A round-up of the new restaurants and other businesses in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, as well as closings and other changes.
As you likely saw on social media, Pages & Peonies just had its grand opening at 2751 Alpine Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, drawing a long, long line down the street on a 95F day. The heat was fitting for this new “spicy” bookstore, which offers a wide selection of romance novels, including from indie and self-published authors (such as store co-owner, Sarah Ellison).
At 2240 28th Street, Grand Rapids, you’ll now find the fittingly named Bring Back Analog, a store entirely dedicated to buying, selling and repairing vintage audio equipment. High-quality amps, speakers, cassette decks, VHS players, turntables—they have it all, not to mention the expertise of owner and audiophile Steve Huizenga.
Morning Ritual has moved into its new space downtown at 150 Ottawa Ave. NW, across the corner from Kendall College. This beloved coffee shop is known for floral/herbal drinks, vegan eats, live music and good vibes.
Kalamazoo gained a new excellent farm-to-table brunch destination in the form of Greenhouse Café (505 E. North Street), which offers a locally sourced menu featuring their popular chilaquiles, seasonal specials, made-to-order omelets, and fresh coffee.
Out in Kentwood, you can find authentic and delicious Mexican food at El Burrito Gigante, which opened doors at S. 5524 Division Ave. They have burritos, gorditas, tortas, quesadillas, hamburguesas, agua fresca, strawberry horchata and more.
New to the Downtown Market is Go Vegan GR (pictured above), a 100% plant-based shop with healthy and convenient options—including vegan burgers, “chicken” and “fish” sandwiches, veggie wraps, jackfruit subs, sides and more.
Wise Men Distillery downtown (inside the McKay Tower) has essentially returned as Twisted Tap Distillery, working collaboratively to offer locally made spirits with a heavy emphasis on the maple and black walnut flavors that Twisted Tap is known for.
Maru Sushi on Bridge Street has been replaced with Kawa Sushi & Bar, which expanded from its original location in Rockford. Nigiri, sashimi, rolls, ramen, fried rice, entrees, drinks—they have it all.
Pasta restaurant and wine bar Reserve in Downtown Grand Rapids has been reborn as Allora, which features fresh coastal Italian cuisine, with “elevated but down-to-earth preparations of a seafood-forward menu, including unique, reimagined takes on pastas, proteins, coastal Italian classics, and more.”
Enjoy authentic Brazilian cuisine at the first such eatery in Grand Rapids: PAC Brazilian Restaurant, now open at 44th Street SW, Wyoming. They have empanadas, coxinha, picanha (grilled steak), flatbreads, burgers and more.
A new coworking space opened at Cottage on Turner (429 Turner Ave. NW, Grand Rapids). Tired of working from home? Missing some community? This beautiful historic home has been turned into a coworking space by Mallory Root of Roots Brew Shop and friend Kate Avery. Get a membership to work in the common space, reserve your own desk or even get your own office.
NIDO is a sort of combination secondhand store/mending shop/art hub/community center and more, now at 317 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids. Check their social media for upcoming events, including the weekly recurring Throwdown Thursdays, which alternate between Collaging, Block Printing, Doodling and Wild Card sessions!
CHANGES:
Blue Dog Tavern (638 Stocking Ave. NW, Grand Rapids) has essentially completed its kitchen renovation and expanded with a sizeable, yet cozy, enclosed outdoor patio, just in time for summer. Enjoy some hot dogs, beer and boozy slushies out in the open air. And of course: Dogs are more than welcome.
