A cabin-themed décor lightens the mood on the inside. For entertainment, there is a well-cared-for pool table, darts, a jukebox and a stage for the bands on Friday and Saturday night. The dining room, although a little cramped, feels cozy. The bar area is just the opposite, with large booths and plenty of space to unwind.

Meanwhile, the outdoor seating and bars provides the setting for a great summer night. Heat lamps are supplied for chilly nights if you do not feel like cozying up to the fireplace. The two outdoor bars make it easy to get a drink in the sun.

The menu at the The Woods represents a wide range of cuisine. Everything from American, to Mediterranean, to home-cooked cabin fare has its spot on the menu.

The Dueling Hummus is recommended as an appetizer, but the Whiskey Smoked Whitefish is the most original item on the appetizer menu. Even if you don’t like whitefish, give it a try!

As for sandwiches, the pulled pork sandwich, Rodeo Burger, and the Thanksgiving Sandwich are all great choices.

Entrees range in price from $9 to $20, but you will pay an extra 2 dollars for a salad. The Mac and Cheese with Smoked Ham was excellent.

The service was always the highlight of my visits to The Woods. My last server, Lydia, was perfect in every way. Great personality and very prompt service.

Like the real woods, The Grand Woods Lounge proves to be relaxing and satisfying. Check it out the next time you are downtown, or going to an event at Van Andel arena… its only a block away!

The Woods Lounge
77 Grandville Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-451-4300

Bistro Bella Vita proves that a night out on the town doesn’t necessarily have to be a gut bomb. Their food was artsy, colorful and fresh. Even more, all produce and meats are organic, chemical-free, and purchased from local growers. Executive Chef Patrick Wise does a fine job incorporating all Mediterranean tastes into his menu, including vegetarians. With dinners averaging around 12 bucks, the cost doesn’t seem outrageous, especially considering the quality of the food. I highly recommend the pizzas. They are a perfect dinner for one (if you’re hungry) for about 12 dollars.

Their wine list was pretty good, but the prices were on the high side. Their house red wine was called Cucina Mista and it was wonderful at only 19.99. They have many cool martini recipes to check out as well. I recommend the Citrus Blue.

The service we received was good, for the most part. The hostess was great, and the bartenders are superb. Our server was attentive, but a little on the snotty side, which is really my only complaint.
Overall, I would highly recommend Bistro Bella Vita for a>first date, a night out before a concert at Van Andel, or just a martini after work!

Don’t let the dirty Americanized Irish pub atmosphere scare you. This place has fantastic food, and a large menu. The first thing you see on their menu is the “Best Reuben in Town”, and let me tell you, they are right. Shredded corned beef and sauerkraut makes for an awesome reuben. I am a reuben aficionado, and this is seriously the best reuben I’ve ever had. I also highly recommend the Fish and Chips if you are hungry.

I usually don’t comment on this sort of thing, but the girls at Flannigans are truly amazing. The service is sketchy, but the girls sure are cute.

As with any bar downtown, be prepared to see large groups of annoying girls rush in during the summer. The number of bachelorette parties that take place in Grand Rapids amazes me.

Flannigans Irish Pub
139 Pearl
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616-454-7852

Dillenbeck’s, like most coffee shops these days has free wireless internet.

My only complaint are their hours. I wish they were open longer. They close at 8pm on weekdays. They are just down the street from my house, and I would enjoy staying there a bit later than 8 sometimes.

Check out their MySpace page for a schedule of the live entertainment.

Dillenbeck’s Coffeehouse
1059 Fulton Street West
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Phone: 616-458-5716

The atmosphere is warm and library-like. There were interesting bits of decoration all over the walls. It certainly isn’t the most comfortable coffee shop in Grand Rapids, but I seem to get a lot of work done there. There are no soft chairs, only small wooden ones. My butt usually gets sore around hour 3. Most of the tables have seating for two, and hold a small lamp that many people may not find bright enough. While school is in session this place will be busy. It is located just down the street from campus. All 15 or so tables get taken quickly, especially around exam time.

The prices are reasonable. 2 bucks for a large coffee served in a big glass mug. I refilled mine a few times and nobody seemed to notice or care. I also saw bagels and other typical coffee-shop treats.

Overall, this small, cozy coffee house is a great place to crank out a few hours of work, especially if you’re looking for a place at 4 in the morning.

752 Fulton St W
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 451-6061