One of the best things about meeting in a new host city is the opportunity to get out and explore local flavors. 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 was named a Top 20 U.S. Foodie City in 2021 – and the #1 most affordable – 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.

Interior seating options at The Chop House

Enjoy a premium dining experience unlike any other at the Chop House.

Photo by Brian Craig for Experience GR

Fine Dining

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.

Mertens Prime
Retro-chic brasserie serves French classics – including perfectly cooked steaks – and old-school cocktails in a historic former hotel. Thurs-Mon.

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.

Butcher's Union exterior

Indulge in a delicious meal from Butcher's Union.

Photo by Experience GR

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.

Divani
Globally inspired, chef-driven menu is prepared daily with fresh ingredients. Intimate, plush ambiance with wines, cocktails, and beers. Fri & Sat.

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

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

Maru Sushi
Contemporary Asian-fusion dishes, including a wide variety of sushi rolls, plus draft beer and craft cocktails. Tues-Sat.

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.

Nonla Burger Menu Items

Find classic cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, shakes, fries and more at Nonla Burger.

Photo by Courtesy of Nonla Burger

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. Tue-Sun.

Beacon Corner Bar & Coastal Fare
Inspired by three coasts – East, West, and Michigan – Beacon offers fish and seafood dishes as well as “land fare” and handcrafted cocktails. Daily.

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

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

The Cottage Bar
A Grand Rapids tradition since 1927, The Cottage Bar serves up burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups, and other pub favorites. Tue-Sat. Note: The Cottage Bar is temporarily closed.

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. Wed-Sun. 

Flanagan’s Irish Pub
Festive watering hole dishes out bar-food standards and traditional Irish cuisine in a casual environment. Full bar service. Daily.

The Foolery
Serving up scratch-made Detroit-style pizza, salads, appetizers, beer and cocktails, this "fine dive" bar is inside the Renaissance Inn Grand Rapids Downtown hotel. Daily.

Forty Pearl
“An extension of the Leelanau Peninsula in downtown Grand Rapids” serves a variety of fish and other entrees plus shareables, soups, salads, and sandwiches. Tue-Sat.

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.

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.

House of Wine
A great place to get expert wine advice, sample wines from around the world, and enjoy fresh-made charcuterie boards, small plates, salads, and paninis. Tue-Sun.

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-Sun.

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.

Mertens Rooftop
Rooftop bar offers a light dinner menu and bar service along with some of the best views in Grand Rapids. Daily as weather permits.

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

Monsoon Vietnamese Cuisine
Authentic Vietnamese cooking using such ingredients as roasted salmon, grilled tomahawk pork chops, beef tenderloin, braised pork belly, and more. 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-Sun.

Pochis Colombian Colombian Café & Restaurant 
Enjoy authentic Colombian coffee, empanadas, arepas, patacones, salchipapas and hot dogs, plus delectable desserts. Tue-Sun.

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. Daily. 

Rockwell Republic
Gastropub offers a diverse menu – from comfort food to sushi – and offers craft cocktails, three separate bars, and an outdoor dining deck. Daily.

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.

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.

Z's Bar & Restaurant - Outdoor Enclosures, 2021

Head to Z's Restaurant & Bar any day of the week for great food and drink specials.

Photo by Experience GR

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. Lunch and Mon-Sat.

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

CitySen Lounge    
Casual lounge at CityFlats Hotel offers a menu of shareables and sandwiches, including vegan and gluten-friendly options. Tue-Sat.

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.

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

Sunny Boba Tea
A small sandwich menu complements the array of boba smoothies and milk teas at this cheerful counter-service eatery. Wed-Sun.

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. Daily.

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.

Whether you’re enjoying a craft beer in the dining room or at the bar, you’ll be able to see the game at Atwater.

Try one of Atwater Brewery's signature beers.

Photo by Atwater Brewery

Craft Beverages

Arktos Meadery
Serves a handful of appetizers, entrees and desserts to accompany its meads, braggots (beer + mead) and craft sodas. Tue-Sun.

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. Thu-Sat.

Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits - Westside
Offers elaborate alcoholic and non-alcoholic milkshakes, beer, small-batch spirits and craft cocktails, with an incubator kitchen featuring rotating local culinary talent. Thu-Sun.

Fountain Hill Brewery
Enjoy beers brewed by students in the craft brewing program at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, paired with appetizers from students and chef-professors. Typically open one night a week during fall and winter semesters.

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. Tue-Sun.

Visit one of the many coffee shops located in Grand Rapids for a beautiful work of art and caffeine boost!

Head to the Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge for a boost of caffeine.

Photo by Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge

Coffee & Sweets

Biggby Coffee
Michigan-based coffeehouse chain offers “bragels,” muffins, and grab-and-go items along with an extensive collection of coffee and tea drinks. 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.

Local Mocha
Fair and direct trade organic coffees plus smoothies, frozen drinks, breakfast items, and lunch sandwiches. 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.