|
Coast Guard Festival tops another weekend of major outdoor events and festivals, including Rob Bliss's Grand Rapids Electronic Music Night, Picnic Pops, the all-new Bike 'N' Roll Fest, the Ottawa County Fair and Byron Days in Byron Center.
Weekend Guide: July 30-August 1 2010 Guide to Summer Festivals |
| San Chez Bistro |
San Chez has remained a Grand Rapids favorite by following a simple mission: provide high-quality authentic Spanish cuisine using locally-grown food in a fun environment while giving back to the community. Located just one block from Van Andel Arena, San Chez has received numerous local awards, along with national recognition from Hispanic Magazine, which named it one of the 50 best Hispanic restaurants in the U.S. Brightly colored artwork and mosaics adorn the interior of San Chez, many completed by Grand Rapids resident artist Jose Narezo who recently passed away. San Chez can also be credited as one of the pioneers of downtown Grand Rapids' rebirth. It opened in 1992, years before the construction of the Arena, DeVos Place, Art Museum, Public Museum and Rosa Parks Circle. The menu is a fusion of Spanish and Cuban selections highlighted by tapas, smaller sized dishes that are served like appetizers and can be shared with others at the table. Although the available list of items does evolve over time, a few constant favorites include the Cazuela (baked asparagus casserole), Banderilla de Pollo (a chicken and chorizo sausage skewer) and Alubias Negras (black beans, white rice and habanero salsa). San Chez is also one of the few Grand Rapids restaurants to offer paella. The restaurant also offers a complete bar with a wine list that includes reds and whites from Spain and South America, sangria and the classic cocktails mojitos and margaritas. Next door the San Chez Cafe offers unique Moroccan cuisine.
Hours: Restaurant: Mon-Thurs 2:00 pm – 10 pm, Fri 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm; Saturday noon – 11:00 pm; Sunday 3 pm – 10 pm. Cafe: 8 am – 2 pm; Saturday 10 am – 11:00 pm; Sunday 9 am – 3 pm.
General price range: The cost for dinner at San Chez can vary greatly depending on the number and type of tapas ordered and the amount of people in each group. Two people sharing a pitcher of sangria, five tapas and dessert can expect the bill to be about $75 (before tax and tip). Breakfast entrees are about $8 and most lunch selections are less than $9.
Menu Link
Carryout available: Yes, and catering
Reservations accepted: Yes
Kids menu: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Alcohol served: Yes
Banquet, meeting or rehearsal dinner facilities?: Yes, 3rd floor
Allergy menu: Yes. Allergy menus include: Capsicum Allergy, Citric Acid Allergy, Garlic Allergy, Gluten Allergy, Lactose Allergy, Nuts & Seeds Allergy, Seafood Allergy, Vegan Menu and Soy Free Menu.
Free on-site parking?: No
Write Review Rating Recommend Print Report Map| Listing Information | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Visitor Rating: | 4.66 (Out of 5) | |||
| Number of ratings: | 18 | |||
| Hits: | 10284 | |||
| Added: | 2005-01-17 16:17:26 | |||
| Last updated: | 2009-12-21 17:38:04 | |||
Reviews (11)
Change isn't always good
Reviewed by Joey, 2009-06-17 20:12:41 I've always loved going to San Chez, it's definitely been in my top few restaurants in town. I have to say though, that all of the changes in the past while haven't really been a good thing, and I know a lot of people who agree. It seems like they've been trying a bit too hard to create a newer, more hip restaurant when what they had to begin with was perfect. Even some of the old favorites are no longer on the menu. The good thing is that the service is always good and what is still on the menu is pretty tasty as well.
Reviewed by Joey, 2009-06-17 20:12:41 I've always loved going to San Chez, it's definitely been in my top few restaurants in town. I have to say though, that all of the changes in the past while haven't really been a good thing, and I know a lot of people who agree. It seems like they've been trying a bit too hard to create a newer, more hip restaurant when what they had to begin with was perfect. Even some of the old favorites are no longer on the menu. The good thing is that the service is always good and what is still on the menu is pretty tasty as well.
Fantastic
Reviewed by Dr. G, 2008-10-10 20:42:26 San Chez was outstanding. I went with three others and ordered the moussaka which had everyone raving about the excellent mixture of delicate flavors - it was sublime. The tapas were very good but not brilliant. Their caipirinha might have been the best drink I have ever had in michigan. I would highly recommend San Chez.
