Guidebook for Grand Rapids
Drinks & Nightlife
My favorite place to decompress after a long day of work. The beer is fantastic and their food menu is picnic style fresh classics.
You can not go wrong with anything on the menu, but as far as sides go, the Potato Salad is unreal.
15 residents recomanen
Greyline Brewing Co.
1727 Alpine Ave NWMy favorite place to decompress after a long day of work. The beer is fantastic and their food menu is picnic style fresh classics.
You can not go wrong with anything on the menu, but as far as sides go, the Potato Salad is unreal.
I LOVE the Mitten. Their staple is the Pizza, wood fired to perfection with a range of Vegetarian, Gluten Free and Vegan options.
49 residents recomanen
The Mitten Brewing Company
527 Leonard St NWI LOVE the Mitten. Their staple is the Pizza, wood fired to perfection with a range of Vegetarian, Gluten Free and Vegan options.
Awesome atmosphere fantastic for any group of people from 1-20. Their food is classic, and they lay claim my favorite burger in town .
62 residents recomanen
New Holland Brewing - The Knickerbocker
417 Bridge St NWAwesome atmosphere fantastic for any group of people from 1-20. Their food is classic, and they lay claim my favorite burger in town .
The Dueling Piano Bar! Need I say more? Mojo's is seriously so much fun, bring some cash with you so you can request songs. Additionally there is usually a $3 cover on weekend nights. The pianists here are incredible musicians, I am impressed every time I go.
Additionally, Wednesday night here is college night. $3 drink deals and a dance party on the second level. Also a great time.
27 residents recomanen
Mojo's Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant
180 Monroe Ave NWThe Dueling Piano Bar! Need I say more? Mojo's is seriously so much fun, bring some cash with you so you can request songs. Additionally there is usually a $3 cover on weekend nights. The pianists here are incredible musicians, I am impressed every time I go.
Additionally, Wednesday night here is college night. $3 drink deals and a dance party on the second level. Also a great time.
The most iconic brewery out of Grand Rapids this staple has it all, live music, fantastic food, great beer and an awesome atmosphere. You must check out Founders!
176 residents recomanen
Founders Brewing Co
235 Grandville Ave SWThe most iconic brewery out of Grand Rapids this staple has it all, live music, fantastic food, great beer and an awesome atmosphere. You must check out Founders!
I just recently discovered Grey Skies. And I love it. It is a distillery, so you will not find any beer here. But the bartenders are super helpful and the drinks they make are so personal. Additionally, they do all their distilling on site! So support the locals!!
Also, there is a great ambiance here, perfect for a relaxed drink before or after dinner.
14 residents recomanen
Gray Skies Distillery
7755 Childsdale Avenue NortheastI just recently discovered Grey Skies. And I love it. It is a distillery, so you will not find any beer here. But the bartenders are super helpful and the drinks they make are so personal. Additionally, they do all their distilling on site! So support the locals!!
Also, there is a great ambiance here, perfect for a relaxed drink before or after dinner.
Graydon's Crossing is AWESOME! I love this place. The bartenders are the nicest people and they have fantastic food.
Their Fish and Chips are the best in West Michigan. And that is no joke.
Also, they have great happy hour deals on Beer, Wine, Cocktails and Appetizers every weekday 3-6pm.
AND! On Sundays they have Mimosa Bottle Service Deal $20. And the atmosphere is just awesome. They are like a British themed bar that will always have the British Football on the TV. (Soccer)
21 residents recomanen
Graydon's Crossing
1223 Plainfield Ave NEGraydon's Crossing is AWESOME! I love this place. The bartenders are the nicest people and they have fantastic food.
Their Fish and Chips are the best in West Michigan. And that is no joke.
Also, they have great happy hour deals on Beer, Wine, Cocktails and Appetizers every weekday 3-6pm.
AND! On Sundays they have Mimosa Bottle Service Deal $20. And the atmosphere is just awesome. They are like a British themed bar that will always have the British Football on the TV. (Soccer)
Creston is an Awesome place. Wednesday night is Trivia and they do a fantastic job with it.
Their beer is awesome and their food menu is fresh and tasty. I would highly recommend.
24 residents recomanen
Creston Brewery
1504 Plainfield Ave NECreston is an Awesome place. Wednesday night is Trivia and they do a fantastic job with it.
Their beer is awesome and their food menu is fresh and tasty. I would highly recommend.
The Tin Can originated in Grand Rapids and is super fun bar with drinking games, like flip cup, beer pong, giant Jenga, Darts and more. This is a classic spot if you are looking for cheap drinks a fun environment and new people to meet!
Definitely a younger crowd at the Tin Can.
