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History, specifically America’s culinary history, is the central focus of our food and cocktail programs here at Scholar. Situated downtown on Grand Rapids’ iconic red brick road at 11 Ionia SW, Scholar honors previous residents of the same address while striving to achieve our goal; to earn the title of the city’s best restaurant.
Hours
| Tuesday | 4–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–10 PM |
| Thursday | 4–10 PM |
| Friday | 4–11 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Monday | 4–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 11 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 980-9073
Website: https://www.scholargr.com/
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Scholar | Grand Rapids Restaurant
Scholar is located in Downtown Grand Rapids and offers early American Cuisine, timeless design, and warm hospitality. Visit our Grand Rapids Restaurant.
Scholar Restaurant – Grand Rapids, MI – OpenTable
Book now at Scholar in Grand Rapids, MI. Explore menu, see photos and read 505 reviews: “Very good overall. We were very surprised it wasn’t packed based on …
Scholar Restaurant | Grand Rapids MI – Facebook
Classic Americana embracing timeless, old world elegance and charm with exemplary hospitality.
Reviews
Scott V
Was looking for a place similar to our favorite Detroit places and saw this place and figured what the hell, pictures look good.
Well I am beyond happy we gave it a go and happier that we made reservations on the back side of the most popular times.
We got an amazing table in the “Study” or at least that’s what it felt like but was actually the basement. Heavy wooden table with couch seating with a beautiful view of the entire space.
Our server was just incredible. Gave us a very brief rundown of the menu and special then went off to do his thing before perfectly timing his return for when we were ready to order drinks and appetizers. He then took our main order when he delivered our drinks. This timed our appetizer arrival such that we could enjoy it and have a brief respite before our main course arrived.
Food was amazing. No part of the dish was overpowering the others which allowed us to enjoy every aspect of the meal. To taste the many ingredients in a perfectly balanced medley of flavor is an accomplishment most places just can’t achieve.
Very happy for the evening and we are already looking forward to our next visit.
… moreWell I am beyond happy we gave it a go and happier that we made reservations on the back side of the most popular times.
We got an amazing table in the “Study” or at least that’s what it felt like but was actually the basement. Heavy wooden table with couch seating with a beautiful view of the entire space.
Our server was just incredible. Gave us a very brief rundown of the menu and special then went off to do his thing before perfectly timing his return for when we were ready to order drinks and appetizers. He then took our main order when he delivered our drinks. This timed our appetizer arrival such that we could enjoy it and have a brief respite before our main course arrived.
Food was amazing. No part of the dish was overpowering the others which allowed us to enjoy every aspect of the meal. To taste the many ingredients in a perfectly balanced medley of flavor is an accomplishment most places just can’t achieve.
Very happy for the evening and we are already looking forward to our next visit.
Paul Hart
I’d heard enough praise to arrive with high expectations, and walking into the old J. Gardella’s space immediately felt like a thoughtful upgrade to a well-loved architectural gem.
The classic setting and preserved décor give the restaurant an immediate sense of character and polish, creating an upscale atmosphere that sets the tone right away. That atmosphere is echoed in the menu, where the dishes feel considered and distinctive, adding to the overall sense of intention.
The dining room was calm and unhurried during our visit, making it easy to settle in and have conversation. Service felt a bit stretched, and there were moments when we noticed the absence more than the presence. Still, the experience held together.
It’s the kind of place that makes you hope Grand Rapids continues to make room for restaurants willing to aim a little higher—both in experience and in price.
… moreThe classic setting and preserved décor give the restaurant an immediate sense of character and polish, creating an upscale atmosphere that sets the tone right away. That atmosphere is echoed in the menu, where the dishes feel considered and distinctive, adding to the overall sense of intention.
The dining room was calm and unhurried during our visit, making it easy to settle in and have conversation. Service felt a bit stretched, and there were moments when we noticed the absence more than the presence. Still, the experience held together.
It’s the kind of place that makes you hope Grand Rapids continues to make room for restaurants willing to aim a little higher—both in experience and in price.
Emma Betzig
Pros: Food quality was great (issue was with timing & cold benedict), our server was outstanding and tried her best to get our food out / apologized for the wait without us mentioning it, atmosphere is sophisticated and the decor is beautiful and upscale. Attention to detail on table setting is clearly extremely high, we loved the plates, French press, unique glasses. The team also accommodated our request for a quieter table.
Cons: When we arrived, the host was behind the downstairs bar. We waited for a couple of minutes and then walked up to mention our reservation – he was rude and annoyed – didn’t come to seat us for another 5 minutes while we stood there awkwardly waiting. There was no line and he did not seem rushed, but was chatting with his colleague instead. Food timing was off, resulting in cold benedict, & we waited for a basic brunch for 2 for about 40 minutes, but the quality of the food has so much potential.
