A round-up of the biggest openings, closings and other changes for local businesses.
OPENED: After two long years, The Sovengard has finally returned, opening their new doors at 1232 Bridge St., Grand Rapids. This beloved eatery launched with Scandinavian-inspired cuisine, and focuses on "hyper local, seasonal and responsibly sourced food and drink in a casual yet classy atmosphere." The previous location down the road was known for its big beautiful biergarten, and they've made sure to include one here as well. Welcome back!
From the people behind Butcher's Union, one of the most popular restaurants in West Michigan, comes a new concept: Gin Gin's. Opening doors just around the corner at 345 Summer Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, this new spot offers a diverse menu of American classics, including premium steaks, fresh seafood and handmade pasta. For drinks, they're focusing on handcrafted martinis and vintage cocktails. Dinner reservations are already booking up for days out at a time.
Lotus Brew Coffee/Dry Bar reopened doors after quickly outgrowing their former spot in Creston. Now located in East Hills at 211 Diamond Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, this queer café is more than just a café, having developed a tightknit community through various gatherings, non- alcoholic cocktails, and a library. Not to mention, of course, delicious coffee and espresso drinks.
Taquero Mucho opened in the Godwin Heights neighborhood of Wyoming at 3536 S. Division Ave., developing out of a food truck business. With a bright pink aesthetic that's perfect for taking pictures of your food, your friends or just the space itself, it's a feast for the eyes along with a menu of tacos, burritos, quesabirria, tamales and much more.
After a lengthy (well, maybe I'm just impatient) renovation, House Rules Board Game Lounge (404 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) recently opened its brand-new kitchen. The menu features a number of burger, chicken or pork sliders, "nom noms" that include chicken tenders and mozz sticks, and a bunch of loaded fries, including pizza fries, nacho fries and BBQ pork fries. Of course, they also still have a slew of craft beer taps, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy while you game!
The owner of El Granjero opened a second restaurant at 1202 W. Fulton St., right by the John Ball Zoo: Mercadito Mexican Eats and Treats. This new spot is serving up fun and creative eats inspired by Mexican street food, including savory ones like pambazo, flautas and elote, and sweet ones like mini pancakes, marquesitas, gansito preparado and more.
In the heart of downtown, across Monroe Avenue from The B.O.B., The Nightwatch Lounge joined the city's drinking scene. This new cocktail lounge at 201 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids is hidden behind a non-descript door, an ode to the Prohibition days. It's a highly curated space, intending to give a high-class experience, from the art on the walls to the lighting to the thoughtful cocktails, including multiple non-alcoholic options.
Allendale has a new coffee shop in the form of The Borough, which grew out of humble beginnings as a coffee cart serving out of a garage. The café at 10237 42nd Ave., Allendale serves up not just coffee concoctions, but American-style dishes including bagels, soup, salads and sandwiches, plus acai bowls, "all with a touch of innovation."
Broad Leaf Westside has returned with the same name but a new concept, still at 443 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids (the former Sovengard space). While not a massive shift-the brewery/eatery still has its fun arcade games and beautiful outdoor patio-the food menu has changed from the fusion concept before it to a blend of two offerings. First is Shake Party, which is offering up extreme milkshakes absolutely loaded with toppings, perfect for photos. Second is the switch to acting as an incubator kitchen, meaning different cooks will be in there depending on the day, serving up everything from tacos to dumplings to Vietnamese food. Check social media for the dining deets!
Muskegon Brewing Company is the first brewery to join the ranks in a while, and we're delighted to have them. Tucked away on Muskegon Lake, which feeds into Lake Michigan, the new spot has a beautiful view of the water on its large second- floor patio. Head in for a variety of classic craft beer styles, from IPAs to saisons to stouts, along with a tasty food menu of creative shareables, handhelds, burgers, seafood and more.
