Must-try

Lauded by weekend warriors everywhere, brunch has become more than just a meal. It’s an experience, an ordeal, an event. It’s not a stumble-out-of-bed kind of meal - no, here in Grand Rapids, it’s an Instagram occasion and a foodie sensation.

Grab a fork and get ready to dig into some delectable local fare. The seventh annual Local First Fork Fest event takes place on Thursday.

On the West Side of Grand Rapids sits “a mom-and-pop shop with a twist,” as co-owner, Sylene Wilkining described it.

Whether it’s the buzz of creative conversations or the actual buzz from the caffeine, I always feel more productive at a coffee shop. Since Grand Rapid experiences nine months of colder weather, it’s a true java hotspot; there’s nothing better than a steaming cup of craft coffee on a crisp fall day, amirite?

It’s officially fall! With the cornucopia of local farms and orchards (not to mention picturesque color tours), some argue fall is the best time of year in town. Whether you’re looking for fresh-pressed apple cider or to find the perfect pumpkin, we’ve found five places in Grand Rapids to celebrate the season.

From the North Quarter to Heartside, we scoured Grand Rapids’ 10 neighborhoods for the best happy hours around. Regardless of where you work or live, there’s always somewhere to score cheap drinks and tasty bites.

A specialty market with a long reputation in the community has opened its doors downtown.

If you are attending the annual Harvest Festival in Rockford this weekend, be sure to stop by Rockford Brewing’s beer tent and pick up a beer brat.

In honor of National Cheeseburger Day today, Johnny B'z is offering a $5 deluxe burger and PBR beer special until closing time. The eatery, located on Wealthy Street, said you can swap out a Coke product for the PBR if you're on the clock.

Starbucks may have started the pumpkin spice trend with its pumpkin spice latte, but there are plenty of local restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and even retailers offering up their own twists on the fall favorite. Check out some local spots where you can get your pumpkin spice fix.

Long Road Distillers is giving you another reason to get out of bed on Sunday morning. After expanding its kitchen in May, Long Road has updated its brunch menu to include several more items.

A new vendor has moved into the Downtown Market. Pho 616 opened on Friday morning in the Market Hall.

Gray Skies Distillery is giving Sunday brunch a try beginning this weekend with Cocktails & Tacos.

Chef Peter Davidson has been overseeing the Vander Mill kitchen for less than a month, but he is already incorporating some new ideas into the cider-maker’s food menu, with plans for a bigger overhaul later this year.

On Thursday, the Happy Cat Café opened its doors downtown, creating a purrfect spot for lovers of both coffee and cats.

While everyone would love to bask in the sunshine all summer long, most people still spend around 90 percent of their time indoors. So grab the time you can.

A new craft ice cream business is about to launch in coffee shops and restaurants around the city.

New restaurant Noco Provisions celebrates its grand opening tomorrow.

Big Willy’s Italian Beef is bringing Chicago to Eastown.

In honor of National Mac & Cheese Day GR|Mag has put together a list of some of the most unique and yummiest offerings available in Grand Rapids. We guarantee there’s something on the list for even the cheesiest of you.