Do Everything in Your Power to Have Regular Date Nights
Motherhood is exhausting. Date Night is a time for me to get away from my kids’ demands and focus on my relationship with my husband. After all, I tell my kids again and again that while I love them immensely, their dad is my favorite person.
We sometimes go out on our own for date night, but we often spend the evening with friends. It’s great to have adult conversations with no kid interruptions.
Our team has put together a great list to help you choose a restaurant for your date night for amazing food, great ambiance and time with each other.
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Be in MINECRAFT, swing like Spider-man, play Beat Saber, Superhot, Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja or Baby Hands, complete spy missions (like a virtual escape room), be in a DISNEY or Jurassic Park movie, Create 3-D art, or Explore with Google Earth! There are many multi-player experiences, too.
Map of Grand Rapids Restaurants You’ll Want to Try
Find your next date night with this map of great date restaurants near you! Read on to see what delicious eats each establishment offers.
Twist our Arms, Here are Our Top 5 Favorite Date Night Restaurants
We went into detail on our top five. Every place on this list is a solid choice for a special night out, depending on your interests.
Ando for the Ramen
Ando is like comfort food but without the artery-clogged regret afterward. Their delicious ramen bowls are full on taste and zing and pair perfectly with one of their fine mule selections. If ramen isn’t your thing, Ando’s sushi will be. I also love that they accommodate dietary restrictions and can cater to gluten-free, vegan, keto diets and more. 415 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI. 616-608-0789
Butcher’s Union for Clean Plate Club
Delicious cocktails, extensive whiskey selection and perfect dishes come together in this welcoming haunt on GR’s northwest side. Majoring in meat and whiskey, Butcher’s Union strives to use local ingredients in their mouthwatering dishes. We are enamored with everything we’ve tried there. My husband even wanted to lick his plate clean last time, it was so good! 438 Bridge St NW. 616-551-1323
Max’s South Seas Hideaway for a Polynesian Getaway
Max’s Tiki Bar is for diners who want an experience. Shrug off the Michigan chill as you step into this tropical oasis, where an extensive cocktail selection and delicious menu awaits. We just checked this place out last week and the drinks and food were both delicious. The unique atmosphere and relaxed vibe may even trick you into thinking you’re a few thousand miles south of the mitten. 58 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids. 616-551-0016
San Chez for the Sharing
San Chez Bistro is a Grand Rapids icon, with its world-class tapas inspired by European, Mediterranean and Latin dishes. It’s a great place to sample lots of things and share incredible fare with your date. Every plate is a hit, so it’s a safe place to be adventurous and try new things. Kick back and enjoy the ambience and be sure to order a pitcher of sangria. 38 West Fulton, Grand Rapids. 616-774-8272
Zeytin for the Worldliness
This hidden gem in Ada features delicious traditional Turkish food. The atmosphere is understated, but accented with comfy Turkish pillows in the booths. The tomato spinach soup is amazing on a chilly night and the wide selection of entrees are made from scratch. It all makes for a truly unique experience. 7437 River Street SE, Ada MI. 616-682-2222
The Ever-Growing List of Grand Rapids Restaurants that Couples Love for Date Night
Downtown Grand Rapids Restaurants
The B.O.B. – The Big Old Building is home to four favorite restaurants: Bob’s Brewery, Bobarino’s Pizzeria, Gilly’s Smokehouse, and Judson’s Steakhouse
Bistro Bella Vita – Essence Restaurant Group establishment, specializing in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine
Brick & Porter – Classic pub food and beer selection
The Bull’s Head Tavern – Local restaurant specializing in American fare
The Chop House – Prime American steak house, a Mainstreet Ventures restaurant
Divani – High end cuisine and cocktails
Downtown Market – houses several favorite restaurants like Aperitivo and Pho616 or you can go à la carte choosing from several different vendors
Forty Pearl – Oysters, craft cocktails, Michigan wine bar
Haute at New Hotel Mertens – Rooftop bar and lounge serving French style small plates
HopCat – Grand Rapids born American pub with ultimate deliciousness: Cosmik Fries
The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck – Made-from-scratch comfort fare meets authentic global classics in the kitchen of the world’s first celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck located in the Amway Grand Plaza
Leo’s – Long-time local restaurant, featuring seafood and classic cuisine
Linear Restaurant – Farm-fresh American
Lumber Baron Bar – Historic bar serving premium drinks and appetizers: Amway Grand Plaza
Luna – Farm-to-table taqueria, specializing in Latin cuisine
Margaux – French inspired cuisine in the J.W. Marriott
Max’s South Seas Hideaway – A three-story tiki bar (need we say more?)
