If you’re looking for a place to hang, a cold drink or some nightlife, then here’s where to look. We’ve got everything from dive bars to a bar in a grocery store. 

 

Neighborhood joints 

Stagecoach Inn (Marshall) 

The go-to place to hang out in Marshall. It has an extensive bar menu, including good hamburgers. Entertainment nights are frequent. 

 

Lakeview Lounge (Battle Creek) 

A gathering spot for friends and family, Lakeview Lounge is a friendly neighborhood bar, where the overpour is no stranger. Besides a large collection of tequila, there are enough TVs to catch whichever home game is on. 

 

Idle Hour Tavern (Battle Creek) 

This bar tends toward an older crowd, but experience leads the way. Idle Hour is a casual, beer-stocked lounge with a jukebox. It’s also right by Bailey Park, so a great way to end a night out at the ballpark. 

 

College bar 

Charlie’s Tavern (Albion) 

The walls are covered in regalia for Albion College and other local sports teams. The pizza and nachos here are not to miss. For a rustic touch, the drinks are served in mason jars. 

 

Sports bar 

Copper Athletic Club (Marshall) 

There is always a game playing in this small bar with Michigan sports decor. The drinks are good, but the food is where it’s at. Don’t miss the Copper fries, which are ​​natural-cut fries drizzled with garlic mayo, hoisin sauce, sriracha, red onions, crushed peanuts, parmesan cheese and cilantro. 

 

Most beers on tap 

The Cricket (Battle Creek) 

There’s always a spot to cozy up to this super-long bartop, with 40 beers on tap – not to mention a lot of spirits. Play a game of darts while you’re at it. 

 

Bar with a porch 

Griffin Grill and Pub (Battle Creek) 

There are 34 beers on tap at Griffin, but the number one has to be the Guiness at this Irish-inspired pub. Grab a seat at the bar and watch a game on the TV, or pick a table outside and have a good dinner. 

 

Moonraker (Battle Creek) 

Moonraker is best to visit in warm weather, when you can sit outside on the porch, overlooking a creek. Order an appetizer with your beer or mai tai. 

 

A bar in a grocery store 

Horrocks (Battle Creek) 

Horrocks is a grocery store with a tavern – don’t be surprised if you see people shopping with a glass of beer or wine. The bar offers regional craft beer, wine, root beer and hot pretzels. Entertainment comes every weekend and the tables are packed. 

 

Best Bloody Mary for golfers 

The Dock at Bayview (Augusta) 

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. indulge in the Bloody Mary bar, voted one of the best Bloody Marys in Michigan. Toppings include everything from the standard pickle and celery to a pulled-pork sandwich, chicken wings and chocolate doughnut. It also just happens to be across the street from the Gull Lake View East and West courses. 

 

Bonus for craft beer 

If craft beer is what you’re looking for, there are plenty of breweries serving up something other than Bud Light: Handmap Brewing, Territorial Brewing Co., New Holland Brewing, Dark Horse Brewing, Albion Malleable Brewing.