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 Grand Rapids 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. If you’ve been meaning to get out and try a new place, but aren’t sure what’s out there, we’re here to help.
Here’s our guide to new restaurants and bars to try in the new year.
For a new brunch experience, check out ALIBI in Portage at 153 W. Centre Ave. The menu is huge, with options from Breakfast Charcuterie to Wagyu Steak & Egg and a Veggie Scramble. They’re also open for dinner on the weekends, with a menu highlighting seafood and wine.
After being pushed out of their old location by the landlord, La Huasteca has returned in the form of Iker’s Tacos at 1634 Coit Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. Named after the family’s son who tragically passed last year, the restaurant continues to serve up their delicious burritos, tacos, tamales and other Mexican food beloved by the local community.
Where once stood Erb Thai at 950 Wealthy St., kitty corner from The Meanwhile, is now Thai Table. The owners moved here from Bangkok 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. You’ll find your favorite Mexican classics here, from fajitas to enchiladas, tacos, burritos, complimentary chips & salsa, margaritas and much more.
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.
What was once the casual yet lively J. Gardella’s Tavern is now Scholar (11 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids), a refined, charming, welcoming 3-story restaurant with a delicious fine cuisine. Each level has its own bar, dining area and charm, but across all three you’ll find the same expert hospitality and elevated cuisine.
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.
From the people behind Butcher’s Union 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.
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.
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, The Nightwatch Lounge joined the city’s drinking scene. This new cocktail lounge at 201 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids is 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.”
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.
Street Chef Shaw opened his brick-and-mortar location, MIZIZI, in Creston at 1539 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids—the former site of Rinaldi’s. For years now, chef Kirel Shaw has been serving up a fusion of Latin American and East African street foods out of his traveling food truck. Head to the cozy take-out joint for quick service and delicious tacos, burritos, chappatis, pilau and more.
The people behind Social Misfits downtown expanded their kingdom into the ceded lands of Wahlburgers with The Foolery (10 Ionia Ave. NW, Grand Rapids), a “fine dive bar” serving up Detroit-style square pan pizza, nostalgic craft cocktails and cold beer.
Mangiamo is back, in the historic mansion at 1033 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids. After seven years away, Mangiamo has returned with elevated Italian entrees like Lobster Tail Risotto and Conchiglie al Pesto. In the basement, you’ll find the new Mo’s Lounge, a retro cocktail lounge with libations ranging from a classic Aperol Spritz to the fresh and herbal Lana del Slay. Salute!
Eastern Kille Distillery was finally able to open its Rockford location at 7755 Childsdale Ave. NE, right down the road from Third Nature Brewing. The new production space, restaurant and cocktail bar is the first time Eastern Kille has a kitchen, and they’re serving up pizza, apps and salad alongside a seasonally revolving menu of cocktails highlighting their own spirits, of course.
Up Leaf Café joined the lakeshore dining scene at 12371 James St., Holland. This is no ordinary café—the menu is full of rice bowls, noodle bowls, large spring rools, salads, and plant-based energy drinks. If you’re looking for healthy Asian fusion food in Holland, this is the place to be.
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 beer is all self-pour, meaning you can pick and choose exactly how much of each craft brew you want to drink.
Right in downtown Grand Rapids, Big Mini Putt Club joins 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.
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.
