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The Parlor Grand Rapids: 5 Secrets Behind Downtown’s Most Exclusive New Cocktail Lounge

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Step into the past. As of late 2023, the name "The Parlor Grand Rapids" has taken on a new, upscale meaning in the city's historic Heartside neighborhood, transforming a classic downtown address into a destination for elevated dining and craft cocktails. This is not your grandmother's ice cream shop or a blow-dry bar—it is an exclusive, warmly lit bar experience that has quickly become the talk of the town for those seeking a sophisticated night out. The establishment is specifically the second-floor lounge within the new, library-themed restaurant, Scholar, located at 11 Ionia Ave SW, offering a fresh take on early American cuisine and mixology.

For decades, the name "Parlour" in Michigan has evoked images of classic ice cream and old-school charm, but the newest iteration in Grand Rapids redefines the term for the modern era. This guide dives deep into the experience, revealing the five essential secrets that make The Parlor at Scholar the most exclusive and intriguing spot in the Arena District today, ensuring you know exactly what to expect before you walk up those historic stairs.

The Parlor Grand Rapids: A New Era for a Historic Address

The Parlor is not a standalone venue, but rather the crown jewel of the three-level dining and drinking concept known as Scholar. The entire establishment is housed in a building with significant Grand Rapids history, formerly the site of J. Gardella’s Tavern, a beloved local spot that closed in 2020. This transformation has brought a new kind of luxury and timelessness to the Ionia Avenue corridor.

1. It's the Upscale Bar Inside Scholar Restaurant

The first secret is its location. The Parlor is specifically the second-floor bar within Scholar, a restaurant concept that embraces "early American Cuisine" and a "timeless design" aesthetic (Source 5). Scholar itself is designed to evoke the feeling of a classic, well-curated library, offering a unique, three-level experience in the historic building (Source 8). While the main level (The Foyer) and the basement (The Study) offer their own distinct experiences, The Parlor is the designated upscale cocktail lounge.

The space is intentionally designed for those looking to linger over a meticulously crafted drink. It’s a place where the ambiance is as important as the beverages, providing a sense of old-world charm and exemplary hospitality (Source 8). This distinction is crucial: if you are looking for a quick bite, you might stay on the main floor, but for the full, elevated drinking experience, The Parlor is your destination.

2. The Design is Pure Art Deco and Old-World Charm

The interior design of The Parlor is a major part of its appeal, successfully transporting guests out of modern Grand Rapids and into a bygone era. The aesthetic is described as an "Art Deco dining experience" with a focus on "timeless old world charm" (Source 17, 8). When you ascend the stairs, you are greeted by a warmly lit, upscale bar environment.

Key design entities include:

  • Tufted Leather Chairs: Providing a luxurious and comfortable seating environment (Source 11).
  • Wooden Tables: Adding to the classic, refined atmosphere.
  • Stocked Bar: A visually impressive display of spirits, showcasing the focus on high-end mixology (Source 11).
  • Dim Lighting: Creating an intimate and cozy setting, perfect for conversation.

The entire concept leans heavily into the idea of a classic American pub or library, with the design elements carefully chosen to reinforce the sophisticated, scholarly theme (Source 5).

3. The Cocktails Are Inventive and Priced Accordingly

The Parlor's menu is centered around the "art of deliciously crafted cocktails," which are inventive and feature a range of classic and modern interpretations (Source 13). The entire Scholar menu, including the drinks, is overseen by Executive Chef Taylor Boeschenstein, who focuses on reviving classic American dishes and, by extension, classic American drinks (Source 13, 6).

While specific current menu items should be checked upon visiting, the reputation is clear: the drinks are "great" (Source 15). However, this high-end experience comes with a price tag. Reviews consistently note that the cocktails are "pricey," meaning patrons should "expect to pay a bit more than some bars in the area" (Source 15). This is the cost of the exclusive atmosphere and the quality of the ingredients and craftsmanship.

Topical Entities & LSI Keywords:

  • Mixology and Craft Spirits: The focus is on complex, inventive cocktails, not just standard well drinks.
  • Grand Rapids Nightlife: It immediately established itself as a premier destination for high-end nightlife.
  • Arena District: Its location makes it a perfect pre- or post-event stop for shows at the Van Andel Arena.
  • Early American Cuisine: The food menu at Scholar complements the drink offerings with a historical culinary theme.

4. It Continues the Legacy of the "Parlour" Name in GR

The name "The Parlor" (or "The Parlour") has a surprising history in Grand Rapids, and the new establishment subtly builds on the idea of a classic, social gathering space. While the new cocktail lounge is the most prominent current use of the name downtown, the term has historically been associated with other local entities, adding a layer of topical authority to the venue.

Other Noteworthy "Parlour" Entities in the Grand Rapids Area:

  • The Parlour at CityFlatsHotel: A well-known downtown blow-dry bar and full-service salon that specialized in event styling, makeup, and manicures, located on Monroe Center St NW (Source 6). While some sources suggest it may be closed, it represented a luxury service brand under the same name.
  • The Parlor at Cherry Hill Market: A beloved local ice cream shop in Grand Rapids, often noted for its classic charm and community focus (Source 14). This interpretation of a "parlor" is the most traditional, focusing on sweet treats and a family-friendly environment.
  • The Parlour 616: Another stylish hair salon on Lake Drive SE, reinforcing the name's association with high-end personal care (Source 3).

By using the name, the new bar connects to a local tradition of sophisticated, dedicated service—whether it’s for a perfect hairstyle, a classic scoop of ice cream, or now, a world-class cocktail.

How to Experience The Parlor at Scholar

Visiting The Parlor requires a slight shift in mindset from a casual Grand Rapids bar hop. Given its upscale nature and location within a popular new restaurant, planning ahead is recommended.

Reservations and Timing

While The Parlor is a bar, its connection to the popular Scholar restaurant means it can get busy, especially on weekends and during events at the nearby Van Andel Arena. Scholar itself is located in the bustling Heartside neighborhood, making it a prime destination for downtown dining. It is always wise to check the Scholar website for The Parlor's specific hours and reservation policies, especially if you plan to visit for dinner at the restaurant as well (Source 12, 14).

The atmosphere is best enjoyed when the room is dimly lit, emphasizing the tufted leather and wooden accents. Consider an evening visit to fully appreciate the "cozy interior" and "dimly lit" ambiance that makes it a true escape (Source 11).

The Scholar Experience: Beyond The Parlor

To maximize your visit, consider exploring the other two levels of the Scholar concept:

  • The Foyer: The main floor, which features the main dining area and a separate bar, serving the Early American Cuisine menu (Source 14).
  • The Study: The basement level, which offers a different, perhaps more intimate, bar experience.

Each level is designed with its own bar and dining area, allowing for a multifaceted hospitality experience (Source 8). Whether you are enjoying a classic dish on the main floor or a premium cocktail in The Parlor, Scholar has successfully established itself as a complex and compelling addition to the Grand Rapids culinary landscape.

The Parlor Grand Rapids: 5 Secrets Behind Downtown’s Most Exclusive New Cocktail Lounge
the parlour grand rapids
the parlour grand rapids

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