When the owners of San Chez a Tapas Bistro were trying to choose a concept for their restaurant, they visited some of Chicago's premier eateries. They found themselves most taken with small-plate service and came back to Grand Rapids to execute the idea. More than 20 years later, San Chez has cemented itself as much more than an imitation of a big-city restaurant. The bistro has collected several commendations over the years, including awards from Grand Rapids magazine for Best Appetizers and Best Downtown Restaurant.

Part of its popularity is probably owed to the sheer extent of available dishes. There are the classic meat, seafood, and vegetarian tapas—including the popular fried plantains with avocado relish and jalapeno honey—plus multiple one-bite dishes, such as a single blue-cheese fritter with red-pepper aioli. 

Breakfast is served daily, as is a children's menu perfect for kids tired of just eating glue. San Chez's chefs have even gone to the trouble of preparing separate menus for most major food allergies, including soy, lactose, gluten, nuts, and seafood.