Guide to Exploring Ada, Michigan

Ada Garage Bar & Grill

Elevated bar food plus killer cocktails and a vast selection of beers and wine greet guests at the Ada Garage Bar & Grill . Daily drink specials, live music performances, ample outdoor seating and big-screen TVs tuned to the hottest sports events add to the fun. Sunday brunch is a favorite. 518 Ada Dr SE.

Brody’s Be Café

Both a coffee shop and a cause, Brody’s  provides meaningful employment to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The menu includes coffee, of course, as well as smoothies, shakes, baked goods and more. 7257 Thornapple Dr SE.

Dirty Shame Bar & Grill

This “five-star dive bar” boasts a large food menu along with daily specials and affordable drinks. The Dirty Shame  hosts music bingo on Tue evenings, karaoke on Weds and live music on Fri & Sat.  8124 Fulton St E.

Foxtail Coffee Co.

This cozy space is the first Michigan location of a Florida-based purveyor of responsibly sourced beans and artisanal coffee be beverages. The Foxtail Coffee menu includes espresso beverages, cold brew, hot and iced teas, and light breakfast food. 7399 River St SE.

Fruition Acai & Juice Bar

Local health-conscious restaurant  offers fresh food, fast – including acai and avocado bowls, fresh smoothies, toasts and bagels. 460 Ada Dr SE.

Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery

Serving a wide range of beer styles, from crisp lagers and hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and seasonal brews, all brewed on-site to ensure the freshest flavors. Gravel Bottom  also makes its own hard cider and seltzer, and it has a few wines on the beverage menu, as well. The casual pub food menu includes sharables, handhelds and flatbreads. 452 Ada Dr SE.

Jam ‘n Bean

Stop in Jam ‘n Bean  for craft coffee and tea, gourmet popcorn, Michigan-made maple syrup , ice cream and more. 590 Ada Dr SE.

Kamchi Rice & Noodles

Chinese, Thai, Korean and Vietnamese dishes are offered at Kamchi , and you can build your own noodle bowls, too. Delicious boba drinks. 6747 Fulton St E.

Lalos Mexican Grill & Bar

Choose from lots of traditional Mexican dishes at Lalos , including vegetarian selections, and wash them down with Mexican soft drinks, margaritas and other specialty cocktails. Outdoor seating available. 6749 Fulton St E.

Luna of Ada

Luna  offers fresh Mexican fare made with as many local ingredients as possible. Enjoy authentic tacos (available with eight different proteins), quesadillas and tortas or opt for a salad and New York strip steak. The beverage menu emphasizes margaritas, tequilas, mezcals, beer and wine. 7471 River St SE.

MudPenny

This “honestly good” restaurant and coffee bar serves breakfast and lunch, including a generous selection of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and keto items. In addition to a wide variety of coffee drinks, MudPenny  offers beers, cocktails, wines and non-alcoholic beverages. 496 Ada Dr SE.

Myrth

James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Berglund sources local ingredients from West Michigan famers to craft wood-fired artisan pizzas, freshly made pasta, panini, desserts and more at Myrth . Enjoy your meal with a cocktail or two on the outdoor patio. 7423 River St SE.

Nonna’s Pantry

This more casual sister restaurant to Nonna’s Trattoria features fresh, made-from scratch sandwiches, soups, pastries, coffee and grab-and-go items. Many Nonna’s Pantry dishes are gluten-friendly, dairy-free and vegetarian. 591 Ada Dr SE.

Nonna’s Trattoria

A huge wraparound porch (with seating!) is the first thing you’ll notice about Nonna’s , but you’ll likely leave raving about the food. The owners’ love of European cuisine is evident throughout the extensive menu, from the French omelettes at breakfast to the Italian meatballs at dinner. There’s a wonderful Sat and Sun brunch, too, and an ample wine and cocktail list. 584 Ada Dr SE.

The Rix

One of two restaurants in the Ada Hotel, The Rix is named after Rix Robinson, considered the founding father of Ada, and it includes a third-floor terrace for outdoor seating. 7415 River St SE.

Papa K’s Pizza

Papa K’s  is an unpretentious serving dine-in and takeaway pizzas, subs, pastas and more. 497 Pettis Ave.

The Post Tavern

The Post Tavern serves locally crafted tavern fare and locally brewed craft beers inside the new Ada Hotel. 7415 River St SE.

