellent bartender reccomended eating with malt vinegar and them dip them in brown gravy!! Umm YES, sadly I don't remember the bar tenders name but is she reads this and remembers, (Say this in your Oprah voice). YOU ARE A GENIUS!!
The best burger in G.R and .... The best burger in G.R
and an atmosphere that takes you
out of time and place
Its shocking to walk out, into down town Grand Rapids
The way I ended up trying this place is I googled the "best chili in Grand Rapids.". The chili was pretty boring and non-descript, but their burger was near the top of my list. Nice atmosphere and good craft beers on tap as well.
Sooo much more enjoyable now that it's smoke-free.
Loved it. Had a great atmosphere and really good food. Had the black bean burger and its the best veg burger I've ever had
Great food, great atmosphere, and great prices. Had the cottage burger and a few craft brews and could not be happier with the decision to eat there this evening.
I dropped by for a quick dinner on a Thursday evening, and I was happy with my meal. The place has been in business a long time, and the interior is cozy with a nice old bar. The staff was friendly, and the prices weren’t too bad considering how things are these days. I got the cottage burger (an olive burger variant) along with a cup of the chili blanco. Both were excellent. The whole place had a nice warm feel. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re in the area and you’re looking for a comfortable meal.
Hear ye, food lovers and connoisseurs of conviviality! Let me regale you with a tale of gastronomic delight and warm camaraderie at the venerable Cottage Bar and Restaurant. This tale features my stalwart brother-in-law, my three spirited lads, and my plucky eight-year-old nephew.
Upon our arrival, my brother-in-law and I found ourselves ensnared in a tussle of indecision, torn between the inviting warmth of the indoor seating and the charm of the cozy outdoor nook. The outdoor space won our favor, a decision we toasted to as we sat beneath the clear Grand Rapids sky.
I embarked on a culinary journey with the Mushroom Burger, a succulent delight that tasted like a sonnet on the tongue, while my brother-in-law, Matt, consumed his burger with a speed that would've made a cheetah blush – it was devoured in a brisk 1.5 minutes!
Our eight-year-old, Ben, in a momentous rite of passage, selected his first 'non-kids' meal, unable to resist the allure of the famous Cottage Burger. His satisfaction was as visible as the juices that trickled down his delighted grin.
Meanwhile, the two-year-old was thoroughly entertained by the procession of fire trucks passing by, his excitement echoing in squeals of delight that could have rivaled the sirens themselves.
The service at the Cottage Bar and Restaurant was nothing short of exemplary, a delightful accompaniment to the splendid food. As for parking, we found solace in one of the four coveted spots nestled in the alley, though street parking was plentiful as well.
I tip my hat to the Cottage Bar and Restaurant, the oldest tavern in Grand Rapids, for offering an experience that is both delectable and wholesome. This venerable establishment has earned my heartiest five-star endorsement for its mouth-watering fare, stellar service, and a charming environment that brings families together. Rest assured, we shall return, drawn back by the memory of that perfect Mushroom Burger and the jovial rhythm of life at the Cottage.
The food was amazing! Atmosphere is a little dark for my taste. But the service was amazing, I had the garden veggie burger. Make sure you give that a try!
Delicious food. Reasonable prices. Only wished that the burger came with side of fries
I sat on their very cozy side-patio for a quick solo dinner and enjoyed the charm and privacy of the setting. I’ve hear this is one of, if not the oldest bar in Grand Rapids. The black bean burger & fries were great - I’ll definitely be back, hopefully on the patio again!
Iconic bar and restaurant seeping within a historic setting. Good "bar" food.
This is not a high-end place. It has a broad menu selection and executes comfort food well. The seating is a bit tight. If you are looking for a local, old-school place for tasty food and a laid-back atmosphere of years past, this is it.
Delicious! We went for a late lunch on the first day of fall. We sat comfortably on their patio and had fabulous service. The burgers we ordered were cooked exactly as requested (medium-rare), the tots and cottage fries were addictive and drinks were nice and strong. The entire experience was perfect and we're looking forward to going back!
When i first walked in, i immediately noticed it was very dim. I'll admit, i thought about turning around and leaving but decided to give them a try.
I'm glad i did! I gotnthehot roast beef sandwich, it was delicious! If you've ever read my other reviews, you know I'm very picky, opinionated, and not easily impressed.
Had lava cake for dessert. Definitely willing to go back.
Yum!
I was there during the week, had a great time. Reminds me of bar in Europe, just not as nice a collection of glassware. I got the hot meatloaf sandwich, it was huge! And pretty tasty too. It was quiet, beer was cold, and the atmosphere brought back great memories.
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