Guidebook for Grand Rapids

Tyler
Guidebook for Grand Rapids

Food Scene

It's so darn close. Good for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can dine-in or take it to go! Try their focaccia. It will blow your mind!
30 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Wealthy Street Bakery Inc
610 Wealthy St SE
30 (рекомендации местных жителей)
It's so darn close. Good for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can dine-in or take it to go! Try their focaccia. It will blow your mind!
Authentic gourmet Mexican. You'll find their chefs get creative with classics, and the margaritas are amazing. Inside, it's a really hip spot, and if it's warm enough to sit outside, you'll think you've been transported to the desert.
90 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Donkey Taqueria
665 Wealthy St SE
90 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Authentic gourmet Mexican. You'll find their chefs get creative with classics, and the margaritas are amazing. Inside, it's a really hip spot, and if it's warm enough to sit outside, you'll think you've been transported to the desert.
A wonderful Gastropub right around the corner. They do it right when it comes to drinks and dining. They're known for a pretty creative menu.
104 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Green Well
924 Cherry Street Southeast
104 (рекомендации местных жителей)
A wonderful Gastropub right around the corner. They do it right when it comes to drinks and dining. They're known for a pretty creative menu.
If you like coffee, this place will blow your mind. They do all their own roasting. I recommend trying the almond milk latte. The Affogato is incredible if you're looking for a sweet espresso treat. The art on the walls is always changing, and the atmosphere is very modern and cozy.
26 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Rowster Coffee Wealthy
632 Wealthy St SE
26 (рекомендации местных жителей)
If you like coffee, this place will blow your mind. They do all their own roasting. I recommend trying the almond milk latte. The Affogato is incredible if you're looking for a sweet espresso treat. The art on the walls is always changing, and the atmosphere is very modern and cozy.
Hands down one of the best coffee shops in the area, and on a really cool corridor close to the Grand Rapids Art Museum. I recommend their Miel.
50 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Madcap Coffee Company
98 Monroe Center St NW
50 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Hands down one of the best coffee shops in the area, and on a really cool corridor close to the Grand Rapids Art Museum. I recommend their Miel.
They make all of their own ice cream in house and are known for creative concoctions, often featuring local ingredients produced by other small businesses in the area, such as Rowsters Coffee, Van's Donuts, and more.
14 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Furniture City Creamery
958 Cherry St SE
14 (рекомендации местных жителей)
They make all of their own ice cream in house and are known for creative concoctions, often featuring local ingredients produced by other small businesses in the area, such as Rowsters Coffee, Van's Donuts, and more.
You've never seen so many sandwich choices.
9 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Cherry Deli & Catering
834 Cherry St SE
9 (рекомендации местных жителей)
You've never seen so many sandwich choices.
They've nailed it with gourmet farm-to-table. This place is not cheap, but if you call ahead, you can put in special requests with the chef, and they'll make you something unique based on what got pulled from the field that day.
29 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Grove
919 Cherry St SE
29 (рекомендации местных жителей)
They've nailed it with gourmet farm-to-table. This place is not cheap, but if you call ahead, you can put in special requests with the chef, and they'll make you something unique based on what got pulled from the field that day.
What an incredible gastropub! The food is always spot on. Be sure to check out their menu, if not simply for the sheer entertainment value, as it's got quite the variety.
104 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Green Well
924 Cherry Street Southeast
104 (рекомендации местных жителей)
What an incredible gastropub! The food is always spot on. Be sure to check out their menu, if not simply for the sheer entertainment value, as it's got quite the variety.
You're not going to find better Sushi in Grand Rapids. You wont.
60 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Maru Sushi & Grill
927 Cherry St SE
60 (рекомендации местных жителей)
You're not going to find better Sushi in Grand Rapids. You wont.
This place is super cute, and the food won't disappoint you!
19 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Cherie Inn
969 Cherry St SE
19 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This place is super cute, and the food won't disappoint you!
They're only open for breakfast and lunch, but this place is famous for how good the food is!
91 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Marie Catrib's of Grand Rapids
91 (рекомендации местных жителей)
They're only open for breakfast and lunch, but this place is famous for how good the food is!
A great morning spot, this place is great for coffee, some pastries, or a sandwich. The ambiance is chic and cozy.
22 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Lyon Street Cafe
617 Lyon St NE
22 (рекомендации местных жителей)
A great morning spot, this place is great for coffee, some pastries, or a sandwich. The ambiance is chic and cozy.
I'm not going to lie, Wealthy Street Bakery is a lot closer, but Nantucket is open on Sundays! And early, too, starting at 7:00AM. If your'e up by Martha's Vineyard or Lyon Street Cafe, check this place out.
16 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Nantucket Baking Co.
615 Lyon St NE
16 (рекомендации местных жителей)
