[South]West Michigan--that other side o' the lake--looong

My husband and I intend to head over to Chicago often this summer with full wallets and empty stomachs to try out many of your rec's, so we'll offer a few of our own if you're on our side of the lake. Sorry we missed Steve’s earlier trip to Holland’s Tulip Time, but the Waterfront Film Festival is coming up in early June in Saugatuck (www.waterfrontfilm.org), so head on over. (Note you can now take the car ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon to miss those orange barrels.)

A couple of caveats--this is West Michigan, not bazillion-great-joints-on-every-corner-Chicago. We're lucky to have some places open on Sundays, so don't go expecting fireworks from the kitchen.

Also, note that we're vegetarian (actually, I aim for vegan). I know that means to many folks that we don't like food, but we DO and these are places with decent offerings for both veggie- and meat-lovers. Since I expect most of you are not vegetarian, I'll stay pretty general rather than giving details of my specific favorite dishes.

As you come in from the south, the best food in Saugatuck is next door in Douglas. M&M Ice Cream doubles as the Blue Star Cafe (look for the giant ice cream cone sign). This sweet little spot has a Greek inspired menu--stuffed grape leaves, various chicken and pita meals plus good sandwiches, pasta and very filling breakfasts. Not as crowded and better than the Saugatuck competition.

In downtown Douglas, Everyday People Cafe is a cheery diner by day which dresses up a bit for dinner, with creative fare. I've also had decent food across the street at Chaps, which has a nice outdoor patio. If you absolutely positively have to eat on the water in Saugatuck the choices are so-so. My pick would be the Mermaid Grill for its nice deck.

After nosing around the galleries head about 15 minutes north to Holland. I know these are fighting words but I think our Mexican food is as good as you can find in the Midwest (I am talking about “regular” Mexican, not high falutin’ fare like Frontera), thanks to our large and underappreciated Hispanic community. My top choice is Margarita's (the best salsa, chile rellenos and enchilada mexicanas, they're open for breakfast and they have plenty of interesting body parts on the menu for you LTHers). Taco Fiesta also has food better than its name implies--the guac is great at both places.

In charming little downtown Holland, you can have a greasy spoon breakfast at the not-as-smoky-as it-used-to-be-Windmill, then stop for your Chicago Trib at Reader's World. Now that you've worked up an appetite, head down 8th Street to the farmer's market held Wednesday and Saturdays--along with the fresh fruit, cheeses and veggies, you'll see a couple of vans with interesting (definitely non-veggie-friendly) Mexican fare.

Italian is not a strong suit here--at least there’s nothing like my Chicago neighborhood fav, Papa Milano’s on State. Pereddies used to be our first choice but a couple of bad visits (both in terms of food and service) swung us in favor of Via Maria, a block off the main drag downtown. Now, I've eaten more salads than I care to ponder, but they have one I actually really love (comes with tons of olives, veggies and cheese and FRESH greens) and their pasta and pizza are nice. (Sheesh, do I wish someone here would discover gnocchi, though). They have a nice outside dining area, too.

Unfortunately I drank all my liquor quotient before I hit 30, but I hear the wine list is good at Till Midnight (great soups and unique menu), which recently had a fire but should reopen this fall. Local brew is available at the New Holland Brewery along with a selection of pizza and sandwiches.

Now that you're ready for dessert and a dip in the lake, skip the chain ice cream downtown and go for Captain Sundae on the way to the beach. They have dozens of soft serve concoctions (like the infamous Tommy Turtle which Prez Bush tried on his visit here, but we'll eat there anyway), but they also offer "real" Hudsonville Ice Cream and even Tofutti (!) for those who don't want the dairy. (My hubby asks for the Tammy Turtle--a Tommy w/o the nuts, but the folks who work here don't find the humor.) You can eat in the pirate ship if you like.