… moreCons: When we arrived, the host was behind the downstairs bar. We waited for a couple of minutes and then walked up to mention our reservation – he was rude and annoyed – didn’t come to seat us for another 5 minutes while we stood there awkwardly waiting. There was no line and he did not seem rushed, but was chatting with his colleague instead. Food timing was off, resulting in cold benedict, & we waited for a basic brunch for 2 for about 40 minutes, but the quality of the food has so much potential.
Heather (Liam)
From aesthetic to the staff, the atmosphere at Scholar is cozy in the best way. The whimsical swirling fire lamps drew us inside, and we were greeted by kind smiles and immaculate vibes. Seth looked after us and he was SO lovely and helpful. We were in full costume (Halloween), as were the staff, and headed to a concert after–Seth helped us make the best menu decisions to meet our needs and allowed us to split a soup and entree so we weren’t uncomfortably full going out after. Every recommendation he made was proven to be the right one. We had the crab cakes, mushroom soup, and the short rib (so when you see the picture know that is a half portion). We did not wait to send recommendations to our friends who live in the area (we were visiting from out of town), and can’t wait to come back for our next trip. A huge thank you to Seth, and all of the staff we humble Hobbits interacted with during our visit.
… moreAmanda Lubbers
★★★★★ Perfect Special Occasion Spot!
If you’re looking for a refined dining experience in Grand Rapids, Scholar is it. The sophisticated atmosphere is beautiful, and the delicious menu options are truly top-tier. Everything from appetizers to dessert was incredible. The service, provided by the kind staff, was exceptional and enhanced the entire meal. Note that the price is high, which definitely makes this our special occasion spot, but it’s completely worth it for the quality and ambiance.
… moreIf you’re looking for a refined dining experience in Grand Rapids, Scholar is it. The sophisticated atmosphere is beautiful, and the delicious menu options are truly top-tier. Everything from appetizers to dessert was incredible. The service, provided by the kind staff, was exceptional and enhanced the entire meal. Note that the price is high, which definitely makes this our special occasion spot, but it’s completely worth it for the quality and ambiance.
Kelsey Howard
I had been looking forward to checking out scholar for a while now so I finally went for my birthday dinner! The ambiance was absolutely beautiful, service was great, but the food was very underwhelming. I had the mushroom ragu with chicken. The chicken was amazing, but the pasta sauce was super thick, it just stuck to the cavatappi noddles. My boyfriend had the special pork steak which was really dry and was basically just a plate of cous cous.
… moreTJ Travels
Holy cow the food the incredible
We tried the whole of restaurant week menu on the very last day including the drinks & man it is worth the $65 / person.
The duck legs were outstanding followed by crab cake and potato starter and lamb meat balls .
Great service as well !
It is a 3 storied building, our group was seated in the basement floor, the ambiance is very good
… moreWe tried the whole of restaurant week menu on the very last day including the drinks & man it is worth the $65 / person.
The duck legs were outstanding followed by crab cake and potato starter and lamb meat balls .
Great service as well !
It is a 3 storied building, our group was seated in the basement floor, the ambiance is very good
Erica Barnes
Kind of disappointed. Cocktails were good as was service. However the food was not as expected. Primavera was almost too flavored with very few vegetables to speak of. The bison short rib was lacking flavor. The bison meatballs didn’t add anything special. As a side note – the hand soap in the bathroom overtook any sense of smell I had for the food. Consider something non scented. I was surprised at how over powering it was to my food & drink.
… moreJoshua Velasquez
Celebrated a birthday here and had a phenomenal experience. Their Non-alcoholic drinks were exceptional and tasted better than imagined. The Bison short rib was fantastic and I highly recommend; the sauce alone was worth the price. And, the best dessert on the menu is the chocolate torte, it was unreal.
Sat upstairs and the atmosphere is unique and elegant. A real big fan of the chairs and seating arrangement. Might be the only place I’ve ever noticed how stylish the plates and cutlery look. Service was high quality as well. This place is all about attention to detail and it is exquisite.
… moreSat upstairs and the atmosphere is unique and elegant. A real big fan of the chairs and seating arrangement. Might be the only place I’ve ever noticed how stylish the plates and cutlery look. Service was high quality as well. This place is all about attention to detail and it is exquisite.
Addie Grohman
Madeline A. was our server and she was amazing! So attentive, recommendations on point, and such a sweet young woman. Very accommodating to our dietary restrictions.
The food was delicious, and the drinks were amazing as well. We even got a complimentary birthday dessert.
Worth every penny. 10/10 experience – we will be back!
… moreThe food was delicious, and the drinks were amazing as well. We even got a complimentary birthday dessert.
Worth every penny. 10/10 experience – we will be back!