Scholar — Restaurant in Grand Rapids

Scholar is game changer for Grand Rapids! If you're seeking a dining experience that combines sophistication, innovation, and a touch of local charm, this is your place. Finally, Grand Rapids has an upscale dinning experience for the city's professionals. Finally!!!! When you walk through the elegant glass doors, you're transported to a world of culinary glory with unmatched ambiance that surpassed our expectations. Wow.

We had a few courses tonight.

Course 1(appetizers): the Deviled Eggs were a revelation. These little bites of heaven were nothing short of divine. The perfectly seasoned yolks paired exquisitely with a hint of smokiness and topped with pork belly were among the best I've ever had.

Next up were the Bison Meatballs, a unique and memorable dish that showcased the restaurant's commitment to showcasing great ingredients. These tender morsels of bison were generously seasoned and perfect accented with huckleberry jam and farm cheese.

The Crab Cakes were a true testament to Scholar's dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients. The succulent lump crab meat was expertly combined with just the right amount of herbs and spices to create a mouthwatering masterpiece. The accompanying tarter sauce was simply outstanding. Unlike crab cakes at rubbish chain restaurants, this was not mostly "cake."

Course 2 (salad): The Wedge Salad was a refreshing interlude, a crisp and vibrant mix of iceberg lettuce, smoky bacon, a little crumbled blue cheese, pepper, and a delish dressing.

Course 3 (main course): WOW! The Braised Short Ribs! You must order this! Scholar has truly mastered the art of slow-cooked perfection. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef was bathed in a rich, velvety sauce that was nothing short of ambrosial.

Course 4 (dessert): The Chocolate Cheesecake was a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable meal. The dense, creamy cheesecake had pretty amazing flavors. It's rich!! You could easily split it between two people.

Great service, elegant ambiance, very cool books scattered about with its modern decor and warm lighting, created the perfect backdrop for an upscale dining experience. I felt like a scholar when we were finished with the meal.

Lastly, it has three floors! The downstairs lounge is the perfect spot of the GR's professionals and rivals anything in the city. If you want a mature experience with expert cocktails and an exquisite dining experience, Scholar is the place for you! It's not just new, it's categorically better.

The food scene in Grand Rapids just got...

Long Review Made reservations for 12/13 4:45 pm for 3 through Open table. Arrived promptly and was looked over. The hostess finally came and asked how she could help us. I told her I had reservations for 4:45, she asked for my last name I told her and she took us upstairs to the 3rd floor. I explained that our other party would be coming just a little behind. The bartender who was also our waitress attended us with taking our 1st drink orders, as we waited for our other party to arrive. Once the other party arrived she was told that there was no reservation under my name or the other person in the party. The party called me and I told her we were here and upstairs. Once party got situated she order her drink and then we proceeded to order appetizers, each one of us did. Once the appetizers arrived we ordered our second round of drinks, and ate, talked and was catching up. Bartender came and asked of we needed anything else, we told her no, and that we would drink water before the next round. Around 6:30 we told the waiter we would order another round. She took our order only to come back 15 mins later to tell us that she was told to tell us that we needed to leave the table as there was another party there that needed our table. She stated that she could fix our drinks and serve them at the bar. We stated no, just bring our checks, if we wanted to sit at the bar I wouldn't have reserved a table. She apologized to us and we paid our checks and left. I feel that we were singled out as we were the only black people in the whole resturant that evening and basically was told that we had to leave the table. I don't k ow about any of you but, I have been at Chop House, Ruth's Chris, Leo's and many other high end resturants and never have I been told that we have to give our table up because another party needs it. Where in Great America does this happen. Scholars never have to worry about me spending my hard earn money there, none of of professional colleagues either. Everyone I encounter from this day on, I will tell them not to step foot in this establishment. Especially with this being a new establishment I would expect better especially in the heart of GR. I feel as though I walked through a time zone from the 1960's. Is this what the norm is to be...

I have had a chance to dine at Scholar twice now, and I will definitely be back. First, I am beyond impressed with the phenomenal job they did updating this space! It's almost impossible to remember what it used to look like! Even the bathrooms are stunning! As a general review of these two times: Reservations - make a reservation! Ambiance - more on the romantic side, a little darker, more moody. Tall ceilings on the second floor that make if feel more open and airy. Parking - you are going to want to find a close ramp or if you are lucky score street parking. Good luck if you go on an evening with an event or game at Van Andel! Groups - I have seen larger groups accommodated, but I'd say not more than 10-12. I'm not sure if there were areas that could accommodate larger, I have not seen them. Drinks - The have a small drink list in my opinion. However, I'm sure their bartenders can make up whatever you want. I also find their wine list on the smaller side. I'm a chard girl, and there was only two options. I had expected a little larger wine list, to be honest, but I found one I liked so I was happy. I will say the second time I was here, the drinks took forever. At one point our waitress had forgotten mine. It was a busier night, so I wasn't mad. Food - Menu is also smaller, but each item is SO good.. Everything I have tried thus far was outstanding. Everyone I have dinned with has loved their meal, as well. I have noticed that it has changed a few times already, and I love to see an evolving and changing menu - keeps things fresh! Overall, I think Scholar is an awesome addition to the nicer end of dining options in Grand Rapids. Great spot for dinner before a concert or after an event. Close walking distance to lots of other bars, restaurants, and hotels. Hope they stay busy and around for...