The B.O.B.

The BOB is a mixed bag and depending on your intentions it may be a great spot for the night or a miss. Pros: -multiple bars in one building each with different vibes for night life - Dr. Grins comedy club - Different age groups (>21) can be found there, so you can find a space to unwind no matter what generation you are in on a night out -location is central to downtown - have a coat check ($5 I beleieve) - indoor and outdoor options - enjoyable events listed on the website i.e. dueling pianos, dj, live bands, etc. - multiple experiences available in one venue, so no need to travel/bar hop on a datenight (necessarily). Cons: - service is often less than desired with wait staff often seemingly entitled and unenthusiastic. I even see many of them focused on their phones versus contributing positively to the atmosphere. - check your bill, they often pre-add gratuity to your check (ALWAYS at the comedy club, often for dining, possibly the bar too) and it is not explicitly stated or easy to see when you pay on the digital checkout which does not usually show an itemized statement... ALWAYS opt for a receipt and ask questions about your total if it seems high. - The food quality is often lacking - The drink prices are outrageous (~25 bucks for two wells) - parking is not included - cover charge after a certain time unless you have a ticket for the comedy club Overall, my husband and I enjoy an occasional date night at the BOB with a bite to eat, tickets to the comedy club, and some drinks/dancing afterwards, especially on a warm summer night on the patio. We can anticipate a enjoyable experience with plenty of laughs, easy planning, and a hefty bill (unfortunately). Everytime we go, we are excited for an enjoyable and easy night out together but are prepared to have a bit of frustration with the lack of food/beverage service and the outrageous drink prices. Its a good bet for anyone who needs an easy and enjoyable night out with some variety in the crowd and atmosphere. Its a bad call for anyone in a tight budget spot. No matter what, the night will most likely cost a party of 2 *at minimum* $100 IF you are cautious (usually much more) by the time it is all said and done if you are sparing with drink orders (remembering that you pay for parking and the comedy club has a 2 drink minimum per person with a mandatory gratuity already added in as a service charge). All in all, it's worth it from time to time and we always know its going to be an enjoyable date night, one of our favorite easy go-tos. We make sure we eat dinner before we go because we dont love the food menus and we make sure to keep our expectations low for the bartenders and waitstaff. Let's be real, the restaurant/service industry is NOT what it used to be ANYWHERE you go.

Not a fan of the wait on yourself with a remote menu app, and then still expect you to tip. Waitress brought us a setting for 4. There were 5 of us. Only 1 table configuratuon for more than 4 which was taken. Interacted more with the bar staff and then the guy that brought us our food, saw him twice as we had a split table, than the wait staff who delvired napkins. Had to got to the bar to get refills on water and soda. Had to goto the bar to get mixed drinks. No kids menu, at all. If i want a do it yourself restaurant i can cook at home, i dont get tipped there, and you sgouldnt here. The bar staff was pleasant and courteous, if a bit disorganized. Food was decent, but overpriced for the complete lack of service.

I've only been to the BOB during Art Prize and I've only tried their pizza, so take this review with a grain of salt. Pizza was decent. Brew selection was pretty good except they were out of my top choice. Fun atmosphere, multiple levels. I'd go again.

Great for ArtPrize! Be sure to check out the great art they host!!! My own work can be found just to the right of entering the third floor ballroom!!! Sept. 18 2025 -Oct 4 2025

The BOB is a great concept, kind of a food court of bars and restaurants. A great space of interesting bars and restaurants with a nice flow between. An actual working Roller Coaster Tycoon pinball machine is secretly in the basement. That's a hard to find game in working condition from about 20 years ago. There are some good dining choices too. Highly Recommend.

We were greeted after sitting at the bar however we had to flag down a server to order food. They didn't check on us and the location was not busy. They did check on the couple next to us 3 times during their maybe 30 minute visit. The chicken ordered was served hot and fresh however the fries were warm at best. The beer was ok. I was visiting the area, when I return to the area I wouldn't visit again, due to not feeling like a valued customer.

We stayed one night in Grand Rapids, and we did not plan to do anything but to go for a walk. We stopped by at BOB to see what is going on and it ended with a very nice experience! From the entrance to the bar everyone was very polite, great energy and good food. Happy hour deals are excellent! If we’ll have a chance we will come again!