A round-up of the new restaurants and other businesses in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, as well as closings and other changes.
OPENED:
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.
The owners of Pinktail Poke inside the Downtown Market have decided to make a change, and shifted the space to Rudy’s Sub Shop (435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids), named after owner Jeffrey Butzow’s daughter. They’re fresh, made-to-order, classic subs, like Turkey & Provolone or the Market Club, and they come in three sizes: Rudy Size, Mom Size, Dad Size.
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.
Love pickleball? How about golf? The two come together at the new Pickle & Pin, now open at 662 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids. They have multiple pickleball courts, with Glo Ball on Friday and Saturday nights, in addition to golf simulators and a full bar.
Holland got a new climbing gym with the opening of Shift Climbing at 12345 James St., inside the Westshore mall. Head in for 5,100 square feet of climbing terrain for bouldering, unique tiltable walls, a café, and an extremely welcoming and dedicated staff.
Downtown in Studio Park, you’ll find Niksi Home & Floral (121 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids), a cute new boutique full of locally sourced flowers, colorful artisanal goods, vintage finds and plant care essentials.
In Muskegon, Casa Cabos joined the new Lumberman’s Vault food hall at 221 W. Webster Ave, serving up delicious Mexican fare like quesadillas, burritos, tortas, birria and more. They join Soul Filled in the space, which offers soul food like chicken & waffles or shrimp & grits. Three more restaurants will be coming soon!
If you’re a knitter, crocheter or other fiber artist—experienced or just starting—head to Unwind, a new shop at 1059 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids. Opened by two former art teachers, they offer tons of classes, workshops and events for all ages, alongside a large selection of yarn, hooks, needles, patterns and more.
CHANGES
Downtown GR’s OTONO (25 S. Division Ave.) expanded by opening a café, open everyday from 8 am to 6 pm. Stop into this casual secondhand clothing and home goods shop for a pick-me-up with espresso drinks, drip coffee and pour overs to choose from.
Le Macaron Grand Rapids is now Sugar Bar Sips & Sweets. This downtown eatery at 132 Monroe Center St. NW offers a bar as well, thanks to a rebrand, remodel and new liquor license. Stop in for pastries, cake, chocolate bars and a drink.
Grand Vin (15 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) expanded with a new wine lounge! Their 600-square-foot shop now offers wine by the glass or bottle, grab and go snacks, and rotating beer/cider—with cozy seats to enjoy it all.
Farewell to wine and amaro bar Post Off, which will be changing to a new concept, Hard Times (952 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids). It’s meant to be a return to the classic neighborhood bar experience, focusing on affordability and community. Expect pool, darts, affordable drinks and no BS.
Wise Men Distillery (4717 Broadmoor Ave. SE) announced it was closing in January, but is now reopening with a rebrand as Twisted Tap Distillery. You’ll be able to enjoy the Wise Men spirits under their Legacy Line, with new spirits making use of Twisted Tap Sugar Shack’s maple and black walnut products.
CLOSED
Rockwell Republic announced their closing after 17 years in business, crediting the “current fiscally challenging environment” for regrettably shutting doors. They were known for their sangria, Bloody Mary’s, brunch, happy hours, sushi, outdoor patio and more.
The Pubb Food and Spirits closed in February, announcing a transition to an event space. “This bar has a special place in my heart with some amazing memories from a patron, to a bartender, and all the way to an owner. Thank you West Michigan for welcoming me in,” said the owner, Mariel.
3 Gatos Brewery closed doors, with a heartfelt message on Facebook conveying the financial difficulties they’ve experienced, along with personal obstacles. “Thank you for making 3 Gatos a special place. The memories we’ve made together will stay with me forever,” said owner Linus De Paoli.
Citing rising food costs and other challenges, Beacon Corner Bar announced its closure, thanking “our amazing staff, loyal guests and everyone who supported us.” You can support the family’s other businesses at San Chez and ROAM.