Schnitz Ada Grill

Deli by day, grill by night. Schnitz  is justly known for its lunchtime sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads. But it also shines at night with a menu of comfort-food entrées and appetizers (and a representative sample of those incredible sandwiches). Great drinks and happy hour specials plus a comfy patio. 597 Ada Dr SE.

Scooper’s Ice Cream Shoppe

Scooper’s  offers 50+ flavors made by local creamery Hudsonville Ice Cream along with shakes, slushies, malts, sundaes, sorbets and other ice cream specialties. Grab an outdoor seat or stroll around town with your goodies. Seasonal. 591 Ada Dr SE.

Sprinkles Donut Shop

Sprinkles  is a family-owned donut shop that makes its own donuts, icings and fillings every day. Choose from a wide variety of cake donuts, yeast donuts, cookies and other sweet treats. Enjoy your selections with coffee or milk in the shop – there’s plenty of seating – or take them to-go. 452 Ada Dr SE.

Starbucks

The Ada Starbucks  offers all the signature roasts and light bites you expect from the Seattle-based coffeehouse chain. Located in the Ada Fresh Market grocery store. 444 Ada Dr SE.

Vitale’s Pizza of Ada

A long-standing Italian restaurant, pizzeria and pub from a local family, Vitale’s  offers an extensive lunch and dinner menu along with a wide array of adult beverages. 6650 Fulton St E.

Zeytin

Zeytin  has been serving authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in Ada since 2006. The restaurant caters to all customers, with a semi-fine dining room and casual spaces – including a sports bar – for lunch, after-work and family groups. (There are also some American-style food selections for domestic palates.) Take advantage of Tue-Fri happy hour specials and outdoor seating whenever weather allows. 7437 River St SE.

Downtown Social District

Visitors aged 21+ can purchase alcoholic beverages from participating establishments and consume the outdoors in the Social District Commons Area stretching from Ada Drive to Legacy Park. Hours of operation are noon-10pm Sat & Sun. See the Social District Map.

Ada Hotel

The three-story Ada Hotel, opened in summer 2024, offers 36 guest rooms, two restaurants, a lounge and a fitness center. The name is borrowed from a historic hotel that was located in the village in the early 1900s. 7415 River St SE.

Ada Covered Bridge

The Ada Covered Bridge is a 125-foot wood pedestrian bridge connecting Ada Village on one side of the Thornapple River with Leonard Park on the other side. Originally constructed in 1867, it was the main thoroughfare across the Thornapple River prior to 1930. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the bridge now is a reconstruction of the original bridge that was destroyed by fire in 1979. Ada community leaders recently announced plans for expanded park space on both sides of the river with the bridge at the center: Ada Covered Bridge Park will include a splash pad, kayak launch, pickleball court, river outlooks, walking trails and more. Construction could begin in 2025. 7490 Thornapple River Dr SE.

Ada History Center

The Ada History Center includes the Averill Historical Museum, Ada Historical Society activities and offices, event spaces, a historic barn and a variety of gardens. The Museum is housed in an 1870s farmhouse that features permanent exhibits on Ada history and temporary exhibit space that changes annually. There’s also a gift shop. The Museum is open 1-4pm Fri & Sat from March-December, or by appointment. 7144 Headley St SE.

Clothing

Beyond by Bill & Paul’s . Outdoor-inspired, leisure-focused clothing and accessories for all ages. 551 Settlers Dr # 100.

Croft Haus . Women’s clothing and accessories, home décor & gifts. 452 Ada Dr SE #140.

Gina’s Boutique . Women's apparel in contemporary styles, plus jewelry & other accessories. 496 Ada Dr SE #104.

HMD Boutique. Dance essentials for children under 8 plus clothing, hair accessories, candy & more. 523 Ada Dr SE.

The James Boutique.  Women’s clothing and accessories. 550 Settlers Dr #102.

Laurel & Jack . Apparel for women, men, tweens, teens, kids and babies, plus home décor and unique gifts. 488 Ada Dr SE.

Runway Angels Consignment Boutique . Designer and luxury pre-owned fashion for women. 7199 Thornapple River Dr SE.

Tip Toes.  Clothing, accessories, toys and books for newborns to age 14. 496 Ada Dr SE.

Village Kids Consignment Boutique . Specializing in boutique brands for children. 6739 Fulton St E.

Food

Ada Farmers Market. Shop for fresh farm goods every Tue from summer through fall. 7239 Thornapple River Dr SE.

Ada Fresh Market. Grocery store offering a wide variety of produce, meat, seafood, deli items and artisan baked goods. 444 Ada Dr SE.

Health & Beauty

Ada Village Pharmacy . Full-service pharmacy and wellness center. 7505 River St SE # 108.

Duo Massage. Specializing in couples massage (but serving singles as well). 6440 Fulton St E.

Heidi Christine’s Salon & Spa. Full-service hair and body care for men and women. 7181 Headley St SE.

The James Salon & Spa. Salon and medical spa offers a premium beauty experience. 550 Settlers Dr #102.

Revolve Cycle Studio. Indoor cycling studio offers rhythm and non-rhythm class styles. Opening fall 2024. 7399 River St #103.

Pilates in Ada. Offers 20+ classes to sculpt, tone, lengthen and re-balance your whole body. 452 Ada Dr SE.

Skin CoLAB . Luxury skin care treatments and medical aesthetics for both men and women. 460 Ada Dr SE # 140.

Siren & Proper. Lash lounge and brow bar. 7270 Thornapple River Dr SE Suite A.

Sporting Goods

The Classic Equestrian. High-quality, high-fashion apparel, tack, gifts and more. 396 Pettis Ave SE #110.

Grand Rapids Bicycle Co. Local bike retailer and service shop. 597 Ada Dr SE.

Home Décor & Gifts

Croft Haus. Women’s clothing and accessories, home décor & gifts. 452 Ada Dr SE #140.

Heather Lane Pottery. Wide range of handmade and handpainted pottery goods. Thornapple River Dr S.

Lima-United by Love. Make your own candles, body scrubs and body butters. Thornapple River Dr SE.

Peacock Alley Needlepoint. America’s oldest needlepoint-only shop. 452 Ada Dr SE #120.

Pursuit Paper & Gift. Stationery and paper goods. 496 Ada Dr SE #106.

Miscellaneous

The Artisan Fox. Floral boutique offering bouquets, arrangements and individual stems. 452 Ada Dr SE #115.

Godwin Ada Village Hardware. Full-service hardware, plumbing and outdoor power equipment store. 577 Ada Dr SE.

Plumfield Books. Locally owned and operated general bookstore. 574 Ada Dr SE.

Ada Indoor Country Club

Indoor golf facility provides patrons with a private and comfortable place to hit the virtual links on Golf Digest’s top-ranked premium simulators. Ada Indoor Country Club offers both member and non-member rates. 396 Pettis Ave SE.

Amy Van Andel Library

With 27,000 square feet spread over two floors, the Amy Van Andel Library features an abundance of sunlit space and a large courtyard where people can relax, read, learn and meet up with others. This Kent District Library branch offers traditional hard-copy books and periodicals as well as access to digital materials and experiential learning opportunities for all ages. 725 Headley St SE.

Blok Orchard

With acres of apple trees, peach trees, cherry trees, blueberry bushes, raspberry bushes and vegetable gardens, Blok Orchard offers nothing but the freshest fruits and veggies at its farm market during and beyond growing season. Many crops are available for u-pick. 6365 4 Mile Rd.

Honey Creek Farm Market

Shop Honey Creek for a full complement of fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, delicious cider and donuts, and unique Michigan gift items. Open mid-summer through October. 3100 Honey Creek Ave NE.

Green Wagon Farm

This certified organic farm stocks its year-round farm store with a variety of fresh greens, herbs and fruiting vegetables as well as fresh flower bouquets and dried flower wreaths. Green Wagon offers farm tours on select summer dates and a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program offering weekly pickup of farm-grown items. 4960 Quiggle Ave SE.

Victoria’s Tree Farm

Cut your own Christmas trees at Victoria’s Tree Farm over three weekends starting the Fri after Thanksgiving. Choose from Blue Spruce, White Spruce and Canaan Fir varieties. Visit the gift store for unique holiday items. 9990 Vosburg Ln NE.

Ada Business Association

Charged with promoting the Ada business community and enriching the quality of life for residents, the Ada Business Association hosts family-friendly events throughout the year, including the Pumpkin Prowl (October) and Tinsel, Treats & Trolleys (year-end holidays).

Beers at the Bridge

The Beers at the Bridge Summer Concert Series includes three live musical performances – on Fridays in June, July and August – plus food and drinks available for purchase. Also in Legacy Park, 7430 River St SE.

