Touch of Class

A place where everyone knows your name, this Grand Rapids café—located in the heart of the theater district—features an upscale yet casual atmosphere that has made it a community hub for locals and a point of interest for visitors.

The locals are big fans of the café’s Wednesday open-mic nights and the live music that is featured all weekend.

The menu features a wide array of selections made with fresh, local and often organic ingredients. Homemade breakfast specials are always popular, including an inventive omelet bar, and the afternoon lunch crowd appreciates Solace’s boxed lunch specials.

Café Solace has been established as one of the area’s favorite destinations not only because of its intimate tables, cozy sofas and shelf after shelf of books, but also the staff’s ability to know what the locals want. The café has been evolving since opening in order to reflect the changing needs and wants of the public.

And the public wants cocktails, according to owner Renea Geers. Solace obtained its liquor license in June, and the café has since formulated an entire menu of inventive and fantastically delicious martinis.

“Our Mayan chocolate and green tea martinis are especially popular,” Geers says. “We are also looking to introduce additional starter plates and dinner items to our menu. All of our dishes are made from scratch and usually change seasonally.”

Starting in late fall, Solace will be adding live music on Thursday nights, when the kitchen is open until 11 and the venue stays open until about 1 a.m.

“Our patrons love to come here and relax,” says Geers. “It’s like a home away from home.”

616-632-2233 | www.cafesolace.com

Café Solace drink specials:

BASIL LEMON SPICE MARTINI:
Fresh basil and lemon mixed with ginger brandy and Cuarenta y Tres liqueur

GREEN TEA MARTINI:
Brewed green tea with honey liquor, a hint of ginger and fresh lemon

MAYAN PEPPER MARTINI:
House-infused pepper vodka, creme de cacao, chocolate and cream

DARK ROAST MARTINI:
Fresh espresso, creme de cacao, Kahlua and Tia Maria liqueur

WHITE WINE MARTINI:
New Age white wine, house-infused raspberry vodka and Chambord