Grand Rapids Adding New Social District in Popular SE Neighborhood

I moved to Michigan shortly after the pandemic started to wrap up in 2021, and one of the first things that blew my mind was the idea of "social districts". In the south where I came from, it's extremely against the rules to walk around with an open beverage, no matter where you are.

What exactly does a social district entail? It’s a designated zone where patrons can purchase drinks to-go from authorized bars or restaurants and savor them anywhere within the designated commons area. This commons area generally includes sidewalks and outdoor seating within the district's boundaries.

It's important to note that these beverages must remain within the commons area and cannot be taken outside of its defined limits. Additionally, outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted within the social district.

Currently, most of our social districts are near the downtown area, which can suck if you have to make the trip home afterwards. The city added three social districts in 2023, and now we're getting another in 2024.

Now, residents of Alger Heights and the South East side of the city can celebrate because a social district is being added to their neighborhood. On Tuesday, April 9, the Grand Rapids City Commission gave the green light for the creation of this unique space in the Alger Heights area.

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This new social district will be situated on Eastern Avenue, just south of the Alger Street intersection. While awaiting final approval from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, the district is anticipated to launch by this summer.

According to the application, the Alger Heights social district will feature two outdoor seating areas and will operate from Noon - 10 pm daily. There are three eligible restaurants within the Alger Heights social district that, pending final approvals, will be able to serve drinks for consumption anywhere within the commons area.

These establishments include Sip Coffee & Cocktails, Brass Ring Brewing, and The Old Goat Restaurant.  (And hey, maybe we can bug Heights Cream to add a boozy option to their menu soon, too.) I'm not sure why JB's Pizza, Real Food Cafe and Tacos Don Beto's were left off, but maybe that's because they're on the wrong side of the street?

Either way, the expansion of these social districts makes Grand Rapids an even more appealing city for residents and visitors alike, allowing them the chance to explore and enjoy everything Beer City has to offer.