Grand Rapids in Running in 'Best Beer City' 2026 USA Today Poll

We've been calling Grand Rapids "Beer City USA" for a good, long time... well over a decade! To back that up, we should probably keep scoring these national honors, right?

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USA Today 10Best Beer City Poll

Grand Rapids is once again in the running for a national contest. USA Today and 10Best is polling its readers asking, "Which City Has the Best Beer Scene?"

GR totally nabbed the No. 1 spot the last FIVE years in a row - can we do it again? Your vote can help keep Grand Rapids "Beer City USA"!

Greyline Brewing, City Built Brewing, Kusterer Brauhaus, Founders Brewing Company, Broad Leaf Brewing, Arvon Brewing, Brewery Vivant via Facebook

Grand Rapids Up for Favorite Beer City in America in USA Today Poll

In 2026 GR is once again duking it out with other beer-centric cities. It's is among 20 U.S. locations chosen by a panel of beer experts as having the best beer scenes in the nation:

That means stellar selections of established and up-and-coming breweries, beer bars, brewpubs, beer festivals and even thriving homebrewing communities where novice brewers can get their foot in the door. -USA Today

Brass Ring Brewing, Harmony Brewing, Perrin Brewing Co. via Facebook

Well, that sure sounds like Grand Rapids to me! And now it's up to us to vote for the Top 10. You can vote for Grand Rapids once per day here until voting ends on Monday, Feb. 23 at noon.

UP NEXT: Grand Rapids' Restaurant Nears Top of Yelp's 100 Best List

At the time of this posting (January 27), it's currently in the No. 1 position!

Here's USA Today's praise for GR:

"Michigan’s second-largest city sports the state’s strongest beer scene, thanks largely to the presence of the world-renowned Founders Brewing Co.

Inside Founders Brewing Co. - Founders Brewing Co./ Facebook

Not to be outdone, there are several other brewing operations around town, most notably the Belgian-inspired Brewery Vivant. The city’s official “Beer City Ale Trail” lists more than 80 breweries in the surrounding area, and the local calendar is constantly filled with beer festivals, events, and promotions. Throw in exceptional beer stores such as Siciliano’s Market, and it’s easy to see why Grand Rapids proudly stakes its claim as 'Beer City USA'."

So who are we up against this year?

Cities in the Running for Best Beer City in America 2025

Here are all the cities in the running for Best Beer City in America:

Asheville, North Carolina
Atlanta, Georgia
Austin, Texas
Bellingham, Washington
Bend, Oregon
Boston, Massachusetts
Charlotte, North Carolina
Columbus, Ohio
Denver, Colorado
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Honolulu, Hawaii
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
Portland, Oregon,
Richmond, Virginia
San Diego, California
Seattle, Washington
St. Louis, Missouri
Tampa Florida
Yakima, Washington

👇BELOW: GRAND RAPIDS AND BEYOND - EVERY MICHIGAN LOCATION BRITISH INFLUENCERS JOSH & JASE HAVE VISITED SO FAR👇

More Michigan Locations Up for Awards in USA Today's Beer Polls

In addition, more spots in Michigan are competing in USA Today and 10Best's beer polls. Two Mitten State beer gardens are up for the best in the U.S.

Also HopCat in Grand Rapids is vying to be the top beer bar in America. For beer festivals, the Michigan Winter Beer Fest in Comstock Park is in the running.

The best new brewery in the country? That honor could go to Elder Piper Beer & Cider in Petoskey.

Keep voting to keep the Great Lakes State the Great Beer State too!

Every Spot Josh and Jase Have Visited During Their Michigan Tour

Michigan has been Josh and Jase-crazy ever since the British duo, known for visiting states across America and reacting to each state's culture, showed up here. Here is every city and business they've gone to while on their trip around the Mitten State.

Footage comes from their TikTok account and Facebook page.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

Source: Can Grand Rapids Defend Its Title of ‘Beer City USA’?