Date Night in Grand Rapids
Your go-to guide for date night planning in Grand Rapids!
No, but really, we’re covering a variety of date nights in this post and there’s definitely something for everyone! Be sure to bookmark this so that you can come back to it the next time you need to plan a good ole date night, a first date, or even a night out with friends! And to all of you last min Valentines Day date planners, we see you! We got you!
Grab a drink!
Here are some great places to grab a drink with your date, whether it’s going for cocktails and/or mocktails or for a coffee, we’ve got you covered.
Knoop
This secret spot that sits in the sky with an incredible city view has great bartenders that are ready to impress your date on date night!
Less Traveled
Long Road Distillers has their very own cocktail bar on Cherry St in GR. Stroll this iconic GR street and then grab a cocktail!
Drip Drop Cocktail Room
This one’s for more of a fancy and sophisticated date night if you’re looking for a dimly lit atmosphere with jazz playing in the background kinda vibe, and we absolutely recommend Drip Drop if you’re looking for that!
Forty Pearl
Michigan wines paired with small plates to enjoy. Forty Pearl has a fantastic reputation in the GR scene and is definitely a great date night spot!
IDC GR
One of the coolest speakeasies in GR, this secret bar requires a code to get in (which you can get by signing up for email newsletters) and the bar sits over the streets of Grand Rapids making for a cool little spot.
Mertens Rooftop
For anyone who likes fun mocktails or doesn’t drink alcohol, we recommend Mertens for a great vibe and a yummy mocktail – and they have a full bar as well for all you cocktail lovers! This is hands down one of the coolest rooftops in GR!
Sip Coffee and Cocktails
Planning a date and want to go out for drinks but want an option for both alcoholic, nonalcoholic, and coffee drinks? Sip is the PERFECT place for that and is so cute!
Chateau GR
This newer wine and coffee bar in the East Hills neighborhood brings a chic look and a warming atmosphere perfect for a romantic night out!
Mammoth Distilling
Another newer addition to the GR local business community, this distillery on Wealthy St is nothing short of perfect. The drinks are down to earth and made with local Michigan spirits and the atmosphere is seriously just *chefs kiss*
Roots Brew Shop
A late night coffee shop vibe is definitely a date night idea that we’re loving. Roots Brew is the perfect place to enjoy a cozier setting with your date and chat over some coffee!
Stovetop Roasters
Let’s add to our coffee shop date idea by telling you about Stovetop! This cute and dainty little coffee shop brings a brighter atmosphere and would be a great place to go in the morning when the sun is coming up and the sunlight is peeking though the windows!
Lantern Coffee Bar
This coffee bar located in the heart of Downtown is the perfect place to start your night with your date, meet up here for a coffee and sit in their downstairs dimly lit lounge for a chill start to your date!
Grab a bite to eat!
Whether it’s going out for apps or a fancy dinner, Grand Rapids is definitely the right place to go when planning a romantic date night! Take a look at our GR Dinner Guide as well for some more ideas!
Bistro Bella Vita
A GR staple for a fancier dinner. Bistro Bella Vita is sure to impress in both the atmosphere and food and drinks department!
MDRD
Spanish tapas and dessert on top of the Amway Grand Hotel, I meannnnn what’s better than that? MDRD has quickly become one of the most popular spots for a classy night out and we’re here for it!
Leo’s
Calling all seafood lovers! Leo’s has been around for awhile now and is still such a beloved local restaurant. It makes for the perfect place to bring a date and surprise them with a special dinner!
The Foolery
We’re pretty pumped about this newer local business Downtown! The Foolery is the spot for some good pizza and drinks to go along with it in a funky atmosphere that will make for a blast of a date!
Terra GR
Authentic and sustainable dishes from local farms is what you will find at Terra and the atmosphere is clean and bright making for a great spot for conversation over a good meal!
Mangiamo
Take date night to another level with this elegant space for a romantic night out while spoiling both yourself and your date with fantastic Italian food.
123 Tavern
123 Tavern is a fan fav restaurant Downtown GR. The space is super nice but not overly fancy and the menu is versatile and perfect for almost anyone! Located in studio park, this is a great spot to grab dinner before a movie!
Grove
This East Hills local gem has won awards for best restaurant in GR and the food and atmosphere is absolutely fabulous for a solid date night!
Scholar
Newer to the Downtown GR scene, Scholar has been a big hit and the perfect spot to wow a date! The drinks are sophisticated and vibrant, the food is exquisite, and the dessert is purely amazing!
San Chez
This classic GR restaurant is the perfect place for some tapas and sangria on your next date night!
El Cerrito
Do you love authentic mexican food and a good margarita? El Cerrito is definitely the best place for that. This local spot in Eastown is one of our favorites when it comes to Mexican cuisine and it will be yours too!
Speak EZ Lounge
Another fan fav in the GR local business community is Speak EZ. This hidden gem is definitely a fun spot for date night that you won’t ever forget!
Grab some dessert!
Sometimes just a little dessert date is the way to go, and if that’s up your alley, then we’ve got some great suggestions for you!
Le Bon Macaron
Little french pastries in fun flavors are seriously the best! This adorable French cafe is a great spot to try an international treat with your date!
Love’s Ice Cream
Ice cream is a love language and you can’t prove us wrong on that one! Love’s is the perfect place to share some love over amazinggg ice cream – pro tip: get the ice cream flight!
Field and Fire Bakery
This locally owned bakery has two locations: One at the Downtown Market and one in the Belknap Lookout neighborhood. They specialize in homemade pastries and desserts that make for a sweet date!
Furniture City Creamery
We’ve got another fun ice cream shop for you to take your date to! Furniture City Creamery has indoor and outdoor seating and great ice cream to enjoy!
Some great date night activities in GR:
While food and drink are great things to add to your date night, let’s talk about some of the best date night activities in the city! Grand Rapids is full of them and we’re excited to share a list of some of the best ones ( in our opinion 😉 )
-Movies at Studio Park
-Great Lakes Glow Golf
-House Rules Board Game Lounge
-Flanneljack’s Axe Throwing
-Grand Rapids Public Museum
-Bowling at Clique Lanes
-Frederik Meijer Gardens
-Shows at DeVos Place
-Concerts at VanAndel Arena, GLC Live @20 Monroe, and the Intersection
-The Grand Rapids Art Museum
-Roller Skating at GR Skate
-Ice Skating (in the winters of course) at Rosa Parks Circle
-Walking Downtown or at one of the GR parks
-Biking Kent Trails
-Play pinball at the Pyramid Scheme
-A Grand Rapids sports game (The Whitecaps, The Griffins, The Gold, The Rise, etc.)
Visit our Downtown and neighborhood pags to learn more about the local fun in the Downtown Grand Rapids area!
Tag us in your date night adventures on Instagram and Facebook!
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The Ultimate Guide to Date Night in Grand Rapids
Date Night in Grand Rapids Your go-to guide for date night planning in Grand Rapids! No, but really, we’re covering a variety of date nights