What to Expect

Each zone is different because the businesses surrounding it are different. All zones include tables and chairs – spaced at least six feet apart – where patrons can eat takeout meals and drink alcohol in sealed containers purchased from nearby restaurants. Some restaurants and pubs are adding heating devices and structures to these public areas while others are winterizing their own patios and decks.

Downtown Social Zones

More than 170 restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, retail stores and service establishments are eligible to participate in four downtown zones. Click here for a map of the zones. Below are examples of cold-weather interventions in each zone – check back for new additions as more businesses come on board. Keep in mind that you may have to reserve outdoor spaces, so always check business websites before you go.

Monroe North

Enjoy a tasty, organic breakfast and lunch in the private greenhouses at Field & Fire Café.

Bridge Street 

The outdoor space at New Holland Brewing – The Knickerbocker (currently closed) is equipped with fire pits. One Bourbon GR (currently closed) has transformed its patio space into a greenhouse.  
The Sovengard is transitioning its popular outdoor biergarten into a heated wintergarten.

Center City 

Margaux on the Dek at the JW Marriott Hotel will have six “igloos” in place beginning in December. House of Wine has built heated wooden enclosures for private dining. IDC (I Don’t Care) (currently closed) at the Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton hotel heats its outdoor rooftop lounge for year-round enjoyment.

Heartside/Ionia Ave 

Knoop, (currently closed) the rooftop beer garden atop the Canopy by Hilton hotel, is open year ‘round with heaters and fire pits. Luna GR has installed large heaters on its enclosed patio.

Refreshment Areas

Now you can enjoy an adult beverage while strolling around the city. “Refreshment Areas” in select Social Zones allow patrons of participating restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues to carry an open alcoholic beverage outdoors. The drinks must be in designated containers only available from participating businesses, and patrons must stay within the boundaries of each Refreshment Area. (You cannot travel between Areas.) Refreshment Areas operate Sunday-Thursday from 7am-10pm and Friday-Saturday from 7am-midnight. Check out maps and details for Downtown, Bridge Street and Monroe North Refreshment Areas.

Parking and Transportation

Some street and lot parking has been eliminated to make room for seating and other amenities. Traffic routes have also been shifted in some zones. Visit the Grand Rapids City website to find the nearest available parking to each zone. You can use the free DASH bus service to travel within and between downtown social zones, which are adjacent to each other.

Social Zones Outside Downtown

The city has also identified additional commercial districts in neighborhoods outside downtown for outdoor space activation. That means restaurants and other businesses in these districts can work with the city to create social zones or expand their space for the winter. We’ll post updates as soon as they become available.

Pets Welcome

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.