Throughout summer, new businesses across West Michigan have been opening doors, from sit-down restaurants to takeout eateries, clothing boutiques and vintage warehouses. Check it out.

People coming together to socialize over beverages—it’s a tale as old as time.

Talk Desserty To Me is a tasty tour of sweet treats around town, from columnist Allison Kay Bannister. I’ve always had a bit of a fondness for sweets, dating back to childhood when I would ride my bike across several subdivisions to get a specific kind of black licorice.

Dining is a huge part of any place’s culture, and West Michigan is no exception. We have passionate people working nonstop to up the food game in town. 

That’s right, it’s time to eat and drink in the sun. After so many frosty months, many of the restaurants and bars in West Michigan are bursting out onto the sidewalk, into back patios, and across wide open decks.

A round-up of the new restaurants and other businesses in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, as well as closings, relocations and other changes.

Here at Revue, we believe West Michigan’s dining and drinking scene punches well above its weight. We have incredibly driven, passionate and innovative people creating a stellar constellation of experiences across the region—Scandinavian cuisine, tapas, wild breweries, vegan coffee shops, dive bars. It’s almost too much to process, and you might find yourself revisiting the same list every time you think about going out.

In any city, there are eateries that become big names through word of mouth, marketing and familiarity. And then are the hidden gems.

Nothing cures a case of the winter blues like a piping hot, steamy bowl of soup.

Another year down, and despite economic challenges, West Michigan’s local scene is looking as strong as ever.