Grand Rapids Recap 2024
As 2024 wraps up, we’re taking a moment to reflect on all the incredible growth and activity our vibrant community has seen this year. Grand Rapids welcomed many new businesses that opened their doors this year — from new bars and restaurants, to hotels and entertainment. At Treadstone, we feel so fortunate to be right in the heart of the city, experiencing the buzz of creativity and connection firsthand. Here’s to celebrating a year of amazing milestones and looking ahead to all the possibilities 2025 has in store for Grand Rapids!
Table of Contents
- New Bars & Restaurants
- New Retail Shops
- New Attractions & Entertainment
- Annual Events & Other Fun Happenings
Gin Gin’s Food & Spirits on Bridge Street
Bars & Restaurants That Opened in 2024
Gin Gins
A new gem on the Westside from the owners of Butcher’s Union, Gin Gins has a cozy and intimate atmosphere perfect for date nights or special celebrations. Enjoy premium steaks, handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their expertly crafted cocktails.
Chateau Coffee & Wine Bar
Chateau blends sophistication and comfort — transforming from a cozy coffee spot during the day into an intimate wine bar at night. With a rotating selection of international wines, small bites like cheese & charcuterie, and a curated menu of cocktails and spirits, it’s the perfect place to relax and indulge.
Post Tavern
Located inside the new Ada Hotel, The Post Tavern serves hand-crafted tavern fare in a welcoming social hub. Don’t miss their Sip-it-Forward program, where you can pre-purchase a drink and leave a postcard to surprise a friend on their next visit.
Nightwatch Lounge
Tucked away behind an unmarked door, Nightwatch offers a prohibition speakeasy-style escape with upscale ambiance and an incredible collection of turn-of-the-century art. Savor expertly crafted, high-end cocktails in this thoughtfully curated space.
Taquero Mucho
You may have seen their pink food truck around town, but did you know Taquero Mucho opened a restaurant this year? Their new location on South Division serves up fresh Mexican dishes bursting with vibrant flavors.
Foxtail Coffee
Foxtail Coffee is the perfect spot to relax, catch up with friends, or get some work done. Enjoy a fresh brew, a bowl of gelato, or if you want the best of both worlds — try their affogato.
Rossana’s Table
This new Italian restaurant celebrates family and tradition with authentic Roman recipes that evoke the warmth of grandma’s kitchen. Enjoy a cozy ambiance where every guest feels at home, and savor dishes crafted with love.
The Grey Rabbit
A unique blend of art and drinks, The Grey Rabbit offers expertly crafted cocktails, boutique wines, craft beers, and light bites like charcuterie and chocolate boards. Explore fine art from Michigan and beyond in a relaxed atmosphere that encourages conversation and discovery.
Thai Table
Bringing authentic Thai flavors to Wealthy Street, Thai Table is founded by a couple from Thailand who share family recipes and a passion for Thai culture. Enjoy delicious dishes crafted to create memorable dining experiences in a welcoming atmosphere.
Rapid River Stillhouse
Bringing a taste of Nashville to Grand Rapids, this three-story whiskey and cocktail bar features southern cuisine, live music, and a rooftop deck for the ultimate experience.
The Pantry of Forest Hills
Sister shop to The Pantry in Ada, this cozy spot offers quality coffee, scratch-made food, and beautiful flower arrangements all in one place.
Selection of wines at Ritual Wine Shop
New Grand Rapids Retail Shops
Feral
Feral offers new and used outdoor gear for camping, backpacking, climbing, and more, making adventure affordable and accessible. Bonus: their shop is dog-friendly and even buys used gear!
Shinola
Shinola, a Detroit-based lifestyle brand, opened up shop on Monroe Center, offering exquisite timepieces, leather goods, jewelry, and gifts, all crafted with timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship.
Good Good Good
Good Good Good, located in the Creston neighborhood of Grand Rapids, is a natural wine and flower shop — celebrating the good in this world.
Orchard House Books & Cafe
Sister store to Plumfield Books in Ada, Orchard House is a cozy indie bookstore combined with a cafe serving coffee and local baked goods.
Boomtown Records
Creston’s audiophile haven, Boomtown Records, offers a vast selection of analog audio, from new and vintage vinyl to cassettes and more.
Ritual Wines
Ritual Wines on Wealthy Street is a small, independent wine shop focused on small producers, high-quality farming, and making wine approachable and accessible — complete with a monthly wine club.
Cellar Bird Books
New to Bridge Street, Cellar Bird Books is an independent bookstore with a thoughtfully curated selection of new books for all ages, plus literary-themed gifts, puzzles, greeting cards, and more from independent makers.
Greyson Clothiers
Located on Monroe Center in the Peck Building, Greyson Clothiers blends luxury fashion with sport, offering high-end golf apparel and accessories.
Water Street Art Gallery
This fine art gallery from Douglas has expanded to downtown Grand Rapids, offering a welcoming space for all to explore and appreciate art.
Big Mini Putt Club bar and indoor mini golf course
New Attractions & Entertainment in Grand Rapids
Big Mini Putt Club
Part bar, part indoor mini golf paradise, Big Mini Putt Club boasts 9 delightfully challenging holes and classic arcade games like air hockey and skee-ball. Family-friendly by day and a 21+ hangout by night, it’s the perfect spot to sip, swing, and score!
Gimme’s Par & Grill
Tee up year-round at Gimme’s with indoor golf simulators — perfect for both serious golfers and casual players. Pair your game with delicious bites and a drink for the ultimate hangout experience!
Main Event
Located at Woodland Mall, Main Event packs nonstop fun under one roof with arcade games, bowling, laser tag, virtual reality, pool, and more. Top it all off with a drinks and bite to eat from their full restaurant and bar — it’s your one-stop destination for entertainment!
Ada Indoor Country Club
Hit the virtual links in comfort with premium simulators designed for both family fun and serious golfers. Relax, play, and enjoy drinks at the bar in this private indoor golf haven!
Grand Rapids Rise
Grand Rapids’ pro volleyball team is gearing up for their second season starting this January. Don’t miss the action — catch a game at Van Andel Arena!
Performer at the World of Winter Circus Wonderland Event
Annual Events & Other Fun Local Happenings
- Grand Rapids was named one of the the best towns to visit by CNN Travel
- We were also named one of the best cities to see amazing art by USA Today
- ArtPrize celebrated its 14th year! Check out this year’s winners here!
- World of Winter held their 2 month long winter festival for the 7th time
- The Downtown Market brought back the Christkindl Market for it’s second year with double the amount of vendors
- Grand Rapids welcomed 2 new boutique hotels, the BlueJay on the Westside, and the Ada Hotel in Ada Village
- Construction began on the new Acrisure Amphitheater
- It has been announced that Grand Rapids will be getting a pro soccer team
- The Northern Lights were visible from the city in May (and again in October!)
- Treadstone helped 1800+ West Michigan families into homes this year!
