Above all else, 2020 has been a time of change. Businesses are closing and opening left and right.
Some restaurant owners have been hit so hard by the pandemic, they viewed this as a good time to get out. Others see the shifting landscape as an opportunity to try something new.
As always, we’re here at the end of the year to tell you who arrived on the scene, who left, and what to expect next.
Editor’s Note: Due to COVID, these businesses may or may not actually be open to customers when you’re reading this.
RECENT OPENINGS
In Muskegon, Wonderland Distilling joined the lakeshore with a new cocktail bar. Head to 1989 Lakeshore Dr., Suite B for snacks and craft cocktails made with Wonderland’s own spirits, such as the Sweater Weather, with vodka, apple liqueur, lemon, brown sugar simple syrup, bitters and soda water. They’re also providing to-go cocktails in cans to enjoy at home or out in the wild. Wonderland’s spirits currently include vodka, gin, and a blend of straight whiskeys.
If you’re looking for refined Dutch cuisine, head to Knoop Rooftop Beer Garden, which opened recently in downtown Grand Rapids atop Canopy by Hilton. Perched up above at 131 Ionia Ave. SW, this beer garden and restaurant has signature cocktails, an entire pretzel menu, and a varied, Dutch-inspired dinner menu. A sample visit might include the Wood Works, made with blended scotch, Islay scotch, cynar, maple and orange bitters; a Sizzling Sriracha pretzel with spinach & artichoke dip; and a lobster quesadilla, with lobster, heirloom tomatoes, charred veggies, scallions, avocado crème and chipotle aioli.
Basalt is a new culinary experience from chef Steven Martinez-Thiel, primarily focused on catering. If you want a modern, elevated Tex-Mex meal, hire Basalt for your small, safe gathering, whether it’s for weddings, work, holidays or any other event. You may also find them collaborating with local businesses like Hyssop Floral, for a dessert and flower combination. The menu features options like achiote wings, enchiladas verdes, and a large taco pack.
For people who love liquids of all kinds, Alt City Beverage Company has arrived in the Downtown Market at 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids. Coffee drinks, smoothies, coldbrew teas, zero-proof cocktails — it’s all here. Start your day with a café miel, then have a pumpkin pie smoothie for lunch, hibiscus black coldbrewed tea for a pick-me-up, and a nonalcoholic French 75 when you’re done working.
KCM took over Gaia Café’s former space at 209 Diamond Ave. SE, bringing authentic Korean and Japanese cuisine to Grand Rapids. Katsu curry, tamago sandwiches, kimbap, tuna & crab toast — all items you likely won’t find anywhere else around. It’s the kind of food that’s especially popular in California and Hawaii, and also food that owner Jason Kim grew up having at home. Kim has worked in restaurants across the world, including in Korea.
The Medical Mile has a new coffee shop in the form of Kaffeine, at 637 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids. The drink menu features all of the coffee drinks you’d expect, along with special lattes like Masala Chai, Turmeric Ginger Latte and Military Latte, made with matcha green tea, vanilla syrup, espresso and cocoa powder. They’re working on food as well, so stop in and see what they have!
OTHER 2020 OPENINGS
Art Caribbean Fusion Cuisine opened downtown Grand Rapids at 55 Monroe Center NW. The art-centric restaurant serves unique Caribbean food, such as empanadas and steak jibarito made with plantains instead of bread.
The cheekily named Quarantino’s opened at 1444 Lake Drive SE. They’re bringing Detroit-style pizza to Grand Rapids with a variety of pies, like the Buffalo Chicken and Yes, We Have A Chicken Pesto Pizza.
Hailing from the east side, Two James Spirits was finally able to open its Grand Rapids tasting room at 740 Michigan St., sharing an entrance with 7 Monks Taproom. The distillery is known for its Michigan-grown spirits and imaginative craft cocktails.
Taco + Bar joined the Holland community, offering tacos and cocktails as the name suggests. This new restaurant at 220 W. 8th St. is focused on being local, fresh and community-oriented. The menu is unpretentious, yet offers a variety of taco offerings, including two vegetarian options.
Oh, Hello Co. has been an online business since 2014, but owners Kayla and Alex Benda opened a location in 40 Monroe Center in downtown Grand Rapids. Their specialty is unique planners, notebooks and stickers, making it the perfect place to get 2020 off to a creative, organized start. They also offer stationery, greeting cards and just about anything to do with paper.
