“Grilled cheese sandwich with blueberries and apple”byHelena Jacobais licensed underCC BY 2.0
Electric Cheetah
(616) 451-4779
1015 Wealth St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Yelp:4 Stars – 161 Reviews
A hip, modern restaurant, the Electric Cheetah has an eclectic and extensive menu that makes choosing your dish a wonderful challenge. Especially when you factor in that everything is made from scratch using local, natural and organic ingredients. Their grilled cheese sandwich is a triple combination of provolone, cheddar and goat cheese ooey gooey goodness, topped with tomato and onions served on a grilled sourdough buttered in asiago and rosemary. Make sure you spring for a side of sweet potato fries–you get a trio of dipping sauces that are out of this world. This place also has a large menu (read: over 40) of craft root beers. Even if you’re not a root beer fanatic (I am-I even buy root beer candy in bulk) you’re sure to find something to whet your whistle.
“Chicken pot pie from Marie Catrib's Food”bySteven Depolois licensed underCC BY 2.0
Marie Catribs
(616) 454-4020
1001 Lake Dr, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Yelp:4.5 Stars – 198 Reviews
Marie brings a love for Lebanese, a hint of Yooper and a knack for making unique pastries to this bustling, welcoming restaurant. Eat everything here. Eat in the restaurant then go to the deli and take more food with you when you leave. Like the peanut butter pie–definitely try the peanut butter pie. This place is very vegetarian friendly, offering mouth-watering options like the Sweet Potato & Quinoa Burger and the unique We Got the Beet, a rice and beet patty topped with kale and carrot slaw, green curry peanut sauce and garlic lime vegannaise on a branny oat bun. Don’t worry, carnivores, this restaurant won’t disappoint you either. Try the Vermaire–think thanksgiving on challah bread but without the stuffing or potatoes.
“OMG. Pecan cinnamon roll with a scoop (!!!) of cream cheese frosting.”byJameson Finkis licensed underCC BY 2.0
San Chez Bistro
(616)774-8272
38 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Yelp: 4.5 Stars – 203 Reviews
Chocolate empanadas. I repeat: chocolate empanadas. If that didn’t get your attention, maybe this will. San Chez is the only authentic tapas bistro in West Michigan. If that wasn’t enough–food allergists rejoice! They have special food allergy menus to cater to your needs whether they be soy to citric acid. Not so into the tapas idea? They have a full breakfast and lunch menu for the perfect brunch. Bloody Mary Hash anyone? Order their Cinnamon Pecan Roll–it’s topped with an amazing orange cream cheese glaze that will leave you wanting another one, or two.
Stella’s Lounge
(616) 742-4444
53 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Yelp:4 Stars – 131 Reviews
Stella’s burgers are Best-Burger-in-America good. Just ask GQ magazine, they have my back on this one. I always get the Stella Blue Stuffed Burger, but how could I not?! It’s a burger stuffed with two of my favorite things–bacon and blue cheese. And for you veggies out there, try the tempeh bacon- and pesto-stuffed black bean lentil burger. Plus Stella’s offers over 200 kinds of whiskey (the largest selection in Grand Rapids) and their atmosphere is enhanced by vintage arcade games, so drink up and play on!
The Westsider Cafe
(616) 233-0400
1180 Walker Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Yelp:4 Stars – 28 Reviews
A bit of a hidden gem, The Westsider Café serves up delicious homemade breakfast and lunch, offering polish and Cuban options as well. This place satisfies my craving for authentic Polish food in ways that others never really have, so order the Polish combo and I promise you will not be disappointed. Actually, order anything at all.This place is that good.
The Winchester
(616)451-4969
648 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Yelp:4 Stars – 116 Reviews
A great ambiance and freshly prepared food using local and organic ingredients, makes this place a local favorite. Their menu rotates seasonally, so catch their butternut squash and goat cheese pierogies and the olive burger while you can. Plus on Saturdays this place has a DIY bloody mary bar, which is pretty much a salad bar made of cocktails. Tip: They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait a little before getting seated if you come in the evening or on the weekend. Totally worth the wait, though.
