
Forty Acres Soul Kitchen | Cognac Bar
Warm, contemporary eatery serving elevated American soul food, celebrating Black culture and community.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Forty Acres Soul Kitchen | Cognac Bar

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Warm, contemporary eatery serving elevated American soul food, celebrating Black culture and community.
"This Creole-inspired kitchen offers some of the heartiest and most mouthwatering soul food in the entire Midwest."
Don't Miss Signature Dishes
Try the highly praised Soul Rolls or the delicious catfish platter.
Service Can Be Slow
Be prepared for potential delays in service; consider visiting during off-peak hours.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American (Soul Food)
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Must-Try Soul Rolls
Crispy egg rolls filled with chicken, black-eyed peas, collard greens, and dirty rice. Vegan options available!

Generous Catfish Platter
A highly recommended dish featuring a heaping portion of delicious fried catfish.

Shrimp & Grits Flight
Experience a diverse range of flavors with this unique offering of shrimp and grits.
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Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Don't Miss Signature Dishes
Try the highly praised Soul Rolls or the delicious catfish platter.
Service Can Be Slow
Be prepared for potential delays in service; consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Understand Ordering
Service can be confusing for first-time guests; ask staff for explanations.
Vegan Options Available
Indulge in delicious vegan options, including their famous Soul Rolls.
Tips
from all over the internet
Don't Miss Signature Dishes
Try the highly praised Soul Rolls or the delicious catfish platter.
Service Can Be Slow
Be prepared for potential delays in service; consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Understand Ordering
Service can be confusing for first-time guests; ask staff for explanations.
Vegan Options Available
Indulge in delicious vegan options, including their famous Soul Rolls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Forty Acres Soul Kitchen offers a unique take on American soul food, with many praising its flavorful Soul Rolls and Catfish Platters, as well as vegan options and vibrant atmosphere. However, some diners have experienced slow and disorganized service, and a few felt the food didn't fully capture the essence of traditional soul food.
"If you haven't tried their Soul Rolls, you are missing out. They even came in Vegan. I ordered the catfish platter, and it was delicious. I also recommend their Bread Pudding. There was great music and the staff was amazing."
Farrah Starr
"The restaurant looked like it was a cool spot to hang out. The guests and staff looked like they were vibin’ when I entered - seemed like a big happy family. Service was definitely a bit slow and probably took a hit because of this, but it was alright. The food solid, but didn’t have the grit of some other soul food establishments. I’m not sure what was missing. Perhaps this place was just too “clean” compared to the typical soul food establishments. The most memorable item was the dessert! Solid."
Frank Biermann
"Service was a little slow and unorganized. However the food is really good. The vegan menu and drinks were just as delicious, Vibe is dope. The staff were nice, the space spacious and clean. Would recommend 🤎"
Ashley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The highly recommended dishes include the Soul Rolls (with vegan options available) and the Catfish Platter. The Shrimp & Grits Flight is also a popular choice.
Yes, about half of the menu is vegan, including the signature Soul Rolls and fried cauliflower.
Some customers have noted that service can be slow and unorganized. Visiting during off-peak hours might provide a more relaxed experience.
Ordering is done online via a QR code at the table. First-time guests may find it confusing, so don't hesitate to ask staff for assistance.
The restaurant is described as a warm, contemporary, and vibrant space with good music, fostering a sense of community.
Yes, they offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm-3pm, featuring mimosas and American soul food.
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Get Your Fix at 7 of the Best Restaurants in Grand Rapids, Michigan
If you are able to make up your mind about one thing in Grand Rapids, it should be making a quick pilgrimage to Forty Acres Soul Kitchen in the Uptown district. This Creole inspired kitchen offers some of the heartiest and most mouthwatering soul food in the entire Midwest, courtesy of the down-to-Earth staff, Urban vibe, and thriving culture. The restaurant’s official website describes their establishment as an “Authentically American restaurant and bar with a resilient, unapologetic style,” which supports local black communities and brings the culture of African American cuisine to the forefront of Grand Rapids.
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At Forty Acres Soul Kitchen and Cognac Bar, diners can do more than simply enjoy the best soul food in Grand Rapids — they can celebrate Black culture alongside people from all walks of life. Forty Acres Soul Kitchen and Cognac Bar was founded with the intention of being more than a restaurant. It’s also a community space where people from all cultures can come together to learn more about Black culture through food and conversation.
