Local's Guide to the Best Espresso Martinis in Grand Rapids

Birch Lodge

This classic neighborhood bar in downtown’s Medical Mile neighborhood serves great bar food and affordable drinks in a down-to-earth atmosphere with tons of character (and lots of TV screens for sports fans). It’s probably not the first place you’d expect to find a trendy drink like the espresso martini, but as “The Birch” itself put it in a Facebook post promoting its version of the drink, “Yep, we can be fancy … but not pricey.”

Try one during Friday’s Perch at the Birch (featuring all-you-can-eat lake perch) or Sunday’s Church at the Birch (brunch with free tacos). Or any day of the week, for that matter – Birch Lodge is open daily from 11am-2am at 732 Michigan St NE.

Bistro Bella Vita

Just steps from downtown’s Van Andel Arena, modern French-Italian restaurant Bistro Bella has been serving a classic espresso martini for more than two decades. But as befits the home of West Michigan’s largest martini bar, Bella Vita mixologists like to expand the concept with occasional variations, such as a vanilla espresso martini and pumpkin spice espresso martini. Try one of these exceptionally creamy and delicious drinks with one of the restaurant’s typically indulgent desserts for an unforgettable taste treat. 44 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW.

The Chop House

This plush steakhouse in downtown Grand Rapids invites guests to experience “consummately satisfying fine dining” with perfectly prepared prime beef (and pork, poultry, seafood and shellfish), decadent desserts, impeccable service and spirited cocktails.

While it tends toward the classics, The Chop House isn’t afraid to get creative – witness the pumpkin espresso martini it served last fall, made with spiced rum, Kahlua, crème de cacao dark, pumpkin puree and espresso. Open 5-10pm Mon-Thu, 5-11pm Sat and 4-9pm Sun. 190 Monroe Ave NW.

Drip Drop Cocktail Room

Located in downtown’s Bridge Street Entertainment District, Drip Drop Cocktail Room serves artisan-style cocktails in a swanky-but-comfy setting. Last we checked, Drip Drop’s espresso martini was made with Corazon Reposado tequila, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, Grand Marnier, Averna, pecan orgeat and some “local magic” from MudPenny coffee bar – but the creative folks behind the bar like to switch up the ingredients with each new seasonal menu release, so stop in regularly to compare versions. 445 Bridge Street NW.

JW Marriott Grand Rapids

This downtown hotel offers three venues for enjoying your espresso martini: Margaux, a chic French-style bistro; the Lounge at Margaux, a more casual and contemporary space; and JDek at Margaux, a year-round patio with domes in the winter and open-air seating overlooking the Grand River in the summer. Whatever your seating choice, you’re bound to love the smooth blend of locally distilled Eastern Kille vodka, amaro Averna, espresso and demerara that does into the hotel’s espresso martini.

Margaux is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; JDek for lunch and dinner; and the Lounge for dinner. 235 Louis St NW.

Linear

A modern American restaurant located in the North Monroe neighborhood of downtown Grand Rapids, Linear knows its way around a martini (and all sorts of other handcrafted cocktails) and will happily whip up its espresso version for you. Enjoy it in the airy interior space or on the patio overlooking the Grand River. 1001 Monroe Ave NW.

Lumber Baron Bar

“The bessstttt espresso martinis,” declares reviewer Kristy B. of the caffeinated cocktails served up at this clubby bar in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel – and we’re not about to argue with someone who can turn “best” into a nine-letter word. The Lumber Baron Bar’s leather furnishings, roaring fireplace, and polished wood walls and ceiling deliver an ambiance as sumptuous as its premium cocktails. There’s a huge wine and spirits list, too. 187 Monroe Ave NW.

MDRD

MDRD (pronounced “Madrid”) is an award-winning Spanish restaurant on the 27^th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The eatery promises “lavish libations” – and its espresso martini more than lives up to that pledge. It’s made with house-infused blood orange Tito’s vodka, Lustau Rojo Vermut (from Spain), Licor 43 Spanish liqueur and house-brewed chilled espresso, then finished with a dehydrated blood orange and a trail of ground coffee beans. It’s a drink worthy of the view, which is arguably the best in the city, and the cuisine, which is, in a word, divine. 187 Monroe Ave NW.

MeXo

This restaurant and tequila/mezcal bar brings a modern touch to the classic pre-Hispanic food of Mexico. Ask for the “Mexpresso Tini” – made with mezcal, tequila, nixta (a Mexican liqueur), mole bitters (inspired by the Mexican sauce), fee foam, cream and espresso, it’s unlike any other espresso martini on this list. It’s a bold flavor pairs deliciously with any of MeXo’s authentically creative dishes. 118 Fulton St E.

