Michigan, United States Food Guide: 10 American food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Grand Rapids

August 14, 2019 Marianna Hollaway

Reviews on American food in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. The comforts of a friendly, small-town atmosphere combined with the pleasures of big city life make Grand Rapids an ideal choice for a fun getaway with a host of indoor and outdoor activities. Once known as the furniture capital of the world, the city has a reinvigorated downtown area and a thriving arts and cultural community. Its most popular attraction is the museum dedicated to native son Gerald R. Ford, 38th U.S. President, where interactive exhibits take you to the White House and the 1976 Republican National Convention. Wander through the state's largest tropical conservatory at the Frederik Meijer Gardens, a magical wonderland of gardens, woodlands and over 100 bronze statues by famous artists, including the 24-foot bronze horse designed by Leonardo da Vinci. More outdoor fun is a half-hour away at the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan. Golf lovers have plenty of places to hit the greens since Grand Rapids has more privately owned, daily-fee, public courses than any other U.S. city. Wind up your busy weekend with a cold beer at the Hair of the Frog Brewery or the Grand Rapids Brewing Company.
Things to do in Grand Rapids

10. Ruth's Chris Steak House

187 Monroe Ave NW Amway Grand Hotel, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2621 American, Steakhouse Drinks, Dinner Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Television, Free Wifi, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Validated Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Acce [email protected] +1 616-776-6426 https://www.ruthschris.com/restaurant-locations/grand-rapids/?utm_source=yext&utm_medium=location_manager_listing
Food
Service
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 344 reviews

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Ruth's Chris Steak House specializes in serving aged USDA Prime steaks, broiled in a trademark 1800-degree oven and served on a plate heated to 500 degrees to ensure the steak stays "sizzling" hot. To experience fine dining at its best … Just follow the s

Reviewed By Glen_Arbor_Blues

I enjoyed my house salad with mushrooms instead or croutons with thousand island dressing. The french onion soup was good as well as the creamed spinach and shoestring fries. The molten lava cake was good but the banana cream pie was amazing. Loved the grey goose martini with blue cheese stuffed olives. My husband's ribeye was fatty but I think it's supposed to be that way. I like how you can walk in to eat in the bar area where the high tops are. Glen_Arbor_Blues, thanks for taking the time to leave us a great review. Hope you will join us again soon!

9. The Chop House - Grand Rapids

190 Monroe Ave NW Ste 410, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2619 American, Steakhouse Dinner, Late Night Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +1 888-456-3463 http://www.thechophouserestaurant.com
Food
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Value
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 351 reviews

The Chop House - Grand Rapids

Reviewed By ChrisandDiony

Go here on your birthday! If it is the day of you birthday you get 1/2 (if only 2 of you are there) all of your food (not drinks). We had a blast, apps were delicious, steak au poivour and beef Wellington with sprouts and potatoes for main meal. I had an old fashion and my wife had wine. Everything was fantastic and very well done. My wife even forgot her purse and I had to drive back but the staff ran it out to me.so I didn't even have to get out of the car. Friendly people all around.Hello,Thank you for the great review. I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed your dining experience at The Chop House. We hope to see you again soon!Best Regards,Lisa HuntGuest Services Head SupervisorMainstreet Ventures [email protected](888)456-3463

8. The Pit Stop

6479 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-6917 American, Barbecue Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards [email protected] +1 616-340-5600 http://pitstopcateringgr.com
Food
Service
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 81 reviews

The Pit Stop

Main business is catering, however, open Thursday and Fridays for takeout from 11 am to 6:30 pm.

Reviewed By 168jamesk

Michigan is not really know for BBQ, but The Pit Stop is excellent BBQ anywhere. Go early for lunch; you’ll still wait, you’ll just wait less. The wait is worth it, however. Cafeteria style service, no inside seating. Only four picnic tables out front; they are covered if it’s raining, but outside so wear a coat if it’s cold.I know it’s not the South, but some fresh brewed iced tea would go better than canned with the food.

7. The Green Well

924 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1475 American, Bar, Brew Pub Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accep [email protected] +1 616-808-3566 http://www.thegreenwell.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 673 reviews

The Green Well

At The Green Well, we’re dishing up something better: different food and beverage offerings, a different standard of service and quality, and a higher expectation of what dining out should be. Don’t just settle for “just fine.” We’re more than just “meh.”

Reviewed By gary c

I ate dinner tonight at a place called The Green Well…it was the BEST!!!!!! Great ambiance and a very cool place to eat and drink!!! My server was also the bartender and his name was Josh and he was the very BEST!!! He knew all the foods and drinks and had a super personality!!! He should be in charge of this place!!!! He was really that good and attentive and nice!!! I had a few drinks and Josh gave me tastes of some of the drinks I was considering!!! He also talked me into the Pork Schnitzel which was one of the best meals I have ever consumed!!!! WOW…..this place and Josh were the best!!! Parking was easy on the street and there was quite a crowd!!!! I can see why!!! Food was so super and the place was so cool!!!! I also had a peach cobbler with ice cream and it was very good too….not the best I have ever had….but very good….however, the Pork Schnitzel was one of the best dishes ever!!!!! Try it!!!! And please ask for Josh to be your ser ver!!!!!!Hey there, Gary! Thanks so much for grabbing dinner with us this weekend and taking the time to write this AWESOME review. We're beyond thrilled to hear what an awesome dining experience you had with us, from food, to service and ambiance. We'll be sure to pass along the compliments to Josh and we hope to serve ya again soon!