The Tin Can
206 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue SouthwestThe Tin Can originated in Grand Rapids and is super fun bar with drinking games, like flip cup, beer pong, giant Jenga, Darts and more. This is a classic spot if you are looking for cheap drinks a fun environment and new people to meet!
Definitely a younger crowd at the Tin Can.
Parks & Nature
The John Ball Park Zoo is a staple of Grand Rapids that I would suggest to anyone who loves nature and animals. Their hours vary so it is worth checking the website based on the time of year you are in town. And rates range from $8-$13.
Awesome place for a fun sightseeing date!
91 residents recomanen
John Ball Zoo
1300 Fulton St WThe John Ball Park Zoo is a staple of Grand Rapids that I would suggest to anyone who loves nature and animals. Their hours vary so it is worth checking the website based on the time of year you are in town. And rates range from $8-$13.
Awesome place for a fun sightseeing date!
Rosa Parks Circle is a awesome community gathering place in the center of the city. In the summer, you will find swing dancing going on here. And in the winter they do ice skating!
38 residents recomanen
Cercle Rosa Park
135 Monroe Center St NWRosa Parks Circle is a awesome community gathering place in the center of the city. In the summer, you will find swing dancing going on here. And in the winter they do ice skating!
Food Scene
This my go-to breakfast spot. Family owned and operated, this West Grand Rapids staple is known for their huge portion sizes. (Which I love!) They focus in Polish and Mexican breakfast and brunch, weird combination, I know. But you can not go wrong with anything on the menu here. My personal favorite, is called "The Hungriest" a gigantic breakfast that in all honesty could feed 2 people.
One suggestion I have here. They are always super busy, because it is soooo good and well priced. So a good local trick is to order the food for Take Out and bring it back to the Airbnb. Take out orders usually take about 30-45 mins to be prepared, depending on how busy.
10 residents recomanen
Westsider Cafe
1180 Walker Ave NWThis my go-to breakfast spot. Family owned and operated, this West Grand Rapids staple is known for their huge portion sizes. (Which I love!) They focus in Polish and Mexican breakfast and brunch, weird combination, I know. But you can not go wrong with anything on the menu here. My personal favorite, is called "The Hungriest" a gigantic breakfast that in all honesty could feed 2 people.
One suggestion I have here. They are always super busy, because it is soooo good and well priced. So a good local trick is to order the food for Take Out and bring it back to the Airbnb. Take out orders usually take about 30-45 mins to be prepared, depending on how busy.
Arnie's, Arnie's, Arnie's. This is a West Grand Rapids legend. A very dutch vibe here. The prices are cheap, the food is good and portion sizes are solid. It is a no frills straight to the point great place to enjoy, a breakfast, lunch or dinner.
And their real claim to fame is the Arnie's bakery I would suggest picking up bread from here for a nice baguette for breakfast.
Arnie's Restaurant
2650-D Leonard St NWArnie's, Arnie's, Arnie's. This is a West Grand Rapids legend. A very dutch vibe here. The prices are cheap, the food is good and portion sizes are solid. It is a no frills straight to the point great place to enjoy, a breakfast, lunch or dinner.
And their real claim to fame is the Arnie's bakery I would suggest picking up bread from here for a nice baguette for breakfast.
I can not say enough good things about Electric Cheetah. I do not even know how to describe the food. If I had to put a finger on it though I would say that it is a Homestyle American Comfort food style. Which, just like it sounds, is incredible. I go here often on dates.
32 residents recomanen
The Electric Cheetah
1015 Wealthy St SEI can not say enough good things about Electric Cheetah. I do not even know how to describe the food. If I had to put a finger on it though I would say that it is a Homestyle American Comfort food style. Which, just like it sounds, is incredible. I go here often on dates.
Danzón Cubano is a tribute to the Cuban people, their history, and their culture. The food is incredible and they mix up their menu constantly, so there is always something new and exciting to try.
I would suggest calling ahead to make sure you get a seat though, they do not offer reservations, however you can call ahead to get your place in line.
Danzón Cubano
1 Carlton Avenue SoutheastDanzón Cubano is a tribute to the Cuban people, their history, and their culture. The food is incredible and they mix up their menu constantly, so there is always something new and exciting to try.
I would suggest calling ahead to make sure you get a seat though, they do not offer reservations, however you can call ahead to get your place in line.
The downtown market! It is an absolute must to visit while you are in town. They have so many cool shops and food booths and an atrium on the roof where you can enjoy a locally cultivated meal.
There is honestly too much in the Downtown Market to even list, but they have a little bit of everything, a great place to go with a significant other and take in some sights and smells of local GR artisans.