San Chez

Serving Grand Rapids a blend of authentic European, Mediterranean and Latin American cuisine since 1992, San Chez offers a wide range of cocktails, mocktails, cervezas, sangria and more to accompany its tapas dishes. Its espresso martini is made with two locally distilled spirits: New Holland’s Lake Life vodka and Eastern Kille’s coffee liqueur, plus frangelico, tuaca, Kahlua, espresso and creme de cacao. A decaf version is available. 38 Fulton St W.

Social Misfits

Social Misfits is known for its eclectic, innovative menu of from-scratch waffles, coffees and cocktails, and its espresso martini is no exception. It’s made with just three ingredients – toasted coconut vodka, espresso and saline – but it packs a powerful punch and is a great way to get going any time of day. The restaurant is on the ground floor of downtown’s ​Residence Inn by Marriott at 43 Fulton St W.

Buffalo Traders Lounge

Celebrating the art of cocktail culture, Buffalo Traders Lounge offers a wide range of classic and creative drinks in a cozy, Art Deco-inspired space. (There’s an outdoor patio, too.) Order up a classic espresso martini or ask your bartender to jazz it up with an egg and minty Fernata Branca Menta for a delightfully different experience. 950 Fulton St E.

The Grey Rabbit

Fans say the Kahlua-fueled espresso martini at this cocktail lounge-slash-art gallery on Wealthy St. is itself a work of art. Savor one as you enjoy light bites and peruse ever-changing art exhibitions, or settle in on The Grey Rabbit’s outdoor patio for some natural eye candy. 700 Wealthy St SE.

Grove

Consistently voted one of the city’s best restaurants by locals, Grove serves an ever-evolving menu of premium farm-to-table fare. You can’t go wrong with its classic espresso martini, but another version of it, dubbed “Fascination Street,” also draws raves. It’s made with espresso from local Madcap Coffee, Plantation Barbados 5yr rum, Lusta Pedro Ximenez sherry, Om salted chocolate liqueur, toasted coconut foam and Maldon sea salt. 919 Cherry St SE.

Mangiamo

Offering elevated Italian dining in a spectacular 1873-era mansion, Mangiamo invites guests to “indulge in late-night luxury” via its Mansion Espresso Martini, featuring rich Italian espresso, hints of coconut, decadent chocolate and Spanish licor. The drink is smart, sophisticated and a little over the top – just like the restaurant itself. 1033 Lake Dr SE.

Bier Distillery

A micro-distillery, brewery and restaurant in Comstock Park, Bier Distillery serves its own craft liquor, beer and wine, and also crafts them into classic and innovative cocktails, like its Italian Espresso Martini. One of the signature cocktails on its regular menu, it includes Bier’s Hopjes coffee liqueur, made with locally roasted Schuil coffee beans, Brillari Amaro Americano (a bittersweet herbal liqueur) and orange bitters.

Bier offers similarly inventive Dutch and American bar food to accompany its beverages, and you can enjoy your choices on the patio in warm weather. 5295 West River Dr. NE.

The Post Tavern

Situated in the new and dazzling Ada Hotel 20 minutes east of downtown GR, The Post Tavern welcomes the public to enjoy warm hospitality, handcrafted fare, local craft beers and an array of inventive cocktails – including the Foxtail Fusion Martini made with Mammoth vodka, liquor 42 and chilled espresso from Foxtail Coffee, just down the street. 7415 River St.

Sip Coffee & Cocktails

Located in the walkable Alger Heights neighborhood, Sip Coffee and Cocktails is a coffee joint by day and bar by night. The evening menu lists three popular espresso cocktails: an espresso martini made with espresso, coffee liqueur, vodka and cardamom syrup; carajillo, featuring espresso, liquor 43, reposado, vanilla and chocolate bitters, and agave syrup; and adult affogato, combining espresso with coffee and white chocolate liqueurs, spiced rum and French vanilla ice cream.

There are many more specialty cocktails to choose from, and Sip also offers an array of wine, beer, spirits and spirit-free cocktails, as well as flatbreads and desserts during evening hours. 806 Alger St SE.

The Holiday Bar

With roots dating back to 1905, The Holiday Bar is one of the city’s oldest watering holes – but Its luscious espresso martini proves it still knows how to stay on trend after all these years. Situated adjacent to the Bridge Street Entertainment District, The Holiday boasts a 40-foot horseshoe bar inside, a full-service bar on the outside patio, an elevated pub grub menu and an extensive selection of craft (and canned!) cocktails to complement its beer and spirits offerings.

Long Road Distillers

Grand Rapids’ first-ever distillery, opened in 2015, has racked up oodles of awards for its spirits, which you can enjoy straight or blended into amazing signature and seasonal cocktails. There were three espresso martinis on the menu as of our last visit: At Last, made with original Long Road vodka; Heart and Soul, featuring Long Road aged rum; and Second Time Around, pairing original vodka with orange liqueur. Can’t decide? Order a flight of all three! There’s a small (and delectable) food menu, too. 537 Leonard St NW.

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