Anna’s House

A Grand Rapids favorite — fresh, colorful breakfast and brunch with lots of healthy and gluten-free options. Busy on weekends, but always worth it.

City Barbecue

Smoked brisket, pulled pork, and classic BBQ sides. Easy, relaxed, counter-service spot.

Cheesecake Factory

Reliable, huge menu with something for everyone. Great for families or large groups.

On the Border

Tex-Mex chain with good margaritas and easy dining.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

Excellent food paired with their own wines. Great for a nicer, but not overly formal dinner.

Buddies Pizza

Detroit-style deep dish in a comfortable, family-friendly setting.

Additional Nearby Suggestions

Gravity Taphouse (gastropub, great flatbreads)

Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen (casual Italian/Sicilian)

Noto’s Old World Italian (classic, upscale Italian — perfect for rehearsal dinners)

Founders Brewing Co.

Famous for Michigan craft beer — great pub food and live music.

New Holland Knickerbocker

Wide menu, great cocktails, big outdoor area.

Butcher’s Union

One of the best restaurants in the city — incredible whiskey list and amazing steak frites. No reservations, so go early.

Scholar

Trendy, upscale dining and cocktails in a moody, modern atmosphere.

The B.O.B.

Sprawling warehouse featuring a range of eateries, a brewery, beer garden, night club, piano bar & comedy club.

HopCat

Known for “crack fries” (now called “Cosmik fries”) and great craft beer variety.

The Chop House

Upscale steakhouse, perfect for a celebratory dinner.

MDRD – Top of the Amway Grand

Spanish-inspired menu with floor-to-ceiling skyline views. A great place for sunset.

San Chez

Spanish and Mediterranean tapas spot that is great for groups.

Madcap Coffee Company

Local favorite coffee shop offering great coffee and matcha selections

More Downtown Options

Roots Brew Shop (coffee/brunch)

Reserve Wine & Food (excellent wine list)

Terra GR (local & organic)

Stella's Lounge (bar; '80s arcade & graffiti)

Mojo's (restaurant downstairs, dueling pianos upstairs)

Knoop (rooftop cocktail lounge)

IDC (speakeasy; code on website)

SidebarGR (cocktails)

Lantern (loft like coffee shop)

Vivant Brewery & Spirits (brewery in a former chapel)

New Holland (laid back brewpub)

Bistro Bella Vita (italian)

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery (donuts, cider, wine tasting)

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

A nationally known botanical and art experience. The Japanese Garden is stunning, and the sculptures are world-class.

John Ball Zoo

Great for families and easy to walk. Includes interactive exhibits and a fun sky-trail ropes course.

Downtown Riverfront & Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Walk the river, explore the museum, or rent scooters to cruise around downtown.

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

Even if you’re not staying there, it’s fun to explore the iconic lobby and riverside views. MDRD on the top floor is spectacular.

LMCU Ballpark – Whitecaps Baseball

A minor league baseball game is a perfect summer outing. Fireworks often follow games near the 4th of July.

Grand Rapids Amphitheater – Brand-New!

Jack Johnson plays July 5th. A beautiful new waterfront venue — if you’re in town the day after the wedding, it’s a

perfect summer evening.

More Ideas

ArtPrize murals throughout downtown

Heritage Hill Historic Homes walking tour

Breweries — GR is “Beer City USA”

Millennium Park Beach (local swimming lake)