General Wood Shop

If youre looking for a nice little lounge bar this is the place to go! Love the atmosphere, very laid back. Artisan drinks are fantastic and the food was absolutely delicious. Will definitely be back!!!

One of the safest spaces in town, hands down!I feel safe and welcome here as a feminine queer person, which is not something I can say for any of the other queer bars in GR.All of the staff are wonderful, and very knowledgeable. If you’re unsure of what to order, they are always happy to custom make a drink for you. Drinks and food always come out quickly, even on the busy weekends.I also really appreciate that NA/mocktails are a big part of their offerings! They have many different NA spirits, as well as NA cans and bottles. I don’t always drink, so it’s nice to be able to come here and have something I can enjoy without alcohol in it.The food here is amazing! The bao bun trio is my favorite. Their fries are hand cut and sooooo good with the truffle aioli on top! Their churros and cheesecake wontons are fantastic too.It’s so clean inside, the bathrooms are always clean and stocked… which feels like a rarity for bars on bridge street. The bar itself is well decorated and has very cozy intimate vibes.I can’t wait for their patio seating! I plan to enjoy that all summer long :)Overall, this is a wonderful space and a lovely addition to this community.

Yup…try this place.Small gem (bar/small dining) on Bridge just on outskirts of downtown GR. Simple yet elegant choices for food & cocktails making the experience much more pleasant (not “too many” options). They execute those fewer options very well.Vibes/atmosphere great, service was good, cocktails & food we tried were delightful! Party tried the Bao Combo (picking the Panko Chicken, Pork Belly, & Barbacoa). All three did not disappoint; full of flavor. Those were paired with the fries topped with Truffle Mayo (thinner & crispy with skin, seasoned well).Cocktails we tried was Stiffler’s Mom and Let’s Smash (both beautifully presented and tasted great). Reasonably priced for the area and quality of items/experience.If you’re looking for a new spot to enjoy - this did not disappoint. (I would love to go for Brunch - looks so fun!!!)

Fantastic place to gather with your friends! Drinks and food were amazing! 10/10 Highly recommend

Christian docter was the best bartender my friend and I have ever had. Super accommodating, knew exactly what to serve us by asking select few questions on what preferences we had in cocktails, and made us the best drinks and gave us the best experience we could ever ask for. We will be coming back and asking for Christian specifically from now on. Best bartender hands down! Knew a lot about the business and gave us a 200% experience!

A really nice spot to grab a drink and have some good time chilling with great service and music. Our bartender Mickey was answering with all the the recommendations she gave us and the providing the best cocktails as well.

I went for the first time on a Thursday night and it was such a great atmosphere and chill vibe. Kali was super helpful and friendly. The food was delicious! Highly recommend the bao buns, the cream cheese wontons, and the cheesecake wontons! The drinks were exceptionally delicious! Definitely coming back!

My friends and I came here after the Tina Turner Musical. Creative cocktails and food that are unique and incredibly tasty! For drinks, we tried PVDP, morning wood, let’s smash and Femme Fatale (special cocktail this month). For food, highly recommend the ramen burger and Bao. Fries and chips+guac were delicious. Staff were very attentive and the atmosphere was wonderful. Looking forward to visit again!!!

Amazing food and drinks!!! Highly recommend, despite the silly name 😅 its a classy establishment

I had an absolutely fantastic time at General Wood Shop, the new LGBTQ+ bar in west side GR! The cocktails and mocktails were not only delicious but also unique, clearly showing the thought and care put into crafting them. The panko chicken bao was tender and the bao itself was delightfully soft. And those fries with truffle Mayo were simply scrumptious!What truly made the experience stand out was the welcoming and accepting atmosphere. It was wonderful to be in a space where everyone felt comfortable and celebrated. I cant wait to return and create more cherished memories and experiences. General Wood Shop is definitely a must-visit spot! 🏳️‍🌈

Great new upscale cocktail bar with drink options for everyone including many with perfect innuendo names, come see for yourself.They do not allow standing room which is nice and ensures its not extremely packed, service was very quick. We came with a group of six and each tried a different cocktail.I recommend the Morning Wood which is their version of an old fashioned. My fiance got their spicy margarita and it was VERY spicy, almost too much for her to drink, but I drank it and my tongue was on fire.Looking forward to coming back and trying more drinks.

Visited with our sister Carmen and Sue her girlfriend on mothers day brunch. We truly enjoyed the performances and staff great services. The food and drinks were great. I would definitely go again when I visit Michigan but, its time to head back home to chicago. I definitely recommend this place, so much fun

Best spot in GR! Excellent food, great drinks, and the friendliest service! Love the truffle fries and Christian is the cutest and most talented bartender in all of West Michigan!

