Grand Rapids dinner options a half mile from the convention center

One of the best things about meeting in Grand Rapids is the abundance of dining options within a casual stroll of our convention center.

We’ve compiled a list of eateries located a half mile or less from the intersection of Monroe Avenue and Lyon Street, at the south end of DeVos Place Convention Center – so you can easily walk to them after the meeting day is done. Many are located along FREE bus routes – look for the pink DASH Shuttle – and can also be easily accessed via rideshare services.

Grand Rapids has been named one of America’s Top Foodie Cities, celebrated for its affordable farm-to-table dining, so delicious is always on the menu –  whether at an elegant fine dining establishment or a drop-in-anytime coffeehouse. Bon Appetit!

Restaurant hours and menus can change without notice, so it’s always a good idea to confirm via phone or social media before you visit.

Fine Dining

Allora
Serving fresh, coastal Italian cuisine crafted from local, sustainably sourced fare, and featuring an exceptional wine list. Tue-Sat.

The Chop House
A “Consummately satisfying” fine dining experience includes a menu of USDA Prime steaks, Midwestern grain-fed meats, premium wines, and glorious desserts. Daily.

The Heritage Restaurant
Staffed by students of the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education under the supervision of chef Professors and Table Service Professors, The Heritage offers fine dining at a discount. Tue-Thur during the school year.

Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar
Voted GR’s best seafood restaurant for its exquisite seafood dishes, classic cuisine, decadent desserts, world-class wine list, and sophisticated setting. Mon-Sat.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Classic American steakhouse features perfectly cooked USDA Prime beef plus chicken, fish, and lighter vegetarian fare. Award-winning wine list. Mon-Sat.

Scholar
Three-level restaurant in an 1880s-era building specializes in early American cuisine, timeless design and warm hospitality. Daily.

Upscale Casual

Bistro Bella Vita
Frequent winner of local dining awards serves up modern French and Italian cuisine, made from scratch with as many sustainably sourced ingredients as possible. Daily.

Butcher's Union
Modern gastropub with a meat-heavy menu of globally inspired fare, 100+ whiskeys and draft beer. Daily.

Gin Gin’s 
Offers a diverse menu of American classics, including premium steaks, fresh seafood and handmade pasta, plus handcrafted martinis and vintage cocktails. Mon-Sat.

Kawa Sushi & Bar
Blends creativity with Japanese tradition to deliver exceptional taste in every bite, from fresh sushi to flavorful soups. Daily.

The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
Celebrity chef restaurant inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel offers gourmet pizzas, appetizers, salads, noodles, and entrees. Daily.

Knoop Rooftop Beer Garden
Enjoy made-from-scratch shareables, sandwiches, salads and entrees while enjoying scenic views of downtown GR atop the Canopy by Hilton hotel. Daily.

Lumber Baron Bar
Elegant, historic bar inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel serves a menu from Ruth’s Chris Steak House as well as a large selection of premium drinks. Tue-Sat.

Margaux
Contemporary French bistro in the JW Marriott Hotel brings the best of classic European cuisine to a modern American audience. The outdoor Jdek offers year-round riverside seating. Daily.

MDRD
Perched high atop the Grand Rapids cityscape on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza hotel, MDRD is a AAA 4-Diamond restaurant serving modern Spanish cuisine along with awesome views. Tue-Sat.

Nagoya Hibachi Steak House & Sushi
Japanese restaurant offers fresh sushi and hibachi meals, with four hibachi tables available. Daily.

Real Seafood Company
Contemporary, polished eatery menus premium fresh fish and seafood from the waters of New England to the Great Lakes along with the authentic flavors of seasonal and local produce. Daily.

Casual

Angel’s Thai Café
Features an extensive menu of authentic Thai fare including your-choice stir fry options. Tue-Sun.

Barrio Tacos
Midwest chain restaurant offers signature build-your-own tacos and tasty cocktails in a hip, casual space. Daily. 

Big Mini Putt Club

This indoor miniature golf course and sports bar partners with next door neighbor Luna to bring in Mexican meals for your dinner – just order at the kiosk behind the bar. Daily.

Big O Pizza & Booze 
Family-friendly eatery with specialty pizzas, subs, and red-sauce fare in a chill space with a bar. Wed-Sun.

The Bistro 
Modern bistro inside the Downtown Courtyard by Marriott Hotel offers a variety of dinner and cocktail options. Daily.

Bobarino’s
Enjoy made-to-order pizza and handcrafted beers from B.O.B.’s Brewery inside or on the 2nd-floor skydeck at this restaurant inside The B.O.B. (Big Old Building). Tue-Sat.

Brick & Porter
Local pub serves creative burgers plus a selection of entrees, sandwiches, salads, soups, craft beer, and specialty drinks. Daily.

Bridge Street Bar
Detroit-themed sports bar offers a mix of classic pub grub from both the east side and west side of Michigan. Daily.

Buffalo Wild Wings
National chain restaurant dishes up wings, tenders, and burgers along with an array of sauces and side dishes. Daily.

Burger Theory
Restaurant and lounge inside the Holiday Inn Downtown Hotel serves American fare and local beer in casual surroundings. Daily.

