Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Grand Rapids

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Grand Rapids? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

J. Paul's Dining Room @ The Kirby

4.8

4.8 (545)

$31 to $50

American

Saugatuck

About the restaurant

Set in a historic 19th-century Victorian, once-turned-local hospital. Now a vibrantly restored dining atmosphere, a wonderfully appointed Bed and Breakfast.

The Kirby Hotel & J. Paul's Dining Room features a fresh, bright menu with something for everyone's taste and price point. Carefully crafted cocktails, an array of award-winning wines, and a culinarily modern, yet classical take on food await your evening. Given multiple awards for its outstanding dining and service.

The staff and Chef LaBelle give a friendly and personable approach to your dining experience. Fresh Locally sourced products are used at their prime. The Prime-aged Prime Rib and Duck dishes are signatures, there are always fresh fish and seafood options as well as vegan and vegetarian options. We cater to all dietary needs.

In the summertime, we offer outdoor seating on our wrap-around porch or our beautifully landscaped back deck overlooking a large pond with a fountain with often-seen wildlife

Top review

Mitch

Dined 6 days ago

J. Paul's at The Kirby has style, the best quality ingredients and a presentation that is always Spot on. Jeff is just the best with his easy going manner and flawless service. We will back very soon for another memorable meal at this Douglas treasure. M&A

Gypsum Grill and Event Center

4.7

4.7 (46)

$30 and under

American

Walker

About the restaurant

Gypsum Grill is located 2 miles from the heart of Grand Rapids. Take in breathtaking views of the surrounding golf course while enjoying elevated American cuisine. Our polished casual environment is perfect for any occasion whether it is date night, game night, or family night!

Top review

Diane

Dined on Mar 26, 2025

We enjoyed our dining at The Gypsum Grill and will definitely return. Great menu and service!

Matchbox Diner and Drinks

4.7

4.7 (99)

$30 and under

American

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Matchbox Diner & Drinks is a neighborhood restaurant located in the heart of Eastown in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our modern diner and delicatessen features breakfast all-day, mile-high deli sandwiches, burgers, comfort food, delicious dinners, and a full bar. Matchbox Diner & Drinks is meant to be an extension of our home and our family, so expect good food and good people all year round.

Top review

Justin

Dined on Mar 28, 2025

Food was good. Meat with Caesar salad was dry. Service with decent.

Bay Pointe Bar & Grille

4.7

4.7 (951)

$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

TonyN

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

Walleye was great, service was on the spot, great night!! 10 stars!!!

HopCat - Grand Rapids

4.8

4.8 (108)

$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

Jennifer

Dined 2 days ago

The noise level was loud and made conversation difficult

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Kentwood, MI

4.6

4.6 (3774)

$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

Kristyn

Dined 3 days ago

The server was great explain a couple different options answered every question extremely knowledgeable was a great experience and the food was amazing

Discover more

Popular dish

Ellie's Chicken Piccata

Popular dish

Shrimp and Scallop Risotto

Experience

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

Smuggler's at North Shore

4.8

4.8 (189)

$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

Matthew

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

Everything we ordered was great. Well seasoned and delicious.

Social House Kitchen and Bar

4.1

4.1 (20)

$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

Peter

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

Get’s loud, but nice atmosphere, food and good times.

Scholar

4.5

4.5 (386)

$31 to $50

American

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

History, specifically America’s culinary history, is the central focus of our food and cocktail programs here at Scholar. Situated downtown on Grand Rapids’ iconic red brick road at 11 Ionia SW, Scholar honors previous residents of the same address while striving to achieve our goal; to earn the title of the city’s best restaurant.

Top review

Jesse

Dined on Apr 15, 2025

Some snafus with service but overall a great vibe and good food.

Sandy Point Beach House - West Olive

4.5

4.5 (1094)

$31 to $50

American

West Olive

About the restaurant

Sandy Point Beach House is a casual fine dining restaurant featuring gourmet burgers and a market driven rotating feature menu. These features will showcase Chefs ingredient focused fusion cuisine that the lake shore knows and loves. Located minutes from Lake Michigan, near Kirk Park and West Michigan bike trails, the beach house atmosphere is best described as modern Chicago loft space meets lake-shore cottage. An easy drive from Holland, Grand Haven or Grand Rapids and just down the road from Camp Blodgett.

Top review

Dwight

Dined on Mar 23, 2025

First time here, service was excellent. Choice of drinks was above par. Many to chose from! Had the bang bang shrimp, they were out of the Whitefish, which we were really hoping for? Had a couple of the specials, the pork and the tacos. Both excellent, finished with Tiramisu. All excellent hand made! Thanks Sandy Point.

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