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Forty Acres Soul Kitchen: This has become our go-to “treat yourself” restaurant and happens to be right next door to Sacred Springs. With a menu that includes southern grits, fried okra, and melt-in-your-mouth brisket, Forty Acres has never disappointed. In fact, we have recommended Forty Acres to countless friends and family members and every one of them has returned with rave reviews and very full tummies.
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There's a really nice collection of black owned restaurants in town and Forty Acres caught our eye on social media. They seem to be a locals favorite and the menu was filled with tempting dishes so we ordered takeout to bring back to the AirBNB on our last night in town, the first night they were open while were were there. We didn't hold back and ended up trying a handful of the menu items.
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Why you should go: Owner Darel Ross’ restaurant aims to tell the story of Black American food and does so through soul food classics, from three types of shrimp and grits to hot chicken. Don’t miss the Forty soul rolls, crispy egg rolls stuffed with chicken, black-eyed peas, collard greens, and dirty rice. About half the menu is vegan, including the fried cauliflower with house hot sauce.
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If you love American Soul food, Forty Acres Soul Kitchen is a can’t-miss destination. This Grand Rapids restaurant and cognac bar pride itself on being resilient and unapologetic in style. Forty Acres Soul Kitchen includes an urban space and invites everyone from all cultural backgrounds to come and enjoy Black culture, community, and deliciously authentic soul food.
food in grand rapids and beyond.
Forty Acres is described as serving authentically American southern comfort food with a modern twist. Located on Wealthy Street, I’ve only dined here once for dinner. Something that stood out to me immediately was the atmosphere; it wasn’t just the new and modern restaurant space, but it was the staff and the overall vibe.
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Welcome to Forty Acres Soul Kitchen, where soul food isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration!. Picture this: a cozy, vibrant space where the smell of perfectly seasoned brisket and crispy fried catfish dances through the air. You might find yourself doing a happy dance just waiting for your plate!
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Forty Acres brought back brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm-3pm and we are pumped about it!. Forty Acres Soul Kitchen is a Local Element favorite in general and we can assure you that their brunch is amazing!. Stop in for some mimosas and good American soul food any Saturday or Sunday!
Dining Awards
After being named Best New Restaurant last year, Forty Acres has continued to shine along the Wealthy Street corridor. The restaurant is a neighborhood hotspot and the backdrop to many celebrations and casual nights out. Diners flock to the restaurant and are never in a hurry to leave.
Locally-owned vegan and vegetarian restaurants to try in Grand Rapids
Forty Acres is a Black-owned soul food kitchen and cognac bar. The menu puts a vegan twist on favorites like grits, gumbo, and “Soulpossible” burgers and nuggets. The alcohol beverage list is also extensive, featuring five Black producers whom you can learn about on the menu.
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Located in the heart of the Wealthy Street District, Forty Acres Soul Kitchen is one of the most popular Grand Rapids restaurants. It’s well-known for its dedication to authentic American soul food, serving up family recipes that have been passed down for generations.
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Forty Acres Soul Kitchen: This Black-owned restaurant is the only Cognac bar in Michigan located in a trendy neighborhood. Try the Ms. Jackson cocktail along with the Soul Rolls, and Fried Catfish platter with Mac n’ Cheese and Collard Greens.
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1059 Wealthy St SEGrand Rapids, MI 49506(616) 723-9770 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. The Forty Acres, founded in April 2018, is officially known as the Forty Acres Soul Kitchen. It specializes in elevated American comfort fare.
Our 10 Favorite Places for Vegan Food in Grand Rapids, Michigan
When those vegan soul food cravings hit, head to Forty Acres!. The Black-owned soul kitchen and cognac bar offers a fully vegan menu section. Find dishes like Fried Okra, Vegan Chicken & Waffles, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Vegan Gumbo.
15 Must Visit Vegan Restaurants in Grand Rapids 2025
1059 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506This Soul Food kitchen and Cognac bar has a full vegan menu featuring house-made fried green tomatoes, gumbo, cauliflower steak, and more!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit