October 20, 2009
i loved the way this place feels, hidden away from the madding crowd (get it?), where a man can get a decent beer and a hot pretzel. drank a sampler of everything, and enjoyed a tour with the brewer/bartender. if i am ever in the neighborhood (what are the odds) i’d definitely stop in here again.

May 6, 2009
Great little spot that lives up to it’s name since it is difficult to find. When you do find it though you will be rewarded with excellent small batch brews and friendly service.

March 15, 2009
Went after MBG Winterfest. You need a GPS or map to get to this location, but it is well worth the trip. Small tap room that is clean and freindly with a good selection of beers. Had a beer on tap and had a bottle of a Michigan winery to let people try and the response was good. Enjoyed the visit and will go when in the area.

August 13, 2008
Quality craft beer. Nice place to go and down a few that you can enjoy. Very relaxed atmosphere with a focus on brew.

August 4, 2008
If you’re looking for a place that’s all about the beer, this is one of them. The Hideout is aptly named as it’s tucked away in a corner on a side street in an apartment complex. Even the building’s sign is partly shrouded by trees! Very small place with cement walls and a small central bar. Photos on the wall take you back to the days of gangsters, as do some of the beer names. I really enjoyed the Cement Shoe Stout so I’d recommend that if it’s your kind of beer. The others in the sampler were also tasty so you can tell they’re focused on their craft. They don’t pretend to be a restaurant so unless you want nuked munchies, eat before or after you go. We were the only patrons in the place when we arrived and had some good conversation with the bartender about the brewing process. Again, if you’re out for good craft beer, make a point to stop in here.

June 29, 2008
Good people, good beer, laid back and a great alternative to Founder’s. These folk’s are really trying (and doing a great job) and I’m happy to support ’em. They don’t serve good food.. just munchies.. I don’t think they really care.. nor do I. Weird location for sure... but that adds to the uniqueness of the joint. Never had bad service and always walked out happy that I stopped in.

January 26, 2007
Out of the way place, lots of concrete. Some nice beers some not so great. If I lived in the apartment across the street, I would probably be a mug club member. Food.... just eat the free popcorn.

May 21, 2006
Not much for ambience, I liken it to Three Floys brewpub. Kinda stuck in a weird part of the neighborhood. Inside, it defitnely looks like an old pool shop. Service was the redeeming aspect of this place. Food is terrible (ie. microwaved taquitos (no joke), Tostitos with Kraft shredded cheese on them, and Ritz crackers with Kraft singles). selection is a bit below average. They had about 6 or 7 offering on tap, most of the very average, but they did have a good hazelnut stout. Would not go again, but it served its purpose while on the road.

May 10, 2006
This is a smaller, cool little place. Nice relaxed setting.. unusual layout. 2 levels... we were on the top (with the big screen). Service was very good... they even brought us popcorn. Definitely in a different location. Didn’t realize we were so close to the highway. We enjoyed the beers we tried.

February 6, 2006 [ Updated April 19, 2006 ]
A nice alternative to Founders in the Grand Rapids area. Hideout is located in a somewhat unusual building across the street from an apartment complex and an urbanized lake; it shares a building with a hot tub facility. The interior is interesting and fairly unique; overall seating space is small but there are two floors. Entertainment is limited to a dartboard, one big-screen television, and smaller televisions downstairs. Food is limited. But, you came for the beer, right? There have reguarly been 7-8 beers on tap at any one time, with a standard lineup (pilsener, wheat, IPA, and cider) in addition to seasonals, which included many high ABV offerings when I last visited. The beers are average, but I did enjoy the Belgian offerings, which were served in appropriate glassware although at very cold temperatures. They’ve only been around for a year or so, so stop by and lend support to one of Grand Rapids’ "other" microbreweries!