The heart of Big Rapids offers many bars and restaurants with unique atmospheres and vibes that cater to a distinct crowd, making them the perfect spots for students to unwind and connect.
Gypsy Nickel Lounge
The Gypsy Nickel Lounge is a staple point when looking for a place to host more personal gatherings. Upon entering, it almost feels like a classy jazz lounge. The environment is very welcoming to everyone and still has an elegant feel. The dim lighting and beautiful outdoor seating gives it a soothing energy that can’t be beaten. Gypsy Nickel Lounge checks off the boxes of a high-quality bar and restaurant with a full food menu that won’t let you down, and a large drink menu that offers daily specials. They provide weekly karaoke nights, which make for an even better time.
Ferris Alumni Katie Dunkley recently passed her state radiology licensing exam and celebrated with friends by attending karaoke night at the Gypsy Nickel Lounge. One of the reasons it is in her top three bars of Big Rapids is the location and welcoming environment.
“My friends and I go here when we just want to hang out and have a more intimate gathering instead of going to a bigger bar,” Dunkley said. “It was just really nice to all hangout and talk about my accomplishment and celebrate with a smaller gathering in a friendly atmosphere.”
Sawmill Saloon
The Sawmill Saloon is the perfect place for friends to get together anytime, as they are open 365 days of the year. It is a historical location, as well as the main section of the bar, where it is a part of the original Jones and Green Sawmill and Lumber Company that once operated in the same place. One of the reasons the Sawmill Saloon is a great meet-up location for college students is the large assortment of drinks, food and various forms of entertainment. Inside, they offer open mic nights, musical bingo and even tarot card readings three nights a week. The uniqueness of being able to sit with friends and have your fortunes read in the back of a bar is a surreal and mystical experience.
There is an outdoor area with a large deck and back patio section where it feels like being in the backyard for a cookout or barbecue. Here they have cornhole boards, pool tables and disc golf baskets. The demographic is very mixed as there are lots of current students who frequent the bar, and alumni that choose this place to come back to as well for the more relaxed environment. The different atmospheres between the traditional dive bar on the inside and the backyard summer night vibes that are offered outside make it worth the visit.
Schuberg’s Bar & Grill
One of the most iconic and popular restaurants and bars in Big Rapids is Schuberg’s. There is a sense of community that fills the air upon entering, as it’s another spot where you walk in, and the feelings of nostalgia are heavy. The location was formerly a jail and was also a speakeasy long before the prohibition. It is a historical point for the community, as the bar is nearly identical to when it first opened in 1933. This particular spot is perfect for families and students as they specialize in their famous burgers. When selecting what to eat, it’s typically a challenge as there are 20 different burgers offered on their menu. It also has the perfect bar elements, such as rotating taps, which adds a nice variety to its beer selection. The vintage atmosphere is what makes the experience so unique. The small bar is always packed with community members and students, yet the service is still phenomenal.
Grace Stout is a server and bartender at Schuberg’s and enjoys working with a large demographic of customers. One of her favorite pieces from the vintage decor that’s on display is a prohibition-era poster which was found under the floorboards while remodeling.
“This place holds so much energy, so many memories and that’s part of the reason I love working here,” Stout said. “The customers are amazing and you meet a lot of people from different walks of life as well as people who have been here in Big Rapids their whole life.”
Star Shooters
When looking for the Big Rapids nightlife on the weekends, look no further than Star Shooters. The view upon entering Shooter’s is loud, lively and always full of action. It is a dive bar and club combined into one with tons of room for people to spread out. The demographic here is mainly students looking for a good time, as Shooter’s is known for its electric energy and nonstop action. The music is always enjoyable enough to dance to and anyone looking to escape the crowd can sit outside on the front porch. It is truly considered the Big Rapids weekend oasis amongst college students.
To get students involved throughout the week, they offer two-dollar tacos on Tuesdays, along with a pool tournament. Thirsty Thursdays is another student favorite, as it also marks the weekly pong tournament. Each of these tournaments requires buy-in from a team as prizes are offered to first, second and third place.
Biological sciences senior Madison Loyd frequents Star Shooters whenever she isn’t working her job or doing homework. One of the reasons she chooses Shooter’s over other options is the community environment.
“There are two sides at this bar which is one of the reasons I love it,” Loyd said. “Theres the social side for those who want to hangout and talk with friends but it still has the electric atmosphere by the dance floor which is my favorite. It really is a place where students can let go of stress and enjoy themselves.”
Szots Bar & Grill
Szots is a hidden gem in downtown Big Rapids. The exterior doesn’t do justice to the warm and homey atmosphere this bar offers. It feels like a traditional pub that has a friendly and calming atmosphere. It is the perfect place to go after a long week of classes or work. They also stream Bulldog football games, which makes it a hotspot during away games. They offer excellent food for an affordable price while having a decent selection of beers on tap.
Graphic media management junior Riley Habermehl works at Szots and believes it’s a great place for students and the community to get together and converse. He enjoys it when students come to Szots and start to mingle with the community, as that is how he started there.
“This is the kind of place where everyone walks in and knows each other’s names,” Habermehl said. “It has the type of laid back and nostalgic atmosphere where even if it’s your first time in, you feel like you’ve already been here before.”
As a college student, Habermehl believes the warm environment is what keeps the community and students coming back.
“It’s not a place to come party like Shooters, but still a really good place to have a few beers, have some food, just chill out and talk to people,” Habermehl said.
Each place has something special to offer the community and students. One thing they all have in common is they each have their own diverse culture. The next time you head out for drinks, why not explore something new and truly appreciate the experience?