Bistro Bella Vita
(616) 222-4600
44 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Yelp: 4.5 Stars – 127 Reviews
Offering Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients sourced from approximately 10 Michigan farms, Bistro Bella Vista is sure to satisfy your craving for a fancy and sustainable meal. The local favorite is definitely the Boeuf Bourguignonne, as it is oh so tender and tasty. Don’t even get me started on their desserts, just order all of them. FYI: As it is a farm-to-table restaurant, the menu is constantly changing to accommodate the availability and seasons of ingredients. They also offer a large selection of gluten-free items.
Harmony Brewing Company
(616)233-0063
1551 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Yelp:4 Stars – 52 Reviews
Wood fire pizza and local brews–what more could you ask for? I adore the Eastown Folk Funk pizza because it’s the perfect blend of goat cheese, fresh spinach and kalamatta olives and it’s fun to say when you order. Chase it down with the Brownson Pinchot, Fiddlestix IPA or Black Squirrel Peaty Porter. Fair warning, this place is super small, so expect to squeeze in.
La Taqueria San Jose
(616) 284-2297
1338 S Division, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Yelp:5 Stars – 51 Reviews
Yum. Just, yum. I cannot get enough of this authentic taqueria. I love tacos and I love that this place offers a wide arrange of options–they have cactus, goat and tongue tacos! If you’re not bold enough to spring for the tacos, the el pastor and chorizo are served up the way they’re supposed to be–fresh and with just the right amount of cilantro and onions. And their horchata! It’s bliss in your mouth.
Real Food Cafe
(616) 241-4080
2419 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Yelp: 4.5 Stars – 69 reviews
For those who love breakfast and dessert, Real Food Cafe is the place to be. Try any pancake there, literally any, and you will walk away satisfied. The banana foster french toast makes it hard for me to try anything else–I crave it as soon as I enter the restaurant! Pro tip: Get there early. This is a local brunch hot spot.
HopCat
(616) 451-4677
25 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Yelp: 4 Stars – 264 Reviews
Recently voted the 3rd best beer bar in the world by the Beer Advocate, HopCat definitely has the drinks side of eating out covered. That shouldn’t be all you go here for, though. Their menu is almost is as extensive as their beer list and it has a bit of humor sprinkled throughout. I personally love the crack fries (they’re called that for a reason–try to not devour them immediately) and suggest getting the dipping cheese because what is better than deliciously seasoned, crispy fries covered in warm cheese? Just to be clear, the answer is ‘nothing.’
Nantucket Baking Company
(616) 726-6609
200 Union Ave NE
Yelp:4.5 Stars – 61 Reviews
Pizza by the slice from Nantucket is a local favorite. Their bread, made fresh daily, is inventive and delicious. From focaccia to sourdough to jalapeno cheddar loaf, you can’t go wrong. But my favorite? All of their pastries. Maybe I’m getting a bit carried away, but I’ve never been disappointed. Their scones are always moist, their cookies are everything you want in a cookie and their chocolate raspberry Danish definitely requires fat pants to eat it.
Wolfgang’s Restaurant
(616) 454-5776
1530 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Yelp: 4 Stars – 85 Reviews
I love a good hollandaise and trying new ones can be scary because there really isn’t a middle ground, it’s good or it’s not. Never fear, it’s amazing here. Try the Stacy Wolfgang. It’s a bit of a twist on a benedict, as it comes on a bagel and is topped with havarti cheese and a sausage patty, and comes with a side of asparagus. A side of asparagus with breakfast? Yes, please.
The Green Well Gastro Pub
(616) 808-3566
924 Chery St, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Yelp:4.5 Stars – 179 Reviews
Normally, I’m not that into soups, but I’ll make an exception for The Green Well because their seasonal soups never disappoint. If they’re serving it when you pay a visit, get the carrot and ginger soup. Since their ingredients are sourced from local farmers, their menu is ever changing. Don’t let that scare you off though, this place will always satisfies your palate.
Bartertown Diner
(616) 233-3219
6 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Yelp:4 Stars - 40 Reviews
Bartertown Diner is a vegan restaurant that will actually satisfy those who prefer meat. This restaurant is collectively run and managed, giving it a warm and inviting feeling, with eclectic décor. Though the combination of flavors may seem unusual, they’re always delicious. Personally, I recommend the Chickpea Melt. It’s full of flavor and a great way to ease into trying a vegan dish. Or try any of their desserts–I promise you won’t notice it’s vegan.