98 residents recomanen
Downtown Market Grand Rapids
435 Ionia Ave SWThe downtown market! It is an absolute must to visit while you are in town. They have so many cool shops and food booths and an atrium on the roof where you can enjoy a locally cultivated meal.
There is honestly too much in the Downtown Market to even list, but they have a little bit of everything, a great place to go with a significant other and take in some sights and smells of local GR artisans.
MEXO brings Mesoamerican cuisine to Grand Rapids (ingredients and dishes inspired from the Mayan and Aztecs). Explore a new side to Mexican and Central American flavors, with many of the ingredients imported from Mexico, like the avocados and jicama. From house-ground corn tortillas to peanut-free (allergy friendly) mole to pork belly pastor sopes (tacos al pastor tarts), you can’t go wrong. Pair with one of their many margaritas on the bar menu for a real treat.
All in the Heart of Downtown!
MeXo Tequila & Mezcal Bar and Restaurant
118 Fulton St EMEXO brings Mesoamerican cuisine to Grand Rapids (ingredients and dishes inspired from the Mayan and Aztecs). Explore a new side to Mexican and Central American flavors, with many of the ingredients imported from Mexico, like the avocados and jicama. From house-ground corn tortillas to peanut-free (allergy friendly) mole to pork belly pastor sopes (tacos al pastor tarts), you can’t go wrong. Pair with one of their many margaritas on the bar menu for a real treat.
All in the Heart of Downtown!
Hawaiian, Korean and Japanese flavors collide at Poke Toki. Choose from one of their signature bowls (like the Korean grilled gogi dupbap or Japanese tuna don), or make your own bowl. It’s also a great opportunity to try out something new, like tamagoyaki (sweet egg cake) or marinated kanpyo (dried gourd strips).
POKE TOKI
5150 Northland Dr NEHawaiian, Korean and Japanese flavors collide at Poke Toki. Choose from one of their signature bowls (like the Korean grilled gogi dupbap or Japanese tuna don), or make your own bowl. It’s also a great opportunity to try out something new, like tamagoyaki (sweet egg cake) or marinated kanpyo (dried gourd strips).
Looking for some 50's style dining? Grand Rapids has you covered Dan's Diner is under new ownership and a new name and is bringing all the classics but also features and updated menu that’s ripe for 2K19 customers, like lox and bagels, lemon ricotta pancakes and duck confit.
Dan's Diner
6503 28th St SELooking for some 50's style dining? Grand Rapids has you covered Dan's Diner is under new ownership and a new name and is bringing all the classics but also features and updated menu that’s ripe for 2K19 customers, like lox and bagels, lemon ricotta pancakes and duck confit.
Hip and Chic is how I would discribe Linear. Linear features a rotating menu based on seasonality and availability. Here, veg takes center stage with dishes like stuffed phyllo with Brussels sprouts and apple cider butternut squash coulis and tempeh bowl loaded with fresh vegetables and served with fried noodles.
9 residents recomanen
Linear Restaurant
1001 Monroe Ave NWHip and Chic is how I would discribe Linear. Linear features a rotating menu based on seasonality and availability. Here, veg takes center stage with dishes like stuffed phyllo with Brussels sprouts and apple cider butternut squash coulis and tempeh bowl loaded with fresh vegetables and served with fried noodles.
Stan Diego! Stop in at Stan Diego (yes, it’s Stan, not San) for a taste of SoCal. Whether you opt for tacos (like the Baja fish taco: crisp fried fish, chipotle mayo, mango-cabbage slaw and cilantro) or not tacos (think quesadillas, burgers and burritos), each bite will bring back summer sun memories to tide you over until July.
Oh and I almost forgot to mention the Margs. Well priced and delicious. What more do you need?
Stan Diego Baja Taco Kitchen
355 Wilson Avenue NorthwestStan Diego! Stop in at Stan Diego (yes, it’s Stan, not San) for a taste of SoCal. Whether you opt for tacos (like the Baja fish taco: crisp fried fish, chipotle mayo, mango-cabbage slaw and cilantro) or not tacos (think quesadillas, burgers and burritos), each bite will bring back summer sun memories to tide you over until July.
Oh and I almost forgot to mention the Margs. Well priced and delicious. What more do you need?
Trying to get a little bit fancier? Marcona on Lyon serves up modern Mediterranean fare in Midtown. Their menu features dishes from across the basin, from Spain and Italy to Greece and north Africa. You won’t want to miss their weekend brunch, which includes savory items like Egyptian eggs, which is made with boiled eggs, dukka (Egyptian herbs and spice mix), hummus, Zhoug (Yemeni hot sauce popular in the Middle East) and mixed greens.
