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MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN
Performances at the top of Bay Mountain, including stunning sunsets over Lake Michigan. Save 50% on tickets purchased with reservations.
THERE’S MORE!
Discover the lakeshore’s Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, historic structures, sandy beaches and hiking and biking trails. Visit the wineries, Leland’s Fishtown and Frankfort’s Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts.
Look to the Physicians destroying cancer with sound instead of scalpels.
Look to the Architects designing stronger structures with 72% less concrete.
Look to the Librarians preserving and providing access to millions of digitized books.
Look to the Designers bringing braille into the digital world.
Look to the Engineers making electric vehicles charge 5X faster.
Look to the Researchers creating an artificial ovary so cancer survivors can become parents.
Look to the Scientists developing tools to improve and protect our water.
Across 19 schools and colleges, from regional campuses to one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers, throughout classrooms, communities, and continents, wherever Michigan goes, progress follows.
To keep the work moving forward, the University of Michigan is investing $1 billion over the next decade in the people and ideas behind it—transforming public investment into the public good.
For answers. For action. For all of us.
Look to Michigan
wish you were here.
It’s not just a destination – it’s the destination. See why Good Housekeeping named Traverse City as a “2026 Travel Award Winner for Beach Escapes”.
Live it up. Underground.
You may think you know Kentucky, but you’ll discover surprises at every turn. Explore exhilarating above- and below-ground experiences. Come and play where the future is bright and the adventures are never-ending. Y’all interested? Plan your trip to our new Kentucky home today.
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Upcoming 2026
Festivals & Events
World Expo of Beer
May 15 & 16
Balloons over Bavarian Inn
May 22 - 25
Frankenmuth Dog Bowl
May 23 & 24
Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival
June 11 - 14
Wein & Stein
June 18
Concerts in the Park
Sunday Evenings
June 21 - August 9
Volksläufe (The People’s Race)
July 3 & 4
Cass River Colonial Encampment
July 18 & 19
Frankenmuth Antique Fire Apparatus Muster
July 25
Frankenmuth Flower Festival
July 31 - August 2
Frankenmuth Summer Music Fest
August 12 - 15
Frankenmuth Auto Fest
September 11 - 13
Frankenmuth Oktoberfest
September 17 - 20
Frankenmuth Fire Arts Festival
September 25 & 26
Big Country Fest
October 2 & 3
Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival
Frankenmuth Auto Fest
Frankenmuth Flower Festival
Balloons over Bavarian Inn
WELCOME TO MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN – one of America’s most iconic summer getaways with two boutique hotels by The Cotton Collection.
Hotel Iroquois is Mackinac Island’s waterfront hotel where you will find unexpected luxury with stunning interiors, lush gardens, a spectacular 250-foot dock and Mackinac Island’s most iconic dining with breathtaking water views at the Carriage House Restaurant.
Harbour View Inn guests will find a completely reimagined and newly designed inn. Nestled among other grand cottages and Victorian mansions, the boutique inn o ers charming interiors and a two-story front porch overlooking the picturesque Mackinac Island Harbor.
Reserve your stay. iroquoishotel.comharbourviewinn.com
Hotel Iroquois on the Beach
Harbour View Inn – Newly Designed for 2026
Grand Canyon, Bryce & Zion
8-Day Tour $ 2295
Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Caravan’s fully guided tours feature complete sightseeing, great itineraries, and professional Tour Directors. Your Grand Canyon tour includes all hotels, activities, and some meals.
The #1 in value. Enjoy two nights in national park lodges near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, two nights at Lake Powell Resort, and two nights near Zion National Park. You’ll explore Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Antelope Slot Canyon, Sedona, and more!
for details:
Discover why smart shoppers and experienced travelers have chosen Caravan since 1952. Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can cost hundreds of extra dollars. Caravan gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can nd anywhere.
“Brilliant, Affordable Pricing” Arthur Frommer, Travel Editor
Grand Canyon
MAY/JUNE 2026
VOLUME 63, ISSUE 3
FEATURES
36 GRAND CUTS PRIME STEAKS, GREAT SIDES, AND SERVICE THAT’S WELL DONE AT THE CITY’S TOP STEAKHOUSES.
BY PAT EVANS
42 SURVEY SAYS: JOHN BALL ZOO
A DEEP LOOK AT THE GROWTH, MISSION AND IMPACT OF THIS FOUR-CATEGORY BEST OF GRAND RAPIDS WINNER.
