5 Cafes with Outdoor Seating in Downtown, Grand Rapids MI

This guide lists five cafes with outdoor seating serving Downtown Grand Rapids MI and nearby streets. It is for anyone after a coffee, a laptop session or an outdoor lunch. The list began with every business Google lists with outdoor seating in the area, then ranked them by Google rating weighted by review count. Each entry uses only its Google listing and what reviewers mention, so check hours before heading out.

The list at a glance

  1. 1Stovetop Coffee Roasters - Grand Rapids★ 4.8 · 517 reviews · $1–10
  2. 2Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge★ 4.7 · 1,075 reviews · $1–10
  3. 3Roam by San Chez★ 4.6 · 1,077 reviews · $20–30
  4. 4Madcap Coffee Company★ 4.6 · 602 reviews · $1–10
  5. 5Ferris Coffee & Nut Co.★ 4.6 · 185 reviews · $1–10
#1

Stovetop Coffee Roasters - Grand Rapids

★ 4.8 (517 Google reviews)Coffee shop$1–10 per person

Representative photo, not of this business.

Stovetop Coffee Roasters - Grand Rapids on Fulton St E is a roaster and coffee shop where reviewers buy whole beans, including decaf. Reviewers mention a banana-infused cold brew, good natural light and a calm atmosphere, though seating is limited and one found a vanilla latte disappointing. One reviewer notes it closes early. Google lists vegan and vegetarian options, organic dishes and gender-neutral restrooms.

Best for: Buying beans and cold brew
Address
944 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
Hours
daily 7 am–4 pm
#2

Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge

★ 4.7 (1,075 Google reviews)Coffee shop$1–10 per person

Representative photo, not of this business.

Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge on Commerce Ave SW is a coffee shop that Google tags as cozy and quiet, with Wi-Fi. Reviewers mention plenty of comfortable seating, house-made oat milk and seasonal specialty drinks such as a carrot cake latte. A darker lower level is described as good for focused work or reading. Catering and vegan options are listed.

Best for: Laptop work in a lounge
Address
100 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
Hours
hours not listed
#3

Roam by San Chez

★ 4.6 (1,077 Google reviews)Restaurant$20–30 per person

Representative photo, not of this business.

Roam by San Chez on Monroe Ave NW is a women-owned restaurant with al fresco seating in season, as reviewers note. Reviewers mention a smoked salmon poke bowl, crispy fries, a handful of beers on tap and staff who take allergies and cross contamination seriously. Google lists lunch, dinner, cocktails, happy-hour food and drinks, and healthy options.

Best for: Outdoor lunch downtown
Address
250 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
Hours
Fri 11 am–10 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 11 am–10 pm; Sun 12–7 pm; Thu 11 am–8:30 pm; Tue 11 am–8:30 pm; Wed 11 am–8:30 pm
#4

Madcap Coffee Company

★ 4.6 (602 Google reviews)Cafe$1–10 per person

Representative photo, not of this business.

Madcap Coffee Company on Fulton St E is a cafe that reviewers describe as busy, open air and unusual in design. Reviewers praise a smooth mocha and rotating seasonal blends and specials, but note waits at busy times, no sugar free syrups and noise that makes studying hard. Google tags it as trendy and popular with tourists and university students, with Wi-Fi and outdoor seating.

Best for: Seasonal coffee specials
Address
1041 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
Hours
Fri 7 am–3 pm; Mon 7 am–3 pm; Sat 8 am–4 pm; Sun 8 am–4 pm; Thu 7 am–3 pm; Tue 7 am–3 pm; Wed 7 am–3 pm
#5

Ferris Coffee & Nut Co.

★ 4.6 (185 Google reviews)Coffee shop$1–10 per person

Representative photo, not of this business.

Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. on Seward Ave NW is a coffee shop that also sells wholesale beans and fruit and nut mixes, according to reviewers. Reviewers mention a menu with frequently changing drinks, breakfast sandwiches, recent cozy updates and space for work and meetings. One reviewer points to plenty of free parking. Google lists catering, dessert, vegetarian options and delivery.

Best for: Coffee, snacks and meetings
Address
839 Seward Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, United States
Hours
Fri 7 am–5 pm; Mon 7 am–5 pm; Sat 8 am–4 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 7 am–5 pm; Tue 7 am–5 pm; Wed 7 am–5 pm

How we made this list

We looked at 7 cafes in Downtown, Grand Rapids MI with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then listed on Google as “Outdoor seating”, then by rating. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 29 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.

Tips before you go

Frequently asked questions

Which is the highest-rated cafe on this list?

Stovetop Coffee Roasters - Grand Rapids ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.8 from 517 reviews. Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge is second at 4.7 from 1,075 reviews.

Which cafes in Downtown, Grand Rapids MI are open late?

None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Roam by San Chez, at 10 pm.

How much does it cost at these cafes?

Google lists these price ranges per person: Stovetop Coffee Roasters - Grand Rapids $1–10; Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge $1–10; Roam by San Chez $20–30; Madcap Coffee Company $1–10; Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. $1–10.

Which of these have free parking?

Google lists free parking for Stovetop Coffee Roasters - Grand Rapids, Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge, Roam by San Chez, Madcap Coffee Company and Ferris Coffee & Nut Co..

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