Reviewed by Dr. G, 2008-10-10 20:42:26 San Chez was outstanding. I went with three others and ordered the moussaka which had everyone raving about the excellent mixture of delicate flavors - it was sublime. The tapas were very good but not brilliant. Their caipirinha might have been the best drink I have ever had in michigan. I would highly recommend San Chez.
Great food, Great service, Great price
Reviewed by La Jefa, 2007-12-30 04:13:52 We regularly eat at both the Mezze & San Chez- Ask your waiter to suggest the best dish. I was served terribly dry chorizo at San Chez one day but then I am Tex-Mex and get it homemade. All dishes recommended to me have been exceptionally delicious. Maybe they should try getting chorizo from Dr Beef in East Lansing at Goodriches or at Handy's Market in Lansing. This chorizo will knock your calcetines off.
Reviewed by La Jefa, 2007-12-30 04:13:52 We regularly eat at both the Mezze & San Chez- Ask your waiter to suggest the best dish. I was served terribly dry chorizo at San Chez one day but then I am Tex-Mex and get it homemade. All dishes recommended to me have been exceptionally delicious. Maybe they should try getting chorizo from Dr Beef in East Lansing at Goodriches or at Handy's Market in Lansing. This chorizo will knock your calcetines off.
Once you go here you'll never stop!
Reviewed by SR, 2007-11-29 19:31:52 One of my utmost favorite restaurants nationwide. Best food - they change up specials monthly. Wonderful active environment. I eat here about once a week. Only place to go for a true palate pleasing menu.
Reviewed by SR, 2007-11-29 19:31:52 One of my utmost favorite restaurants nationwide. Best food - they change up specials monthly. Wonderful active environment. I eat here about once a week. Only place to go for a true palate pleasing menu.
You have to try this place!
Reviewed by Ryan, 2007-04-16 23:00:16 This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids. I have never had a bad experience, and always take out of town guests there. The food and atmosphere is amazing!! I highly recommend trying San Chez.
Reviewed by Ryan, 2007-04-16 23:00:16 This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids. I have never had a bad experience, and always take out of town guests there. The food and atmosphere is amazing!! I highly recommend trying San Chez.
Both restaurants are wonderful
Reviewed by ,, 2006-11-29 01:47:48 Did you know San Chez opened up a restaurant next door called Mezze? Can't pronounce it right but the food it AMAZING! It is a small place with a crazy decor but everything was fantastic. Check it out.
Reviewed by ,, 2006-11-29 01:47:48 Did you know San Chez opened up a restaurant next door called Mezze? Can't pronounce it right but the food it AMAZING! It is a small place with a crazy decor but everything was fantastic. Check it out.
Great Atmosphere!
Reviewed by XOXOXOX, 2006-08-02 14:15:46 I am new to Grand Rapids and have only heard great things about this restaurant. I am a very picky eater but enjoyed myself! The food is very different but amazing! The service staff really knows their stuff. This is a top-notch restaurant!
Reviewed by XOXOXOX, 2006-08-02 14:15:46 I am new to Grand Rapids and have only heard great things about this restaurant. I am a very picky eater but enjoyed myself! The food is very different but amazing! The service staff really knows their stuff. This is a top-notch restaurant!
Still One of the Best
Reviewed by dbrok23, 2005-11-14 00:00:00 I have been going to San Chez periodically for the last five years or so, and it's always a great experience. The interior is well done, classy and attractive. Service is almost always top-notch. Plus, the food is great: my favorite is the baked aspargus casserole. If I had any complaints at all it would be the tables are a little close together so it feels a bit crowded. Overall, though, one of Grand Rapids' best.
Reviewed by dbrok23, 2005-11-14 00:00:00 I have been going to San Chez periodically for the last five years or so, and it's always a great experience. The interior is well done, classy and attractive. Service is almost always top-notch. Plus, the food is great: my favorite is the baked aspargus casserole. If I had any complaints at all it would be the tables are a little close together so it feels a bit crowded. Overall, though, one of Grand Rapids' best.
Excellent food, wide variety
Reviewed by circecurlz, 2005-10-24 00:00:00 I've been here twice and both were excellent experiences. Sampling everything from fish and seafood tapas to chicken and steak, seasoning and overall taste were superb.
Reviewed by circecurlz, 2005-10-24 00:00:00 I've been here twice and both were excellent experiences. Sampling everything from fish and seafood tapas to chicken and steak, seasoning and overall taste were superb.
Results 1 - 10 of 11
