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Grand Rapids Eats

Grand Rapids Eats | Finally Tried the Iconic MDRD đŸ‡Ș🇾 After hearing so much about MDRD and seeing it pop up all over my food feeds, I finally checked this Grand Rapids hotspot off my list—and let me tell you, it’s definitely a spot that lives up to the hype
 but also came with a few surprises! 😂 First off, I get why it’s so popular: in the summer, weekends here are packed—like, lines out the door if you don’t make a reservation packed. It’s a Spanish restaurant that leans into vibe as much as flavor, and while some parts wowed me, others made me go “hmm”—let’s break it all down! Let’s start with the good stuff, because there’s a lot to love here! First up: the view and the wine—chef’s kiss ✹. MDRD is in downtown Grand Rapids, so the second you walk in and find a seat by the window, you’re hit with a panoramic view of the city. Skyscrapers, tree-lined streets, and even a glimpse of the river on a clear day—this place is made for special occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just want to treat yourself to a fancy night out, sipping a glass of Spanish wine while gazing at GR’s skyline? It doesn’t get much more cozy or romantic than that. The wine list is solid too—plenty of reds, whites, and even a few sparkling options that pair perfectly with tapas. The aesthetic is another win. The decor is modern and sleek, with warm wood accents, soft lighting, and little Spanish-inspired touches (think colorful tile details and abstract art) that make it feel upscale but not stuffy. Every corner feels Instagram-worthy—even the bar area, with its glowing shelves of wine bottles, is a photo op. If you’re someone who loves sharing food pics or just enjoys dining in a pretty space, MDRD checks that box 100%. Now, let’s talk about the part that caught me off guard: the saltiness đŸ˜±. I’m a total “light taste” person—I like flavors to shine, not be drowned out by salt—and MDRD’s dishes were next-level salty. I’m talking “took a bite and immediately reached for my water glass” salty. I didn’t realize it at first, but halfway through my first tapas, my tongue was already tingling. Pro tip for my fellow light-taste friends: definitely ask for less salt when you order, or take a second to scrape off any big salt crystals you see on top of the food. It’s a small fix, but it’ll make a huge difference—you don’t want to miss out on the flavors just because of too much salt! Then there’s the food itself—honestly, it’s pretty “middle of the road.” Nothing made me go “wow, this is the best Spanish food I’ve ever had,” but nothing was terrible either. The tapas are classic: patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and the one that confused me most—the octopus leg 🐙. Let me just say: this octopus is huge. Like, “how does an octopus even have a leg this thick?” huge. I joked with my friend, “Does this octopus not swim? How is it so un-slimmed down?!” 😂 But beyond its size, the flavor was off for me—it’s charcoal-grilled, which sounds great, but the charred taste was more bitter than smoky. It didn’t have that rich, briny flavor I love in octopus, and it was so heavy that I could barely finish a bite without washing it down with wine. Spoiler: you need a drink with this one—otherwise, the bitterness and saltiness are way too much. The desserts are another story—they’re beautiful, but that’s kind of where it ends. We tried the chocolate tart (shiny, rich, and topped with fresh berries) and the lemon sorbet (bright yellow and served in a tiny glass bowl), and while both looked like they came from a pastry shop, the taste was just “meh.” The tart was too sweet, and the sorbet was too tart—no middle ground. They’re great for photos, but if you’re craving a dessert that’s as delicious as it looks, you might want to skip it or split one with a group. All in all, MDRD is a great spot if you’re looking for a fun, pretty place to drink with friends and snack on small plates. It’s not the best Spanish food in Grand Rapids, but the view and vibe make it worth a visit—especially if you’re celebrating something. Just remember: ask for less salt, pair your food with wine (especially that octopus!), and don’t go in expecting mind-blowing flavors. 📍 How to find it: Just search “MDRD Grand Rapids” on Google Maps— it’ll pop right up in the downtown area! #GrandRapids#GrandRapidsEats#MDRD#SpanishRestaurant#DowntownGR#FoodieAdventures

