GRNoir Wine & Jazz

Went on a Saturday evening with friends. Being from Kansas City, we couldn't wait. Decent experience but felt very overpriced for the service and the quality. The apps were pretty sub-par. Will not return. The music was so loud we couldn't talk. $15 cover charge as well, no sign, nothing about that. I think the place would have been busier on a Saturday night if they weren't so expensive.

I stumbled upon this place. It is a really nice atmosphere if you like jazz. The owners were very nice. I do plan on going there again. They are a wine bar and do have food, which I didn't order, so I don't have recommendations when it comes to food.

As said in other reviews (which I wish I would’ve read prior to going), the $15 per person hidden cover charge was not communicated or written anywhere until we went to cash out and my card declined.

We were there for MAYBE 20 minutes (would’ve been less had we had anyone check on our table more than once), so having a $30 cover charge exceed our $20 drinks did not leave a good impression.

Our server apologized and commented that “it happens a lot.” There should definitely be signs or something posted if nobody remembers to communicate this.

Great food! Great wine variety! Loved the music and atmosphere. I even wanted to buy a t-shirt, but they didn’t have my size. The owner mailed it to me personally after new inventory came in even states away!

Cons: $15 cover charge per person and there was no signage/we were not informed by staff, it just showed up on the bill.
Pros: beautiful and clean environment. Friendly staff.

Overall we likely will not return because of the cover charge/not being informed of a cover charge. Prices are a little steep -but comparable to other wine bars in the area. The cover charge put it over the top for us. Over $50 for the equivalent of two glasses and a split dessert bc of the hidden charge. I tried to get the attention of staff to ask about the charge, but I feel like they were avoiding eye contact like this is a common problem -or it could be they were busy and didn’t notice me trying to get their attention. It’s a nice place -but a little pricey and I did NOT like the hidden up charge. There was live music, but I’ve never been to a jazz bar/club where there’s been a cover charge -including bigger cities like Chicago. We would’ve gone elsewhere had we known.

Cool spot right downtown Grand Rapids. Upon initially being seated, the gentleman was a little rude. We were granted a little late for our reservation, which I called ahead about and was told it wasn’t an issue, and he kept pressing the fact that there was a 7:15 reservation. We were under the impression that you could request more time (as their website states) with your server if need be. We ended up splitting a bottle of wine between the table and taking off. Wine was great (they had a HUGE wine list available! Reds, rosé, whites, they had it!) and our actual server was amazing, we just felt like an inconvenience at that point. We will however like to give it another try in the future

Upon entrance there was no one at the door 🚪 so I began looking for a seat.

A taller man came up to me, asking how many. Just one I said and he told me to sit at the bar.

I had come to sit, drink wine, think and write and wanted a table in a corner. Not allowed if you don't have a party to fill the table apparently.

I ordered my flight but the live jazz is playing and it's hard to hear the man.

The flight arrives and the man explains the wines and where they are from, but I can't hear him, due to the music.

The wines were good and full of flavor. It would have been nice to have more information about them before drinking them but there wasn't. The wine itself I would order again, it was very good.

The space is on the small side and for a 3-4 piece band the sound is blaring.

Half way through my two hour stay I ordered the brisket sliders (pictured). They come out and they are not very hot, merely a little warm.

They were average. The meat didn't have any distinct flavor, the bbq sauce was soft in flavor, and the texture of the meat left something to be desired. Most of my slices were 80% fat 10% burnt (not flavored burnt) and 10% meat. I don't plan on ordering them again -- at $13 for them I had higher expectations.

At the end of the night I got my check and discovered there is a $10 jazz fee. I never saw that posted online anywhere or any notices before entering. I like to know what my costs are when I'm at a restaurant.

It seems like a fine place for a date if you can be seated somewhere further away from the band.

Love the vibes here! I tried the Black Magic wine flight and enjoyed every one of the tastings. From the menu we sampled the Brussel Sprouts and the Chicken & Waffles - both were fantastic! Be sure to make a reservation a few days ahead of time if you want to catch the live music!