In all frankness, i went to Grand Rapids with minimal culinary expectations. This worked out in my favor, because after just two short days there, I was completely blown away by how great some of the food was. Grand Rapids quickly became one of my favorite culinary cities in the US, much thanks to the chefs’ and restaurateurs’ innovative play on dishes and brews. If you’re headed to Grand Rapids, use this guide as your one-stop shop for all things wining and dining.
Reserve Wine & Food
Reserve Wine & Food tops this list for good reason. It is well-known as one of the nicest restaurants in town, and while the general attitude seemed to be a “love it or hate it,” I am fully on the love it team. Not only was Reserve the most memorable meal I had in Grand Rapids, but it was the most memorable meal I had while in Michigan. The staff is extremely attentive and passionate about what they do. They have an incredible wine program, and the bartender was friendly enough to let me sample different wines (many of which are on draft) until I hit a perfect pairing, which she helped guide me to do. I ordered the whole fried sea bream, a specialty pasta they had on the menu (it constantly rotates, but the pasta is always made fresh in-house), and oysters. Once the fish came out, a staff member came out to break it down for me right before my very eyes, plucking away at all of the pin bones in the process. Service, ambiance, and flavors were all a 10/10, and you’d be remiss to visit Grand Rapids and not dine at Reserve.
- Address: 201 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Aperitivo
Grand Rapids Downtown Market has many different stalls and booths, but the real winner for me was Aperitivo. Serving up local and international cheeses, cured meats, wine, jams, and nuts, this woman-owned eatery is best known for their thoughtfully-crafted charcuterie boards. I love a good cheese plate, so I decided to make Aperitivo my breakfast one morning (well, at 11:30am), paired with a glass of Prosecco. The portion was massive, but of course, I managed to wipe it clean. The staff was incredibly helpful in guiding me to choosing the right cheeses and meats.
- Address: 435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Max’s South Seas Hideaway
Grand Rapids might be known as the city of beer, but some of their cocktail bars are the best I’ve gone to in all of the USA. Topping that list is Max’s South Seas Hideaway, where, while it might appear to be a kitschy themed Hawaiian/Polynesian spot, the cocktails are an elevated version of those classic tiki drinks. I only had time for one, and it went down a little too easy. Maybe it was because it was served in a cute barrel-style cup, maybe it was the pretty flower on top, maybe it was the hounds of crushed ice that made it so refreshing, but whatever it was, if I ever find myself in Grand Rapids again, Max’s South Seas Hideaway just might be my first stop.
- Address: 58 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Harmony Brewing Company
Grand Rapids is the city of beer, after all, so when in Rome. Harmony Brewing Company is a fantastic brewery serving up unique and fun brews. My favorite was their Smoked Squirrel Porter which tastes like a “campfire in a glass.” Take a good whiff out of the snifter and you will be transported to a suburbian summertime bonfire. Harmony Brewing Company also serves up several varieties of pizza, like “Spring Fields,” containing Michigan cheddar, roasted strawberries, arugula, gorgonzola, on a garlic oil base, and “Crispy Pig,” containing pepperoni, ham, prosciutto, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
- Address: 1551 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Speciation Cellars
Yet another fantastic brewery in Grand Rapids is Speciation Cellars. The space is wide open and quite large, with intricate artwork on the walls. Their innovative brews range from a Blueberry Lavender Lager to an Imperial Stout with notes of vanilla, cacao nibs, and cinnamon. They also produce a great sour beer called Sangria Incipent ’23, which contains Balaton cherries, lemon, lime, orange, and red grapes. If you’re looking to take a break from beer, Speciation Cellars offers a great selection of natural wines.
- Address: 928 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Brewery Vivant
One of the most unique breweries I’ve had the honor of visiting in my lifetime is Brewery Vivant. Once a funeral home, this now-brewery has a strong mission in sustainability and puts their money where their mouth is with their annual “beer the change” report. I was wildly impressed with every beer I tried, and after talking to their head beermaster, I realize I need to come back for “Weird Beer Week,” which occurs every April. In the past, they’ve made beer out of fun ingredients like green skittles and squid ink. The atmosphere of Brewery Vivant is chill, a bit eery due to its past (I mean this in the best way possible), and above all, damn delicious.
- Address: 925 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Last Mile Cafe
Looking for a break from all of that heavy food and booze? Come get a pep in your step with the fresh espresso and coffee at Last Mile Cafe. Last Mile Cafe is the first Black and woman-owned cafe in Grand Rapids, and their mission to sustainability goes far above and beyond your average coffee shop. They care deeply about social justice issues like clean drinking water, criminal justice reform, youth at-risk, and environmental justice. Not only do they preach it, but they practice it: Last Mile Cafe donates over 10% of their revenue to organizations that make a positive impact on the issues that are important to them and the Grand Rapids community.
- Address: 1006 Hall St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
MDRD
There’s nothing quite like sitting high in the sky while sipping some delicious libations and eating impeccable dishes. That’s where MDRD comes into place. Located on the 27th floor of the stunning Amway Grand Plaza Hotel (aka the best hotel in Grand Rapids), MDRD serves up Spanish-style tapas and large plates, perfect for feasting with friends. I tried so many different dishes here, and while all were great, the real standout was the Costillas de Cordero (lamb chop with marcona almond picado and ajo verde). The cocktail program is also close to perfection. Is there anything better than wining and dining with a view?
- Address: 187 Monroe Ave NW 27th Floor, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
DISCLAIMER: Experience Grand Rapids sponsored my visit to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
DISCLAIMER II: I might make a small commission from some of the links throughout this article, but the price is the same for you. This helps keep my business running so I can continue to provide free travel tips!