The Best of Grand Rapids Winners 2024

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The Best of Grand Rapids 2024You voted and we tallied. We’re excited to share the list of this year’s highest honors in categories ranging from Best Restaurant Service to Best Tattoo Shop and everything in between.

Best of Grand Rapids Party 2024
Fun was had at the Best of Grand Rapids party at New Vintage Place on May 10, 2024. Photo by Bryan Esler.

Now presenting, your winners…


ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Annual Festival

ArtPrize

Finalists: Festival of the Arts,Pulaski Days, Oktoberfest, Hispanic Heritage Festival, Eastown Street Fair, Wine, Beer & Food Festival

Band from Grand Rapids

The Verve Pipe

FINALISTS: Brena, The Crane Wives, La Dispute, The Hacky Turtles, Cabildo

Bowling Alley

The Clique

FINALISTS: Wenger’s Bowling Center, Spectrum Lanes, Northfield Lanes, Woodrow’s Duckpin Bowling

Dancing

The B.O.B./Eve

FINALISTS: Rumors Night Club, Woody’s Press Box, Holiday Bar, Billy’s Lounge

Improv Troupe

River City Improv

FINALISTS: The Comedy Project, Pop Scholars, Tiny Breakfast, Karolesque

Karaoke

Fulton Street Pub

FINALISTS: K-Rok Korean Barbecue & Karaoke, Playstation Pub, Cheers Restaurant, Stella’s Lounge

Live Music

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

FINALISTS: Pyramid Scheme, GLC Live at 20 Monroe, The Intersection, The Score

Local Music Series

Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

FINALISTS: St. Cecilia’s Jazz, Folk, and Chamber Music Series; Tuesdays at the Farm at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park; Ada Music on the Lawn; Relax at Rosa

Movie Theater

Celebration Cinemas North

FINALISTS: Studio Park, AMC Star Theater, Phoenix, Wealthy Theatre

Museum

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

FINALISTS: Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Performing Arts Organization

Civic Theatre

FINALISTS: Broadway GR, Grand Rapids Symphony, GR Ballet, Opera Grand Rapids, Circle Theatre

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Chiropractor Clinics

Active Life Chiropractic

FINALISTS: iChiro Clinics, Higher Health, Kooistra Chiropractic Clinic, Chiropractic Unlimited

Day Spa

Woodhouse Spa

FINALISTS: Benji Salon & Spa, Ethos Day Spa, Design 1 Salon and Spa, Glow Up Aesthetics

Dentist

Great Lakes Dental

FINALISTS: Hudsonville Dental, MI Smiles Dental, Contemporary Family Dental, Grand Rapids Dentistry, Fulton Street Dentistry, Dr. Julie VanHoose

Fitness Center

YMCA

FINALISTS: Next Level Personal Training, The Exercise Coach, MVP Sports, Planet Fitness

Dermatologist

Dermatology Associates of West Michigan

FINALISTS: Dr. Kurt Ashack, West Michigan Dermatology, Dr. Ryan Freeland/Wolverine Dermatology, Dr. Dipa Patel

Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Brad Bengtson

FINALISTS: Dr. David Alfonso, Dr. John Renucci, Dr. Douglas Leppink, Dr. Marguerite Aitken

Hair Salon

Benji Salon and Spa

FINALISTS: Jeffrey Richard Salon, Coiffeteria, Smash Salon, Design 1 Salon and Spa

Mani/Pedi

Posh Nails

FINALISTS: Benji Salon and Spa, Smash Salon, Sue’s Nail & Spa, Luxe Nail Bar, Design 1 Salon and Spa

Tattoo Parlors

Screaming Needle

FINALISTS: Mos Eisleys Tattoo Studio, Honest to Goodness, Copper Coin, Pearls and Jade, Balm Tattooing, High Point Tattoo, Sovereign Tattoo

