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Keen to find Grand Rapids’ most unusual eating places? I’m able to take you from sipping cocktails in a tiki-themed hideaway to having fun with genuine Colombian espresso at a vibrant pink café. Be a part of me as we uncover the good eating places in Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids is residence to some wonderful eats that you just’ve most likely by no means heard of. I’m at all times on the hunt for spots that break the mould and provide one thing really particular. Let me let you know, this gem in Michigan didn’t disappoint!
From a tiki bar that’s a tropical getaway to a comfy cafe serving up Colombian favorites, I’ve been there, loved each second, and now, I’m right here to share these finds with you.
We’re diving into essentially the most distinctive locations to eat in Grand Rapids.
So, let’s dive in. Belief me, it’s going to be scrumptious and, most significantly, enjoyable!
Uncommon locations to eat in Grand Rapids, MI
Able to discover Grand Rapids’ finest eateries? We’ve acquired every little thing from tiki-themed cocktails in unique hideaways to home-cooked Ethiopian platters. Be a part of me on a tour of the quirkiest locations to eat in Grand Rapids.
Ever thought of having fun with a fusion of worldwide road meals or tasting the perfect of Mediterranean flavors in a family-owned gem whereas exploring Grand Rapids? The town’s eating scene has all of it, prepared so that you can uncover. Let’s dive into essentially the most distinctive eating places in Grand Rapids.
1. Max’s South Seas Hideaway
Max’s South Seas Hideaway in Grand Rapids turns dinner into an island getaway. Image this: an area the place each nook bursts with tiki and Hawaiian appeal, all the way down to the ocean-themed music. I grabbed a seat within the quieter again bar, however in case you want a present, the primary bar allows you to watch bartenders crafting fiery drinks.
Their rum checklist? Over 100 to select from. And the meals matches up. We tried the pimento cheese with crab, smoked jerk hen, and waffle fries. It was all scrumptious!
For a enjoyable twist, strive the “drinks for 2” or finish your meal with a bang with their s’mores. They arrive with housemade marshmallows, chocolate ganache, and your personal little flame for toasting. Excellent for a candy end to your meal.
A heads-up from me: this place is successful, so reserving prematurely is a great transfer. After dinner, why not proceed the evening exploring the close by downtown space? It’s the right strategy to cap off a night at one of many coolest eating places in Grand Rapids.
2. Little Africa Delicacies
Heading to Little Africa Delicacies feels such as you’ve stumbled upon Grand Rapids’ best-kept secret. It’s this cozy little dive the place the welcome is as heat because the meals. Right here, consuming vegan Ethiopian meals appears like a home-cooked meal, because of the unimaginable girl who runs the place with all her coronary heart.
Proper off, they create you bowls of water—since you’re going to wish to dive in along with your palms. The injera bread is my absolute favourite. It’s excellent for scooping up all these wealthy, flavorful dishes. And in case you’re feeling adventurous, improve to teff bread. I at all times go for the vegetarian sampler. It’s a feast in itself and tremendous inexpensive.
Now, let’s speak in regards to the sizzling tea. It’s spiced, it’s candy, and actually, like nothing else I’ve ever had. The entire place is decked out in Ethiopian decor, and the vibe is authentically African. There’s even a tea service nook that simply provides to the appeal.
Indubitably, Little Africa Delicacies is among the finest locations to eat in Grand Rapids. It’s a slice of Ethiopia proper right here in Michigan. Don’t miss it!
3. Chez Olga
At Chez Olga, Caribbean flavors are on full show, and Olga herself makes the place shine. She’s the sort of proprietor who greets you want household. The final time I popped in, I threw warning to the wind and let Olga shock me. She comes out with this gumbo that simply blew my thoughts.
The perimeters are not any joke both. Olga’s plantains are the right sort of tasty, the passionfruit drink zings with taste, and rounding it off with rice pudding? Chef’s kiss. I used to be already planning my subsequent go to earlier than I’d even left!
Bear in mind, the spice right here doesn’t mess around. In case you’re not a warmth seeker, perhaps inform them to maintain it on the low. The restaurant itself is vivid and alluring, with a clear look and a Caribbean vibe.