The bao buns are literally the best part hands down got the tofu ones with truffle fries and as a chef I’m very picky about my food but wow blew it out of the park. A hidden gem for this who are vegetarian. The mocktails were good but most N.A. liquors aren’t that tasteful themselves. The bartender had a great personality and service was beautiful. The overall atmosphere was welcoming and would come back 100x. Parked across the street behind those buildings is a lot cost only $5 for two hours.

My partner and I stumbled upon General Wood Shop while visiting for work. I had the Let’s Smash and he had the PVDP. Amazing! Then we had the Ramen Burger and two Pablo chicken boa and a barbacoa boa. Everything was so so good. Like…..SO GOOD. The fries were perfect. It’s been over a month since visiting and I’m still thinking about this meal. Don’t question it, just go. You will not be disappointed!

Ok, so this place right here... service, AMAZING!, atmosphere, AMAZING!, food, AMAZING!, Price, extremely affordable! This is a must try. I highly recommend the Ramen Burger and the Bean Flicker cocktail! I promise, you will not be upset.

I didnt have any food to rate. Their specialty drinks are good but, a bit pricey. Great wait staff. Comfortable leather cushioned bar chairs! Its a very nice meeting place for LGBTQ or just anybody.

I would never go here expecting the kitchen to be open later than 7pm. It took a lot for my ultra right fiancé to check this place out. We enjoyed the bao the first time, went back expecting bao to go. Well after skipping BU.. never again. They “closed the kitchen early” yet the sign outside said “kitchen til 10”. We were also verbally assaulted by a couple at the bar. I’m not sure why, the bartender told her to mind her own Ps &Qs. I don’t think we will be back again no matter how good bao buns be.

Sat outside, only to be told that it was standing only. So we had to stand NEXT to the chairs at a table 3 feet off the ground. Bravo.. 👌 Drinks were good though but not enough to bring me back after that rodeo.

Over priced drinks poor service. 😢 nothing like getting ripped off ! You can vist the other gay friendly 🍸 bars will not rip you off $ 32.00 for 2 mixed drinks and a coke shouldnt be that high. Note Apartment lounge you get 4 drinks 2 cokes for $29.00. Whats wrong with this picture? Sames drinks at both bars !

I love it here!!! I was surprised the first time that I came when they were new, that we had no wait. They greet you outside to check IDs and to let you in only if there is space. There was no table available for us, but there was room at the bar. We gladly accepted.The bartenders were phenomenal - very attentive and helpful, made good drinks, obviouslyyyyy! I tired the PVPD and absolutely loved it. Very beautiful drink and very delicious. The drink names are fun and playful, and very fitting for the place.I cant wait to come back for food. It looked good, and if it is as good as the drinks, I am sure Ill be impressed.The atmosphere is great - I love all the neon going on, it is very lively and kind of gives club vibes, but it is a pretty small, intimate place. Overall, Id recommend!!

Mickey is an AMAZING bartender. Gave us great ideas and was super attentive, I can’t wait to be back when she is serving!!! First time visit and we will be back soon for sure.

Friendly gay bar in Downtown GR. Small place with lots of modern charm! Music was a bit loud to really be able to have a conversation without yelling! Did not order food, but interesting options on the menu. The Throuple in the disco ball was good, but not enough alcool for three people and for the price.

The cheesecake wonton bites were decadent! The atmosphere is great! Sophisticated and flirty.Fun drink names. I really liked that they had local LGBTQ+ magazine that had upcoming community events in the Midwest. Visibility matters.

I’m originally from GR but live out of state now. I was in town around Christmas time and wanted to check out a new bar- General Woodshop did not disappoint. Amazing cocktails, food, and service. Not only was the food delicious and unique, but the kitchen is open late as well (hard to find in GR). Very reasonably priced. I highly recommend for the food, drinks, and vibe

Not my home bar, but the service was excellent. A bit pricey for a T&T at happy hours. Wasnt busy on the Wednesday @ 5:30. Will return with friends another day.

Christian is the reason I come here! Such great service and so personable. We love him. Best human.

Christian is absolutely amazing. He is the reason I come here and always gives me great service and he makes the best drinks!

We always had a great time here! This place is a unique and inviting establishment that blends urban with a contemporary vibe.

I really enjoy having a solid bay bar option in Grand Rapids that isn’t a club or dungeon vibe of a bar. The owners are super friendly, bar staff are really kind and knowledgeable and the cocktails are pretty good! I have tried all of the signature drinks and will say all are good - the thruple is pretty steep, and though it’s meant for 2-3 people, it’s not very strong. Everything else is amazing!

Great food! Good Vibes! Fantastic service!! We are thrilled to be their neighbors.

If youre visiting, this is the BEST gay bar in Grand Rapids to come to. The drinks are great quality, atmosphere is exciting, and the staff is very friendly.

