Neighborhood Guide: Greater Grand Rapids

West Michigan has become a growing region with Grand Rapids at its center. In 2019 the city lead the state of Michigan in population growth at 38,000 residents increase over the course of 5 years. The Greater Grand Rapids region is home to people from all across the country. With a remarkable quality of life, it is no wonder why this midwestern hub has become the place to be.

Restaurants

San Chez A Tapas Bistro is a hot spot for European, Mediterranean, and Latin American cuisine. This restaurant is the only authentic tapas bistro in West Michigan. San Chez has

a full breakfast and lunch menu that makes for the perfect brunch. The bistro also offers a separate allergy-friendly menu and vegetarian menu items so that every guest can enjoy their meal. A must-try dish is the Bistec con Pimienta, a peppered bistro steak grilled medium-rare with tortellini, and manchego cream sauce. San Chez is now also hosting classes, this fall, and winter to help celebrate the restaurant’s 30-year anniversary by paying homage to previous bartenders and their hand-crafted cocktails. Although reservations are accepted Tuesday through Friday, the restaurant does not accept reservations Saturdays and Sundays so be sure to make the appropriate accommodations.

A trendy, stylish restaurant, The Electric Cheetah has a diverse menu full of various dishes that make just picking one a

challenge. The establishment got its unique name when, at a backyard party, guests commented that because of the twinkling light strung high in the air, they were getting little shocks from whatever they touched, making the party “electric”, in a surprise turn of events, a spotted cat leaped across the tables later that night during celebratory toasts, the hosts then proclaimed the celebration “The Electric Cheetah”. The restaurant prepares its meals from scratch using local natural and organic ingredients along with 40 kinds of craft root beer. Their popular cheetah grilled cheese is made ooey gooey provolone, cheddar & goat cheeses, sliced tomatoes, and caramelized red onion on grilled sourdough bread with asiago cheese butter and fresh rosemary. Stop by on Sundays from 10-3 to try The Electric Cheetah’s brunch menu.

Voted the 3rd best beer bar in the world by The Beer Advocate, HopCat has curated an extensive beer list. This restaurant and

bar chain was founded in 2008 by Mark Sellers. A crowd favorite are the loaded cosmik fries, beer battered fries sprinkled with our signature cracked black pepper seasoning topped with Hickory-smoked bacon, red onion & pickled jalapeno, and smothered in warm cheese sauce. Hopcat offers amazing food with a great view of downtown Grand Rapids. Its extensive menu, which features vegan menu items, allows guests to try something different during each visit.

Brewery Vivant wants its guest to take part in European beer culture. In Wallonia, the French-speaking Belgian countryside resides small farmhouse breweries which are the inspiration for their beer. Located in the historic East Hill neighborhood, the

LEED-certified brewery is homed in what was originally a former funeral parlor but has now been artistically renovated. The pub strives to recreate the atmosphere of an old Belgian or French monastery. Alongside the award-winning beers are tasty dishes with unique flavors. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients sourced from local farms and artisans. The Duck Confit Nachos have quite an impact on guests with Brie cream, caramelized onions, tomato concasse, and duck cracklings sprinkled with citrus. At Brewery Vivant, you can expect a lot more than your average pub fare.

Attractions

The Grand Rapids Public Museum was established in 1854 as the Lyceum of Natural History. This building strives to display

the spirit of West Michigan with immersive and authentic experiences and exhibits that provide both entertainment and education. The museum has 3 floors with permanent exhibits that show science, history, and culture. Throughout the year the Museum also puts on display a variety of special exhibits. Although only a small portion of the Museum’s artifacts are shown, it actually contains more than 250,000 artifacts across multiple categories such as automobiles, zoology furniture, and fossils. Within the Museum is also the Cook Carousel Pavilion, a cafe, the Meijer Theater, and a Gift shop.