BY ANN BYLE
49 BEST OF GRAND RAPIDS A LIST OF THE AREA'S FAVORITE FOODS, FACES & PLACES.
READERS' SURVEY
PHOTOGRAPH BY AMANDA KAMPPINEN
Herbed butter and a bone-in fillet, served with a glass of Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon at Bowdie's Chophouse in East Grand Rapids.
every issue
14 editor's letter
101 dining guide
A guide to the area's best eateries.
112 gr gems
Unity QB's journey to Ford Field.
people + places
18 city
Acrisure Amphitheater brings world-class talent to downtown.
19 voice
Author earns high praise for historical novel set on Crete.
21 spotlight
Betting on herself: Latricia Trice builds marketing relationships.
22 profile
Thoughtful creations—designs encourage putting pen to paper.
24 issues
Logging off: why Gen Z is choosing to do things IRL.
look + feel
28 wellness
Spring cleaning for your wellbeing.
30 Experience Your summer water sports bucket list—no boats required.
32 Style
Lovely Leigh's in Breton Village— A champagne wish come true.
33 Expert
Water, interrupted: who to call when spring needs sopping up.
34 Home
Rural retreat: DIYers create cozy cabin & Prickly Pine Pottery.
food + drink
92 table
Smitten with the Mitten— The best of beer and pizza!
96 create
Salmon surprise—entire meal made effortlessly on the grill.
97 cheers
Maple & mixology: Caledonia kids turn syrup into liquid gold.
98 must try
OSKAR SCOTS! Dutton diner's standout Philly cheesesteak.
100 on-the-go
Once Upon a Time in Eastown: This pizza is no Pulp Fiction.
Covering Grand Rapids Since 1964 www.grmag.com | info@grmag.com
Publisher: Jason Hosko
Editorial
Managing Editor: Lisa Enos
Special Projects Editors: Olivia Sedlacek, Morgan Brown
Contributors: Ann Byle, Debby Buck DeJonge, Kelsey Dunneback, Pat Evans, Jason Roth, Matthew Rothenberg, Pasha Shipp
Design & Production
Creative Director: Lindsay Richards
Art Director: Kevin Martin
Associate Art Director: Steven Prokuda
Production Manager: Crystal Nelson
Graphic Designer: Joe Salafia
Production Assistant: Alessandra Taranta
Account Manager: Elizabeth Kowalik
Contributors: Teri Genovese, Amanda Kamppinen, Kristen Norman, Bree Rose, Stacy Feyer-Salo
Sales
General Inquiries: (616) 459-4545; advertising@hour-media.com
Media Advisors: Nick Irwin, Maddy Gill, Stephanie Scott
Publishing & Sales Coordinator: Logan Neaton
Digital
Director of Digital Strategy: Travis Fletcher
Digital Development Manager: Matthew Cappo
Senior Digital Development Specialist: Luanne Lim
Digital Development Specialist: Brian Paul
IT Director: Jeremy Leland
Circulation
Audience Development Director: Geralyn Wilson
Circulation Manager: Riley Meyers
Senior Circulation Coordinators: David Benvenuto, Rachel Moulden
May and June mark the long-awaited return of summer—and in Grand Rapids, there’s no better way to kick it off than with our annual Best of Grand Rapids celebration.
It’s our favorite issue of the year, and for good reason. The Best of Grand Rapids is all about celebrating the people, places and experiences that make this city shine. And what better way to say “cheers to summer” than with a party?
Our third annual Best of Grand Rapids Party, presented by Eastbrook Homes, takes place Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Goei Center. Guests can join us from 7–10 p.m. (earlier for VIPs) for an unforgettable evening featuring some of the city’s best food and drinks, a live acoustic set by Prior Noon, and a performance by Great Scott! The night will also be hosted by the voices behind one of Grand Rapids’ favorite morning radio shows, Free Beer & Hot Wings.
This high-energy event brings the magazine to life, gathering the reader-nominated winners from our annual survey into one big celebration. Think of it as a tasting tour—and a true snapshot—of what makes Grand Rapids such an incredible place to live, dine and explore. Find out more about tickets and pricing on our website— www.grmag.com.
Even better: your ticket includes a one-year subscription to Grand Rapids Magazine, so the celebration doesn’t stop when the party ends.
Inside this issue, we continue the revelry. This year’s standout winner, John Ball Zoo, is a winner in four categories! Ann Byle dives into everything the zoo has to offer and its impact on our community. Pat Evans serves up a guide to the area’s best steakhouses—reader favorites and a few expert picks of his own. Looking to make the most of the season?
