Grand Rapids, MI

figmolly wrote, in the Burt's Reopening thread:

Buddy even made some eating suggestions in Grand Rapids, MI!

What are they? I'm going to be there at the end of the month.

Over in the Eastown section (which oddly enough is in the northwest part of town), along Wealthy Street, there is a wealth of small, family run restaurants offering everything from a variety of Asian choices to Middle Eastern, pizza places, simple cafes, and the local favorite for chili dogs, Yesterdog.

My hangout when I'm in town on business is Rafav's Mexican Restaurant. They've got some very good Mexican food there, but the real draw for me is when owner Ralph Walls (don't let the name fool you. Ralph is a real live honest to goodness Mexican, transplanted from Chicago's west side) sets up his smoker in the adjoining parking lot on Friday nights during the summer. Depending on availability and market price Ralph will throw on slabs of ribs, pork shoulders, and/or chickens, available with his excellent cole slaw, potato salad and elotes. Very reasonably priced and very casual. Take it to go, or eat right there; Ralph sets up card tables and folding chairs one side of the parking lot. Tuck into some ribs and soak in the local atmosphere.

Right across the street from Rafav's is a nice looking Mediterranean cafe. Never been, but it comes highly recommended by Ralph. I figure when your competitor recommends you, you must have some pretty good grub.

Another option is The Eastown Cafe. Nice paninis, burgers, subs and wraps along with a handful of red sauce Italian entrees; they make an outstanding house made potato chip. Cooked to order and very fresh with excellent potato flavor.

Yesterdog's is a highly overrated chili dog joint located in what appears to be an old speakeasy. It is a beautiful old establishment that looks like it came straight out of a Charlie Chaplin short. The worst part of a Yestedog chili dog is the hot dog itself. The chili is okay and they serve it with a relish that is made of finely shredded half sour pickles. Worth a try as a quick snack just to say you've been there, but I wouldn't go in trying to make a full meal.

Bear in mind that Wealthy Street is broken down into two sections. Assuming you're coming from the main part of town, Hwy. 11 running east/west, you'll take Breton Avenue north, past Lake Street to Wealthy. Turn left on Wealthy and head west. You'll almost immediately be in a pleasant, upscale commercial area with lots of eating and shopping options. You could probably find something here but, if you keep going west, through a residential area, you will eventually come upon another commercial neighborhood, this one being more of an "old town" zone. This is where you'll find Rafav's and Eastown Cafe along with Yesterdog's and a plethora of other dining choices.

The Highway 11 Corridor

As previously mentioned, Hwy. 11 is the main east/west road through town. It goes on for miles with every corporate fast food entity you can imagine located along its length, some with multiple locations. There are a few independent options along the way including a very good Chinese place whose name escapes me, but I'm sure a local can clue you in(they have their own line of bottled Asian condiments that are sold in the local grocery stores, if that is any help).

Also along Hwy 11, there is at least one location for the popular local coffee shop, Russ' Restaurant "The Homemade Goodness People", kind of a western Michigan version of the Big Boy chain only slightly better. The usual hot and cold sandwich offerings along with "homemade soups" and about a dozen full dinner options. The featured burger is the Russ' Twinburger, served with their special olive dressing; king of like the Big Mac "secret sauce" only made with chopped green olives. It was actually pretty good.

There is a local brewpub whose name I cannot remember, might have been Grand Rapids Brewery of something inspired like that. Haven't tried it, but one of my local contact says it is pretty good.

Finally, if your back is up against the wall and absolutely nothing else presents itself (I know I'm gonna take some flak for this one), there is a Carraba's Italian Grill on Hwy 11. Not your best option, but as far as corporate sit-down chain restaurants go, IMO Carraba's is one of the best. The couple of times I have gone to one I have stuck with one of the grilled chicken breast options and been very satisfied.

Have great trip!

Buddy

Rafav's Mexican and More Restaurant
1441 Wealthy S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 458-1457

Eastown Cafe
(616)233-0797

Thanks for taking the time to supply all this info, Buddy. I'll print it out for the trip and keep it on my person at all times.

I posted about my fave in GR here.