We're kicking of a new series where we take you to the best (and most beautiful) restaurants, breweries, and cafes in some of our favorite food-centric cities. Up first: Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Grand Rapids has been home to GR Chair for over 20 years now and is known for 3 things: beer, office furniture, and its proximity to Lake Michigan. Given the city's rich history in furniture and design, it's no surprise that it's home to some pretty impressive eateries.
Hurdle Stools in Olive Green, Chloe Dining Chair in Driftwood. Images by Stacy Feyer-Salo Photography
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Nestled right on the edge of the Grand River, this modern American restaurant serves delicious seasonal dishes and craft cocktails. The restaurant's interior design takes inspiration from its riverfront location using a plethora of live greens and modern wooden dining chairs and barstools in a driftwood-like finish. The restaurant walks the line between ultra casual and upscale. In fact, one of our favorite spots in this space is near the bar. Bold geometric wallpaper in a range of earthy hues acts as a backdrop to the minimal backless barstools finished in an olive green powder coat. The menu has everything from springtime risotto (loved it!) to a wagyu flank steak and stuffed quail!
Reece Barstools in Traffic Red and Natural, Hugh Chairs in Natural. Photos by Dean Van Dis Studio
Hancock
Nashville Hot Chicken has been having quite a moment in the culinary world, which brings us to our next must-visit restaurant, Hancock. The designers transformed a former service station into a modern diner. You'll fall in love with the details that make this place unique, like the floor to ceiling garage style doors that allow the entire restaurant to open to their gorgeous outdoor patio or the geometric pendant lights that hang above the bar. When it comes to the furniture, they selected bright red industrial-style barstools and that perfectly contrast traditional Windsor style dining chairs. The whole space feels eclectic and cohesive at the same time. If you're hungry we suggest the Hot Chicken Sandwich, Arnold Palmer adult slushy (to-die for) and an extra serving of waffle fries!
Harper 4-leg Counter Stools, Harper A-frame Dining Chairs in ink black and vegan leather. Photos by Dean Van Dis Studio
Eastern Kille Distillery
While Grand Rapids is known by some as "Beer City, USA" we can't help but love this local craft distillery located downtown. Eastern Kille is a modest whiskey (and spirits) distillery with an industrial-chic tasting room turning out crafted cocktails that you'll swoon over. Their gin is one of our all-time favorites. From the outside this place is pretty unassuming, but once inside their take on industrial-chic is really captivating. Vegan leather chairs and barstools give off a refined industrial vibe while the moody mural behind the bar will have you craving a dark and stormy like never before!
Sadie II Chairs in gloss white and honey. Photos by Dean Van Dis Studio
Morning Belle
There is no shortage of spots to go if you're looking for delicious breakfast/brunch options in Grand Rapids, but the fruity interior at Morning Belle makes it one of our go-to cafés. You can't help but smile when you walk through the door. The floor-to-ceiling citrus mural inspired the rest of the interior's color palette. To add to its charm, designers used an eclectic mix of chairs to fill the space, from the ultra modern Sadie (shown above) to the retro-inspired Opla armchair, this space oozes comfort. The Belgian waffles, Uprooted bowl, and the Pork Belly Frittata top our list of food favorites, but you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
Stovetop Coffee Roasters
Sir Burly Stools in gloss white, Harper X-base Chairs in olive green, parchment, and partially upholstered shell. Photos by Dean Van Dis Studio
When it comes to the Grand Rapids coffee scene you've probably heard of some epic roasters, like Mapcap or Rowsters, but if you're looking for a really welcoming and friendly place to grab coffee or do a little work from, then don't sleep on Stovetop Coffee Roasters. They opened their doors a few years ago and have since become one of our favorite places to go for a tasty americano or pour over. Aside from delicious treats and coffee, they are known for the quirky illustrations that adorn the coffee bags and the mural behind the barista station. Once inside you'll see modern stools, x-base shell chairs and tons of plants.
While these are just a few of our favorite spots in Grand Rapids that have our products and have amazing food, this list is just the tip of the iceberg. Here are a few more to add to your list:
- 7 Monks Taproom
- Maru Sushi
- Squibb Coffee & Wine
- Field and Fire Cafe (the croissants are to die for)
- Terra
- Founders Brewery
- Ando Sushi & Ramen
- Mudpenny Coffee
- New Holland Brewery
- Bistro Bella Vita
- Vitale's