Discover Ada

Discover Ada was founded in 2020 with a goal of supporting and promoting Ada Village, its businesses and the people who call it home. It serves the community through such events as the Grand Rapids Triathlon, Women’s Night, Rides on River Street and the Fall Festival. Visit Discover Ada on Facebook for a full list of events.

Dirty Shame Bar & Grill

The Dirty Shame hosts music bingo on Tue evenings, karaoke on Weds and live music on Fri & Sat. 8124 Fulton St E.

Grand Rapids Triathlon

Michigan’s largest triathlon and one of the country’s Top 5 Best Triathlons for Beginners, the Grand Rapids Triathlon takes place in Ada over two days every June. Saturday is newbie-friendly day with Super sprint and sprint distances. Sunday trends towards more experienced athletes with Olympic and half distances. Both days features triathlon, duathlon, aquabike, relay and swim-only events.

Music on the Lawn

Music on the Lawn is annual summer concert series offering 10 weeks of Wednesday evening live performances by regional bands. Hosted in Legacy Park, 7430 River St SE.

Grand Rapids Triathlon

Michigan’s largest triathlon and one of the country’s Top 5 Best Triathlons for Beginners, the Grand Rapids Triathlon takes place in Ada over two days every June. Saturday is newbie-friendly day with Super sprint and sprint distances. Sunday trends towards more experienced athletes with Olympic and half distances. Both days features triathlon, duathlon, aquabike, relay and swim-only events.

Ada Township Park

Established for the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, Ada Park offers softball and soccer fields, tennis and pickleball courts, a basketball court, playground, arboretum, fishing pond and paved and natural trails. Picnic facilities and restrooms, too. 1180 Buttrick Ave.

Carl Creek Crossings Preserve

Hilly, wooded Carl Creek Crossings is a natural preserve located along the banks of Carl Creek. The open hardwood forest has spectacular spring wildflowers in April and May and beautiful fall leaf colors, which you can see on gravel trails along the eight-acre property. 6230 Grand River Dr NE.

Cascade Peace Park

Hike the 4-mile-long natural-surface trail in Cascade Peace Park to view a large block of mature hardwoods and the warblers, hawks and owls that inhabit them. There is also an open meadow and a small stream with associated wetlands and lowland forest. 8900 Grand River Dr SE.

Chief Hazy Cloud Park

Boasting more than three-quarters of a mile of frontage on the Grand River and 122 acres of woods and wetlands, Chief Hazy Cloud Park is a popular hiking, fishing and boating spot. 150 Pettis Ave NE.

Grand River Nature Area

The 100+-acre Grand River Nature Area offers stunning views of the Grand River and abundant opportunities to view wildlife in woodlands and wetlands. A paved trail through the natural area starts at Ada Park (1180 Buttrick Ave.).

Legacy Park

Nestled in the heart of downtown Ada, Legacy Park provides beautiful views of the Thornapple River and has a playground, walking/biking path and restrooms, all within an easy walk of several adjacent restaurants and retailers. The Park’s Van Andel Family Pavilion is the site of summer Music on the Lawn concerts. 7430 River St.

Leonard Park

Leonard Park is a small park that is home to the Ada Covered Bridge, a softball field, riverside deck, walking/biking path and restrooms. 7490 Thornapple Dr SE.  

Quail Ridge Golf Club

Featuring generous fairways and greens, gentle hills and large trees interspersed with occasional water and bunkers, Quail Ridge can be challenging – but five sets of tees help make it playable for all skill levels. This public golf course offers “dynamic pricing” (based on current demand) to guests booking on its website or calling the golf shop. 8375 36th St SE.

Roselle Park

Formerly home to the Ada Beef Company, Roselle Park today features natural and restored beauty with paved and natural trails, a Grand River overlook, canoe landing, wetland observation deck, natural-themed playground, climbing wall, picnic tables, restrooms and a silo observation deck (open during special events). 1010 Grand River Dr NE.

Seidman Park

Seidman Park invites visitors to explore more than 400 acres of woods, fields and wetlands via 5-miles of looped natural-surface trails. Two parking lots with seasonal restrooms provide access to the north and south regions of the trail network. Visitors can also reach Seidman via Ada Township’s paved multi-use trail which runs along the north and south borders of the park. 8155 Conservation St NE.