We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

“Best tapas in the midwest”

San Chez a Tapas Bistro
Ranked #7 of 955 Restaurants in Grand Rapids
Price range: £16 - £27
Cuisines: Spanish
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Dining options: Dinner, Lunch, After-hours, Breakfast, Private Dining, Reservations
Dining style: Casual Dining
Cross street: Commerce
Transit: The Metro system of Grand Rapids called "The Rapid" has 6 lines that stop directly in front of 38 West Commerce. They are 1, 2, 3, 4, 14, 15.
Description: Welcome to the most unique dining and entertainment venue in Grand Rapids. San Chez Bistro offers a blend of authentic European, Mediterranean, and Latin American cuisine in a fun, laid-back, and artful atmosphere.
Reviewed 30 December 2016

I would not have expected Grand Rapids, MI to have the best tapas restaurant in the Midwest--one of the best in the country, in fact--but here it is, located right on the edge of downtown, within walking distance of business and lodging.

San Chez is a large restaurant in an old commercial space, but broken up into several separate areas, so you don't have the feeling of its being so big. It was bustling with a cheerful, young, after-work crowd the night we ate there. Don't be fooled by the size--you'd better come early or have a reservation, otherwise you could find yourself waiting for a table.

There is an extensive menu of very interesting tapas, as well as some larger dinner items and some smaller happy hour snacks. We had a warm spinach salad with red peppers, feta, and olives; some delicious little saffron rice balls fried crispy on the outside and creamy smooth on the inside; toast rounds smeared with a yummy tomato paste; and fried calamari, done perfectly and with both aioli and a spicier red sauce to dip. Every dish done perfectly. The food is very inexpensive. The little bread rounds were just $1 each, and the rice balls were at a happy hour special price of also $1 each, if I remember.

There is a wine list with some decent selections, including a good number of Spanish wines. I thought it was a little overpriced, though, maybe to make up for the very inexpensive tapas dishes? We had a decent albarino that went well with the meal, but $11 a glass is too much for a wine that we found the next day at Costco for $12.95 a bottle.

Don't let that keep you away, though. If you ever thought the Midwest was "flyover territory," San Chez, plus a stay in the classy boutique hotel City Flats or the elegant B&B Lafayette House (both within a 10 min walk) will have you thinking of Grand Rapids as a destination city.

Date of visit: December 2016
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
Thank Slopezian
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviews (1,004)
Traveller rating
Traveller type
Time of year
Language

337 - 341 of 1,004 reviews

Reviewed 28 December 2016 via mobile

Great experience! Everything was very different and tasty! You should definitely try this, you will not regret it!

Date of visit: December 2016
Thank mishawakaconsumer
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 28 December 2016

Went to GR to surprise a friend running his first marathon. Somehow we kept missing him at the mile markers. After two hours we decided it's time to eat, plotted a place right before the finish line we knew we couldn't miss him. Asked a cop where to go on a Sunday morning. The street he directed up to was lined with restaurants!! (none open for breakfast) as we leaned against a dumpster with a breakfast beer, stomach's growling we decided to walk up to the next cross street. We hit Fulton and looked up.. TA DAAA San Chez!!! Did not know what to expect walking in. Just needed to eat. They were busy! REALLY BUSY!! BRIDAL SHOWER, MARATHON FANS, NORMAL SUNDAY BRUNCHERS. 2 spots at the bar!! Yay. I personally (and it's not for everyone) like a sarcastic, dirty joke telling bartender. Clearly he knew his audience. 9:30, a shot of Jamison and an African beer he recommended and the day was starting to turn around. Ordered the Fried Chicken Benny to spilt. While waiting for breakfast realized bartender was not the bartender, but promotions type guy who I wish I could remember by name. Donny was our bartender (also knew his audience) definitely a dry sense of humor, it was a hit with us, but I could see less brave souls approach the bar and not "get it". I thought he was hilarious. Food came. It was awesome. I wish we would have ordered more. As a super social gal, I did however pole all of the other bar patrons, all equally happy with their options both carnivores and veggies alike. Made it back in time to watch friend finish race, with a happy tummy. Would recommend.. Especially if you are the type who rather eat at the bar, imbibe in the morning and snicker while you eat. San Chez is almost enough reason to make the 2 1/2 drive!!

Date of visit: October 2016
Thank Whalen76
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 23 December 2016

Outstanding menu. Was very busy, but service was great. We really liked the selection of Tapas. Location is walking distance from Van Andel Arena. Price was a little high, but well worth it.

Date of visit: December 2016
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
Thank David B
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 22 December 2016

Moving to Grand Rapids from Chicago years ago, we were a bit concerned we wouldn't be able to find enough good restaurants in town. Fortunately, we found San Chez when we arrived. It reminds us that you can find "big city" caliber restaurants in mid-sized cities too. If you are in the mood to try all sorts of small plates with big flavors, this is the place. The gambas al fuego (loosely translated as "fiery shrimp) is still one of my all-time favorite dishes anywhere. It's amazing. The atmosphere is urban chic and the service and the bar tenders are all top-notch. They have a great selection of Cava as well.

Date of visit: February 2016
Thank DocLendo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Travellers who viewed San Chez a Tapas Bistro also viewed

Grand Rapids, Kent County
Grand Rapids, Kent County
 
Grand Rapids, Kent County
 

Been to San Chez a Tapas Bistro? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos & Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.