A beautiful aspect of having more than 7,000 breweries in the United States is they exist in all kinds of settings: cities, towns, neighborhoods -- even suburbs.

One of those suburbs is Wyoming, just south of Grand Rapids, which is home to TwoGuys Brewing. The brewery opened in March 2018, and is an eclectic mix of fantastically brewed beer and a fresh mix of an ever-changing food menu.

TwoGuys Brewing owners Tom Payne and Amy Hamilton-Payne opened the operation within two buildings across the street from each other. The brewery, a seven-barrel brew system, is in a former firehouse and the taproom in a former 7-Eleven convenience store. Why Wyoming? Payne grew up just a few houses down from the brewery and still lives in the area with his wife, Hamilton-Payne, and their family.

While the coolers that once housed Coca-Cola are still there (but now housing kegs of beer), the brightly lit bar and seating arrangements at TwoGuys Brewing offers a cozy atmosphere designed to encourage neighbors to gather together.

A mug of beer at TwoGuys Brewing

Customers belly up to the bar at TwoGuys Brewing, which cultivates a friendly and accepting atmosphere.

Photo by Experience Grand Rapids

On Tap

Payne has been a brewer in the Grand Rapids beer community for years and his experience shows through his own tap handles.

While the brewery’s “core beers,” such as BC Blonde, TwoGuys IPA and Engine83B Pale Ale are perennially popular, Payne shines in his specialty beers.

On any given day, TwoGuys Brewing customers will encounter a variety of unique beers on tap – from a German Hefeweizen and Mexican Lager to an Imperial Brown Ale and a range of single hop beers, which provide a distinctive flavor and aroma compared to double hop beers.

Payne said he releases about two new beers a week, but the diversity and number of beers seem much greater than that.

Regardless of what beer is poured in the glass, it’s evident Payne has mastered his craft (no pun intended), and is always ready to brew new, unique beers.

Also on the TwoGuys Brewing menu are wine, cider, and an inventive lineup of hard seltzer cocktails.

For craft brew enthusiasts looking to fill another page of their Beer City Brewsader® Passports, TwoGuys Brewing is within the Passport.

Download the free mobile app in the App Store or Google Play. After you visit eight participating breweries and collect eight stamps, you’ll receive a free official Beer City Brewsader® T-shirt and will be on your way to becoming an Ultimate Brewsader.

TwoGuys Brewing

The logo emphasizes beer but wine, cider and hard seltzer cocktails are also on the drink menu.

Photo by Experience Grand Rapids

Order Up!

TwoGuys Brewing’s kitchen has evolved since opening day. The Paynes changed the original menu after six months, adding more sharables, tacos, sandwiches and baskets, and they continued to freshen things up on a regular basis.

Then the pandemic hit and restaurants were shut down throughout the state. In response, the Paynes beefed up their food production capacity and started packaging take-and-bake comfort food – like lasagna, enchiladas, burritos and soups – for customers eager to let someone else do the cooking. They also offered charcuterie boards, featuring freshly sliced cured meats, veggies and high-end cheeses.

Once indoor dining was back in full swing, the Paynes applied their new experience and knowledge to the menu, creating a delectable and ever-changing array of dishes. Customer favorites include Beer-Battered Cheddar Curds, Hand-Cut Fries served with Beer Cheese and Mac’n Cheese made with Beer Cheese. (We’re beginning to detect a theme here.)

TwoGuys serves a variety of Angus steak burgers – you can substitute fried or grilled chicken, pork cutlet or falafel, if you wish – and offers a variety of specialty toppings (including peanut butter and grape jelly!). Daily dinner features expand your choices – we noted a Hot Chicken Sandwich with Mashed Potatoes, Memphis Hot-Link Sammie, Memphis-Style Fried Bologna Sandwich, Death by Truffles Burger and Thai Chicken Peanut Curry Tacos over the course of a few days recently.

Mug Club

Get an even greater "bang for your buck" by becoming a member of TwoGuys Brewing’s Mug Club. For a $65 annual fee, Mug Club members will receive a custom mug with the photo and name of their choice, plus:

  • $0.50 off all pours
  • $1 off all pours on Mug Club Member Days
  • $1 off growler refills
  • $2 off growler refills on Mug Club Member Days
  • 10% off food
  • 10% off merchandise

Mug Club memberships can be purchased at the brewery, and members must show their membership card to receive discounts.

For updates on TwoGuys Brewing’s menu, specials, and beer offerings, visit its Facebook page.

TwoGuys Brewing was featured in episode two of Beer City Eats, a series that takes a look at the epic food scene in Grand Rapids' area breweries. Watch the video below to hear more of how owner Thomas Payne got his start and his passion for the craft of beer and food.