Closer to the beach, there's Ottawa Beach Inn (DO NOT confuse with Beechwood Inn)--nothing particularly unique, just solid (mostly meat) options; I always leave there with a full belly and a smile. They do some kind of grilled animal thing in the parking lot on the weekends--the aroma is almost enough to get me to throw in my vegan vows.

If you're looking for food on the water in Tulip Town, the only option is the Piper on the south side of Lake Mac near the Big Red lighthouse. I used to love it, then it went casual which meant mediocre--a couple of recent meals there prove it's swung back toward a worthwhile place--especially with their great view of the boat traffic at the channel (and the sunset if you time it right). They offer a separate veggie menu--the portobello ravioli was nice; my father loved his trout/walleye/somekindoffish dish.

On the north side of Holland is one of our fav places, tucked between Batteries Plus and Computers & More near the entrance to Sprawlmart. Unkh's is an attractive Japanese place--I can't speak for the fish but a guy who was stationed in Japan swears these folks know what they're doing. I'm happy with their miso or udon noodle soup, a green roll and the yummo homemade dressing on house greens served without the attitude that we got at Ra, the first (and perhaps, last) Chicago Japanese eatery we've tried.

Nearby Zeeland is greasy spoon heaven--just had some very nice biscuits (sans gravy, sniff) at J's Again--looks like a good place for many LTHers, based on your comments. Their home fries are deep fried but I was told they'd be happy to grill them if I preferred, sure, add onions, too--not what I expected from this li'l place.

Heading another 1/2 hour north is Grand Haven which has a great boardwalk along the beach near downtown. For any meal, I'd choose the Deelite--giant farmer's breakfasts (a mound of American Fries smothered with eggs, ham, mushrooms and cheese, of course, I get a veggie scramble) followed by a wide ranging menu at lunch and dinner (Mondays they offer a special vegetarian menu). On the water are the soon-to be reopened Bilmar (avoid unless they're radically changed their menu) and Snug Harbor, which has standard fare and a nice deck. Morningstar, just outside of downtown near US 31, is a very nice Tex-Mex leaning breakfast/lunch spot (huevos rancheros, blue corn flapjacks, frittatas and oatmeal topped with apple slices, dried cherries and wheat germ)--not much of a view but the food's good and they give you a nice selection of hot sauces.

If you head inland 45 minutes or so to Grand Rapids, the only two "nicer places" we regularly visit are San Chez (tapas in a lively atmosphere--do NOT wander next door to Mezze, except for drinks, maybe) and Gibson's (located in an old mansion just west of downtown). If you like independent bookstores, the huge Schuler's Books and Music has a nice cafe with soup, salads and baked goods. Rose's on Reeds Lake has nice Mediterranean and can be followed with a walk around the small lake. There are a few decent ethnic places (Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian) but they're not going to impress anyone from Chicago, so I won't go into details unless someone asks. One bright new addition is Marie Catrib's near Easttown. This mother-son team whip up an amazing amount of fresh, mostly organic, perfectly flavored food with a Lebanese bent in their tiny kitchen. Particularly good for carryout.

On your way to or fro, stop at Crane's Orchard in Fennville (SE of Saugatuck), especially in the fall when you can pick up a bushel of apples and cider donuts. The large barn style dining room can be quite raucous when lots of kids are there--the perfect setting for a slice of fresh fruit pie/crisp/dumpling. Nearby Su Casa used to be THE Mexican joint in the region--authentic (though probably not eye-taco-level). It's expanding this year, so who knows what will happen.

Well, there are a few places to start with. Sorry if I got carried away, but...well, you folks know, it’s so fun to share good places. If you're hungry on the way home, take the scenic Red Arrow Hwy, check out the antique shops and have a nice dinner at Cafe Gulistan in the Harbert/Sawyer area (has a Turkish/kurdish owner--LOVE the Ispanek: crispy chickpea patties topped with sauteed fresh spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers topped with a garlic-mango-cream sauce and served with Basmati).


Call to confirm hours at all these places--they may fluctuate depending on the time of year:

M&M Ice Cream/Blue Star Cafe
141 W. Blue Star Highway, Douglas, MI
269-857-1030
http://www.saugatuckdouglas.com/memberpages/MM.html

Everyday People Cafe
11 Center St, Douglas, MI
269-857-4240
http://www.douglasmichigan.com/epc.htm

Chaps Restaurant
8 Center Street, Douglas, MI
(269) 857-2699
http://www.chapsrestaurant.com

Mermaid Bar & Grill
360 Water Street, Saugatuck, MI
616-857-8208

Margarita's Restaurant
495 W 17th St, Holland, MI
(616) 394-3069

Taco Fiesta
11972 E Lakewood Blvd, Holland, MI
616-393-0161

Windmill Restaurant
28 W 8th St, Holland, MI
Mon - Sat 5:00am - 4:00pm,Sun 7:00am - 2:00pm
616 392-2726
http://www.free4allcity.com/michigan/di ... /windmill/

Via Maria Trattoria
13 W 7th Street, Holland, MI
616-494-0016
Hours: M-Th 7am-10pm, F-Sa 7am-11pm

Till Midnight
(Temporarily closed)
208 College Avenue, Holland, MI
Monday - Saturday, 10 am till Midnight.
616-392-6883
http://www.tillmidnight.biz/

New Holland Brewing Pub & Restaurant
66 E 8th Street, Holland, MI
M-Th 11am - 12am; F-Sa 11am - 2am.
616-355-6422
http://www.newhollandbrew.com/

Captain Sundae
365 Douglas Ave, Holland, MI
616-396-5938

Ottawa Beach Inn
2155 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI
M-sa, 11am - 11pm year round.
Memorial Day to Labor Day: Breafast buffet W-Su 8am - 10:30am;
Outdoor chicken barbeque Sundays 11am - 7pm.
616-399-9220
http://www.ottawabeachinn.com/

Piper Restaurant
2225 South Shore Drive, Macatawa, MI
Memorial - Labor Day Weekend Dinner 7 nights a week 5:00-9:30
616-335-5866
http://www.piperrestaurant.com/

The Unkh’s Japanese Restaurant
322 E Lakewood Blvd., Holland, MI
Lunch M-F 11-2, Dinner M-S 5:30-9
616-394-0024
www.unkhs.com

JS AGAIN RESTAURANT
430 W Washington Ave, Zeeland, MI
( 616 ) 772 - 9330

The Dee-Lite Bar & Grill,
24 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI
616-844-5055

Snug Harbor
311 S Harbor Dr Grand Haven, MI
( 616 ) 846 - 8400

Morningstar Cafe,
24 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI
Open 7 days 6:00am-2:30pm, breakfast served all day on the weekend
616-844-5055

San Chez
38 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI
Mon-Thurs: 11:30 am - 10 pm, Friday: 11:30 am - midnight
Saturday: noon - midnight, Sunday: 4-10 pm
616- 774-8272
http://www.sanchezbistro.com/

Gibson's
1033 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Mon- Thur 11:30 a.m.- 10 p.m., Fri 11:30 a.m. - 11p.m., Sat 4-11 p.m.
(616)774-8535
www.gibsonsrestaurant.com.

Schuler's Books and Music Chapbook Cafe
2660 28th St. SE , Grand Rapids, MI
M-Sat Meals served 9 am-7:30 pm, Sun 10 am-5 pm
Desserts and beverages served 'til closing.
616-942-0595, 800 331 1727 (MI only)
http://www.schulerbooks.com/

Rose's on Reeds Lake
550 Lakeside Drive SE, East Grand Rapids, MI
Mon - Sat 11am - 11pm, Sun 9am - 9pm
616.458.1122
http://www.thegilmorecollection.com/Rose's/roses.html

Marie Catrib’s
1001 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI
M-F 11-8, Sat 11-4
616-454-4020