6. Wolfgang's Restaurant

1530 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-2719 American Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service +1 616-454-5776 http://www.mattwolfgang.com
Food
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 316 reviews

Wolfgang's Restaurant

Reviewed By Russ H

Between This and Real Food (either location, as the execution is the same), there is little to choose. The only advantages wolfgang's has is that they are open on Monday and they take credit cards. The food is alway well prepared and tasty. The service is efficient. The ambiance is a bit homier than Real Food because of the old building, but that is not a bad thing. The prices are built for value at both places. So, if you want breakfast/brunch/brinner, this place is a winner.

5. Leo's

60 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2646 American, Seafood Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +1 616-454-6700 http://www.leosrestaurant.com/
Food
Service
Value
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 731 reviews

Leo's

Reviewed By Oliver S

My first impression upon entering that place is not good: it looks and feels cavernous and faded. But I quickly change my mind, after meeting our feisty server and trying the pretzel crusted walleye, the food is divine and the service-cheerful and efficient. My dinner companions try the sea bass, the halibut and the swordfish and everybody reports great results. The wine list is decent and a good time is had by all!

4. Grove

919 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1403 American, Contemporary Dinner, Late Night Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Expre [email protected] +1 616-454-1000 http://www.groverestaurant.com
Food
Service
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4 based on 523 reviews

Grove

At Grove, we’re shifting our focus to what we’re calling comfort redefined—simple, seasonal ingredients, locally and sustainably sourced whenever possible, that taste delicious without over-complicating the recipe. Grove is a tribute to your favorite meal

Reviewed By I3337NIdavids

We love traveling and trying the highly recommended restaurants all over the world. Grove offers a wonderful experience through culinary creativity, service and ambience not only in the restaurant but also in their neighborhood. I especially enjoyed the carrot/fennel soup and nice selections of wine.Good morning! Thank you so much for choosing to dine at Grove during your trip to Grand Rapids and taking the time to write this kind, thoughtful review. We're thrilled to hear that "two foodies and a carnivore" had an excellent dining experience with us, and you especially enjoyed the carrot/fennel soup, our wine selection, service and ambiance—of both our restaurant and the East Hills neighborhood. We hope to serve you again the next time you're in Grand Rapids!

3. Butcher's Union

438 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-5322 American, Bar Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Highchairs Available +1 616-551-1323 http://www.butchersuniongr.com
Food
Service
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4 based on 313 reviews

Butcher's Union

Reviewed By StockholmKindaGuy

Butcher's Union is one of several good restaurants clustered together in Grand Rapids West Side neighborhood. It's casual and rustic interior felt very welcoming.I was seated in what reminded me of a European style courtyard, with it's exposed ceiling. Perfect on a nice summer evening.As you might expect from the restaurant's name, the menu has some serious meat dishes, that included a variety of steak cuts. There's also a few seafood dishes, along with soups, salads and sharable starters. Several items caught my attention including the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf and Beef Stroganoff. The dish I chose was the Butter Roasted Salmon with lemon caper baby shrimp. It was a real winner. The Salmon was perfectly cooked and flavorful, as was the shrimp. A Chocolate Pot De Cream for dessert completed my meal. Portions are good and prices are mid to high. Butcher's Union has a full bar, I went old school and ordered a Stroh's beer. Wonderful staff. Can't say enough about the service I received. If you're driving, you'll most likely have to pay for parking. No too expensive.I wish I had this Butcher in my neighborhood. A really enjoyable meal.

2. Real Food Cafe Eastern Ave

2419 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507-3601 American, Diner Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service +1 616-241-4080 https://www.facebook.com/Real-Food-Cafe-10150148805775188/
Food
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 304 reviews

Real Food Cafe Eastern Ave

Reviewed By deekaf

We always look forward to going to this breakfast spot because of the great choices including bakery goods.

Top 10 Things to do in Grand Rapids, United States

1. Linear Restaurant

1001 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1406 American, French, Contemporary, Healthy, Wine Bar Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi [email protected] +1 616-200-4343 http://linearrestaurant.com
Food
Service
Value
Overall Ratings

4 based on 34 reviews

Linear Restaurant

A modern American restaurant located downtown Grand Rapids offering a river front dining experience. Our purpose is to share our love of food and drinks, while making our guests feel like they are family. Expect sincere and energetic service, handmade coc

Reviewed By Rachael C

I came here with a group of girlfriends and although it’s a nice location and atmosphere, the food took a very long time and though it was beautifully presented, we all left very hungry. Also, there was a baloney olive loaf slice on the charcuterie board. The drinks were decent but none of us will come back.Thank you for taking the time to review Linear. It is unfortunate to hear that you did not have the best experience. Sorry for the confusion on the mortadela. It is a fine Italian charcuterie meat, not baloney. Some of our food is lighter and some more substantial. If you choose to come back, we would love to have you try some more filling dishes. Your server would be happy to share those options with you.

Top 10 restaurants in Grand Rapids, United States

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