Yoga

Funky Buddha Yoga

FINALISTS: AM Yoga, Twisted Hot Yoga, Kula Yoga, Yoga Fever, From the Heart Yoga

COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE

Dog Park

Grand Ravines Dog Park

FINALISTS: The Pack Indoor Dog Park, Hillcrest Dog Park, Shaggy Pines, Cascade Township Park

Hike/Bike Trail

White Pine Trail

FINALISTS: Aman Park, Ken-O-Sha Park/ Plaster Creek Trail, Kent Trails, Millennium Park

Golf Course

Thousand Oaks Golf Club

FINALISTS: Egypt Valley Country Club, Indian Trails Golf Course, The Mines Golf Course, The Golf Club at Thornapple Point

Hotel

Amway Grand Plaza

FINALISTS: JW Marriott Grand Rapids, Canopy by Hilton, Embassy Suites,
Hilton Garden Inn

Orchard

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery

FINALISTS: Schwallier’s Country Basket, Ed Dunneback and Girls, Crane Orchards, Wells Orchard

Park

Millennium Park

FINALISTS: Riverside Park, Wilcox Park, Huff Park, John Ball Park

Private School

Grand Rapids Catholic Central

FINALISTS: Grand Rapids Christian, Stepping Stones Montessori, Living Stones Academy, NorthPointe Christian, Potters House Christian Elementary

Rock Climbing Gym

Grand Rapids Boulder Park

FINALISTS: Terra Firma Climbing, Higher Ground Rock Climbing Centre, Inside Moves Rock Climbing, Calvin University Climbing Center

 

 

Sports Team

Grand Rapids Griffins (Hockey)

FINALISTS: West Michigan Whitecaps (Baseball), Grand Rapids Gold (Basketball), Grand Rapids Tidal Waves (Women’s Football)

 

Sports Team (regional)

Detroit Lions

Tourist Attraction

Lake Michigan

FINALISTS: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, John Ball Zoo, ArtPrize, Le Grande Vitesse Sculpture in Calder Plaza, The Great Lakes Pub Cruiser

Wedding Venue

Bissell Treehouse at John Ball Zoo

FINALISTS: Amway Grand Plaza, The Harris Building, Goei Center, Downtown Market, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Meteorologist

Ellen Bacca

FINALISTS: Bill Steffen, Matt Kirkwood, George Lessens, Samantha Jacques

Radio Personality

“Smitty” (WYCE)

FINALISTS: Shelley Irwin (WGVU), Shelby Brook (WYCE), Gregg Daniels & Chris Michaels (The Free Beer & Hot Wings Morning Show on WGRD), Jackie Green and Rachel Grey (Grey and Green on WHTS), Michelle (WLAV)

TV Personality (Female)

Ellen Bacca

FINALISTS: Rachel Ruiz, Emily Linnert, Janice Allen, Teresa Weakley

TV Personality (Male)

Bill Steffen

FINALISTS: Tom Hillen, Brian Sterling, Blake Harms, Elliot Grandia

TV Station

Wood TV 8

FINALISTS: Fox 17, WZZM 13, WGVU

RETAIL

Antiques

Pinky’s Place – Antique & Artisan Market

FINALISTS: Wally’s Treasures Mall, Lost & Found Treasures of Old and New, Changing Thymes, North Star Antiques, Warehouse One Antiques and Collectibles

Automotive

Fox

FINALISTS: Sharpe Cars, Auto Masters, Betten, Borgman, Dykstra’s, Harvey, Kool, Auto Fix-it Body Shop

Beer and Wine Merchant

Martha’s Vineyard

FINALISTS: Rishi’s International Beverage, Total Wine and More, Smitty’s Specialty Beverage, D. Schuler’s Fine Wine & Spirits

Bike Shops

Village Bike Shop

FINALISTS: Freewheeler Bike Shop, Switchback Gear Exchange, Alger Bikes, Grand Rapids Bicycle Co.