Cinco de Mayo
Fresh-made Mexican food – tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, and much more – grace the menu at this cheerful cantina restaurant. Daily.

CitySēn Lounge
New American-style gastropub in CityFlatsHotel offers seasonal dishes and an ample selection of craft beers, wine and cocktails. Tue-Sat.

Condado Tacos
Build-your-own-tacos are the big draw here, along with delicious dips and drinks. Daily.

Dublin Hall
Traditional pub food, Irish and Mexican beers, and a wide variety of cocktails are in store for you at this casual Irish bar and restaurant. Tue-Sun. 

Fratelli's Kitchen & Bar
Savor a modern twist on classic Sicilian cuisine – pizza, pasta, sandwiches and more – plus beer, wine and cocktails. Daily. 

Fratelli's Pizza
Specializing in pizza and sandwiches, with a smattering of pasta, salads and apps. Daily.

Garden District
Enjoy a taste of New Orleans in Grand Rapids via Cajun and Creole dishes like etouffee, jambalaya, muffuletta, po boys and more, along with a full bar. Daily.

Gimme’s Par & Grill
Enjoy drinks, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, salads and more, and take a swing in state-of-the-art golf simulators. Mon-Sat in summer, daily the rest of the year.

Grand Woods Lounge
Hunting lodge-themed restaurant offers great “drinks, grub and grooves” – including 84-oz. cocktail “buckets,” upscale comfort food, and live entertainment. Daily.

Hong Kong Express
Downtown’s destination for a wide variety of authentic, affordably priced Chinese food includes Cantonese and Szechuan specialties. Daily.

HopCat
Beer bar offers a curated local tap list, award-winning Cosmik Fries, and “food your mom would make if she loved craft beer.” Daily.

K-ROK Korean Barbecue & Karaoke
Authentic Korean BBQ, cooked right at the table, plus a variety of appetizers, entrees, and hot pots, and Asian beers and cocktails. Tue-Sun.

Leo’s Coney Island on Tap
Diner offers an expansive menu of American comfort food and Greek specialties, plus breakfast all day, beer, wine, and craft cocktails. Daily.

The Littlebird
Café-style restaurant features elevated, made-from-scratch breakfast/brunch and dinner dishes. Full bar. Tue-Sat.

Luna
Hip, modern Mexican restaurant serves tacos, quesadillas, tortas, fajitas, and more. Margaritas, mojitos, tequila, mezcal and Mexican beer, too. Daily.

Max’s South Seas Hideaway
Enter an immersive two-story dining and drinking experience designed to transport you to a distant tropical paradise. Seafood, sushi, pu pu platters, and much more. Daily.

MeXo
Enjoy modern takes on traditional Mexican dishes along with creative tequila and mezcal drinks. Mon-Sat.

Nonla Burger
Beef and plant-based hamburgers, fries and shakes plus Vietnamese-inspired cuisine. Tue-Sun.

Noodlepig
Ramen dishes with handmade noodles plus boba teas and cocktails are offered at this Japanese-fusion restaurant. Daily.

One Twenty Three Tavern
Hip, industrial-chic eatery dishes up elevated sandwiches, burgers, and entrees along with craft cocktails. Located at the Studio Park entertainment complex. Daily. 

O'Toole's Public House
Popular Irish pub serves appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. Tue-Sat.

Palace of India
​Classic Indian fare prepared by tandoor (clay oven) and kadhai (Indian wok). Daily.

Peppino’s Downtown Grille & Pizzeria
Family-friendly sports bar with 70+ TVs offers a broad food menu including pizzas and other Italian fare. Daily.

Pind Indian Cuisine
Choose from an extensive menu of traditional Indian specialties, from Tandoori Chicken and Lamb Biryani to Vegetable Pakora and Amritsari Fish. Daily.

Roam by San Chez
“Global street eats” menu features casual dishes from around the globe, including handhelds, skewers, veggies, and sweets. Tue-Sat. 

San Chez A Tapas Bistro
A blend of European, Mediterranean and Latin American cuisine (and drinks!) in a laid-back, artful atmosphere. Daily. 

Stella’s Lounge
Graffitied walls and an ‘80s arcade set the tone for a menu of award-winning burgers, pub grub, vegan/vegetarian specialties, 250+ whiskeys, and signature cocktails. Daily.

Social House Kitchen and Bar
Casual pub-style restaurant offers New-American pub fare, brunch, happy-hour specials, and a seasonal patio. Wed-Sun.

Social Misfits
Restaurant at the Residence Inn by Marriott serves sweet and savory waffles all day long, along with artisan coffees and cocktails. Daily.

Soho Sushi
Asian café offers classic Japanese sushi as well as Chinese and Thai dishes, all prepared to order. Daily.

SpeakEZ Lounge
Prohibition-inspired casual lounge offers an eclectic menu of New American eats plus craft beers and signature cocktails. Daily.

Sundance Grill & Bar
Choose from a menu of American favorites with Southwest flavors – burgers, sandwiches, shared plates, all-day breakfast and a full bar. Daily.

