Guidebook for Grand Rapids
Food Scene
Surprisingly good Mexican food not far from the house. It's a strip-mall establishment, but the flavor is on point.
El Arriero
2948 28th St SESurprisingly good Mexican food not far from the house. It's a strip-mall establishment, but the flavor is on point.
This is THE place to get an awesome breakfast, with a lot of creative menu items, and tons of veg. friendly options. Located in a vaulted mid-century modern building, this is a 21st century diner. However, because it is so popular, wait times can be especially long...Download the NoWait app and reserve your spot before you leave the house! 10 minutes away in the car right by the mall.
32 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Anna's House
3874 Plainfield Ave NEThis is THE place to get an awesome breakfast, with a lot of creative menu items, and tons of veg. friendly options. Located in a vaulted mid-century modern building, this is a 21st century diner. However, because it is so popular, wait times can be especially long...Download the NoWait app and reserve your spot before you leave the house! 10 minutes away in the car right by the mall.
This is your basic diner food in a really cool mid-century modern A-Frame building that feels straight out of the 1950's. Interior design by the host's mother. 6AM-10PM.
Grand Coney
This is your basic diner food in a really cool mid-century modern A-Frame building that feels straight out of the 1950's. Interior design by the host's mother. 6AM-10PM.
Decent Thai food. But you won't find ambiance in this strip-mall joint. $5 curry lunch menu during weekdays.
Thai Bistro
2055 28th St SEDecent Thai food. But you won't find ambiance in this strip-mall joint. $5 curry lunch menu during weekdays.
Creative American Cuisine nearby with farm-to-table items. Also a great selection of local, rotating beers. They often have live music in the evenings, and it's quite close!
17 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Old Goat
2434 Eastern Ave SECreative American Cuisine nearby with farm-to-table items. Also a great selection of local, rotating beers. They often have live music in the evenings, and it's quite close!
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. Located in the trendy Wealthy Street corridor, you'll be walking distance from many bars and restaurants.
90 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Donkey Taqueria
665 Wealthy St SEAuthentic 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. Located in the trendy Wealthy Street corridor, you'll be walking distance from many bars and restaurants.
A wonderful Gastropub in the trendy Wealthy Street corridor. They do it right when it comes to drinks and dining. They're known for a creative menu.
104 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Green Well
924 Cherry Street SoutheastA wonderful Gastropub in the trendy Wealthy Street corridor. They do it right when it comes to drinks and dining. They're known for a creative menu.
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 SEThey'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. Lots of drink choices as well.
104 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Green Well
924 Cherry Street SoutheastWhat 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. Lots of drink choices as well.
Quite tasty Americanized Japanese cuisine. They're known for their abundance of special rolls, concocted in house.
60 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Maru Sushi & Grill
927 Cherry St SEQuite tasty Americanized Japanese cuisine. They're known for their abundance of special rolls, concocted in house.
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
They're only open for breakfast and lunch, but this place is famous for how good the food is!
Because...Thai food! REALLY good Thai food. You have to check out their drunken noodles...Seriously. Or one of the many delicious curries. Definitely a lunch spot favorite while downtown.
6 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Bangkok Taste Cuisine
15 Jefferson Ave SEBecause...Thai food! REALLY good Thai food. You have to check out their drunken noodles...Seriously. Or one of the many delicious curries. Definitely a lunch spot favorite while downtown.
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 SWBarbecue 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 SWThis 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.
Good Chinese food from a family-owned business. There's not much of an atmosphere inside, so I prefer to get take-out. Also one of the few restaurants within walking distance to the house.
Family Wok
Good Chinese food from a family-owned business. There's not much of an atmosphere inside, so I prefer to get take-out. Also one of the few restaurants within walking distance to the house.
This establishment has been around since 1991, serving some of the best Japanese sushi and cuisine to Grand Rapids. Despite its unassuming presence in a strip mall, it is actually quite nice inside, and the decor provides a good setting for a fine dining experience.
Tokyo Grill & Sushi
4478 Breton Rd SEThis establishment has been around since 1991, serving some of the best Japanese sushi and cuisine to Grand Rapids. Despite its unassuming presence in a strip mall, it is actually quite nice inside, and the decor provides a good setting for a fine dining experience.
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 SEThis 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!
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 NEA great morning spot, this place is great for coffee, some pastries, or a sandwich. The ambiance is chic and cozy.
This place is super cute, and the food won't disappoint you! Most of the menu items lean toward a fancy or creative twist on classic American breakfast foods.
