Grand Rapids Refreshment Areas
Enjoy a beer or cocktail as you stroll around Grand Rapids in the city’s Refreshment Areas (aka Social Districts) in Grand Rapids. There are nine districts in all, more than any other city in Michigan. Each district is located in a walkable neighborhood where multiple businesses offer unique food, beverage and social experiences, and shared 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 Experience Grand Rapids
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 – even across the Grand River to the Bridge St. Entertainment District. More than 50 downtown restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues are offering beverages to enjoy on the go.
Explore the Refreshment Area with this digital tool that will guide you through all the options!
Outdoor Dining
Many of these 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?
From 7am-10pm Sunday-Thursday and 7am-midnight Friday & Saturday.
Can I take Refreshments between Refreshment Areas?
No, you’ll have to drive or take a bus to travel between separate Refreshment Areas, and open containers are not allowed in vehicles.
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.
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:
- Creston encompasses several blocks of Plainfield Ave. north of downtown.
- East Fulton stretches from Union Ave. to Carlton Ave. in Uptown.
- East Hills includes sections of Cherry St., Lake Drive and Diamond Ave in Uptown.
- Fourth & Stocking is just north of the Bridge St. Entertainment District.
- Michigan Street is a bit east of the healthcare providers along the Medical Mile.
- Wealthy Street is included from Union Ave. to Eastern Ave.
- West Fulton covers several blocks around the corner from John Ball Zoo.
- West Leonard passes from Turner Ave. to Alpine Ave.
Look for orange border signage indicating Refreshment Area boundaries on sidewalks and light posts.
Some street and lot parking has been eliminated to make room for seating and other amenities. Traffic routes have also been shifted in some districts. Visit the Grand Rapids City website to find available downtown parking. You can use the free DASH bus service to travel within the Downtown Refreshment Area and the Rapid Bus System to travel to other Refreshment Areas. Beverages are not allowed on buses.
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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by Rick Jensen
photo by Experience Grand Rapids
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Social Districts Outside of Grand Rapids
Back to Top of ListSeveral other Kent County and lakeshore communities have implemented their own version of Social Districts, including Ada, Cedar Springs, Grand Haven, Holland, Rockford, Saugatuck, Sparta and Zeeland. Each community sets its own guidelines, please check city websites for details.