About San Chez Bistro
San Chez opened on November 24, 1992, and brought tapas, the small plates of Spanish tradition, to West Michigan. It fills the Leonard Building at Commerce and Fulton, a four-story warehouse that Charles H. Leonard built around 1883 for his furniture, dishware, carpet and stove business. The building stood empty from 1985 until San Chez moved in, and the brick walls and high ceilings still show its warehouse past.
The menu draws on European, Mediterranean and Latin American cooking, served as small plates meant for sharing. A café that opened next door in 2004 was merged into the restaurant in 2015, so the same room now serves brunch until 2 every day and tapas through the afternoon and evening. The kitchen keeps separate allergy menus, including gluten, vegan, tree nut and seafood versions, and there is a kids' menu.
Hours are Monday through Thursday 11 to 9, Friday and Saturday 9 to 10, and Sunday 9 to 8. Half the dining room takes reservations, seven days a week, and the other half is held for walk-ins. On Sundays from 3 to 8 a featured bottle of wine is $10 for dine-in guests, and the restaurant holds paired wine dinners, such as a six-course dinner in September 2026.
Great Lakes Lavender Farm near Rockford is about 35 minutes north; it isn't open for visits, but its lavender is sold online.
What to do
- Share tapas in a converted 1880s warehouse
- Have brunch, served daily until 2
- Order from separate allergy menus
- Book a paired wine dinner or a cocktail class
Season, hours and prices
- Hours
- Posted 2026: Mon–Thu 11–9, Fri–Sat 9–10, Sun 9–8; brunch until 2
Good to know
- Reservations
- Recommended (half the room is held for walk-ins)
Tips for your visit
- Book ahead for weekend brunch; walk-ins get the other half of the room.
- Sunday 3–8, a featured bottle of wine is $10 for dine-in.
- Ask for the allergy menus if you have dietary needs.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Great Lakes Lavender Farm · about 35 minutes away
Great Lakes Lavender Farm near Rockford is about 35 minutes north; it isn't open for visits, but its lavender is sold online.
Getting there
Questions
When did San Chez open?
November 24, 1992.
Does San Chez take reservations?
Yes, seven days a week, for half the dining room; the rest is for walk-ins.
Is brunch served every day?
Yes, until 2 pm.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Rockford, Lowell & Grand Rapids, Michigan
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
