Grand Rapids Outdoor Refreshment Areas
Enjoy beer, wine or cocktails as you stroll around Grand Rapids in the city’s outdoor Refreshment Areas (aka Social Zones). Each district is located in a walkable neighborhood where multiple businesses offer unique food, beverage and social experiences, and seating areas for relaxing and socializing.
Just purchase your beverage from a participating business, and stay within the clearly designated areas as you roam. It’s a great way to see the sights and soak up some Vitamin D while you sample the luscious libations of America’s Craft Beverage Capital.
The refreshment area in Grand Rapids is a great place to meet up with friends!
Photo by Rashelle Whiteharris for Experience GR
The Downtown Refreshment Area encompasses nearly three square miles of the city center (see map). Purchase a beverage in a specially marked container from a participating vendor and you can carry the drink with you most anywhere you go downtown – including the scenic Riverwalk on both sides of the Grand River, the Bridge Street Entertainment District, North Monroe and parts of Heartside. More than 60 downtown restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues throughout these downtown neighborhoods are offering beverages to enjoy on the go.
Open seven days a week from early morning to late night, the Downtown Refreshment Area is an enjoyable way to experience the sights and sounds of our dynamic center city – especially during such special events as fall’s ArtPrize, when downtown parks and public spaces are filled with hundreds of art creations from global artists, and World of Winter, a two-month festival featuring outdoor art installations, live entertainment and games. You might also grab refreshments to sip on a self-guided tour of downtown murals and/or sculptures (east and west of the Grand River).
Explore the Refreshment Area with this digital tool that will guide you through all the options!
Outdoor Dining
Many Downtown Refreshment Area businesses – and scores more throughout the city – add to the vibrant social atmosphere by delivering full-fledged outdoor dining experiences, in all four seasons. Click here for a list of fresh-air food and drink destinations in downtown and beyond.
Refreshment Areas FAQs:
When are Refreshment Areas open?
Grand Rapids Refreshment Areas are open from 7am-10pm Sunday-Thursday and 7am-midnight Friday & Saturday. Other cities set their own hours, which may vary by season.
Can I take Refreshments between Refreshment Areas?
No, only beverages purchased in a specific Refreshment Area are allowed in that Area.
What local businesses are participating in the Refreshment Areas?
More than 60 businesses have signed up for the program, and others can join at any time. Click here for a list of participating downtown businesses.
What types of alcohol beverage can I purchase to carry around the designated Refreshment Areas?
Beer, wine, and liquor are all allowable drinks when served in a designated container. Drinks must be purchased inside a participating business and containers will be labeled with an official Refreshment Area sticker.
Can I walk anywhere with my drink?
No. Patrons must stay within the designated Refreshment Area boundaries. Leaving a Refreshment Area with an alcoholic beverage violates State and local law.
Can I take my Refreshment into other businesses?
No. Once a designated Refreshment has left the business where it was served, it must be consumed before you enter any other establishment.
Can I take an empty designated Refreshment container into a business so I can reuse it?
No, the only drinks allowed are those purchased from businesses participating in the Refreshment Area program. No cans, glass bottles, or outside drinks are permitted within the boundaries per State and local law.
Other Grand Rapids Refreshment Areas cover smaller geographic areas with rich concentrations of hospitality businesses:
- Alger Heights Refreshment Area - Eastern Ave. from Alger St. to The Old Goat restaurant.
- Creston Refreshment Area – Plainfield Ave. from Carrier St. to Sweet St.
- Fourth & Stocking Refreshment Area – Stocking Ave. from 3rd St. to 6th St.
- East Fulton Refreshment Area – Fulton Street from Union Ave. to Carlton Ave.
- East Hills Refreshment Area – Cherry St. from Eastern to Diamond; Lake Drive from Eastern to Luton; Diamond Avenue from Fulton to Wealthy.
- Michigan Street Refreshment Area – Michigan Street from College Ave. to Diamond Ave.
- Wealthy Street Refreshment Area – Wealthy St. from Union Ave. to Eastern Ave.
- West Fulton Refreshment Area – Fulton St. from Garfield Ave. to Marion Ave.
- West Leonard Refreshment Area – Leonard St. from Alpine Ave. to Turner Ave.
There are also social districts in these nearby Kent County cities: Ada, Cedar Springs, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Lowell, Rockford and Sparta. Click the links for locations, hours and policies.
Look for orange border signage indicating Refreshment Area boundaries on sidewalks and light posts.
Traveling to downtown GR by car? Visit the Grand Rapids City website to find convenient downtown parking, all close to participating Refreshment Area businesses. You can travel throughout downtown using the free DASH bus service, but keep in mind that beverages are not allowed on buses. Other Grand Rapids Refreshment Areas also offer close-by parking and are accessible via The Rapid, the city’s award-winning public transit system. Suburban Social Districts offer abundant parking.
These are public spaces, so pets on leashes are allowed. Individual restaurants might not allow non-service animals in their outdoor dining spaces – please check first.
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photo by Haley Chicoine for Experience GR.
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A number of locales in adjoining counties also offer outdoor social districts, including the lakeshore communities of Douglas, Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon, Saugatuck South Haven – perfect if you’re making a day trip from Grand Rapids to Lake Michigan (30-45 minutes away). Click the links for details.
Alcoholic beverages may only be purchased and consumed by adults aged 21 and older. Please drink responsibly.
Social Districts Outside of Kent County
Back to Top of ListA number of locales in adjoining counties also offer outdoor social districts, including the lakeshore communities of Douglas, Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon, Saugatuck South Haven – perfect if you’re making a day trip from Grand Rapids to Lake Michigan (30-45 minutes away). Click the links for details.
Alcoholic beverages may only be purchased and consumed by adults aged 21 and older. Please drink responsibly.