Adesanya Mead opened in Grandville at 3012 28th St. SW, launching with a nice selection of draft (lightly carbonated) meads, such as the Still Frame, a tangerine, pineapple and mango mead with wildflower honey.
On the Westside, Bestside Bar and Grill opened in August, offering cocktails, shots, and food. Try a crazy shot like Cinnamon Crunch or Peanut Butter & Jelly, then enjoy a burger, sandwich, or pizza — all at 1645 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids.
After taking over Zoko 822’s spot at 822 Ottawa Ave. NW, Sandy Point Beach Houseopened in summer. The menu focuses on prime burgers, steaks and fish, along with tacos from sister restaurant MeXo.
Lost Art Brewhouse opened in Walker, at 3393 Remembrance Rd NW, kicking off with classic styles like imperial IPAs and American stouts.
In place of Jonny B’z, Royals opened for less than a full day before the stay-at-home order went in effect. Now, it’s back. Head to 701 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, for a charming neighborhood diner with memorable meals.
From the owners of New Hotel Mertens came an entirely different concept: 9th Street Steaks at 35 Oakes St. SW, Grand Rapids. The simple and delicious menu features true Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks, fries, onion rings and milkshakes, all of which come in gigantic portions.
Pinktail Poke opened in the Downtown Market at 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, right alongside High Tide Sodas. It’s all customizable, so you can order a signature bowl and tweak it or build your own from the base up.
Bro’s Doughsarrived in full force with dozens of mini doughnuts in hand. The shop at at 2042 E. Beltline Ave., Grand Rapids is owned and operated by Brodie “Bro” Hock and his wife, Meghan. They offer all kinds of premade creations — or make your own, choosing from more than 50 flavors, including monthly specials. They may be small, but they pack a flavorful punch.
Arvon Brewing | 1006 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids
Beyond by Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus | 551 Settlers Drive, Suite 100, Grand Rapids
Brunch Lounge | 122 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids
Commune | 1409 Robinson Rd. SE, Grand Rapids
FlannelJax | 601 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids
Handmap Brewing | 15 Carlyle St., Battle Creek
Isabel’s Market + Eatery | 310 Blue Star Highway, Douglas
La Ventanita | 50 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Lunar Cycle | 601 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids
Mosby’s Popcorn | 15 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
MudPenny | 496 Ada Drive SE, Ada
Paul Thai Restaurant | 3912 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
Pinball Land | 114 Courtland St., Rockford
POPantics | 5424 S. Division Ave., Kentwood
Posh Nails and Spa | 38 Commerce Ave., Grand Rapids
Smoke’n Tulip | 150 W. 8th St., Holland
Sparks BBQ | 15 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
Terra Bagels | 1413 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids
The Lake House | 704 Maritime Drive, Ludington
Valhalla | 3408 Miller Rd., Kalamazoo
West Side Deli | 405 Seward Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
YoChef’s Café | 34 44th St. SE, Grand Rapids
CLOSINGS
Charley’s Crab | 63 Market Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
GR Bagel | 423 Norwood Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
Grand Central Market & Deli | 57 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids
Grand River Cigar Lounge | 144 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
Grove | 919 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids
Marcona on Lyon | 623 Lyon St., Grand Rapids
Social Kitchen & Bar | Downtown Market
Kingfisher Restaurant and Deli | 1001 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids
Dan's Diner | 6503 28st. SE, Grand Rapids
KEEP AN EYE OUT
Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge | 106 Pearl NW, Grand Rapids
Arktos Meadery (new location) | 442 Bridge Street, Grand Rapids
Gaia Café | 1553 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
GR Noir Wine & Jazz Room | 35 S. Division Avenue, Grand Rapids
K-ROK Grand Rapids | 169 Louis Campau Promenade NW, Grand Rapids
Küsterer Brauhaus | 642 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids
MadGrub | 1431 Plainfield Avenue NE, Grand Rapids
MDRD | 187 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Pux Cider Taphouse | 311 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids
The Meat Up Gastropub | 11 Ionia Avenue SW, Grand Rapids
Wise Men Distillery | Inside McKay Tower, Grand Rapids
