Big Grand Rapids Loss! The Cottage Bar is Closed! Forever?

It's a sad day in Grand Rapids when an iconic, long-time, oldest continually operating bar and restaurant closes it's doors!

The Cottage Bar, originally opening in 1927, LaGrave at Fulton, and the first to get a liquor license after Prohibition ended in December, 1933, has locked it's doors.

THE COTTAGE AROUND 1937

I know the the pandemic was tough on everyone in 2020 and 2021, but I thought things were pretty much back to normal.

The Cottage was up for sale back in 2020 when owner Dan Verhil and wife Lisa, decided to retire.

LISA AND DAN VERHIL

It had been run by the Verhil family for many years, with Dan operating it for nearly three decades, but he thought it was a good time to slow down and put, not only the Cottage, but One Trick Pony, up for sale.

In March of 2021 Jassi and Sandeep Dhami, owners of the Palace of India, bought both businesses, but basically only kept the Cottage open. There again, that was another sad loss of the One Trick. Dan had that place cooking for nearly 27 years with wonderful food, drinks and entertainment.

THE COTTAGE ON LaGRAVE

It really is unclear what exactly is happening here. TV8 reported that employees said they had been fired. The new owners said that the staff won't return to work. They went on to say that they would reopen after hiring new workers.

The Cottage has been such a part of Grand Rapids for decades.

INSIDE THE COTTAGE

With it's coziness, big fireplace burning in the fall and winter, classic bar, and welcoming atmosphere to all downtown theatre goers, actors, crews, business people, it was undisputably one of the most relaxing and unpretentious watering holes in Grand Rapids. Plus, you just had to have THE COTTAGE BURGER!

Always voted one of the best burgers in Michigan!

THE COTTAGE BAR PATIO

And, you can't forget their patio, Grand Rapids first restaurant patio!

Let's hope whatever the dispute is it can be resolved and The Cottage Bar can live again.