19 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Cherie Inn
969 Cherry St SEThis place is super cute, and the food won't disappoint you! Most of the menu items lean toward a fancy or creative twist on classic American breakfast foods.
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 also have a location inside of the Downtown Market.
50 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Madcap Coffee Company
98 Monroe Center St NWHands 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 also have a location inside of the Downtown Market.
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 SEIf 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.
Drinks & Nightlife
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 SEThis 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 NWIn 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.
New Holland Brewing set a BIG footprint 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 NWNew Holland Brewing set a BIG footprint 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.
Because it's the closets brewery to the house, and the food is great. Also on the same block as The Old Goat. It can be a little noisy, but the interior features some pretty cool elements that feel warm and inviting.
13 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Brass Ring Brewing
2404 Eastern Ave SEBecause it's the closets brewery to the house, and the food is great. Also on the same block as The Old Goat. It can be a little noisy, but the interior features some pretty cool elements that feel warm and inviting.
Founders is THE quintessential anchor of Beer City USA, and one of my personal favorites. The taproom is a large, open area with several seating options, and the beer garden out front features large, communal tables, fire pits, and overhead heating on chilly nights. Get a taste of exclusive brews only offered at the Founders taproom, or leave with some beer and swag from the gift shop. Taproom features a deli with lots of sandwiches and salad options. It can get crowded in the evening, so expect to hunt for a table. Check their website for live music, and potential cover charges on the weekend.
176 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Founders Brewing Co
235 Grandville Ave SWFounders is THE quintessential anchor of Beer City USA, and one of my personal favorites. The taproom is a large, open area with several seating options, and the beer garden out front features large, communal tables, fire pits, and overhead heating on chilly nights. Get a taste of exclusive brews only offered at the Founders taproom, or leave with some beer and swag from the gift shop. Taproom features a deli with lots of sandwiches and salad options. It can get crowded in the evening, so expect to hunt for a table. Check their website for live music, and potential cover charges on the weekend.
This anchor to the Uptown area in Grand Rapids sits inside of a former morgue to a church, which retains a lot of the original architecture in a LEED certified building. Their speciality are Belgian ales, and the food is on point. Be sure to check their dessert menu. Located amongst a cluster of other great bars and restaurants.
96 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Brewery Vivant
925 Cherry St SEThis anchor to the Uptown area in Grand Rapids sits inside of a former morgue to a church, which retains a lot of the original architecture in a LEED certified building. Their speciality are Belgian ales, and the food is on point. Be sure to check their dessert menu. Located amongst a cluster of other great bars and restaurants.
My favorite distillery in Grand Rapids. Their food is good, and I haven't found many other places with such a large variety of craft cocktails.
29 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Long Road Distillers
537 Leonard St NWMy favorite distillery in Grand Rapids. Their food is good, and I haven't found many other places with such a large variety of craft cocktails.
Another Grand Rapids distillery, this one is tucked away in an unassuming industrial zone just north of downtown. Head here for bespoke cocktails, modern twists on classics, and cocktails on draught!
14 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Gray Skies Distillery
7755 Childsdale Avenue NortheastAnother Grand Rapids distillery, this one is tucked away in an unassuming industrial zone just north of downtown. Head here for bespoke cocktails, modern twists on classics, and cocktails on draught!
Perhaps one of the most unique cocktail bars in Grand Rapids, this hidden gem is tucked away in the basement of a building across the street from the GRAM, right next to Big O's pizza. There is only enough seating for about 10 or so guests, but if you can get in, you won't be disappointed by their high-end cocktails, which are given much care and attention when prepared.
13 (рекомендации местных жителей)
SideBar
80 Ottawa Ave NWPerhaps one of the most unique cocktail bars in Grand Rapids, this hidden gem is tucked away in the basement of a building across the street from the GRAM, right next to Big O's pizza. There is only enough seating for about 10 or so guests, but if you can get in, you won't be disappointed by their high-end cocktails, which are given much care and attention when prepared.
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.
41 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Pyramid Scheme
68 Commerce Ave SWCheck 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.
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.
79 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Stella's Lounge
53 Commerce Ave SWStella'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.
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.
9 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Rumors Nightclub
69 Division Ave SMaybe 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.
In town on a Thursday night? Check out their half-off martinis! Oh, and the food is great, too...
36 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Rockwell Republic
45 Division Ave SIn town on a Thursday night? Check out their half-off martinis! Oh, and the food is great, too...
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 NEGay, 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.