Crane's Pie Pantry Restaurant
6054 124th Ave., Fennville, MI 49408
(269) 561-2297
http://www.cranespiepantry.com/

Su Casa
306 W. Main St., Fennville, MI
9A -10P daily
269-561-5493

Cafe Gulistan
13581 Red Arrow Hwy., Harbert, MI
Closed Mondays, Tues-Thurs 4-9pm, Fri-Sat 4-10pm, Sun 1-9pm
(269)469-6779
http://www.freeibrahim.com/cafe_gulistan.htm

Thanks for taking the time to post such a comprehensive and informative list. I don't get to Michigan much, mostly just to South Haven for track time at Gingerman, and we mostly end up at Clementine's there. You've given me some ideas to explore if I find I have more time next time I'm out there.

Great post, but the subject is a little misleading. South Central Michigan is technically correct, but I'd settle for Southwest Michigan. Or how about "Michigan restaraunts south and west of Grand Rapids"?

Great post. I have a long business trip coming up that starts in SW Michigan, so I will sample and post on my experiences.

Thanks.

Veghead, as a mod I changed your title to better reflect the locale, though I know full well that this area is generally called Western Michigan.

I also failed to follow any of your suggestions on my trip, instead, during my brief time in SW Michigan, I returned to my favorite place in Holland, the 8th Street Grille http://www.8thstreetgrille.com/main.htm.

There are a few things I like about this place. First, the entire area is quite pleasant, what with all the well-restored 19th century buildings. The stores might be a bit too precious, but it is very pleasant, good for a walk, and one can always wander up a couple of blocks to the path by the river, too.

The Grille is also a tad cute, but once one realizes that the memorabilia, far from being the generic style that is so prevalent, is all Western Michigan-related, and mostly from Holland it becomes more interesting. The old Tulip fest shots are particularly good.

I like the Grille mostly for their Blue Plate Special (meatloaf and mashed potatoes most days I have gone) and their all-you-can-eat soup bar, which was a classic vegatable beef, a classic chicken/corn chowder which lit up with the excellent bacon chunks offered on the side, and an interesting chicken jerk soup, which was really chicken rice with some jerk seasoning to add interest and heat, this Thursday. Though it would not have been my first or second choice normally, the chowder with the bacon was the best: rich, sweet, smoky and salty.

They also offer some good sandwiches, drinks and ice cream creations. Yup, I like 8th Street Grille and will go back next time, too, though when I have time for more than one meal I intend to try your suggestions.

Thanks again.

8th Street Grille
20 W. 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423

dicksond wrote:Veghead, as a mod I changed your title to better reflect the locale, though I know full well that this area is generally called Western Michigan.

Well, I can understand why it might be confusing to someone from outside the area. Kind of like me trying to find the neighborhoods of Bucktown or Lakeview. But SW Michigan would definitely not serve well as a description for folks who live in the state.

dicksond wrote:....during my brief time in SW Michigan, I returned to my favorite place in Holland, the 8th Street Grille....I like the Grille mostly for their Blue Plate Special (meatloaf and mashed potatoes most days I have gone) and their all-you-can-eat soup bar

Interesting. I work across the street from the place and haven't eaten there in years because I found the food mediocre, especially the soups which were prepackaged Gordon Foods stuff. Sounds like they may have improved their menu, so I'll try it again sometime.

To add to my list of interesting Saugatuck options, we had decent breakfasts this past 4th of July weekend at Monroe's (better known for ribs, though I can't vouch for their quality) and the Elbo Room (wonderful home fries with sauteed veggies), which is just outside of downtown.

We look forward to checking out a place in Fennville called Journeyman which has been mentioned on that other board.

Monroe's Cafe-Grill
302 Culver St. Saugatuck, MI
269-857-1242

Elbo Room
880 Holland St  Saugatuck, MI
269-857-8646

Since it sounds like a lot of LTHers like to wet their whistles, here are a couple of fun places in downtown Holland that might be of interest:

New Holland Brewing Company serves a simple menu of sandwiches, salads and pizza alongside their creative brews, including one that won a gold medal at the 2004 World Beer Cup. Started by a couple of young pups right out of college, it has grown into a fun brewpub.