MeXo – Pre-Hispanic Mexican cuisine with a tequila/mezcal bar
one twenty three – American tavern with cozy atmosphere
Osteria Rossa – Casual eatery specializing in rustic Italian cuisine featuring local ingredients
Reserve Wine and Food – Go-to spot for cheese, charcuterie and exceptional wine
ROAM by San Chez – Global street food from the team that created San Chez
Rockwell Republic – Gastropub with eclectic, seasonal cuisine
Ruth’s Chris – American steakhouse:Amway Grand
San Chez – A Tapas Bistro, blending European, Latin American and Mediterranean cuisine
Wheelhouse Kitchen & Cocktails – A Meritage Hospitality Group restaurant offering a contemporary twist on classic American bistro fare
Zoko 822 – Spanish tapas and gin bar
Eastside Grand Rapids Restaurants
7 Monks Taproom – Serving world class beer and fantastic food
Bowdie’s Chophouse – Steakhouse with cocktail and wine bar
Brewery Vivant – LEED certified micro brewery, featuring Belgian and French inspired beer alongside European fare
Carolina Low Country Kitchen – Three local restaurateurs who joined forces to bring the flavors of South Carolina lowcountry to the GR area
The Commons – 70’s style lounge
Danzon Cubano – Authentic Cuban
Donkey Taqueria – Full service bar, serving authentic Mexican food
The Electric Cheetah – Local restaurant, serving real food made from scratch using local and organic ingredients
The Green Well – Essence Restaurant Group Gastro Pub
José Babushka’s – A fun fusion of Polish and Mexican fare (trust us, it works)
Marcona on Lyon – Modern Mediterranean cuisine
Matchbox Diner & Drinks – Old school diner and delicatessen serving classic dinner food and drinks and a handful of seasonal entrees
Palio – Authentic Tuscan-style cuisine, Mainstreet Ventures Restaurant
Rose’s – Casual American, Gilmore Collection restaurant
Terra – Local farm-fresh American
Vander Mill – Pub fare and Michigan crafted hard ciders, live music
WikiWiki Poke Shop – Funky, fun mix of Hawaiian and Asian flavors
Westside Grand Rapids Restaurants
Ando – sushi and ramen heaven
Blue Dog Tavern – pub fare in a historic building
Butcher’s Union – American, exquisite food, inspired cocktails and an unrivaled whiskey collection
The Jolly Pumpkin – pizzeria and brewery
The Knickerbocker – Brewpub and distillery serving fresh-made beer-centric food
The Mitten Brewing Co. – Wood-fired pizza and beer selection
One Bourbon – Diverse menu and bourbon tasting room
Salvatore’s – Italian, family-run business with old-Italian favorites
The Søvengård– Scandinavian, biergarten and kitchen featuring hyper-local and seasonally based cuisine and drinks
Kentwood/Southeast GR Restaurants
The Cheesecake Factory – A vast menu of dinner options as well dozens of dessert options
FireRock Grille – Gourmet American fare with outdoor dining options in season
Irie Kitchen – Authentic Caribbean street food
JAKU– Specializing in Japanese and Korean food along with a vast sushi menu
Ju Sushi & Lounge – Sushi Lounge, featuring traditional Japanese entrees and a unique dining experience
Shang Hai Ichiban – Family-run Asian fine dining, featuring a Japanese Steakhouse, Chinese Dining and Sushi Bar
Shiraz Grille – Authentic Persian
Tokyo Grill & Sushi – Bringing the best Japanese sushi and cuisine to the area
Knapp’s Corner
Bravo Cucina Italiana – Fresh, Mediterranean Italian
Fuji Yama Japanese Steakhouse – Hibachi grill and sushi bar
JAKU– Specializing in Japanese and Korean food along with a vast sushi menu
Licari’s – Sicilian pizza kitchen
Melting Pot – Dinner and dessert fondue
Thai Chef – Family owned Thai restaurant
Comstock Park / North GR Restaurants
Amore Trattoria Italiana – Italian, award-winning, family-run business
Mill Creek Tavern – American, food and spirits
Perrin Brewing Company – Brewery serving pub fare
Ramona’s Table – Farm-to-table food in the heart of downtown Rockford
Red’s at Thousand Oaks – Modern american fare with wine bar
Hudsonville / Jenison / Grandville / Wyoming
Hudsonville Grille – American, locally owned, family-friendly
Licari’s – Sicilian pizza kitchen
Lindo Mexico – Fresh Mexican fare with signature cocktails and live music
Rush Creek Bistro – American, casual dining atmosphere
Sonder Eatery – American, local, farm-fresh
The Win Tavern 33 – Specializing in Michigan craft beers, pub fare accelerated
Walker / Standale / Northwest
The Latin House – serving authentic Peruvian, Argentinian, and Colombian cuisine
Stan Diego – Delicious baja style tacos with a fun, casual atmosphere (also they have board games to play while you dine)
Walker Roadhouse– Casual, yet an intimate atmosphere, with a diverse American menu
Westside Social – American tavern style food
CAN’T WAIT TO TRY THESE UP-AND-COMING DATE NIGHT EATS:
(these restaurants aren’t open yet, but already are on our list of spots we think will make fantastic date nights)
Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge – Cajun infused American cuisine with a tasting room (opening late winter 2020)
The Electric Cheetah Cascade – Same great food and house-brewed root beer in a second location (opening late winter 2020)
GRNoir – Wine bar serving small plates and hosting live jazz (opening April 2020)
Texas de Bazil – Brazilian steakhouse where they serve you meat fresh off the roasting skewer (opening winter 2021)
Tupelo Honey – Southern cuisine from the Carolina mountains and local craft beer (opening spring 2020)
Zygnus 27 – This date night staple will be returning after a year long hiatus. Look forward to a reworked menu and panoramic views from this restaurant atop the 27th story of the Amway Grand (reopening spring 2020)
Is your favorite on this list? Or do you have another special spot that you like to hit up with your date? Let us know in the comment so we can check it out too!
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Cheap Date Ideas – 20 Creative Grand Rapids Area Dates for Under $20
Inexpensive Date Ideas Around Grand Rapids Dates Worth Going on Without Breaking the Bank Kids can make date nights expensive! By the time you pay a babysitter, it’s hard to get out of the house without spending a small fortune. And once you get the sitter--what do you do? Dinner and a movie is hardly quality time together (but I get it, sometimes we just need to unwind with popcorn). It's time to think outside the box! We have 20 creative date ideas to get you out for a date for under $20. So call the babysitter and make some plans to [...]
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North Area – Bostwick Lake Inn – one of our favorite places. Food is great and view is wonderful!
We went to Amore Trattoria Italiana!! It was amazing!! Thanks for the idea!!
Six.one.six @j JW Marriott is pretty fantastic for a date night!