Your Grand Rapids Dining Guide
Deciding where to eat shouldn’t feel like the hardest course of the night – but somehow, it can be. When cooking feels like too much and everyone’s throwing out “I don’t care, you pick,” we have your back.
Grand Rapids has oodles of restaurant options these days.
This guide is your shortcut from hanger to happiness, serving up family friendly favorites, swoon-worthy date night spots, sunny patio eats, and allergy-aware restaurants that take the stress off the menu.
So go ahead – table the debate, grab your fork, and let someone else do the dishes. We promise you’ll find some incredible spots from main staples to newbies that will turn dinner time into winner time.
Restaurants That Kids and Adults Will Love
Getting a sitter is pricey, and not always an option, so when your kids tag along, there is more criteria to picking a spot to dine out. Will they have a high chair? Do they have food my kids will eat? Will they be entirely out of place?
Let’s feed those constantly growing bodies inexpensively (or free!) so here is our HUGE list of where kids eat free, or close to it.
Grand Rapids has lots of family friendly dining. Try the Old Goat, Big Bob’s Pizza, or Licari’s.
You can grab the best burger in Grand Rapids from Stella’s Lounge and challenge your kids to a game in their retro arcade. Or stop at the iconic Yesterdog in Eastown for a gourmet hot dog to make you feel like a kid again.
If its winter, bundle up and hit up these spots for igloo dining.
Parents craving some of Beer City’s finest? Here is the hook up on kid friendly breweries.
Have children that need to get the wiggles out while waiting for their food? Head here for awesome yards and play spaces.
Be sure to follow up family dinner with a sweet treat. Candy shops and cookies, or ice cream make every evening end well. In the fall, don’t forget about the power of cider and donuts!
Allergy-Friendly Dining
Want a meal out as a family but have food sensitivities to be mindful of?
There are a growing number of restaurants going the extra mile to provide allergy-friendly service. From locally-owned favorites, like Noble and The Old Goat, to chain restaurants, you can get great eats for everyone!
Gluten free dining is also making way in Grand Rapids. Check out Fika, or Anna’s House for loads of GF options.
Date Night Restaurants and Other Places Adults Love to Eat
It’s so important to leave the kids behind for a date night when you can!
Try out something brand new with your sweetheart at one of these new restaurants in GR.
Start the night out right with a cocktail or an app at any of these rooftop bars. Great views, fun atmosphere, and a perfect way to unwind. Or try relaxing at the restaurants with the best hangs.
Our Big List of Grand Rapids Restaurants makes it easy to find an eatery near you – we’ve broken it down by location and mapped them out! Downtown? Bistro Bella Vita or Luna are great options. On the Westside? Butcher’s Union is a must.
You can taste or cook your way through several of the options on our 101 Interesting Date Night Ideas list! Coffee shops and desserts make for extra sweet date nights. Or get hands-on and make your own pasta, chocolate truffles, and cheese at the Local Epicurean.
Outdoor Restaurant Picks – Patios, Decks and Some Waterfront Views
While there are many ways to the heart, a good restaurant patio is near the top of the list.
For those of us that will wait a little longer to sit in the sunshine, there are a TON of outdoor dining options with patios, decks, and even those with a view of the water, in Grand Rapids and by the lakeshore.
Also, the food truck scene has skyrocketed in Grand Rapids! As the weather warms up, you’ll want to make sure you grab a bite from the hottest food trucks in town. Everyone (picky kids included) will find something they love!
Holidays & Special Occasions
Grand Rapids is full of fun places to have a special meal–whether it’s a birthday, a baby shower, or celebrating a holiday. You can enjoy a Mother’s Day Brunch, a nice Easter meal or breakfast with Santa.Â
Going out for baby showers instead of making someone host is the best idea! No one has to stress and prep and clean their house.
What’s for Dinner?
At the end of the day, the hardest part of going out to eat isn’t finding good food in Grand Rapids – its agreeing and selecting where to go.
Whether you’re wrangling kids, planning a date night, or chasing the patio weather, there is a seat (and a menu) waiting for you and we hope we’ve helped give you a plethora of options.
So close the fridge, support local and bon appetite!