I'm not going to lie, Wealthy Street Bakery is a lot closer, but Nantucket is open on Sundays! And early, too, starting at 7:00AM. If your'e up by Martha's Vineyard or Lyon Street Cafe, check this place out.
This place is a cornerstone of the funky Eastown neighborhood, and is a standout in the breakfast group. Expect a line on the weekends, unless you're there reeeeally early. But hey, it's worth it! I recommend ordering the Forsyth skillet. Tsang!
45 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Wolfgang's Restaurant
1530 Wealthy St SE
45 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This place is a cornerstone of the funky Eastown neighborhood, and is a standout in the breakfast group. Expect a line on the weekends, unless you're there reeeeally early. But hey, it's worth it! I recommend ordering the Forsyth skillet. Tsang!
This is seriously the best pizza you'll find in Grand Rapids. It's prepared Napoli style, so it bakes for less than a minute in a 700º wood fired oven. I love the smell of the wood fired stove as you approach. I recommend ordering the Good Earth - a personal favorite. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of their beer, but the cocktails are definitely worth checking out. They also have a second location on the west side (Harmony Hall), which has a better beer selection, and specializes in house-made sausages.
62 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Harmony Brewing Company
1551 Lake Dr SE
62 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This is seriously the best pizza you'll find in Grand Rapids. It's prepared Napoli style, so it bakes for less than a minute in a 700º wood fired oven. I love the smell of the wood fired stove as you approach. I recommend ordering the Good Earth - a personal favorite. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of their beer, but the cocktails are definitely worth checking out. They also have a second location on the west side (Harmony Hall), which has a better beer selection, and specializes in house-made sausages.
In my opinion, this place is a MUST. Harmony Hall fancies itself a modern take on a German beer hall, specializing in homemade sausages. As a vegetarian, I'm still enamored with this place for its phenomenal interior design, and food options for everyone. Ask to sit upstairs amongst the Norfolk Island Pines and brick walls, or sip a beer on one of their decks. There is even a garage door on the second floor that opens to the street corner below. Perch here against the rail in the upstairs "lounge," and watch the city happen below you.
22 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Harmony Hall
401 Stocking Ave NW
22 (рекомендации местных жителей)
In my opinion, this place is a MUST. Harmony Hall fancies itself a modern take on a German beer hall, specializing in homemade sausages. As a vegetarian, I'm still enamored with this place for its phenomenal interior design, and food options for everyone. Ask to sit upstairs amongst the Norfolk Island Pines and brick walls, or sip a beer on one of their decks. There is even a garage door on the second floor that opens to the street corner below. Perch here against the rail in the upstairs "lounge," and watch the city happen below you.
Because...Thai food! REALLY good Thai food. You have to check out their drunken noodles...Seriously. Or one of the many delicious curries. This place is a pretty quick walk.
6 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Bangkok Taste Cuisine
15 Jefferson Ave SE
6 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Because...Thai food! REALLY good Thai food. You have to check out their drunken noodles...Seriously. Or one of the many delicious curries. This place is a pretty quick walk.
Barbecue by the pound! This Detroit icon made its way to Grand Rapids and features a full service bar. Connected to the Downtown Market, you could make a trip out of a visit!
7 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Slows Bar BQ Grand Rapids
435 Ionia Ave SW
7 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Barbecue by the pound! This Detroit icon made its way to Grand Rapids and features a full service bar. Connected to the Downtown Market, you could make a trip out of a visit!
This place is just wild...You'll find just about everything here. Go there hungry, and you'll find lunch. Go there not hungry, and you'll find something interesting to cook for dinner. Check out their website. This market is vast and filled with independent businesses.
98 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Downtown Market Grand Rapids
435 Ionia Ave SW
98 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This place is just wild...You'll find just about everything here. Go there hungry, and you'll find lunch. Go there not hungry, and you'll find something interesting to cook for dinner. Check out their website. This market is vast and filled with independent businesses.
New Holland Brewing set a BIG footprint just across the river on the west side with this bars-within-bars all out foodfest. There's a beer garden, two floors of seating options, and a separate cocktail bar upstairs called the Zeppelin. (Yes, they make beer, AND distill liquor.) Last time I was up there, they had live jazz.
62 (рекомендации местных жителей)
New Holland Brewing - The Knickerbocker
417 Bridge St NW
62 (рекомендации местных жителей)
New Holland Brewing set a BIG footprint just across the river on the west side with this bars-within-bars all out foodfest. There's a beer garden, two floors of seating options, and a separate cocktail bar upstairs called the Zeppelin. (Yes, they make beer, AND distill liquor.) Last time I was up there, they had live jazz.
Creative American Cuisine nearby. Also a great selection of local, rotating beers.
17 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Old Goat
2434 Eastern Ave SE
17 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Creative American Cuisine nearby. Also a great selection of local, rotating beers.