Parks & Nature
Because it's 6 minutes away on foot! Head left out of the driveway, and you'll find the entrance to the park at the end of the street. You'll need to walk across the property of the school and head toward the woods, where you'll find paved (and non-paved) hiking, biking, and walking trails. It's beautiful, and if you need to recharge, go for a walk, jog a bit, or just get away from it all for a few minutes, I highly recommend it!
Ken-O-Sha Park
1353 Van Auken St SEBecause it's 6 minutes away on foot! Head left out of the driveway, and you'll find the entrance to the park at the end of the street. You'll need to walk across the property of the school and head toward the woods, where you'll find paved (and non-paved) hiking, biking, and walking trails. It's beautiful, and if you need to recharge, go for a walk, jog a bit, or just get away from it all for a few minutes, I highly recommend it!
Essentials
Located nearby, this is one of the better Asian supermarkets, featuring import foods from many countries. Also located inside a shopping center with a Dim Sum restaurant, and boba tea shop.
Kim Nhung Superstore
4242 Division Ave SLocated nearby, this is one of the better Asian supermarkets, featuring import foods from many countries. Also located inside a shopping center with a Dim Sum restaurant, and boba tea shop.
You can get just about every grocery item you'd need and more at Meijer, from produce to office supplies. Also located very near.
50 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Meijer
5500 Clyde Park Ave SWYou can get just about every grocery item you'd need and more at Meijer, from produce to office supplies. Also located very near.
It's like a cheap Trader Joe's! Amazing import foods from around the world, and nothing but high-quality ingredients in all of their products. If you've never shopped at Aldi before, you have not lived.
ALDI
2120 28th St SEIt's like a cheap Trader Joe's! Amazing import foods from around the world, and nothing but high-quality ingredients in all of their products. If you've never shopped at Aldi before, you have not lived.
Yep, there's a Trader Joe's nearby. Right next to a Chipotle, and across the street from the mall.
9 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Trader Joe's
3684 28th St SEYep, there's a Trader Joe's nearby. Right next to a Chipotle, and across the street from the mall.
You can get the freshest produce at Ken's (aside from the farmer's market.) Also featuring a butcher shop, this local mom-and-pop's grocery store delivers on freshness, and value.
6 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Ken's Fruit Market
2420 Eastern Ave SEYou can get the freshest produce at Ken's (aside from the farmer's market.) Also featuring a butcher shop, this local mom-and-pop's grocery store delivers on freshness, and value.
Located next to Meijer, this small, family-owned Indian grocery store is one of just a few of its kind in Grand Rapids.
Spice of India
1310 28th St SELocated next to Meijer, this small, family-owned Indian grocery store is one of just a few of its kind in Grand Rapids.
Entertainment & Activities
If you're looking for a movie, this is the closest theater, connected to the Woodland mall.
8 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Celebration! Cinema Grand Rapids Woodland
3195 28th St SEIf you're looking for a movie, this is the closest theater, connected to the Woodland mall.
Arts & Culture
While the UICA is a great contemporary art museum in it of itself, it holds a small theater in the basement, which screens the latest indie films, documentaries, and more. Check the website for showtimes and community events, like Open Projector Night.
43 (рекомендации местных жителей)
UICA
17 Pearl St NWWhile the UICA is a great contemporary art museum in it of itself, it holds a small theater in the basement, which screens the latest indie films, documentaries, and more. Check the website for showtimes and community events, like Open Projector Night.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is located in the heart of downtown, and features perhaps the largest collection of art in Grand Rapids. Highly recommended if you enjoy art, or museums.
163 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
11 Sheldon Ave NEThe Grand Rapids Art Museum is located in the heart of downtown, and features perhaps the largest collection of art in Grand Rapids. Highly recommended if you enjoy art, or museums.
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. 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
22 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Meyer May House
450 Madison Ave SETHIS 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. 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
Frederik Meijer Gardens has a little bit of everything: An outdoor sculpture park, botanical gardens, butterfly gardens, interior exhibitions, and the occasional outdoor concert. A true asset to the Grand Rapids community.
200 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Сады Фредерика Мейера
1000 E Beltline Ave NEFrederik Meijer Gardens has a little bit of everything: An outdoor sculpture park, botanical gardens, butterfly gardens, interior exhibitions, and the occasional outdoor concert. A true asset to the Grand Rapids community.
Shopping
Less than 10 minutes from the house, this is one of the main shopping malls in Grand Rapids, featuring Apple, Macy's, H&M, and much more.
49 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Woodland Mall
3195 28th St SELess than 10 minutes from the house, this is one of the main shopping malls in Grand Rapids, featuring Apple, Macy's, H&M, and much more.
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 house 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 SWThis 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 house 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!