Book Store

Schuler’s Books

FINALISTS: Books & Mortar, Plumfield Books, Baker Book House, Barnes & Noble

Bridal Shop

Bridal Elegance

FINALISTS: Renee Austin Wedding, Magnolia Bridal, Jenna in White, Jenny’s Brides & Alterations, Bella Bridesmaids, True Society Bridal Shop, Becker’s Bridal

Comic Books

Vault of Midnight

FINALISTS: Tardy’s Collector’s Corner, Inc., Argos Comics and Used Book Shop, The Comic Signal, Blue Bridge Games

Consignment Shop

Gild The Lily

FINALISTS: The Spark, Rock Paper Scissors, Cinderella’s Closet, Second Dance

Florist

Eastern Floral

FINALISTS: Kennedy’s Flower Shop, Stems Market, Ball Park Floral & Gifts, The Tilted Tulip

Furniture Store

Talsma Furniture

FINALISTS: Pinky’s Place – Antique & Artisan Market, Klingman’s Furniture & Design, Design Quest, Portobello Road

Garden Center

Horrocks Market

FINALISTS: Romence Gardens, Flowerland, W.W. Greenhouses, Countryside Greenhouse

 

 

Gift Shop

Rebel

FINALISTS: The Spark, Pinky’s Place – Antique & Artisan Market, Kennedy’s Flower Shop, Parooz Boutique Gifts

Grocery Store

Horrocks Market

FINALISTS: Kingma’s Market, Ken’s Market, Forest Hills Foods, Bridge Street Market

Grocery Store (Regional/National Chain)

Meijer

FINALIST: Trader Joe’s

Hardware

Rylee’s Great Lake’s Ace (Michigan Street)

FINALISTS: Great Lakes Ace (Fulton Street), Modern Hardware, Alger Hardware, Gemmen’s Ace Hardware

Home Décor

Pinky’s Place – Antiques and Artisan Market

FINALISTS: Kathryn Chaplow Collect, Commune, The Spark

Home Décor (National Chain)

Home Goods

Jewelry

DeVries Jewelry Store

FINALISTS: Metal Art Studio, Dime & Regal, Preusser Jewelers, Opus Jewelry, The Spark

Men’s Clothing

Fitzgerald’s Men’s Store

FINALISTS: A.K. Rikk’s, Everywear, New Yorker Menswear, Jurgens & Holtvluwer Menswear

Pet Care

Chow Hound

FINALISTS: V.I. Pets, Your Pets Naturally, Fido & Stitch, Cascade Animal Hospital, Plymouth Road Animal Clinic, Whiskers Resort & Pet Spa

Place to Buy Local Artwork

Fulton Street Farmers Market

FINALISTS: LaFontsee Galleries, The Spark, The 12th House GR, PaLatte Coffee & Art

Specialty Grocer

Horrocks Market

FINALISTS: Harvest Health Foods, Martha’s Vineyard, Kingma’s Market, Bridge Street Market, Trader Joe’s

Women’s Clothing

Gina’s Boutique

FINALISTS: Leigh’s, Lee & Birch, Laurel and Jack

Women’s Clothing (National Chain)

Von Maur

FOOD

Appetizers

Butcher’s Union

FINALISTS: San Chez Bistro, MDRD, ROAM by San Chez, Aperitivo, One Bourbon, Max’s South Seas Hideaway

Bakery

Nantucket Baking Company

FINALISTS: Field & Fire, Wealthy Street Bakery, Rise Bakery, Hall Street Bakery

BBQ

Two Scott’s Barbecue

FINALISTS: Butcher Block, City BBQ, Sweet Racks & Smokin’ Butts BBQ, Mission BBQ

Breakfast

Real Food Café

FINALISTS: Anna’s House, Wolfgang’s, Lucy’s, Cherie Inn

Brunch

Morning Belle

FINALISTS: Lucy’s, San Chez Bistro, Anna’s House, Speak EZ, Terra

Burger

Stella’s

FINALISTS: Noco Provisions, HopCat, Black Napkin, Nonla Burger, Mr. Burger

Butcher

Sobie Meats

FINALISTS: Bob’s Butcher, E. A. Brady’s, Frank’s Market, Louise Earl Butcher

Catering

Martha’s Catering

FINALISTS: Distinctive Catering, KJ Catering, Kangaroo Catering, Apple Spice

Chef

Jenna Arcidiacono

FINALISTS: Oscar Moreno, Nate Peltier, Nick Tushek, Kevin VanderMeer, Katherine Stuit, Stephen VanHeulen