Making Chez Olga a must-hit spot in Grand Rapids is a no brainer for me. It’s not simply in regards to the meals, which is top-notch, however that feeling of being welcomed like an outdated buddy that has me coming again. I at all times suggest this place to mates who ask me the place to eat in Grand Rapids.
4. Los Mariscos de Pancho
Subsequent up, let me introduce you to Los Mariscos de Pancho. One of many finest eating places in Michigan, it’s an unimaginable family-run Mexican spot on the Westside.
Their quesabirrias are to die for. It’s an ideal mix of broth, meat, and cheese that hits simply the best spot. And the worth? You gained’t imagine how good it’s for what you get.
The flavors are spot on, too. Not too spicy, however with simply sufficient kick to maintain issues fascinating. The place itself is on the comfortable aspect, however they’ve acquired out of doors seating which is ideal when the climate’s good.
I’m already planning what to strive subsequent from their menu. Truthfully, hitting up Los Mariscos de Pancho is a should for anybody searching for the perfect meals in Grand Rapids.
5. The Electrical Cheetah
The Electrical Cheetah on Rich Road is famed for its root beer assortment and inventive mac and cheese dishes. Critically, the place else are you able to decide from 15 totally different root beers?
Once I visited, there have been 5 totally different macaroni choices to select from. I went for his or her Torpedo Jones mac and cheese, with its house-cured smoked ham, pickled onions, swiss cheese, and fries on high. As you’d anticipate, it was improbable. The flavors simply work.
The vibe right here is as vigorous and vibrant because the title suggests, with cheetah-inspired decor that provides a enjoyable twist to the eating expertise. And if mac and cheese isn’t your factor, they’ve acquired you lined with soups and salads which are simply as thoughtfully ready.
The Electrical Cheetah is unquestionably one of the enjoyable locations to eat in Grand Rapids. I extremely suggest it in case you’re trying to strive one thing new or simply within the temper for consolation meals with a twist.
6. Roam by San Chez
As somebody who’s traveled extensively and tasted dishes from all corners of the world, I can confidently say that Roam by San Chez is a gem. This place brings the world to your plate, with well-known dishes you’ll acknowledge from Jap Europe to Central Asia.
Their menu feels such as you’ve stepped into a world meals truck rally, however with the consolation of indoor eating. All the pieces’s made proper there, and you may style the distinction. We went for just a little little bit of every little thing – pierogi, hummus, Satay hen, however let me let you know in regards to the Umami Slam Sammy. It’s this crazy-good sandwich that appears like a mash-up of a pulled pork sandwich with a twist of Japan and Hawaii.
In case you’re searching for cool eating places in Grand Rapids, take a look at Roam by San Chez. It’s a culinary journey world wide, no passport wanted.
7. Sheshco Mediterranean Grill
Sheshco Mediterranean Grill in Grand Rapids North is your go-to for standout Center Jap delicacies. Their home made pita bread is known amongst locals, it’s unimaginable. I attempted their shish kebab, which was scrumptious.
For individuals who love selection, their mezze choices have you ever lined, and the platters are excellent for sharing. Don’t skip on the baklava, both. It’s the candy ending you deserve. Plus, the parts right here gained’t go away you hungry.
I gave the Yemeni espresso a strive, and it was a pleasant shock. Heat, fragrant, and a beautiful strategy to spherical off the meal. At Sheshco Mediterranean Grill, it’s all about nice meals, beneficiant servings, and a comfy vibe that invitations you to linger just a little longer. Undoubtedly one of many coolest locations to eat in Grand Rapids, MI.
8. MDRD
In case you’re on the hunt for enjoyable eating places in Grand Rapids, MDRD is a must-visit. Image this: a tapas joint vibe that whisks you away to Barcelona, however with a twist – you’re handled to an unimaginable view of downtown Grand Rapids. These Iberian Pork chops are a game-changer, and diving into the tapas is sort of a mini journey to your style buds.
What actually makes MDRD shine are the views. Eating with town laid out beneath you provides an entire new layer to the expertise. The menu could be a tad dear, however the mixture of scrumptious flavors and the cityscape is completely price it.
It’s a well-liked spot, so just a little planning goes a good distance. Ending your night with a stroll downtown is the right strategy to spherical off a go to to this stunning spot within the Midwest.
