Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Grand Rapids

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Grand Rapids? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

HopCat - Grand Rapids

4.9

4.9 (118)

$30 and under

American

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

The original HopCat location is located in a historical building downtown Grand Rapids. Steps from Van Andel Arena, GLC Live at 20 Monroe, and the Grand Rapids Art Museum, our restaurant features a dog-friendly outdoor patio, oversized wooden bar, and comfortable seating.

HopCat was founded on the principles of bringing local craft beer a bit closer to the communities we love. We’re known for our award-wining Cosmik fries, which are beer battered, sprinkled with our signature cracked black pepper seasoning, and served with a side of warm cheese sauce. From burgers to tacos, our menu offers a range of delicious options.

We live the craft lifestyle - beer, cocktails, and even craft food made from scratch. With a dedication to local breweries sustainability and community engagement, HopCat offers craft beer and great food in a vibrant atmosphere for an inclusive, unforgettable experience.

No matter who you are or where you come from, you're always welcome in our community.

Top review

Janet

Dined on Jun 17, 2025

Great drinks and food. Table was ready according to the reservation however we were there on a low-key weekday night. Attentive and personable service. Would go again if we ever happen to return to GR.

Bowdies Chophouse - Saugatuck

4.8

4.8 (2843)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Saugatuck

About the restaurant

Welcome to Bowdies Chophouse - Saugatuck, serving 100% U S D A Prime, 28 day dry aged meat! We look forward to serving you soon! We can accommodate parties of 6 or less. Parties of more than 6 will be sat separately, and not all seats are handicap accessible.

Top review

Chloe

Dined 2 days ago

Our server was absolutely amazing!!! The meal was pretty good, over all a good experience!

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4.8

4.8 (853)

$30 and under

Traditional Mexican

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Welcome to MeXo !

We offer prehispanic-influenced modern Mexican cuisine featuring Chef Oscars authentic regional cuisine, craft margaritas, and extensive tequila and mezcal selections. We offer private dining areas and rooms for curated chef dinners. MeXo offers scheduled Chef Dinners, Tequila Tastings, and private planned dinners.

Top review

Karen

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

This is one of my favorite restaurants now. The menu is so interesting. There are lots of vegan options. The coconut flan was so delicious! Our waiter was the best. Can't wait to return!

Crazy Horse Steakhouse and Saloon

4.7

4.7 (609)

$30 and under

Steak

Holland

About the restaurant

Crazy Horse Steakhouse and Saloon in Holland, Michigan has received the "Best of Michigan" award for 18 years in a row now. While it's obviously a steakhouse, there is so much more at Crazy Horse Steakhouse and Saloon to enjoy. For nearly 25 years, the menu here has also featured ribs, sweet marinated chicken and lots of seafood options.

There are some great sandwiches and burgers at Crazy Horse Steakhouse and Saloon, too. The bacon cheddar burger, boot kicken' bleu burger and Zeek's classic burger are just three specialties worth considering. If you like barbecue, try the big pig. You'll get a plate of slow-cooked pork barbecue piled high on a home-style bun.

Top review

LeslieVIP

Dined today

Excellent food and service. First time visiting. We will back next time we are in Holland.

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Kentwood, MI

4.6

4.6 (3840)

$30 and under

American

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Experience the perfect fusion of award-winning wines, Napa-style tasting rooms, and modern casual dining at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants. Enjoy contemporary American cuisine influenced by international flavors from our scratch kitchen. Each dish is expertly paired with our selection of wines for the best food and wine match. Whether you explore the tasting room for a pre- or post-dinner adventure or join the world's largest wine club, we believe in the power of food and wine to create lasting connections. Dining reservations are highly recommended, but walk-in guests are always welcome on a first-come, first-serve basis. Gluten-free and vegetarian dishes are available.

Top review

Vicki

Dined 5 days ago

Our Waitress was Excellent!! We celebrated our Son’s Birthday and he was very pleased.

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Popular dish

Ellie's Chicken Piccata

Popular dish

Shrimp and Scallop Risotto

Experience

Brunch & Bubbles | Saturdays & Sundays 10am – 2pm

Allora

4.6

4.6 (63)

$50 and over

Italian

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Nestled near Lyon Square and the Grand River’s edge, Allora brings a coastal Italian spirit to the heart of Downtown Grand Rapids.