Chicken Sandwich

Hancock

FINALISTS: New Holland/Knickerbocker, Black Napkin, Chik-Fil-A, Nonla Burger

Chili Dog

Yesterdog

FINALISTS: Grand Coney, One Stop Coney Shop, Corner Bar, Leo’s Coney Island, Mad Dogs

Chinese Food

First Wok

FINALISTS: Red Bowl, Three Happiness, Gaslight Kitchen, Golden Wok

Cupcakes

Salted Cupcake

FINALISTS: The Cakabakery, DreamScape Desserts, Leah T’s Sweets and Treats, Connie’s Cakes

Date Night Restaurant

Butcher’s Union

FINALISTS: MDRD, Linear, Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar, Cooper’s Hawk

Deli Sandwich

Schnitz Deli

FINALISTS: Two Beards Deli, Apple Spice, Boardwalk Subs, O’Brien’s Deli, Jersey Mike’s, Schnitz Ada Grill

Desserts

Mokaya

FINALISTS: MDRD, Leah T’s Sweets and Treats, Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar

Desserts (National chain)

Cheesecake Factory

Diner

76th Street Diner

FINALISTS: Matchbox, Grand Coney, Real Food Café, Anna’s House, Good Truckin’ Diner, Leo’s Coney Island, Wolfgang’s

Donuts

Marge’s Donuts

FINALISTS: Sprinkles Donut Shop, Sandy’s Donuts, Van’s Pastry Shoppe, Bro’s Doughnuts

Food Trucks

Tamale Mary’s

FINALISTS: Patty Matters, Airborne Burritos, Street Chef Shaw, Sweet Racks & Smokin’ Butts BBQ

French Fries

HopCat

FINALISTS: Black Napkin, One Stop Coney Shop, Brass Ring Brewery, Stella’s Lounge

Frozen Yogurt

The Pump House

FINALISTS: Sweet Yo’s, Top This, Elsa’s

Hangover Food

Yesterdog

FINALISTS: Grand Coney, Wolfgang’s, Real Food Café, Stella’s Lounge, Speak EZ, Logan’s Alley, Garage Bar

Ice Cream

Frosty Boy

FINALISTS: Jersey Junction, Heights Cream, Furniture City Creamery, Love’s Ice Cream & Chocolate

Indian Food

Palace of India

FINALISTS: Pind Indian Cuisine, Pal’s Indian Cuisine, Grand Indian Cuisine, Curry Leaf Indian Cuisine

Kielbasa

Frank’s Market

FINALISTS: Lewandoski’s Market, Sobie Meats, E. A. Brady’s, The Grilling Company, Westsider Café

Late Night Dining and Drinks

Blue Dog Tavern

FINALISTS: Knoop, Z’s Bar & Restaurant, Birch Lodge, Sip Coffee & Cocktails, Max’s South Seas Hideaway, IDC, General Wood Shop, Rio Peruvian & Mexican Restaurant

Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Electric Cheetah

FINALISTS: Westside Social, The Green Well, HopCat, Sweet Racks & Smokin’ Butts BBQ

Mediterranean

Sammy’s Gyro (Pita House)

FINALISTS: Sheshco, Zeytin, Zivio, Parsley

Nachos

Cantina Mexican Grill

FINALISTS: Airborne Burritos, Condado Tacos, Z’s Bar and Restaurant, Turnstiles, Archival Brewing, City Built Brewing Company, Green Well, Holiday Bar, Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano

Pasta

Amore Trattoria Italiana

FINALISTS: Bistro Bella Vita, Myrth, Pietro’s, Palio, Nonna’s Trattoria

Pizza

The Mitten Brewing Company

FINALISTS: Peppino’s, Buddy’s, Harmony Brewing Company, Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen, Quarantino’s, JB’s

Poutine

Blue Dog Tavern

FINALISTS: Brewery Vivant, One Bourbon, ROAM by San Chez, Fire Rock Grill, Lucy’s, Railtown Brewing

Restaurant Service

Amoré Trattoria Italiana

FINALISTS: MDRD, Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar, One Bourbon, Mexo Tequila & Mezcal Bar and Restaurant, Reserve Wine & Food, Butcher’s Union, Margaux

Rooftop Dining

Mertens Rooftop

FINALISTS: Knoop, MDRD, The Friesian Gastro Pub, Rockwell Republic

Outdoor/Deck Seating

The Score

FINALISTS: Blue Water Restaurant, Knoop Rooftop Bar, Linear Restaurant, Rose’s on Reeds Lake

Sandwich

Schnitz Deli

FINALISTS: Two Beards Deli, Founders Brewing Company, Blue Dog Tavern, Hancock, One Bourbon, Chicago Beef Joint, Toasted Pickle, Apple Spice

Seafood

Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar

FINALISTS: Real Seafood Company, Beacon Corner Bar, Mr. and Mrs. Crab, Bonefish Grill

Steak

Butcher’s Union

FINALISTS: Chop House, Bowdie’s Chophouse, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar

Sushi

Maru Sushi & Grill

FINALISTS: Jaku, Ginza Sushi & Ramen Bar, Ju Sushi & Lounge, Tokyo Grill

Tacos

Tacos El Cuñado

FINALISTS: Condado Tacos, Luna, Donkey Taqueria, Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano, F’nK Tacos

Tater Tots

Blue Dog Tavern

FINALISTS: Gravity, Bobcat Bonnie’s, Logan’s Alley

Thai Food

Little Bangkok

FINALISTS: Bangkok Taste Cuisine, Thai Fusion, Lai Thai, Rak Thai

Vegan/Vegetarian Menu

The Green Well

FINALISTS: Gaia House Café, Rise Authentic Baking Co., Two Beards Deli, Stella’s Lounge

Veggie Burger

Electric Cheetah

FINALISTS: Stella’s Lounge, Black Napkin, The Green Well, The Winchester

Wet Burrito

Beltline Bar

FINALISTS: Cantina Mexican Grill, Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano, Taco Boy, Adobé In & Out

Wings

Wing Doozy

FINALISTS: Shots, Mike’s Wings

Wings (Regional/National Chain)

Detroit Wing Company

FINALIST: Buffalo Wild Wings

DRINKS

Bar

Holiday Bar

FINALISTS: Blue Dog Tavern, Brass Ring Brewing, Garage Bar, O’Toole’s

Beer Brand

Perrin Brewing Company

FINALISTS: New Holland Brewing Company, Founders Brewing Company, Brewery Vivant, Arvon Brewing Co., The Mitten Brewing Company

Bloody Mary

The Winchester

FINALISTS: Rockwell Republic, Steel Cat, Sundance Bar & Grill, Garage Bar

Brewery

The Mitten Brewing Company

FINALISTS: Brewery Vivant, Founders Brewing Company, New Holland Brewing Company, City Built Brewing Company

Cider

Vander Mill Cider

FINALISTS: Farmhaus Cider, People’s Cider, Pux Cider, Virtue Cider

Craft Cocktails

Long Road Distillery

FINALISTS: Buffalo Traders, Eastern Kille, Sidebar GR, Butcher’s Union

Coffee House

Madcap Coffee

FINALISTS: Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge, Scorpion Hearts Club, Rowster Coffee, Sparrows at Kingma’s, Sip Coffee & Cocktails, Outdoor Coffee Co.