Marcona on Lyon
623 Lyon St NETrying to get a little bit fancier? Marcona on Lyon serves up modern Mediterranean fare in Midtown. Their menu features dishes from across the basin, from Spain and Italy to Greece and north Africa. You won’t want to miss their weekend brunch, which includes savory items like Egyptian eggs, which is made with boiled eggs, dukka (Egyptian herbs and spice mix), hummus, Zhoug (Yemeni hot sauce popular in the Middle East) and mixed greens.
At the beginning of the New year Roam is arguably one of the hottest restaurants to open this year,. Dine around the world with street-food-tapa-like-bite-foods. They have Indonesian satay, Chinese gua bao, Korean bibimpap, Lebanese tabbouleh and more. The portions are small and the prices aren’t low, but it’s worth a trip if you need a break from the Mitten for an hour or two.
And if you are trying to impress a date, this will live up to the bill (pun intended)
10 residents recomanen
Roam
250 Monroe Ave NWAt the beginning of the New year Roam is arguably one of the hottest restaurants to open this year,. Dine around the world with street-food-tapa-like-bite-foods. They have Indonesian satay, Chinese gua bao, Korean bibimpap, Lebanese tabbouleh and more. The portions are small and the prices aren’t low, but it’s worth a trip if you need a break from the Mitten for an hour or two.
And if you are trying to impress a date, this will live up to the bill (pun intended)
The Commons has a nostalgic 70’s appeal. Inside, wood paneling and dated artwork adorns the wall while mossy-green booths and leather chairs are spread throughout the restaurant. Expect family-style comfort foods on the menu, like steak frites, fried Brussels sprouts and street corn mac and cheese.
11 residents recomanen
The Commons
547 Cherry St SEThe Commons has a nostalgic 70’s appeal. Inside, wood paneling and dated artwork adorns the wall while mossy-green booths and leather chairs are spread throughout the restaurant. Expect family-style comfort foods on the menu, like steak frites, fried Brussels sprouts and street corn mac and cheese.
Arts & Culture
The Museum is so interesting! They change their exhibits constantly, so there is always something new to see. Great for kids and adults. There is a planetarium to look at stars, a carousel for the little ones, and incredible history for the adults.
I would also say this is a great place for a date for a couple intellectuals.
91 residents recomanen
Museu Públic de Grand Rapids
272 Pearl St NWThe Museum is so interesting! They change their exhibits constantly, so there is always something new to see. Great for kids and adults. There is a planetarium to look at stars, a carousel for the little ones, and incredible history for the adults.
I would also say this is a great place for a date for a couple intellectuals.
Located in the heart of downtown, the GRAM for short, is an awesome place to check out as you are exploring downtown. Start your afternoon with a trip to the GRAM, followed by a nice meal at one of the many restaurants walking distance, and then continue your night at any of the many bars in walking distance!
They are constantly rotating the art, and do a fantastic job of curating incredible works of art. Highly recommend.
163 residents recomanen
Museu Infantil de Grand Rapids
11 Sheldon Ave NELocated in the heart of downtown, the GRAM for short, is an awesome place to check out as you are exploring downtown. Start your afternoon with a trip to the GRAM, followed by a nice meal at one of the many restaurants walking distance, and then continue your night at any of the many bars in walking distance!
They are constantly rotating the art, and do a fantastic job of curating incredible works of art. Highly recommend.
Essentials
Everyone knows Meijer. And we have one super close to the house. So if you want to make use of the kitchen, head up the road 4 minutes to Meijer and pick up whatever you need at a great price.
71 residents recomanen
Meijer
746 E 16th StEveryone knows Meijer. And we have one super close to the house. So if you want to make use of the kitchen, head up the road 4 minutes to Meijer and pick up whatever you need at a great price.
Entertainment & Activities
Want to catch a movie before dinner? Celebration has 20+ theatres including two IMAX theatres.
Perfect for a rainy day.
15 residents recomanen
Celebration! Cinema Grand Rapids North & IMAX
2121 Celebration Dr NEWant to catch a movie before dinner? Celebration has 20+ theatres including two IMAX theatres.
Perfect for a rainy day.
AMC recently renovated all of their theatres and put in lush recliner chairs to replace the old uncomfortable movie theater chairs from the past.
They have a good selection of movies and they have a student and senior discount. But I will say, their pricing is already quite reasonable
AMC Grand Rapids 18
3000 Alpine Ave NWAMC recently renovated all of their theatres and put in lush recliner chairs to replace the old uncomfortable movie theater chairs from the past.
They have a good selection of movies and they have a student and senior discount. But I will say, their pricing is already quite reasonable