Essentials

This place is great for gourmet snacks, gifts, beer, liquor, and wine. They also specialize in kitchen items and accessories for dining. They've got some a really cool original 1920's beer refrigerator with doors on the front to reach in, and a door on the side so you can walk in and build your own six pack from their loose bottles and cans of craft beer.
18 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Art of the Table
606 Wealthy St SE
18 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This place is great for gourmet snacks, gifts, beer, liquor, and wine. They also specialize in kitchen items and accessories for dining. They've got some a really cool original 1920's beer refrigerator with doors on the front to reach in, and a door on the side so you can walk in and build your own six pack from their loose bottles and cans of craft beer.
Mostly pre-packaged food items and alcohol here, the building itself is historic and unique inside!
6 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Cherry Hill Market
721 Cherry St SE
6 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Mostly pre-packaged food items and alcohol here, the building itself is historic and unique inside!
YES! This is the place for all sorts of gourmet groceries, beer, wine, and liquor. It's worth the 16 minute walk. If you're looking for some food to go, they've also got a deli with lots of pre-cooked meals, sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and more.
54 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Martha's Vineyard Fine Wine & Gourmet Grocery
200 Union Ave NE
54 (рекомендации местных жителей)
YES! This is the place for all sorts of gourmet groceries, beer, wine, and liquor. It's worth the 16 minute walk. If you're looking for some food to go, they've also got a deli with lots of pre-cooked meals, sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and more.