Here, every plate begins with a story—of a fisherman’s early haul, a farmer’s quiet devotion, a family recipe passed down through time. Allora’s seafood-forward menu reimagines coastal Italian classics with care, craft, and a sense of occasion.

You’ll also find handmade pastas, bespoke cocktails, heritage chicken, beautifully prepared steaks, and more—each offering its own chapter in the story we’re telling.

We source meticulously—from Michigan’s most passionate growers, Italy’s expert artisans, and trusted purveyors of the sea—ensuring that every bite is rich with intention and flavor.

Located within walking distance of DeVos Place and the Amway Grand Plaza, Allora invites guests to linger a little longer, savor a little deeper, and celebrate the moment, one plate at a time.

Because when words fail, food speaks.

And then… Allora.

Top review

Salima

Dined 5 days ago

Beautiful restaurant, service was amazing and food wonderful!

Tupelo Honey - Grand Rapids

4.5

4.5 (2389)

$30 and under

Contemporary Southern

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Always scratch-made, always responsibly-soured, and always Southern.

Top review

Steven

Dined 2 days ago

From the moment we walked in , till the moment we walked out we were thoroughly impressed. From the wonderful ambiance to fantastic people. Our waitress, Em was absolutely the best. She gave us extremely helpful hints on the menu. The brussel sprouts appetizer was out of this world. We locked in on the cast iron pork and the smothered chicken thighs. These were both phenomenal. We tried four different sides , the Mac and cheese , onion rings, fried okra, and fried rosemary potatoes. They were all fantastic. We will definitely return and can only hope to be seated in Em’s sections. She really was a true pleasure to have as our waitress.

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Popular dish

famous fried green tomatoes

Popular dish

biscuits for a cause

Popular dish

buttermilk fried chicken tenders

Bay Pointe Bar & Grille

4.4

4.4 (964)

$31 to $50

American

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

We have all the ingredients necessary to delight your inner foodie. Chef Todd VanWieren has crafted the perfect seasonal menu brimming with locally sourced, sustainable ingredients-all paired with top wines and a seasonal handcrafted cocktail menu! Beautiful Gun Lake provides an incredible year-round atmosphere experience, thanks to the ever-changing seasons of West Michigan. Simple, really-it's just good food, good drink, with a view you can't beat.

**PLEASE NOTE**: during the warmer months, we do not accept reservations for our outdoor seating area, or for our Waterfront Room. They are seated on a first-come, first served basis. A reservation with us does not guarantee we will have a patio table or Waterfront Room table available for you upon arrival. We ask that you keep your party's visit to 2 hours or less when seated on our Patio. Requests will only be honored on a first come-first served basis.

Top review

Nora

Dined 4 days ago

Our waitress was amazing and the lake was busy with lots of boats and flags. Very festive

Smuggler's at North Shore

4.4

4.4 (208)

$30 and under

American

Newaygo

About the restaurant

Smuggler's at North Shore is a modern & casual dockside eatery featuring a broad, classic American-style menu, with home-made favorites ranging from classic steak & seafood dishes, to pasta, wood-fired pizza, and pub grub. Also, we offer a signature cocktail menu spotlighting all-Michigan-based distillers, a range of draught beer options, a casual-to-fine wine selection, and slushie options.

Top review

Andrew

Dined 2 days ago

Loved it. Excellent menu - varied and tasty including great drink choices - with a perfect scenic backdrop. Will definitely be back!

Social House Kitchen and Bar

4.2

4.2 (25)

$30 and under

American

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Our Casual-Pub is for all social gatherings offering Homemade New-American fare, craft beer, made to order spirit free cocktails, sangria, wine, beer, cocktails, and much much more.
Our fully equipped bar and restaurant is perfect for private or semi-private events or, set up a corporate event for the holidays in our main dining area with more than enough room for your guests. Book an event to create an evening that becomes an everlasting memory!

Top review

Chris

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Great service . It is an awesome place to meet before a show !

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