Right across the street is a new place, the Curragh. I am not an Irish Pub expert, so I can't compare the food or brew selection to those in Chicago, but I just had a very nice dinner there with a friend seated in their pleasant outdoor area.

She had the Knockerragh Trout ($14, Sauteed rainbow trout topped with a white wine cream sauce, served with mashed potatoes, stuffed tomato and seasoned vegetables) and I had the Mediterranean Sandwich ($8.25, Roasted red peppers, eggplant, goat cheese, pesto, and kalamata olives all on a warm grilled 7 grain baguette--I got it w/o the cheese but with mushrooms and avocado). Though the prices are kind of high for Holland, we both really enjoyed the meal and the service was great.

New Holland Brewing Company
66 East 8th Street
Holland, Michigan 49423
(616) 355-NHBC
http://www.newhollandbrew.com

   
The Curragh Traditional Irish Pub
73 East 8th Street
Holland MI 49423
616 393 6340
http://www.crraghholland.com

Interesting. I work across the street from the place and haven't eaten there in years because I found the food mediocre, especially the soups which were prepackaged Gordon Foods stuff. Sounds like they may have improved their menu, so I'll try it again sometime.

Hmm, you think they do not make their soups there? They seem better than most to me, but now you have me wondering. My main measure of whether the soup is made in house, or bought, is the quality of the cream soups. If gummy and unappetizing, not only will I avoid it, but I also figure it is bought out. If it is reasonably creamy and tastes okay, then I think it has to be made on site. Not strictly true, but it is a lot harder to make, store and reheat creamed soup.

As to the food being mediocre: I think it is well-executed diner food. Funny how that works, thinking about it. If I lived nearby I might quckly lose interest in the place. But when traveling in the area I like to get a blue plate and some soup there. Plus it is a place where I can eat at the bar and visit with someone when dining alone, so that adds to the interest.

But I will try some of these other spots next time.

dicksond wrote:....
Hmm, you think they do not make their soups there? ...My main measure of whether the soup is made in house, or bought, is the quality of the cream soups. If gummy and unappetizing, not only will I avoid it, but I also figure it is bought out...

That's what the soups used to be like--you have me curious to try them again--either they're now making them or have at least found a decent source. Love that I can get tips on my own home base from so far afield--this forum is great!

One of my co-workers mentioned that she had seen a new take out BBQ place that opened up in a closed Hot'n'Now location in Benton Harbor, MI on Napier. I work in the area, needed a quick bit today, and thought what the heck, I'll do the drive through and give it a try. Going in my expectations were not that high.

I ordered a pulled pork sandwich, fries, and a pop through the speaker and pulled forward to pick up my order. Upon arriving at the window, a very nice lady leaned out and asked me what I wanted on my pulled pork sandwich. I was a little confused, but thought, "coleslaw, vinegar or tomato-based, hot or sweet, I wonder what the choices are?" So I asked and as soon as she started to answer I knew I was in trouble. The woman rattled off ketchup, mustard, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and peppers. I said peppers. She handed me my Diet Pepsi, and a minute later a sack with the rest of my meal. I pulled away, opened the sack and grabbed a French fry and thought "expletive deleted". Grabbed the sandwich gingerly expecting pieces of pork to fall out the sides, lo and behold overcooked sliced pork loin. I ate, but if I wasn't diabetic and needed to eat something and get back to work, I would have tossed it out the window and gone to McDonald's for real BBQ.

Might as well update this thread for those going to Holland anytime soon. Had lunch at 8th Street Grille today in downtown Holland. The decor is classic downtown Holland - lovingly restored building, what with the tin ceiling and walls(!). The food: Blech. I say that trying to be as fair as possible. The chicken corn chowder definitely contained, at best, a processed soup base or, at worst, was out of a can. Frozen corn kernels in August with the farmer's market down the street? A crime!

