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Scholar, Grand Rapids, MI

Scholar

4.6
4.6
319 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
A photo of Scholar restaurant

Scholar

4.6
$31 to $50
American
Grand Rapids

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 37 times today
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
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.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Breakfast, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (616) 980-9073
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Taylor Boeschenstein
  • Neighbourhood
    Grand Rapids
  • Cross Street
    Our cross streets are Fulton and Weston.
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Weekend Brunch, Wine

What 319 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Grand Rapids / Western Michigan

    Best Ambience

  • Grand Rapids / Western Michigan

    American

  • Grand Rapids / Western Michigan

    Most Booked

  • Grand Rapids

    Best Ambience

  • Grand Rapids

    Romantic

  • Grand Rapids

    Lively

  • Grand Rapids

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Scholar is a culinary gem, offering "amazing and unique food" in a beautifully curated atmosphere. Guests rave about the "outstanding service" and "delicious cocktails," making it a top choice for both casual and special occasions. The "atmosphere is amazing," with cozy settings like the lower-level study enhancing the dining experience.

319 Reviews
  1. Loren

    Detroit

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    It was very busy when we ate. We are very understanding during these times but our service was not up the the level that we expect from paying $46 a plate. We understand that he was probably juggling a lot of things and we would have been more than understanding if he had explained that and showed that he cared about giving us good service. Our server came to the table 3 times and the bartender who was extremely busy had to come clear our plates and check on us. We had waited for quite awhile to have a meal at Scholar and the service itself really ruined the evening and made it hard to stomach our $150 bill. The kitchen on the other hand did a phenomenal job pushing out food.

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  2. Paul

    Atlanta Metro

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was very good, and the service was a little overly good. Waiter seemed a bit eager and then settled down and interrupted less. Our seating was nice and quiet. I would recommend Scholar and go back when in town.

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  3. Alicia

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went to brunch there and it was outstanding! We can’t wait to go back again.

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  4. Selena

    Grand Rapids

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    The food was delicious the staff was friendly however the music was so loud you could not hear the person next to you. We are not old and their were four of us dining but the music was loud. We asked the waitress if possible if it could be turned down a bit so we could hear our conversations, she smiled and said yeah but then never did. There were only a few tables being used the parlor was not very busy I think the music was more for the staff.

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  5. Brandon

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Service was just ok but food was DELICIOUS! Cocktails too. Absolutely spot on with every single item! Would recommend!

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Atmosphere, food and service was great. More pasta options would have been nice but overall- a great night.

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  7. Cindy

    Northern MI

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I was the only one who ordered an English muffin plate, steak brunch sandwich was 10/10. Other than that, my 3 other guests all ordered bagel sandwiches for brunch and they all said the bagel was too chewy

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  8. Jack

    Detroit

    13 reviews

    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    I have loved Scholar both times I went for dinner. Brunch however was another matter: Coffee was repeatedly given cold. They served coffee out of a creamer carafe. When they asked if we wanted cream or oat milk we asked for cream. They gave oatmilk and when asked for cream they insisted it was cream but then when we showed it was oat milk, they said they were out of cream 🤷🏻‍♂️. Food came fairly cold as well and it was unremarkable. My guess is that the brunch server team was the "C team". I will stick to dinner. 😋

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  9. Jack

    Grand Rapids

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    Food was excellent with great service. This a great place, but not if you're looking for a relaxing or romantic atmosphere.

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  10. Tony

    Grand Rapids

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a treat! This was our first time dining here and it definitely will not be our last. Great inviting atmosphere in a well appointed repurposed vintage business space; knowledgeable and attentive service; tempting menu offerings; well prepared dishes; excellent, reasonably priced wine selection; perfect spot for any occasion.

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FAQs

Scholar is rated 4.6 stars by 319 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

A photo of Scholar restaurant

Scholar

4.6
$31 to $50
American
Grand Rapids

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 37 times today
Google Map for Scholar

11 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Our cross streets are Fulton and Weston.
  • Neighbourhood
    Grand Rapids
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Breakfast, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Executive Chef
    Taylor Boeschenstein
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Weekend Brunch, Wine
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