The Best Summer Date Night Spots in Grand Rapids

I’ve gotten quite a few requests for summer date night ideas in Grand Rapids so I thought this might be a great post for everyone to enjoy. So I teamed up with my better half to highlight some of our favorite date nights in GR. We recently made a summer bucket list of items we wanted to do around Grand Rapids together so here are some things on our must-do list.

Butcher’s Union

If you’re a regular on The GR Guide you know I really love Butcher’s Union. That being said it’s a great spot for a night out with your significant other. They have a patio in the back (my favorite) and tables at the front of the restaurant to enjoy the warm weather. You honestly can’t go wrong with any of the food or drinks – I always order the hot elote corn dip and Cory loves their Bridge St. Old Fashioned. We understand there’s typically a wait but check out Sovengard, Jolly Pumpkin or New Holland Brewing – The Knickerbocker for a drink or appetizers before your dinner. The fun part about having such great restaurants on Bridge St. is you can make dinner a progressive dinner trying different dishes at each spot.

Grand Rapids Art Museum

If you haven’t been to the Grand Rapids Art Museum in awhile now is a great time to go. During the summer months they have GRAM on the Green featuring local musical artists, food trucks and cash bar. It’s also a great time to see the amazing piece Intersections that won many awards during ArtPrize 2014. If the food trucks aren’t your thing Cory and I love grabbing a drink at Sidebar and enjoying dinner at Osteria Rossa.

Reserve

Cory and I both love wine so a date night at Reserve is something we enjoy. The best part is the elevated patio on a warm summer day sipping some rosé and ordering a cheese plate. Even if your’e not totally into wine they have great cocktails (again Cory likes their old fashioned) and a delicious menu with seasonal items.

Rose’s

Cory and I live very close to Rose’s and during the summer months we try to make it there as often as possible. The patio at Rose’s is the best spot to relax with a glass of wine (they have a great happy hour) and soak up the lake views. We like to get there early for happy hour and then take a nice walk by the lake. Also, East Grand Rapids is doing Movies in the Park and Concerts in the Park.

Frederik Meijer Gardens

Cory and I have a membership to Frederik Meijer Gardens, but even if you don’t have a membership it’s worth it to explore the gardens during the summer. They also have a great lineup of summer concerts to enjoy in the amphitheater. We love heading to Nonna’s the Trattoria for a bite to eat after walking through the gardens together.