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Grand Rapids 11 Best Rooftop Bars Give Soaring Views of the City

Grab a Jacket, Order a Drink & Enjoy Views from Grand Rapids’ Best Rooftop Bars

Grand Rapids is home to many great restaurants. As the warm weather beckons us out of hibernation into the open air, it’s time to spice up your next date night with a dash of adventure.

Grand Rapids boasts a plethora of elevated and rooftop bars, each offering breathtaking views and fun atmospheres.

They’re a perfect spot to savor the season, sip on a cocktail, and catch a mesmerizing sunset. 

Rally a few friends and explore the heights and sights these stunning venues offer. Our curated list of rooftop bars is a must-see.

Downtown Grand Rapids: Best Rooftops in the City

With amazing city views, these rooftop locations are top-notch.

Knoop – Canopy Hotel

131 Ionia Ave SW, 8th Floor, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Inside the Canopy Hotel, this upscale rooftop beer garden offers amazing skyline views of the city. 

Shareable plates and an expansive drink menu (including several non-alcoholic choices) make this bar a perfect spot for a date night or drinks with friends. 

Enter through the hotel, take the elevator to the top floor, and order a yummy cocktail to go with their delightful pretzel flight.

Rooftop at Knoop

Fresian Gastro Pub

720 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Michigan Street’s first rooftop deck overlooks charming Heritage Hill homes and can seat 50.

Order from a full menu, including globally-inspired gastro-pub entrees, while dining in this elevated atmosphere.

Pro Tip: The deck is gorgeous at night. Go later for a cocktail and don’t miss their brown butter caramel carrot cake!

Reservations recommended.

Fresian Rooftop

MDRD

187 Monroe Ave NW, 27th Floor, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

This Spanish-themed, 4-star restaurant on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza has panoramic views of the Grand River. No reservation is needed to sit at the bar, and you can step outside for a suspended view.

Reserve the chef’s table and get access to a private balcony table overlooking the city!

MDRD Rooftop

Rapid River Stillhouse

401 Stocking Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Rapid River Stillhouse is a three-story, Nashville-inspired music pub with scenic views of Bridge Street. Enjoy rooftop hangouts on the third floor, live music on the second, and whiskey tastings on the first.

Rapid River Stillhouse is an immersive experience from live music, whiskey tastings, a delicious menu, and exciting events.

Rapid River Stillhouse Rooftop

Brickyard Tavern

940 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Tucked away from noise, the patio is located in historic Boardwalk Condo building.

Drink specials at happy hour, live music, and trivia night make this outdoor space a perfect spot for date night.

Brickyard Tavern Patio

Best Elevated Bars in Downtown Grand Rapids

Not all the great outdoor dining spots are on rooftops.

Grand Rapids also has a nice selection of “elevated” bars. Not quite on the roof, but lifted up, showcasing city views from another vantage point.

IDC (I Don’t Care)

187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

This private, covered balcony has a view of the street below and buildings above.

This secret speakeasy requires a password to get in, and the drinks and people-watching capabilities make this outdoor space a secret gem. Psst… want in? Sign up for their newsletter to get the monthly passcode!

IDC Rooftop

JDek at Margaux

235 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The JDek is located in the JW Marriott Grand Rapids on the Grand River. The patio is open year-round, offering domes in the winter.

There is a full menu available, but sharing a few flatbreads with friends is a great way to spend a day.

JDek Patio

White Water Lounge at Embassy Suites

710 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The patio balcony view is one of the best in downtown Grand Rapids, overlooking the river and Sixth Street Park.

No need to stress about downtown parking either. Park in the garage, grab a drink, and explore the social district with ease.

Embassy Suites Patio

The Sky Deck at Bobarino’s

20 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The deck at Bobarinos at the BOB is a serene space overlooking the heart of downtown. Enjoy pizza and a drink on a beautiful day while the canopies block the sun and the city noises.

Try one of their special house-brewed craft beers.

Sky Deck at Bobarinos

Centennial Room at Founders

235 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The Best Private Patio in Downtown GR, the Centennial Room at Founders Brewing.

A second-story event space with a fully-staffed bar, seating for up to 65 inside, and room for 45 more on the wraparound patio

The perfect event space for parties, celebrations, and work presentations bookable in 3-hour time slots.

 

Centennial Room

Rooftop Bar a Short Drive Away

Rix at Ada Hotel

7415 River St SE, Ada, MI 49301

Located in Ada, it’s a rooftop experience that mixes bold flavors with local favorites.

Inside the Ada Hotel enjoy brunch, dinner, and drinks in a relaxed and inviting green space.

Rix Rooftop

Drinks, Dinner & Views

Skyline scenes, birds eye perspective and open air breeze complete the ambiance at these elevated and rooftop bars.

Whether you’re on a date night or out with friends, Grand Rapids has outdoor spaces that are awesome in all seasons. 

Drop a comment and let us know where your favorite rooftop hangouts are.

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Kate Overbeek

Kate-O-Headshot

Kate is a Grand Rapids native. After graduating from MSU, she landed there to raise her three boys with her husband of over 20 years. She loves to travel, especially to new spaces and places. Her teenage sons keep her schedule busy and her fridge empty. But when she's not rooting for them in sports, she's usually skiing, playing golf, hanging around the lakeshore, and trying to catch a view of sunset.