We absolutely loved our first experience here! GR needs more queer bars, and Wood Shop does not disappoint! The staff are amazing and made us feel so at home. This will definitely be our regular spot to grab drinks! Excited to try the food menu next time, it looked awesome!

Good food, decent drinks, the place has potential. Came in on a Saturday in October and sat at the bar for a few hours. However, the staff was clearly poorly trained and unprofessional. Had to basically flag someone down to get another drink despite being seated right at the bar. The staff also had a team meeting right behind the bar in front of us to discuss drink substitutions (they were out of the shot specials and coming up with a new one on the fly) and prices for the night - awkward!! There was also a staff member who was visibly irritated the entire night which brought down the entire vibe. We asked if he was the owner because we didn’t understand how a regular staff member could have such an issue, but he was not - staff seemed scared of him.

This bar is a ton of fun. I have loved every visit we have made here. I can not wait to return.

The drinks are delicious and the space is fantastic! Welcoming, inclusive, and so much fun! We are excited to come back!

My first time at General Woodshop was absolutely fabulous!! The staff were very friendly and welcoming, and they also provided very impressive service. While being there, we had several staff check in and make sure we were being taken care of and having a good time! I ordered a NA mocktail - or mockcock - as they call it, and it was super refreshing. The truffle fries were very filling and a great share for the table! Overall, I super loved the vibes and am looking forward to returning. I especially loved that this is a queer space that isnt a club environment, where I can casually and comfortably catch up with all my fave people. As a vegetarian, my one wish is that they expand their menu to have more than one plant based option. See you again soon!!

Christian is phenomenal! Always great service and fun, flirty atmosphere!

Best stop on our pub crawl. amazing food (sweet and savory wontons!) and Mickey is absolutely amazing!!!

Love General Woodshop! It’s so nice to have a clean/new queer space in Grand Rapids! the food and drinks are perfect and everything is priced quite reasonable! The vibes are vibing. So happy they are in the neighborhood. 10/10

A must go! The interior is very sleek and inviting. The food was amazing! The drinks even better! Recommend Stifflers mom! We enjoyed it and definitely will be coming back.

I love the uniqueness of not only their venue but their food as well. The bao plates are very original

Great exciting addition to LGBTQ spaces in Grand Rapids. Offering slightly more upscale and chill atmosphere compared to other offerings. Along with well curated drinks that are delicious.

Menu is small but mighty. Drinks are fantastic. House beer is great and from another LGBTQ Friendly establishment, 3 Gatos in Wyoming. A must stop place for good food and drinks with friends!

Shared belated birthday cocktails with my favorite people, server Cody was amazing and the Clean and Clear was a fantastic balanced drink (I may have had a few 🤔) can’t wait for happy hours at this place. Lovely addition to the community 💖💖💖🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

A cool new bar on bridge street, cheeky drinks, and the nicest servers! Will definitely be back.

Fun and accepting location! Great drinks with fun names

Service was terrible. I will never be returning. I felt violated, and not safe during my time at The Woodshop

Top tier service. Great atmosphere. Their ramen burger is soooo good. You must order it and try it. It is to die for.

Favorite gay bar in West Michigan. Chill environment with social staff. Make sure you stop here if youre in the area.

Love love love this place! Must stop while in GR. Yummy cocktails and friendly service. Everyone feels welcome and that’s what it all about!

Modern vibe, limited but excellent menu (both drinks and food), good staff, and prime location - very promising new LGBTQ+ bar! Way to go, General Wood Shop!

Great food and cocktails. Friendly attentive service.

First time here! This place is sweet. Drinks are yummy and have super fun names. Food is great!

Good atmosphere, good drinks, very nice people

Food was delicious, waitress was great, vibe was immaculate. Glad to have a good gay bar around

Food, drinks and service were all fantastic. Would highly recommend. Will definitely be back.

Great atmosphere. Drinks were really good too.

Great food, excellent service. Welcoming judgement free environment for all walks of life

Super awesome place! Great cocktails and service!

So fun! Christian was great 😊

Gorgeous bar, great vibes, delicious food, fantastic cocktails and good service. Will be back!

Amazing cocktails for a good price

Just an incredible first experience. Drinks, food, service, the whole package. Can’t wait to come back!

So cold in here, took 20 minutes to get a drink.

Really nice, friendly, and good finger foods. Definitely coming back to enjoy it more.

Amazing Gay Bar in Grand Rapids

Christian. Is. It! He makes this place!

Upscale dive bar. Good food and great drinks.

Amazing addition to Bridge Street. Stellar Service from Kali and Christian!

Had a great time at the kickoff!! Fries are AMAZING!!!

A fun, spunky environment. Staff is quick, and so fun!

Such amazing food, beverages, and ownership. ❤️

The Morning Wood cocktail was fantastic!

Cozy, queer owned bar 🌈

Love it!

3 thumbs up