As a Grand Rapids resident and casual lurker in the Grand Rapids subreddit, I’m always curious to read local opinions on places to eat. Reddit’s always an interesting place to gauge local opinion, particularly on popular restaurants, but a recent thread really caught my attention as locals went deep on some lesser known spots that they swear by to get their local food fixes.
The original poster was floored by recent trips to Eastern Deli and Black Napkin and asked for more recommendations for amazing food in Grand Rapids, and users came out in force to share their thoughts on the top restaurants in the area. You can find the OG thread here: Grand Rapids, are you kidding? Get out of here.
I found myself going back to this post repeatedly to discover more places to add to my “must visit” list and I finally came to the conclusion that I should just put this on a Google Map so I have a quick way to reference good restaurants nearby depending on where I am on any given day. So, to an extent, this post is largely self-serving, but I figured if I’m putting this together I might as well share it with the world in case there are other like-minded individuals who would find this valuable. Here’s what I’ve put together:
- A Google Map of each Grand Rapids restaurant mentioned in the thread prominently. I scraped Google Maps data based on each place’s name, so these should be pretty up to date and accurate.
- A quick table with each restaurant’s address, a rough category of the type of eatery it is (usually based on the self-selected Google Maps category, I tweaked a couple that I noticed were wrong), and the Google user rating as of 5/15/2025.
- Finally, I turned AI loose on the thread and let it write up a quick overview of each place and specific highlights and dishes to try at each restaurant to help you order once you get there.
Map of Reddit’s Favorite Grand Rapids Restaurants
Click on a map pin for more details.
Restaurant Details
Clicking on name links will take you to the restaurant’s website for more details. Please note, a few places don’t have websites.
| Name | Address | Category | Google Rating |
| 7 Mares | 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 | Mexican restaurant | 4.5 |
| Amore Trattoria Italiana | 5080 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321 | Italian restaurant | 4.6 |
| Asada | 1450 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | TexMex restaurant | 4.6 |
| Bigfoot Burger Co | 5344 Plainfield Ave NE Ste 1, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Hamburger restaurant | 4.9 |
| Black Napkin | 966 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Takeout Restaurant | 4.9 |
| Blue Dog Tavern | 638 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | Bar & grill | 4.5 |
| Boardwalk Subs | 3916 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Sandwich shop | 4.7 |
| Bosna Express | 128 28th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 | European restaurant | 4.7 |
| Brass Ring Brewing | 2404 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 | Brewery | 4.8 |
| Butcher’s Union | 438 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | Meat palace | 4.7 |
| Carvers | 435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Butcher/restaurant | 4.1 |
| Char | 6 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Taco restaurant | 4.6 |
| Chez Olga LLC | 1441 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | Caribbean restaurant | 4.7 |
| Chicago Style Gyro | 539 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | Gyro restaurant | 4.8 |
| Coop & Scoop | 800 28th St SW STE 3, Wyoming, MI 49509 | Ice cream | 4.7 |
| Cousins Tasty Chicken | 1209 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 | Chicken restaurant | 4.6 |
| Curry Leaf Indian Cuisine | 2222 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 | Indian restaurant | 4.3 |
| Dos Amigos Restaurant | 1642 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 | Mexican restaurant | 4.7 |
| Eastern Deli LLC | 2011 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 | Fast food restaurant | 4.7 |
| Ginza Sushi & Ramen Bar | 1015 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Japanese restaurant | 4.6 |
| Go Jo Ethiopian Cuisine & Deli | EAST BUILDING, 421 Norwood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | Ethiopian restaurant | 4.7 |
| Graydon’s Crossing | 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 | American restaurant | 4.5 |
| Great White Fish Chicken | 4200 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 | Chicken restaurant | 4.2 |
| Hancock | 1157 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | Hot chicken and more | 4.4 |
| Herb & Fire Pizzeria | 2121 Celebration Dr NE #250, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Pizza restaurant | 4.5 |
| House Rules Lounge | 404 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Board game lounge | 4.9 |
| KCM | 209 Diamond Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | Tonkatsu restaurant | 4.8 |
| La Fonda Supermercado y Antojitos Mexicanos | 1000 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | Mexican grocer and restaurant | 4.2 |
| Leo’s Coney Island On Tap | 122 Oakes St SW Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Breakfast restaurant | 4.1 |
