Rapid River Stillhouse Review

For busy bees buzzing through the workweek, weekends are like a golden ticket to funland! Last weekend, Scott (my hubby) and I decided to shake off the weekday grind and hit up the Rapids River Stillhouse. This place is a hidden gem, known for its daily shenanigans—because who says the weekend gets to have all the fun? While most bars and restaurants are snoozing on weekdays, Rapids River Stillhouse is throwing a party every single day.

Upon entrance, we were greeted by a lady and a tall guy at the front desk. Borrowed Time was playing so there’s a reasonable cover charge of $5 per head and they give you a paper wrist band in return. Don’t forget your ID; after all, they’re famous for their own whiskey, and they take their spirits seriously!

An empty bottle of peach whiskey serves as a small menu holder

Since it was our first visit, the tall guy took it upon himself to be our personal tour guide. He pointed out the ground level, where a pool table, games, and a bar awaited our attention. The live show was on the second floor, and if we fancied some fresh air, the deck on the third floor was calling our names. I must say, I was impressed by the elevator—not that I've been living in a shell and it’s my first time seeing one. It is perfect for the seasoned crowd and the sprightly youngsters alike. Convenience at its finest!

The tall guy up front was all smiles and warmth, while the lady seemed while the lady appeared engrossed in her tasks—too preoccupied to spare us a glance, even when she dropped the news about the cover charge. Meanwhile, the maître d' on the second level swooped in like a superhero, attending to us in record time. She even circled back a few minutes later to let us know our server would be with us shortly—apparently, the place was packed.

Orion, our server, assisted us in selecting our drinks, particularly the house-made specials, and consistently ensured that our culinary needs were met throughout our dining experience.

View from the deck

The staff effortlessly accommodates guests' requests for prime seating with a view of the band. Arrive fashionably late? No problem! The deck offers a stellar view, and you’ll still catch all the tunes—it's like having your cake and eating it too, but with a side of live music!

Borrowed Time performs

The atmosphere is electric - a lively crowd glued to multiple large screens, cheering on their favorite teams like it’s the Super Bowl every day. Meanwhile, a band is cranking out tunes that have people dancing like nobody’s watching! And don’t be deceived by the photo; that room was packed to the brim with weekend revelers, all soaking up the good vibes.

Something in the Orange

Let’s talk about the food and drinks. I kicked things off with a concoction they charmingly dubbed Something In The Orange. It’s a delightful mix of Rapid River Vanilla Whiskey, demerara simple syrup, lemon juice, egg white, and a dash of orange bitters. Imagine a flavor rollercoaster that’s sour, bitter, and sweet—all in perfect harmony. I also snagged a sip of hubby’s Stockbridge Lager, and let me tell you, it was so good I might just order it next time!

Grilled Cornbread: You have to try this!

For appetizers, we had grilled cornbread that came with a tantalizing trio of hot honey whiskey mustard, with a dreamy goat cheese whip, and scallions. Seriously, if you don’t try this when you visit, you’re doing it wrong! It was so delicious that I almost ordered a second plate—thankfully, I had the foresight to save room for our main course. But let’s be real, I was tempted!

Smoked Brisket

Scott indulged in the smoked brisket, featuring sliced house-smoked brisket, Rapid River Bourbon-glazed onions, horseradish cream, and arugula all nestled in a ciabatta roll. I didn’t snag a bite, so I can’t dish out a review, but judging by the way he savored every morsel, it must have been a culinary masterpiece. It must be absolutely divine—so divine that he kept it all to himself.

Andouille & Pimento Skillet Mac, a meal you won't regret ordering

I ordered the andouille & pimento skillet mac—think andouille sausage, house-made pimento cheese, cavatappi, cornbread crumble, Peruvian peppers, and scallions. Now, I’ll admit, I mistook the Peruvian peppers for tiny tomatoes. Surprise! One bite in and I was hit with a flavor explosion that had me questioning some of my life choices. But let’s set that little shock aside; this is hands down one of the best elevated mac and cheeses I’ve ever encountered in a restaurant. I savored every cheesy, spicy bite like it was a gourmet treasure. I even had enough left over to take home, and when I shared it with my husband, he was nodding in agreement—this dish is a culinary masterpiece!

We had our fun, and now it’s time to leave. We even purchased a bottle of their peach-flavored whiskey, which we have yet to sample at this point.

As we made our way out, the place was still buzzing with new arrivals, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of satisfaction knowing someone else would gladly take our spot. The Rapid River Stillhouse might look like a playground for the young and restless, but trust me, it’s got plenty of room for the seasoned crowd too. After all, who says you’re ever too old to kick back and have a little fun?

Rapid River Stillhouse is located at 401 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Check out their website and social media for events and specials.

This blog presents an impartial review that was not solicited, nor did we receive any compensation or favors in exchange for this assessment.