As the weather warms up, so do the views. Grand Rapids is home to a growing list of rooftop bars that offer more than just a place to grab a drink. From hidden speakeasies to skyline lounges with full menus, here are five rooftop spots worth checking out this summer.
Located atop the Canopy by Hilton, Knoop offers more than a scenic overlook of downtown Grand Rapids—it delivers a full-on dining experience with elevated small plates and craft drinks.
The menu is Dutch-inspired, with standout options like Bitterballen (beef and gravy croquettes), Kibbeling (crispy battered cod with garlic aioli), and Saté Babi skewers. Shareables like mussels in white wine sauce and an artisan charcuterie board make it a go-to for group outings. Their sandwich lineup—especially the Smash Burger with bacon-fig jam—pairs perfectly with one of their rotating draft beers or house cocktails.
Pro tip: Knoop is open year-round, but summer evenings on the rooftop are where it really shines.
For panoramic views and a romantic downtown vibe, Mertens Rooftop delivers. Perched above the historic Mertens Hotel, this seasonal venue combines European charm with a modern cocktail menu and relaxed lounge seating.
Starting April 2025, they’re rolling out a full-service lunch menu daily. Expect salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, and shareable bites alongside their already-loved lineup of local beer and craft cocktails. It’s also a prime spot for private events—from wedding receptions to business happy hours—and they even offer a weather backup indoors.
Reservations are recommended, especially if you’re aiming for outdoor seating.
Rapid River Stillhouse Rooftop
The Stillhouse blends a bit of Southern smokehouse flavor with a rooftop bar experience that leans bold and whiskey-forward. You’ll find everything from brisket pops to grilled cornbread with goat cheese whip and hot honey mustard.
The drink menu is stacked with whiskey cocktails—like the Velvet Cowboy (house-made cream soda with flavored whiskey) and Cowboy’s Evergreen with rosemary smoke. Don’t miss their “Shots on Draft” or the rotating hard ciders and seltzers. It’s an ideal pick for a laid-back evening with friends or catching golden hour with a glass in hand.
Tucked into the JW Marriott, Margaux offers a more refined rooftop experience with a private, year-round balcony bar. While it’s not as high-profile as some others, it brings serious style—think espresso martinis, charred pineapple cocktails, and French Fog mocktails.
Food-wise, the menu leans upscale, with hand-crafted flatbreads, salads, and specialties like Dirty Chai Old Fashioneds and Grilled Peach & Burrata. The vibe is quieter, more intimate, and ideal for date nights or casual elegance.
If you know, you know. IDC is one of the Hotel District’s best-kept secrets—a private, covered rooftop bar with indoor and outdoor seating, a full view of the city, and a little mystery baked in.
You won’t find a flashy sign or easy entrance. Instead, guests are asked to “dress like you know what ladies and gentlemen should dress like,” and the location? Let’s just say you’ll figure it out when you need to. It’s first come, first served, and every guest is treated like a VIP. If you’re planning a celebration or private event, IDC has you covered—with a weather plan too.
If exclusivity and hidden-gem vibes are your thing, this one belongs on your list.
Stay Tuned
Rooftop season in Grand Rapids keeps getting better—and we’ll be the first to let you know when new spots pop up or menus get refreshed. Follow Grand Rapids Neighborhoods for more summer recommendations, local events, and under-the-radar finds across the city.