| Little Africa Cuisine | 956 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Ethiopian restaurant | 4.7 |
| Load a Spud Potato Bar | 1721 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 | Potato joint | 4.8 |
| Luna | 64 Ionia Ave SW #100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Mexican restaurant | 4.5 |
| Maggie’s Kitchen | 5334, 5334, 636 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | Mexican restaurant | 4.7 |
| Martha’s Vineyard Fine Wine & Gourmet Grocery | 200 Union Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Wine store | 4.8 |
| Mithu Srilankan & Indian Cuisine | 4309 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 | Indian restaurant | 4.9 |
| Nonla Burger | 449 Bridge St NW Suite 102, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | Restaurant | 4.5 |
| One Stop Coney | 154 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Coney joint | 4.8 |
| Oppa Sushi And Korean | 3233 Alpine Ave NW suite a, Grand Rapids, MI 49544 | Sushi restaurant | 4.6 |
| Palace of India | 138 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Indian restaurant | 4.2 |
| Palio | 545 Michigan St NE #102, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Italian restaurant | 4.4 |
| Pho Soc Trang | 4242 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 | Vietnamese restaurant | 4.6 |
| POKE TOKI | 5150 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Poke joint | 4.9 |
| Quarantino’s | 1444 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | Pizza restaurant | 4.9 |
| Real Thai Cuisine MI | 3912 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Thai restaurant | 4.6 |
| Restaurante Y Pupuseria Las Comadres | 2747 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 | Salvadoran restaurant | 4.3 |
| Rice Wok Chinese Restaurant | 3150 Plainfield Ave NE G, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Chinese restaurant | 4.5 |
| Schnitz Deli | 1315 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Deli | 4.8 |
| Seoul Market | 660 36th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 | Korean grocery store | 4.7 |
| Sheshco Mediterranean Grill | 2121 Celebration Dr NE #700, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 | Mediterranean restaurant | 4.6 |
| Stella’s Lounge | 53 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | American restaurant | 4.5 |
| Supermercado Mexico – Division | 3375 Division Ave S Suite A, Wyoming, MI 49548 | Mexican grocery store | 4.3 |
| Tacon Madre | 3501 Division St, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 | Mexican restaurant | 4.1 |
| Tacos El Cunado Bridge St. | 1024 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | Mexican restaurant | 4.6 |
| Tamales Mary Eastown | 1551A Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | Mexican restaurant | 4.7 |
| Terra | 1429 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | New American restaurant | 4.6 |
| The Candied Yam | 2305 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 | American restaurant | 4.2 |
| The Commons | 547 Cherry St SE Suite C, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | American restaurant | 4.6 |
| The Mitten Brewing Company | 527 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | Brewery | 4.6 |
| The Pit Stop | 6479 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | Barbecue restaurant | 4.8 |
| The Pita House | 1508 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | Middle Eastern restaurant | 4.6 |
| Two Beards Deli | 38 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Deli | 4.7 |
| Uncle Cheetah’s Soup Shop | 1133 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | Soup shop | 4.6 |
| Wishes Food-Snacks-And More | 1216 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 | American restaurant | 4.8 |
| Yesterdog | 1505 Wealthy St SE Suite 1507, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | Hot dog restaurant | 4.6 |
ChatGPT’s Summary and Recommendations
It’s 2025, I wasn’t about to make my own notes from a thread as long as this one, but that’s what AI’s for. Here’s ChatGPT’s quick summary on each place based on user comments.
7 Mares
A standout for authentic Mexican seafood dishes, 7 Mares delivers hearty portions and bold flavors. Recommended for their namesake seafood soup and fresh ceviche.
Amore Trattoria Italiana
Beloved for its homemade Italian classics, Amore’s lasagna gets high praise. Expect warm service, rich sauces, and rustic vibes.
Asada (formerly Basalt)
Known for bold Latin American flavors and house-made tortillas, this rebrand keeps the same fan-favorite breakfast burrito and tacos with creative twists.
Bigfoot Burger Co
New to the scene and already making waves with their smash burgers. Try the “Frankenstein Burger” and expect great portions and flavor.
Black Napkin
Highly praised for its “Rust” and “Salt & Vinegar” fries and rotating burger specials. A must-visit for fans of gourmet fast food with unique weekly offerings.
Blue Dog Tavern
Comfort food with a twist. Try the queso tots and burgers. Friendly vibes and casual setting keep people coming back.
Boardwalk Subs
A Grand Rapids staple for subs — go “Rogue Style” for toasted, seasoned inside-out bread. Locals swear by it.
Bosna Express
Known for flavorful gyros and an excellent Philly cheesesteak. Now connected to Zivio, which offers the same menu in a more polished setting.
