Every cocktail has a legacy, and some last longer than others. Across the many bars and restaurants of Grand Rapids, there are a number of drinks that have become institutions in their own right.
A round-up of the new restaurants and other businesses in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, as well as closings and other changes.
To start, Garden District took over the former home of Monsoon at 55 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids. Opened by a husband and wife duo, this new eatery offers a tastes of New Orleans with Cajun and Creole cuisine, such as Etouffee, Gumbo Yaya and Jambalaya.
Then, SILVA has arrived on the north end of downtown at 975 Ottawa NW, Grand Rapids, making a splash with its unique dinnertainment concept. The restaurant regularly has performers roaming the dining room, in addition to darts and billiards, with a lot more planned—a bocce ball room is coming soon, with a large event space further down the road.
West Michigan’s food scene is home to some of the best restaurants in the Midwest. You may not realize it, because Michelin isn’t sending their critics our way, but that’s fine—here at Revue, we pride ourselves in having great taste and keeping in touch with what the general public loves as well.
It’s fair to guess that the population is divided by some ratio of choosing a restaurant because it offers a favorite dish that can always be relied on, versus the thrill of a special or new item to try for the first time. Some need the comfort of consistency, while others crave the mystery of the unknown.
What’s it really like to work in a kitchen? It’s a question so many of us are fascinated by, as the dining experience typically puts walls between us and the people making our food. When you look at popular depictions of kitchen life, such as The Bear or even Five-Year Engagement, it seems intense to say the least.
You deserve to eat when you’re hungry—even if it is 2 a.m. While Grand Rapids has lost some of its most iconic late-night eats, others have stepped up to the challenge. We have a decent number of spots to snag a bite past midnight, and a handful open even after the bars close.
When the temperatures drop and the snow starts to swirl, West Michigan transforms into a winter wonderland—one best enjoyed from the warmth of heated igloos or domes. These cozy, glowing bubbles of comfort offer the perfect setting for sipping cider, sharing a meal, or even indulging in ice cream while surrounded by frosty scenery.
If you’re looking to add some variety to your life in 2025, one of the easiest ways is checking out a new restaurant or bar. While we’ve seen some beloved eateries and watering holes close in recent times for a variety of reasons, we’ve also seen plenty of excellent spots open up over the past year—with more on the way.
I was sitting at a tall table at Foxtail Coffee in Ada Village having tea with a young woman who could have been any recent college graduate.
Located on the northwest corner of Lincoln Park on Bridge Street’s further West “business side” is a Grand Rapids’ Euro-dining staple, refreshed and reopened: The Sovengard.