Drinks & Nightlife

Because again, it's so close! They have a great outdoor area if the weather is nice.
24 (рекомендации местных жителей)
ELK Brewing
700 Wealthy St SE
24 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Because again, it's so close! They have a great outdoor area if the weather is nice.
This place specializes in Belgian beers and also inhabits a former funeral home in a gorgeous historic building. The food menu is also top-end, so this is a great place to grab a meal, too. Two of the occupants of this house you're staying at work there, and be sure to try their desserts, because one of them is a pastry chef!
96 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Brewery Vivant
925 Cherry St SE
96 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This place specializes in Belgian beers and also inhabits a former funeral home in a gorgeous historic building. The food menu is also top-end, so this is a great place to grab a meal, too. Two of the occupants of this house you're staying at work there, and be sure to try their desserts, because one of them is a pastry chef!
This is THE FAMOUS cornerstone of Beer City USA's vibrant craft brewery scene, and absolutely not to miss. Please walk there (20-25 minutes), take an Uber, or bus, because their beer is addicting. Ask the servers for recommendations, or request a "taste" at one of the bars in the taproom. There is plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating, and a self-serve deli counter to feed you grub at any time of the day or night. Check out their webpage, as there are often live musical acts, some requiring a small cover.
176 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Founders Brewing Co
235 Grandville Ave SW
176 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This is THE FAMOUS cornerstone of Beer City USA's vibrant craft brewery scene, and absolutely not to miss. Please walk there (20-25 minutes), take an Uber, or bus, because their beer is addicting. Ask the servers for recommendations, or request a "taste" at one of the bars in the taproom. There is plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating, and a self-serve deli counter to feed you grub at any time of the day or night. Check out their webpage, as there are often live musical acts, some requiring a small cover.
Would you believe Michigan's oldest gay bar is also one of the closest bars to get to on foot? Gay, straight, or neither, what I love about this place is everyone is welcome. Drinks are super cheap (ask to check out their ridiculously large Michigan craft beer menu.) This place is actually pretty low key. There's no space to dance. So come here to enjoy some drinks in good company in a super cozy and inclusive environment. It's relatively small, there are no windows, and they keep it clean and offer free popcorn. Nestle into an enclosing booth, or have a seat at the bar where you can watch music videos all night long.
7 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Apartment Lounge
33 Sheldon Ave NE
7 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Would you believe Michigan's oldest gay bar is also one of the closest bars to get to on foot? Gay, straight, or neither, what I love about this place is everyone is welcome. Drinks are super cheap (ask to check out their ridiculously large Michigan craft beer menu.) This place is actually pretty low key. There's no space to dance. So come here to enjoy some drinks in good company in a super cozy and inclusive environment. It's relatively small, there are no windows, and they keep it clean and offer free popcorn. Nestle into an enclosing booth, or have a seat at the bar where you can watch music videos all night long.
In town on a Thursday night? Check out their half-off martinis! Oh, and the food is great, too...And it's all walking distance.
36 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Rockwell Republic
45 Division Ave S
36 (рекомендации местных жителей)
In town on a Thursday night? Check out their half-off martinis! Oh, and the food is great, too...And it's all walking distance.
Maybe you feel like dancing? Or playing pool? Or just watching people dance from the second floor balcony? This gay bar is booming at night, and relatively quiet otherwise. Another walking-distance hotspot for you to check out.
9 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Rumors Nightclub
69 Division Ave S
9 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Maybe you feel like dancing? Or playing pool? Or just watching people dance from the second floor balcony? This gay bar is booming at night, and relatively quiet otherwise. Another walking-distance hotspot for you to check out.
If you're looking for some of the best craft cocktails in town, made from their own booze, this place is my favorite distillery. Food is equally well crafted. But do note, Mitten Brewing Company is across the street and has a patio and great pizza. Make an adventure out of it!
29 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Long Road Distillers
537 Leonard St NW
29 (рекомендации местных жителей)
If you're looking for some of the best craft cocktails in town, made from their own booze, this place is my favorite distillery. Food is equally well crafted. But do note, Mitten Brewing Company is across the street and has a patio and great pizza. Make an adventure out of it!
Another distillery in town. I enjoy their Utility Vodka for making infusions ($25/bottle). They may do tours, last I checked. There are many pre-mixed drinks on tap (which you can order in a flight,) but I prefer their handcrafted cocktails.
14 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Gray Skies Distillery
7755 Childsdale Avenue Northeast
14 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Another distillery in town. I enjoy their Utility Vodka for making infusions ($25/bottle). They may do tours, last I checked. There are many pre-mixed drinks on tap (which you can order in a flight,) but I prefer their handcrafted cocktails.
Stella's was rated best burger in the US by GQ Magazine, but you might be surprised to hear they serve a lot of great vegan and vegetarian food, too. It's a dimly-lit Whiskey bar that's high energy at night, and there's a smaller bar with a dancefloor connected where parties happen on the weekend. Right across the street from The Pyramid Scheme, and within walking distance.
79 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Stella's Lounge
53 Commerce Ave SW
79 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Stella's was rated best burger in the US by GQ Magazine, but you might be surprised to hear they serve a lot of great vegan and vegetarian food, too. It's a dimly-lit Whiskey bar that's high energy at night, and there's a smaller bar with a dancefloor connected where parties happen on the weekend. Right across the street from The Pyramid Scheme, and within walking distance.
Check out what live shows are playing here if you'd like some music. Or go play pinball and hang out in the bar at the front of the place. Across the street from Stella's, and walking distance.
41 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Pyramid Scheme
68 Commerce Ave SW
41 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Check out what live shows are playing here if you'd like some music. Or go play pinball and hang out in the bar at the front of the place. Across the street from Stella's, and walking distance.