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Grand Rapids Eats

Grand Rapids Eats | Finally Tried the Iconic MDRD đŸ‡Ș🇾 After hearing so much about MDRD and seeing it pop up all over my food feeds, I finally checked this Grand Rapids hotspot off my list—and let me tell you, it’s definitely a spot that lives up to the hype
 but also came with a few surprises! 😂 First off, I get why it’s so popular: in the summer, weekends here are packed—like, lines out the door if you don’t make a reservation packed. It’s a Spanish restaurant that leans into vibe as much as flavor, and while some parts wowed me, others made me go “hmm”—let’s break it all down! Let’s start with the good stuff, because there’s a lot to love here! First up: the view and the wine—chef’s kiss ✹. MDRD is in downtown Grand Rapids, so the second you walk in and find a seat by the window, you’re hit with a panoramic view of the city. Skyscrapers, tree-lined streets, and even a glimpse of the river on a clear day—this place is made for special occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just want to treat yourself to a fancy night out, sipping a glass of Spanish wine while gazing at GR’s skyline? It doesn’t get much more cozy or romantic than that. The wine list is solid too—plenty of reds, whites, and even a few sparkling options that pair perfectly with tapas. The aesthetic is another win. The decor is modern and sleek, with warm wood accents, soft lighting, and little Spanish-inspired touches (think colorful tile details and abstract art) that make it feel upscale but not stuffy. Every corner feels Instagram-worthy—even the bar area, with its glowing shelves of wine bottles, is a photo op. If you’re someone who loves sharing food pics or just enjoys dining in a pretty space, MDRD checks that box 100%. Now, let’s talk about the part that caught me off guard: the saltiness đŸ˜±. I’m a total “light taste” person—I like flavors to shine, not be drowned out by salt—and MDRD’s dishes were next-level salty. I’m talking “took a bite and immediately reached for my water glass” salty. I didn’t realize it at first, but halfway through my first tapas, my tongue was already tingling. Pro tip for my fellow light-taste friends: definitely ask for less salt when you order, or take a second to scrape off any big salt crystals you see on top of the food. It’s a small fix, but it’ll make a huge difference—you don’t want to miss out on the flavors just because of too much salt! Then there’s the food itself—honestly, it’s pretty “middle of the road.” Nothing made me go “wow, this is the best Spanish food I’ve ever had,” but nothing was terrible either. The tapas are classic: patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and the one that confused me most—the octopus leg 🐙. Let me just say: this octopus is huge. Like, “how does an octopus even have a leg this thick?” huge. I joked with my friend, “Does this octopus not swim? How is it so un-slimmed down?!” 😂 But beyond its size, the flavor was off for me—it’s charcoal-grilled, which sounds great, but the charred taste was more bitter than smoky. It didn’t have that rich, briny flavor I love in octopus, and it was so heavy that I could barely finish a bite without washing it down with wine. Spoiler: you need a drink with this one—otherwise, the bitterness and saltiness are way too much. The desserts are another story—they’re beautiful, but that’s kind of where it ends. We tried the chocolate tart (shiny, rich, and topped with fresh berries) and the lemon sorbet (bright yellow and served in a tiny glass bowl), and while both looked like they came from a pastry shop, the taste was just “meh.” The tart was too sweet, and the sorbet was too tart—no middle ground. They’re great for photos, but if you’re craving a dessert that’s as delicious as it looks, you might want to skip it or split one with a group. All in all, MDRD is a great spot if you’re looking for a fun, pretty place to drink with friends and snack on small plates. It’s not the best Spanish food in Grand Rapids, but the view and vibe make it worth a visit—especially if you’re celebrating something. Just remember: ask for less salt, pair your food with wine (especially that octopus!), and don’t go in expecting mind-blowing flavors. 📍 How to find it: Just search “MDRD Grand Rapids” on Google Maps— it’ll pop right up in the downtown area! #GrandRapids#GrandRapidsEats#MDRD#SpanishRestaurant#DowntownGR#FoodieAdventures

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