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
Dig into scratch-made Southern favorites – shrimp & grits, fried chicken & buttermilk waffles, fried green tomato sandwiches, luscious libations, and more. Daily.

Two Sons Pizza
Bringing New York-style pizza to downtown GR, by the pie or by the slice, plus fried bites and soft drinks. Daily.

Uccello’s Ristorante
Casual family restaurant offers a vast menu of Italian-American eats, including pizza, pasta, and risotto, plus an array of local and national beers. Daily.

Vel Sushi and Pho
Experience the vibrant flavors of Japan and Vietnam via sushi, sashimi, pho, poke bowls and more. Mon-Sat.

Quick Bites

AC Lounge
Located inside the AC Hotel by Marriott, the AC Lounge features a carefully curated selection of small shareable plates and craft cocktails. Mon-Sat.

ATO Sushi
Traditional Korean + Japanese restaurant offers fresh sushi, delicious bentos and other authentic dishes. Daily.

Burger King 
The Home of the Whopper offers a bevy of burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, onion rings, shakes, and ice cream. Daily.

Cottage Inn Pizza
Downtown location  of a Midwest chain offers gourmet pizzas, subs, salads, wings and more. Daily.

Jimmy John’s
Counter-service chain specializes in sub and club sandwiches plus signature potato chips. Daily. 

One Stop Coney Shop
Family-run venue turns out burgers, regional-style hot dogs & fresh-cut fries. Mon-Sat.

Panera Bread
The downtown location of this chain restaurant offers a varied menu of sandwiches, salads, soups, pizza, bowls, and more. Mon-Fri.

Parsley Mediterranean Grille
“Fast, healthy, and affordable” is the mantra at this restaurant, and their Middle Eastern dishes include made-from scratch hummus, baba ghanouj, fattoush, shawarma, and more. Daily.

Poke Poke
"Sushi Unrolled” is the concept at this chain restaurant – build your own bowl from an array of tropical ingredients or choose a flavor-balanced signature bowl. Daily.

Poke Toki
Fast-casual restaurant specializes in Korean, Japanese and traditional Hawaiian-style poke bowls. Mon-Sat.

Rendezvous
Modern lounge offers a limited menu of light eats plus a wide selection of craft cocktails, fine wine, and premium beer. Mon-Sat.

Sushi Yama
Casual counter-service eatery in McKay Tower features an extensive menu of maki and nigiri sushi plus an assortment of lunch combos. Mon-Sat.

Two Beards Deli
A sandwich lover’s dream, which nearly 100 choices ranging from a classic Reuben to vegan paninis, as well as salads and soups. Mon-Sat.

Z’s Restaurant & Bar
Z’s has been serving “good food & fine spirits” since 1982, including a variety of pub fare and amazing drink specials. Daily.

Craft Beverages

Atwater Brewery
The GR location of a Detroit-based brewery serves a variety of shareables, salads, and handhelds to go along with its signature beers. Daily.

Bob’s Brewery & Beer Garden
Craft brewery inside The B.O.B. (Big Old Building) serves a variety of appetizers, sandwiches and entrees to complement its handcrafted beers. Tue-Sat.

Broad Leaf Underground Bar
Offers authentic Mexican tacos and more plus a unique collection of craft cocktails, beers, cider, win and mocktails. Tue-Sat.

Grand Vin
Wine bar lounge and retail bottle shop serves bar snacks along with wine by the glass, wine by the bottle – no corkage fee – and other libations. Tue-Sat.

New Holland Brewing - The Knickerbocker
Enjoy pizza, sandwiches and other pub favorites – including New Holland’s own beer and spirits –made with artisanal and locally sourced foods. Daily.

Coffee & Sweets

Café OTONO
Relax with coffee and pastries at this coffee shop located inside a vintage clothing boutique. Daily.

Elsa’s
Serves Ice cream, frozen yogurt, shakes and other treats along with lots of toppings in the Studio Park entertainment complex. Daily from March-Oct.

Foxtail Coffee
Coffee shop in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel offers an array of food and beverage offerings plus gelato and affogato. Daily.

Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream
Ice cream plus made-in-store chocolates, fudge, caramel corn, and other treats. Daily.

Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge
Traditional espressos, brewed coffees, tea, cocoa, and local baked goods. Daily.

Sugar Bar Sips and Sweets
Enjoy a taste of Paris in Grand Rapids – authentic French pastries, chocolates, coffee, tea, and gelato milkshakes in addition to signature macarons. Daily.

Mosby's Popcorn
Gourmet popcorn shop offers 60+ flavors and counting, all made in-house. Tues-Sat.

Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
The only Grand Rapids location of this Michigan-based chain restaurant offers coffee, tea, and shakes, plus pastries and light eats. Daily.

Sweet Yo’s
Premium self-service frozen yogurt shop offers a huge selection of fresh toppings for a quick, easy and luscious after-dinner treat. Daily.

There are many more restaurants to choose from when you widen the circle to one mile from the convention center. Visit our Restaurants page to search eateries by location, cuisine, and other parameters. You can also check our Lunch Options a Half Mile or Less from the Convention Center and Sunday and Monday Dining Options in Downtown Grand Rapids.