Brass Ring Brewing
A hidden gem in Alger Heights with excellent pub food. Highly recommended for burgers and craft beer, especially darker British-style ales.
Butcher’s Union
A go-to for steak and cocktails, with upscale yet welcoming vibes. Try their steak frites or burger paired with one of their curated bourbons.
Carvers (Downtown Market)
Serves up hearty, satisfying sandwiches. Ideal for a casual bite while exploring the market. Gluten-free folks beware — not many alternatives.
Char
Creative Asian-fusion tacos in a casual setting. Favorites include Korean BBQ and spicy Thai options. A favorite for its unique, bold flavors.
Chez Olga LLC
Caribbean food hotspot in GR. Expect a wait — it’s that good. Try the jerk chicken or goat curry. Spicy food fans, rejoice.
Chicago Style Gyro
A classic neighborhood favorite for affordable and flavorful gyros. Generous portions and consistent quality keep people loyal.
Coop & Scoop
Fried chicken and ice cream in one cozy spot. Great for casual bites or a quick sweet treat.
Cousins Tasty Chicken
Fried chicken joint known for juicy pieces and classic Southern sides. Don’t miss the gizzards or the $10 value combos.
Curry Leaf Indian Cuisine
Highly praised by locals — flavorful curries and traditional dishes in a relaxed setting. Try the Chicken Tikka Masala or Lamb Vindaloo.
Dos Amigos Restaurant
Tiny taqueria with big flavors. The quesabirria tacos come highly recommended. Great for a quick, authentic Mexican bite.
Eastern Deli LLC
Unassuming, beloved spot near Garfield Park. Known for incredible steak and cheese sandwiches. A true hidden gem.
Ginza Sushi & Ramen Bar
Noted for excellent tonkotsu ramen and sushi. Clean, modern setting with flavorful broth and fresh rolls.
Go Jo Ethiopian Cuisine & Deli
A local gem serving up hearty Ethiopian dishes. Perfect for those looking to try injera, stews, and shareable platters.
Graydon’s Crossing
Eclectic pub with global flair. Known for beer pairings and comfort food with an international twist. Try the curry fries or fish and chips.
Great White Fish Chicken
A GR original with Sharks-style fried fish and seasoned fries. Their house seasoning takes the flavor up a notch.
Hancock
Go here for the best fried chicken sandwich in GR, according to many locals. Sides and sauces are top-notch too.
Herb & Fire Pizzeria
Craft-your-own Neapolitan-style pizzas with fresh toppings and fast service. A hit for lunch or casual dinner.
House Rules Lounge
Bar food elevated. The buffalo chicken slider is a must. Also known for cocktails and non-greasy comfort food done right.
KCM
Japanese/Korean fusion with a cult following. The Hire Katsu Curry was named a NYT Top Dish. Don’t miss the Spam Musubi, Gimbap, or curry.
La Fonda Supermercado y Antojitos Mexicanos
Market with a hidden gem kitchen inside. Top pick for authentic Mexican meals and unbeatable Taco Tuesday deals (3 for $6).
Leo’s Coney Island On Tap
Classic Coney fare with GR charm. Fans love the Flint-style dogs and chili-topped everything.
Little Africa Cuisine
Vegetarian Ethiopian dishes in a cozy setting. Get the sampler plate and sweet spiced tea. Even meat-eaters are converted.
Load a Spud Potato Bar
Potato lovers rejoice. Fully loaded baked potatoes with every topping imaginable. Big portions and satisfying comfort food.
Luna
Modern Mexican with standout orange salsa. Excellent cocktails and sleek ambiance make it great for dinner dates or group outings.
Maggie’s Kitchen
Latin American comfort food with soul. Pupusas, tacos, and stews are all solid choices. A local go-to for hearty home cooking.
Martha’s Vineyard Fine Wine & Gourmet Grocery
Upscale grocery and deli. Pizza and wine selection both earn praise. Grab a slice and shop unique snacks and drinks.
Mithu Srilankan & Indian Cuisine
Underrated gem serving deeply flavorful South Asian dishes. Great for takeout or dine-in — the owners’ warmth matches the spice in the food.
Nonla Burger
Fast, fresh burgers with personality. Locals love the hot chicken sandwich and shakes. A solid local alternative to fast food chains.
One Stop Coney
A beloved local joint. Must-tries include Flint-style coneys, fried bologna sandwich, Belgian fries with garlic ketchup, and top-tier onion rings.