9. Mithu Srilankan & Indian Delicacies
Mithu Srilankan & Indian Delicacies in Grand Rapids turned out to be the shock hit of my go to. The second you stroll in, the place wraps you up within the sort of heat solely a family-owned spot can provide. And the meals? Absolute consolation in each chew. The fish biryani and masala tea had been so memorable, they’ve been on my thoughts ever since.
Let me provide you with a tip straight from the guts: you’ve acquired to strive the coconut sambal. It’s like a secret taste weapon—sprinkle it on and watch your dish rework. This place has shortly grow to be my first cease every time I’m craving the wealthy, comforting flavors of Sri Lanka and India.
If you end up in Grand Rapids and in want of some soul-satisfying meals, Mithu is the place you wish to go. It’s one of the distinctive eating places in Michigan that I can’t suggest extremely sufficient.
10. Irie Kitchen
Irie Kitchen is that this stunning spot in Michigan that brings a style of Jamaica proper to the doorstep. My buddy and I went for the goat curry, and wow, discuss taste! In case you’re into spicy meals, this curry has your title on it. It’s acquired simply the correct amount of kick.
Don’t even get me began on the perimeters. The fried cornbread and plantains? Excellent companions to the curry. Oh, and also you’ve acquired to strive the ginger beer—it’s the true deal. For my vegan mates, you’re in luck. There are many choices for you right here.
Subsequent time you’re within the temper for one thing totally different and scrumptious, make a beeline for Irie Kitchen. It’s a comfy little getaway to Jamaica with out having to depart town. Belief me, it’s a spot the place the vibes are simply pretty much as good because the meals.
11. Al – Bos
Top-of-the-line eateries in Grand Rapids, Al – Bos is like discovering a slice of the Balkans you by no means knew you had been lacking. With a reputation that suggestions its hat to each Albania and Bosnia, you’re in for an actual deal with.
I dove into the jaeger and schnitzel, paired it with a burek, and let’s simply say, it was a meal to recollect. The Bosnian beer was the right complement to the feast. The environment is welcoming, stuffed with regulars that give Al – Bos a homey really feel.
There’s even just a little grocery retailer subsequent door, excellent for grabbing some distinctive finds in your method out. In case you’re in Grand Rapids and craving for a style of the Balkans or just within the temper for some hearty, comforting meals, Al – Bos needs to be on the high of your checklist.
12. Pochis Colombian Café
Pochis Colombian Café hit the spot for my Colombian meals cravings. Strolling in, the place is a burst of pink, which makes for a enjoyable, genuine vibe. The meals was excellent, and the espresso was precisely what you’d hope for, wealthy and alluring.
Their arepas and empanadas are merely scrumptious. They’re home made in-store, and you may actually style the love they put into their meals. Plus, the costs gained’t break the financial institution. I’d suggest this spot in case you’re searching for low cost eats in Grand Rapids.
Positioned within the downtown space, it’s an amazing place to take a look at after a day of exploring. You gained’t wish to miss these Colombian flavors!
Ceaselessly Requested Questions (FAQs) in regards to the quirkiest eating places in Grand Rapids
Are you looking for extra details about the place to eat in Grand Rapids? Listed here are some widespread questions (and solutions) I get requested rather a lot about Grand Rapids’s most unusual eating places.
What meals is Grand Rapids identified for?
Grand Rapids likes to shock you with its beer cheese soup, a comfy hug in a bowl, particularly throughout these chilly months. It’s a metropolis that prides itself on craft beer, so anticipate dishes that pair completely with a pint, all whereas exploring the abundance of actions in West Michigan.
What meals is native to Michigan?
Michigan is known for its cherries, a lot that you just’ll discover cherry-flavored every little thing right here. Pasties, a hearty, meat-filled pastry, come straight from the state’s mining days. And in case you’re by the lakes, the contemporary catch of the day is at all times on the menu.
What’s a enjoyable reality about Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids, a Midwest gem, as soon as made it into the Guinness World Data for baking the world’s largest cake! Think about a cake so large you’d want a ladder to place the cherry on high.
Is Grand Rapids a foodie metropolis?
Completely, Grand Rapids is a paradise for meals lovers! With its mixture of basic diners, stylish cafes, and every little thing in between, your style buds are in for a deal with, making it one of many high locations to dwell and go to in Michigan.