Distillery

Long Road Distillery

FINALISTS: Eastern Kille, Bier Distillery, Wise Men Distillery, Two James Spirits, Michigan Moonshine Distillery

Happy Hour

Holiday Bar

FINALISTS: One Bourbon, Peppino’s, Rockwell Republic, Terra

Margarita

Donkey Taqueria

FINALISTS: Luna, Condado Tacos, Beltline Bar, Cantina Mexican Grill

Spirits Brand

Long Road Distillery

FINALISTS: Eastern Kille, New Holland Spirits, Michigan Moonshine, Wise Men Distillery

Sports Bar

The Score

FINALISTS: Peppino’s, Ucello’s, Vitale’s, Big E’s Sports Grill, Bob’s Bar, Garage Bar, Shots

Whiskey Bar

Butcher’s Union

FINALISTS: One Bourbon, Stella’s Lounge, Buffalo Traders, Alto Bar

Wine Bar

Reserve Wine and Food Bar

FINALISTS: Aperitivo, House of Wine, Post Off

Wine Bar (National Chain)

Cooper’s Hawk

Animal Clinic

Cascade Hospital for Animals

FINALISTS: Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, Plymouth Road Animal Clinic, Eastown Veterinary Clinic, Animal Medical Center of Wyoming

SERVICES

Bank

Lake Michigan Credit Union

FINALISTS: Huntington Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Mercantile Bank, Chase Bank

Credit Union

Lake Michigan Credit Union

FINALISTS: Consumers Credit Union, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, Adventure Credit Union, DFCU Financial

Child Care

AppleTree & Gilden Woods

FINALISTS: Milestones, Explore & Grow Christian Learning Center, The Goddard School, All Saints Academy

Cleaning Services

Clean Bee Home Services

FINALISTS: Best of the West Cleaning Services, Cascade Fresh Home Cleaning Services, Pinnacle Cleaning Services, Green Home Cleaning and Restoration, Sparkle & Shine Cleaning Services of West Michigan, Afendoulis Cleaners

Courier Services

Professional Courier Services

FINALISTS: Same Day Delivery, Van Go Delivery, LLC

Courier Services (National Chain)

Amazon

FINALIST: GrubHub

Doggie Day Care

Camp Bow Wow

FINALISTS: Whiskers Resort & Pet Spa, Cascade Hospital for Animals, A Pleasant Dog, Kim’s K-9, The Pack Indoor Dog Park

Dog Groomer

Fido & Stitch

FINALISTS: Whiskers Resort & Pet Spa, North Bark Pet Grooming, Cascade Animal Hospital, Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique

Estate Planning

Michigan Law Center

FINALISTS: Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Bolhouse, Hofstee & McLean PC, Coonen Law, PLLC., McShane & Bowie

Family Law

Varnum, LLP

FINALISTS: Bolhouse Hofstee, & McLean PC, McShane & Bowie, Michelle McLean, Christopher Wirth

Interior Design

Katelynn Scott

FINALISTS: Kathryn Chaplow, Jean Stoffer Design/Stoffer Home, W. Haus of Design, KSI Kitchen & Bath, Lauren Figueroa

Landscaping

Summit Landscaping

FINALISTS: Harder & Warner Landscapes and Boutique Gardens, Kappes Landscapes, Clark’s Landscape Services, Cool Guy Lawn Co., Knapp Valley Gardens, Procare Landscape, Witte Lawn Maintenance

Real Estate

Five Star Real Estate

FINALISTS: Green Crown Real Estate, Kristin Carlson, Robert Antonini, Baragar Realty

Retirement Community

Holland Home

FINALISTS: Clark Retirement Community, Beacon Hill at Eastgate, Porter Hills Village, The Village of Heather Hills, StoryPoint Senior Living

Water Service

Gordon Water Systems

FINALISTS: Hydroz, Bayes Water Treatment, Fleis & Vandenbrink Water Operations, Everdry Waterproofing of Greater Grand Rapids, Mitten Water Solutions, Wasko Sewer Service

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