The 35 best restaurants in Grand Rapids, according to locals

Photo courtesy of Scholar Restaurant

By Stacy Rounds

October 17, 2024

We asked more than a thousand Grand Rapids locals to tell us all about their favorite places to grab a great meal. Below are the best restaurants in Grand Rapids in 2024, according to our readers.

When it comes to dining out in Grand Rapids, the options are endless. From cozy neighborhood bistros to upscale steakhouses, there’s something for every palate in the Furniture City. To help you navigate the culinary scene, we asked you, the local foodies, to tell us your top picks. We tallied over 1,200 votes and compiled the top restaurants in Grand Rapids.

The best restaurants in Grand Rapids

Steak at Butcher's Union Restaurant in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Photo courtesy of Butcher’s Union

Butcher’s Union is a haven for meat lovers. It’s a place that celebrates the art of butchery and elevates the dining experience with a creative flair that’s hard to match. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and contemporary sophistication.

The focus at Butcher’s Union lies on two things: meat and whiskey. So start your visit with an old-fashioned and an order of Wagyu Beef Tartare. Each bite of hand-cut steak is enhanced with capers and parsley, setting the standard for the rest of your meal.

The best new restaurants in Grand Rapids

Since opening downtown in the fall, Scholar has emerged as a culinary gem that beckons food lovers to its doors. This place is a vibrant sanctuary where creativity and flavor dance on every plate. With a dedication to crafting unforgettable dining experiences, Scholar sets the bar high for innovative cuisine in the city.

The best burger in Grand Rapids

The undeniable champion of burgers is Stella’s Lounge. Here, burgers are a celebration of bold flavors and high-quality ingredients. And those burgers are served with a side of rock ‘n’ roll. Their specialty lies in burgers that are not just topped with ingredients ranging from green olives to pineapple butter, but stuffed with bacon, blue cheese, and more.

Stella’s Lounge ensures that every element of their burgers, from the buns that cradle the patty to the cheeses that ooze into every crevice, contributes to a symphony of tastes that’s both familiar and thrillingly new. It’s this attention to detail and dedication to pushing the envelope that makes dining at Stella’s an experience to remember.

The best burrito in Grand Rapids

A giant burrito smothered in red sauce and yellow cheese.

Courtesy of Beltline Bar

Your favorite burrito overall comes from the Beltline Bar! That’s no surprise, since this seventy-year-old establishment is the birthplace of the wet burrito. Beloved among locals, The Beltline Bar has long been drawing in crowds eager to wrap their hands around a cold margarita, a hot burrito, flautas, tacos, and more amazing treats.

The best Asian food in Grand Rapids

With three convenient locations and an extensive, affordable menu of delicious Chinese fare, it’s no wonder that First Wok was our readers’ number one pick. Diners can satisfy their cravings by starting off with their crispy egg rolls or perhaps the steamed dumplings, tender pouches of joy that practically melt in your mouth, teasing your palate for what’s to come. And that’s just the beginning.

The best wine spot in Grand Rapids

As the crown jewel of our reader’s choice list, this exquisite wine shop is a sanctuary for wine lovers. With over 3,000 labels available in their wine loft at any given time, the shelves of Martha’s Vineyard Fine Wine offer more diversity and choice than any other wine shop in the area. Bottles from premiere vineyards and small producers across the globe are available for in-store shopping, pick-up, or shipping seven days a week.

The best Mexican restaurant in Grand Rapids

What sets Tacos el Cuñado apart is its chefs’ dedication to freshness and flavor in their expansive menu. They can cater to a wide array of people, including meat lovers, vegetarians, and even picky kids. While higher-end Mexican restaurants concentrate on mixing the perfect margarita, Tacos el Cuñado is happy to serve the best horchata and even offer Capri Suns for the little ones. They also serve breakfast, including homemade pancakes that the whole family will love.

The best brewery in Grand Rapids

Colorful canned beers sitting on a wooden table.

Courtesy of New Holland Brewing Co.

Taking the crown in our reader’s poll is none other than “The Knickerbocker,” Grand Rapids’ New Holland Brewing location, a beautiful gathering space for friends or formal events. This brewery stands above the rest for its creativity and quality in the craft beer landscape of Grand Rapids. New Holland pushes the boundaries of traditional brewing, offering tastes that you can’t find anywhere else. Plus, this picturesque location offers a variety of cocktails and a carefully curated menu of wood-fired favorites and experimental treats for every taste.

The best ice cream in Grand Rapids

Walking up to Frosty Boy is like stepping into a sweet, frosty wonderland where every flavor of ice cream you could dream of is waiting to be discovered. This local gem has been whipping up delicious cones, cups, and sundaes that have locals and visitors alike coming back time and time again. It’s a beacon for those seeking a taste of nostalgia mixed with innovative, mouth-watering flavors.

The best hot dog in Grand Rapids

Best hot dog in Grand Rapids at Yesterdog

Photo courtesy of Yesterdog

Stepping into Yesterdog is like taking a delicious trip back in time. This gem has been dishing out its famous hot dogs since 1976, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in the local dining scene. Its walls, adorned with eclectic memorabilia, and the warm, welcoming glow that seems to embrace each patron upon entry, set the stage for an unforgettable adventure.

Author

Stacy Rounds

Stacy Rounds is a writer and growth producer for The Gander. Prior to joining the team, Stacy has worked as a writer, editor, and engagement specialist covering topics ranging from local history, disability advocacy, recreation, and food hotspots to relationships and mental health.

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