Michigan Eats | San Chez A Tapas Bistro

Michigan Eats | San Chez A Tapas Bistro: Cozy Spanish Flavors in Grand Rapids 🇪🇸 If you’re wandering around downtown Grand Rapids and craving Spanish tapas with a fun, shareable twist—San Chez A Tapas Bistro is the spot you need to hit! I stumbled upon this little gem during a day trip to GR, and what stood out most wasn’t just the food (though it was delicious!)—it was the cozy, laid-back vibe and how perfectly the dishes were designed for sharing. Whether you’re with friends, family, or a date, this place makes eating feel like a casual, happy gathering—and that’s exactly what I love about tapas! 😊 As soon as we walked in, a friendly server greeted us and gave us a little heads-up that made me laugh: “Just so you know, we’re not like most American restaurants here—our portions are small, so it’s all about sharing!” 🤣 That’s exactly what tapas are all about, right? No huge plates that leave you stuffed halfway through—just tiny, flavorful bites that let you try a little bit of everything. We ended up ordering 4 dishes between 2 people, and it was the perfect amount—enough to taste a variety, but not so much that we left feeling heavy. Let’s start with the Croquetas 🥔🧀—aka fried potato-cheese balls, a classic Spanish tapas staple. These little golden balls were crispy on the outside, with a creamy, melty potato-cheese filling inside. They had a subtle, savory flavor—nothing too fancy, but super comforting. We dipped them in the aioli sauce that came on the side, and it added a tangy, garlicky kick that made them even more addictive. I could’ve easily eaten a whole plate by myself, but since we were sharing, I forced myself to save some for my friend (reluctantly—they were that good!). Next up: Bistec Con Pimienta 🥩🥟—this was my favorite dish of the night! It came with a slice of tender steak and a handful of tiny, adorable Italian ravioli. The steak was cooked to medium-rare perfection—juicy, tender, and with just the right amount of chew. It was seasoned with black pepper, which gave it a warm, slightly spicy flavor that didn’t overpower the meat. But the real star? Those mini ravioli! They were so cute—about the size of a thumbnail—and filled with a creamy cheese. We dipped them in the rich cream sauce that came with the dish, and it was pure heaven. The combination of the savory steak and the cheesy, creamy ravioli was chef’s kiss—I kept going back for more, even after I thought I was full. Then there’s Atun En Escabeche 🐟—a dish the server recommended, and I’m glad we tried it (even if it wasn’t my favorite). It’s marinated tuna served with pickled carrots and onions, and the server warned us: “Make sure you eat the tuna with the carrots together—if you eat the tuna alone, it might be too rich!” She was right—on its own, the tuna had a strong, briny flavor that felt a little heavy. But when you paired it with the crisp, tangy pickled carrots, the flavors balanced out perfectly. The carrots added a fresh, acidic contrast that cut through the tuna’s richness, making each bite feel lighter. It’s not a dish I’d order again, but it was fun to try something new—and I appreciated the server’s tip! The only real bummer of the night? We didn’t get to try their Paella 🍚—a classic Spanish rice dish that’s usually a tapas spot’s crowning glory. The server explained why: “Our paella is huge—it’s meant for 3-4 people, and it takes about 30 minutes to cook. If you want to order it, call ahead before you come—we’ll start making it when you call, so it’s ready as soon as you sit down!” That makes total sense—paella needs time to cook properly, and you don’t want to wait half an hour hungry. Next time I go, I’m definitely rounding up a group of friends and calling ahead to reserve a paella—I’ve heard it’s loaded with saffron, seafood, and chorizo, and I need to taste it for myself! Overall, San Chez A Tapas Bistro is the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again. The food is flavorful, the portions are perfect for sharing, and the staff is so friendly and helpful. It’s located right in downtown Grand Rapids, so after your meal, you can take a stroll around the area—maybe grab a coffee or check out one of the nearby shops. Whether you’re a tapas veteran or trying Spanish food for the first time, this spot is sure to impress. #Michigan#GrandRapids#GrandRapidsEats#SpanishCuisine#TapasLovers