The sandwich was disgusting. Gelatinous turkey roll is not something I've seen on a sandwich lately.* The bread? Tasted like drywall. The lettuce was iceberg and the tomato was unripened and mealy.

* I realize that most, if not all, turkey luncheon meat is processed into a "roll." This meat, however, had the texture and taste (or lack thereof) of the old-fashioned cheapo deli staple, chicken roll, i.e., a round, gelatinous mess with a distinct casing. No discernible turkey taste here!

aschie30 wrote:Might as well update this thread for those going to Holland anytime soon. Had lunch at 8th Street Grille today in downtown Holland. The decor is classic downtown Holland - lovingly restored building, what with the tin ceiling and walls(!). The food: Blech. I say that trying to be as fair as possible. The chicken corn chowder definitely contained, at best, a processed soup base or, at worst, was out of a can. Frozen corn kernels in August with the farmer's market down the street? A crime!

The sandwich was disgusting. Gelatinous turkey roll is not something I've seen on a sandwich lately.* The bread? Tasted like drywall. The lettuce was iceberg and the tomato was unripened and mealy.

* I realize that most, if not all, turkey luncheon meat is processed into a "roll." This meat, however, had the texture and taste (or lack thereof) of the old-fashioned cheapo deli staple, chicken roll, i.e., a round, gelatinous mess with a distinct casing. No discernible turkey taste here!

But how were the portions?

Guess I owe Aschie $1.95, isn't it?

Near downtown Holland is Boatwerks, a new restaurant on Lake Macatawa. Quite an attractive interior and good water view, especially from their big bar. Though the place is quite large, it's been packed for its first couple of months of business but that should settle down a bit.

This place is one of two restaurants on the water in Holland. Both have respectable menus (for both vegetarian and carnivores which is amzing for this area). We eat at the Piper for a fancier (though still casual dress) dinner (they don't serve lunch) and go to Boatwerks for a more informal sandwich place. Either is better than almost any restaurant downtown.

On a recent visit to Boatwerks, half our party enjoyed the Mac & Cheese entree (aged new york cheddar and buttered bread crumbs; add smoked keilbasa $2 ) I chose the Housemade Black Bean Veggie Burger with guacamole. Usually a pretty generic menu item, this was quite good--certainly not a frozen patty out of a box.

The menu features appetizers like Wild Mushroom Crostini and Grilled Tiger Prawn Lettuce Wraps, several salads and lots of burgers, an Herb Roasted Turkey Sandwich, Lake Superior Whitefish, Filet Mignon and Summer Vegetable Risotto.

The Piper is closer to "Big Red" (the Holland lighthouse) and has a more lively view of the lake since it's near the channel to Lake Michigan. They have items like Seared Organic Salmon, Wood-Roasted Prime Rib, wood fired pizzas, sandwiches like a Spanish Smoked Pork and a variety of tapas. I had a delicious portobello ravioli (which is no longer on the menu) and look forward to trying the Cumin Roasted Purple Potatoes with asparagus, toasted cauliflower, roasted peppers, leeks, pistachio-romesco and aged balsamic.

Boatwerks
216 VanRaalte Ave, Holland MI
616.396.0600
www.boatwerksrestaurant.com/index.html

Monday-Thurs 11am to 10pm
Friday & Saturday 11am to 11pm
Closed Sunday



Piper Restaurant
2225 South Shore Drive, Macatawa, MI
616-335-5866
http://www.piperrestaurant.com

Memorial - Labor Day Dinner 7 nights a week 5:00-9:30
Labor Day- Memorial Day Tue.-Thur. 5:00-9:00, Fri. & Sat. 5:00-9:30, Closed Sunday & Monday

Thanks for the recommendations, veghead. I'll be sure to make the trek over there the next time I'm shopping in downtown Holland.