Oppa Sushi And Korean
Oppa offers a solid Korean and sushi combo menu with reliable favorites like bibimbap and bulgogi. It’s often recommended for its convenience and casual vibe.
Palace of India
Palace of India is a go-to for rich, flavorful Indian food. Be aware: rice is ordered separately, but the quality makes it worth it. A top choice for dine-in or takeout.
Palio
Palio serves up Italian fare in an upscale setting with standout pasta and pizza. It’s ideal for date nights or elevated group dinners in downtown GR.
Pho Soc Trang
Pho Soc Trang has one of the most extensive Vietnamese menus in town. Locals swear by the pho, but the wide selection of other dishes keeps regulars coming back.
POKE TOKI
POKE TOKI offers customizable poke bowls with fresh ingredients and quick service. It’s a reliable pick for a healthy, satisfying lunch downtown.
Quarantino’s
Quarantino’s does New York-style pizza by the slice or pie, with a laid-back, divey charm. Their creative toppings and crust quality keep fans loyal.
Real Thai Cuisine MI
Real Thai Cuisine MI delivers authentic, flavorful Thai dishes with excellent heat levels. The pad see ew and green curry are frequent highlights.
Restaurante Y Pupuseria Las Comadres
Las Comadres is a Salvadoran gem known for its fresh pupusas, beans, and plantains. A casual spot that delivers big on flavor and value.
Rice Wok Chinese Restaurant
Rice Wok is a family-run Chinese restaurant known for fresh, affordable dishes. Loyalists rave about the lo mein and sweet & sour chicken.
Schnitz Deli
Schnitz Deli is praised for stacked Reubens and hearty sandwiches. Locals say it’s one of the best classic delis in the area.
Seoul Market
Seoul Market combines a Korean grocery store with a small kitchen that turns out top-tier japchae, bibimbap, and desserts. A favorite for authenticity.
Sheshco Mediterranean Grill
Sheshco Mediterranean Grill wins over guests with its free, addictive garlic dip and fresh-baked bread. Also known for generous portions and flavorful shawarma.
Stella’s Lounge
Stella’s Lounge is a downtown staple for giant burgers, vegan-friendly bar food, and a fun arcade vibe. The stuffed burgers are particularly famous.
Supermercado Mexico – Division
Supermercado Mexico on Division is a market with a taco counter in the back serving up delicious tamales, tacos, and traditional Mexican fare at great prices.
Tacon Madre
Tacon Madre is a newer taco stop with solid flavors and a devoted fanbase for its al pastor and carne asada. Great for a quick bite on 28th St.
Tacos El Cunado Bridge St.
Tacos El Cunado Bridge St. serves some of the best tacos in town. The little shack on Bridge has a cult following for its cabeza and chicharrón tacos.
Tamales Mary Eastown
Tamales Mary is legendary for tamales, especially the Tuesday taco buffet. Expect bold flavor, huge portions, and loyal regulars.
Terra GR
Terra GR is known for its seasonal, locally-sourced menu and great brunch options. Upscale yet relaxed, with something for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
The Candied Yam
The Candied Yam specializes in soul food with heart. Expect rich mac and cheese, fried chicken, and of course, candied yams worth writing home about.
The Commons
The Commons offers retro vibes and comfort food done right. The burger is a crowd favorite, and the whole place feels like a cozy blast from the past.
The Mitten Brewing Company
The Mitten Brewing Company offers creative pizzas (try the pickle breadsticks or a flight!) in a charming ballpark-themed brewery setting.
The Pit Stop
The Pit Stop is a BBQ favorite known for its smoked turkey and corned beef. Portions are generous and the smoke flavor is deep and satisfying.
The Pita House
The Pita House serves up massive gyros and Mediterranean classics in a fast-casual setting. Fresh, filling, and consistent.
Two Beards Deli
Two Beards Deli boasts a massive sandwich menu with pop culture names and big portions. A GR favorite for lunch, especially the Yosemite Sam.
Uncle Cheetah’s Soup Shop
Uncle Cheetah’s Soup Shop features rotating daily soups with unique ingredients and killer grilled cheese pairings. A must during the colder months.
Wishes Food-Snacks-And More
Wishes Food-Snacks-And More has one of the most beloved burgers in GR. The double cheeseburger combo gets rave reviews for both flavor and value.
Yesterdog
Yesterdog is an Eastown legend for loaded hot dogs served in a cash-only, no-frills joint. The ultra dog with chili and cheddar is a classic nightcap.