Shopping

This is one of the coolest Antique shops in Grand Rapids, and they specialize primarily in mid century modern. In fact, I bought some of the things you see in my apartment from there. It's also part of the Century Antique mall, which features several other storefronts inside the historic Sligh furniture plant. And it's right around the corner from Founders!
7 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Lost & Found Treasures of Old and New
445 Century Ave SW
7 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This is one of the coolest Antique shops in Grand Rapids, and they specialize primarily in mid century modern. In fact, I bought some of the things you see in my apartment from there. It's also part of the Century Antique mall, which features several other storefronts inside the historic Sligh furniture plant. And it's right around the corner from Founders!

Arts & Culture

Always great contemporary art on display. And there's a movie theater in the basement that plays nothing but indie flicks! If your'e lucky, they'll be hosting open projector night. Just check out their website, and walk down there.
43 (рекомендации местных жителей)
UICA
17 Pearl St NW
43 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Always great contemporary art on display. And there's a movie theater in the basement that plays nothing but indie flicks! If your'e lucky, they'll be hosting open projector night. Just check out their website, and walk down there.
Grand Rapids has a pretty amazing art museum, and it's not to miss. Check out their website to see if you can visit on a "free" day. The building is gorgeous, and there's lot of cool stuff nearby if you're looking for coffee, shopping, or a place to eat.
163 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
11 Sheldon Ave NE
163 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Grand Rapids has a pretty amazing art museum, and it's not to miss. Check out their website to see if you can visit on a "free" day. The building is gorgeous, and there's lot of cool stuff nearby if you're looking for coffee, shopping, or a place to eat.

Sightseeing

THIS IS A MUST. Considered the most meticulously restored Frank Lloyd Wright building in existence, furniture company Steelcase resurrected this iconic neighborhood treasure and now hosts free tours. Even those with no active interest in architecture would find the story and tour fascinating. Check out their website to see if they're open when you're in town and plan on a visit. It's right around the block, so you can plan on walking there, or if you don't plan on going in, can at least drive by to take a peek at the outside. Look for the nearby Amberg house, another design to come out of Frank Lloyd Wright's studio, though it was actually designed by America's first female architect, Marion Mahoney.
22 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Meyer May House
450 Madison Ave SE
22 (рекомендации местных жителей)
THIS IS A MUST. Considered the most meticulously restored Frank Lloyd Wright building in existence, furniture company Steelcase resurrected this iconic neighborhood treasure and now hosts free tours. Even those with no active interest in architecture would find the story and tour fascinating. Check out their website to see if they're open when you're in town and plan on a visit. It's right around the block, so you can plan on walking there, or if you don't plan on going in, can at least drive by to take a peek at the outside. Look for the nearby Amberg house, another design to come out of Frank Lloyd Wright's studio, though it was actually designed by America's first female architect, Marion Mahoney.