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:
Crafted Copper opened doors in Kalamazoo at 229 E. Michigan Ave. This new bar has a wide array of cocktails, along with a tap wall and duckpin bowling. The cocktails span from classics like a Boulivardier to “Duckpond Group Cocktails” intended for 4 guests and more. The beer is all self-pour, meaning you can pick and choose exactly how much of each craft brew you want to drink. And the bowling is duckpin, so you don’t have to rent any special shoes or pick out the perfect ball for you—just walk up and get rolling on these smaller lanes with shorter pins.
Right in downtown Grand Rapids, Big Mini Putt Club joined us from across the pond (and by that, we mean Chicago). Head to 70 Ionia Ave. SW for not just drinks, but 9 holes of challenging mini golf right inside the bar, along with a variety of free games like a Nintendo 64, darts and giant Jenga, plus card-operated games like air hockey, Skee-Ball and arcade basketball.
Inside the Woodland Mall (3121 28th St., Kentwood), you’ll find the new Main Event. This fun center has tons of options, from a bowling alley to billiards, laser tag and shuffleboard. Not to mention a wide array of cabinet arcade games, plus a virtual reality arcade. Perfect for family fun and birthday parties!
Caledonia got a taste of Italy with Rossana’s Table at 107 E. Main St. The local owners of this eatery are dedicated to carrying on the legacy of their beloved Nonna and her kitchen. Head here for pasta, pizza, and Italian entrees, plus plenty of wine and cocktails.
Where once stood Erb Thai at 950 Wealthy St., kitty corner from The Meanwhile, is now Thai Table. Married couple Pennapa Wichian and Eakkasak Kaosa-ard moved here from Bangkok less than a year ago, with the goal of bringing authentic, top-tier Thai food to the area. Due to those more traditional flavors and an eagerness to be part of the community, Thai Table has already developed a loyal following declaring it the best of its kind.
In Walker/Standale, at the former site of DeHop’s Brewing (363 Cummings Ave. NW), El Tapatio Mexican Grill & Bar
has joined the ranks. This new Mexican restaurant is owned by a Holland native who also runs several other eateries across West Michigan, such as El Rancho in Holland and Don Poncho in Wayland. You’ll find your favorite Mexican classics here, from fajitas to enchiladas, tacos, burritos, complimentary chips & salsa, margaritas and much more.
The Mitten Brewing Co. (527 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids) expanded with the addition of The Outfield, a biergarten in what was once the brewery’s parking lot. With games to play, new concrete, landscaping, patio furniture and lights, it’s now an excellent spot to hang out and enjoy some pizza and brews outdoors.
In place of Jolly Pumpkin Grand Rapids, the owners have shifted concepts to Pide & Stick at 428 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids. While still serving craft beer from Jolly Pumpkin and North Peak, alongside other craft beer, the food menu has changed drastically from pizza to Mediterranean cuisine. Or maybe it’s not so drastic, considering that pide (pronounced pee-deh) is sort of a Turkish pizza, with a variety of toppings baked into a boat-shaped flatbread. You’ll also find various shawarma, baklava and kabobs (hence the stick).
How are you feeling? Because Creston is feeling Good Good Good, thanks to the new natural wine bar and flower shop at 1590 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. Opened by three local aficionados, Good Good Good is all about delicious wines made with zero unnecessary additives and “minimal intervention.” Similarly, the flowers are grown by local farmers, with no dyes, sold seasonally. Come on in to enjoy a glass of wine and snacks inside, or grab a bottle and some flowers from the shop to-go.
Babylon Kitchen opened doors at 4255 Alpine Ave., north of 4 Mile. This new Iraqi Mediterranean kitchen offers a fully halal menu, with classic options like shawarma, kabob, tikka, falafel, baklava and more. According to the owners, everything is 100 percent fresh, authentic and halal—never frozen.
In the heart of downtown is Road to Revitalize, a luxury juice bar. At 125 Ottawa Ave., you’ll find a variety of fresh, cold-pressed, 100% organic juices, such as the Red Carpet, which has celery, cucumber, lemon, spinach, beet and carrot. They also have wellness shots, snacks and acai bowls.
CLOSED:
Local restaurants continue to deal with the changing times as they’re forced to either close doors or consolidate efforts, including Maru Sushi, which closed its Bridge Street location (formerly known as Ando) recently. The restaurant decided to focus its efforts on providing the best possible experience at one location in the city, but expressed gratitude for the support over 7 years at the Bridge spot.
Wyoming said goodbye to a longtime institution, Frankie V’s Sicilian Pizza & Grill at 1420 28th St. SW, Wyoming. The restaurant has been around since 2001, but owners Frank and Wanda Vitale opened their first pizzeria in 1988. Now, due to ongoing staffing and pricing challenges, the family is closing doors, though their children and grandchildren may carry on with catering. Meanwhile, the space will be part of the new HōM Flats at 28 West.
Downtown Grand Rapids, Forty Pearl (40 Pearl St. NW) closed doors rather abruptly. This satellite tasting room and restaurant for Brengman Brothers Winery had been open since 2018, offering plenty of wine in addition to pasta, seafood and other entrees.