Kelsey Dunneback shares how to get out on the water and start checking off that summer bucket list.
We’re also embracing the season’s spirit of connection and celebration. From thoughtful, artfully crafted stationery perfect for Mother’s Day to the grand opening of Acrisure Amphitheater—set to bring a wave of world-class performances downtown—there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the months ahead.
And for a touch of luxury, don’t miss Debby Buck DeJonge’s spotlight on Leigh’s in Breton Village, where high-end fashion meets an elevated shopping experience—champagne included. Here’s to longer days, warmer nights and a city that knows how to celebrate. Summer starts now.
Lisa Enos Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine
The best ways to reach us: Email: lenos@hour-media.com. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. Or follow us online at grmag.com or on social media: @grmag @grmagazine @grmagazine
Next issue
Top Doctors
Millie's Book Cart
Waterfront Dining: Lakes, Rivers, Decks, Docks
FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR
GR Mag: How long have you been a photographer for GR Magazine?
Teri Genovese: I've been freelancing for GR Magazine regularly since 2019. My first shoot was a new restaurant feature for Živio.
GR Mag: Favorite assignment so far?
TG: The 2020 “Eating Local” farm feature. I loved meeting the passionate people behind the local, familyowned farms that enrich our community, including Visser Farms, Ed Dunneback & Girls, and Green Wagon Farm. A close second was the Black Napkin feature.
Teri Genovese
Girls’ Trip, On Us!
people+places
Intentional & Inspired
PLUS: BETTING ON HERSELF A RIVETING READ LOGGING OFF IN FAVOR OF IRL
In her studio, Amy Heitman transforms inspiration into elegant stationery and giftware that sparks joy.
Madam Butterfly
Following its wildly entertaining production of HMS Pinafore last autumn, Opera Grand Rapids concludes its season with Madama Butterfly, May 15–16 at 7:30 p.m. at DeVos Performance Hall. Puccini’s classic follows Cio-Cio-San, a young woman in Nagasaki, Japan, whose marriage to an American naval officer ends in betrayal. Tickets start at $27; $5 for students. Purchase at operagr.org or call 616-451-2741, ext. 3.
A New Stage for Sound
Acrisure Amphitheater is GR’s next big act!
Set to debut in May 2026, the Acrisure Amphitheater, 201 Market Ave. SW brings a 12,000-seat, state-of-the-art outdoor venue to the downtown riverfront. The open-air space features 7,000 covered seats and a 5,000-capacity lawn, designed to host major national touring acts. The inaugural lineup includes Lionel Richie (May 15), Kid Cudi (May 27), Russell Dickerson (May 30), Jelly Roll (June 13), Santana with the Doobie Brothers (June 15), Godsmack (June 16), Darius Rucker (June 25), The Pussycat Dolls (June 30) and more. Check the full lineup at acrisureamphitheater.com.
Annual Bissell Blocktail Party
Come. Sit. Stay. Fore pets. The BISSELL Blocktail Party returns June 1–2 in East Grand Rapids, beginning with a June 1 sponsor soirée, followed by the main event June 2 at Memorial Field at East Grand Rapids High School. Expect live music, elevated bites, cocktails, games, and adoptable dogs. Event times, tickets, and sponsorship details are available at bissellpetfoundation.org/ blocktail-party, supporting nationwide pet rescue efforts.
A 'riveting' read
Novel immerses readers in Crete under Nazi occupation
BY LISA ENOS
Chris Cosmos has a way of making history feel personal. His latest novel draws readers into a world shaped by olive trees, hilltop caves, shared meals, and a quiet longing for what might have been. Readers of Grand Rapids Magazine may recall our earlier conversation, “Greeking Out,” which explored his novel Young Conquerors. Cosmos’ newest work, Island of Ghosts and Dreams, continues the story he began in his 2020 novel Once We Were Here. Together, the books tell a World War II–era
tale that lingers long after the final page. Published by Simon & Schuster and hailed as “riveting” by Publishers Weekly, with a nod from Read With Jenna, Island of Ghosts and Dreams follows Maria, a woman in her early 30s who joins a ragtag band of resistance fighters on Crete during the Nazi occupation. The premise promises drama, but Cosmos’ real accomplishment is how completely he inhabits Maria’s perspective and the world she fights to protect. Written in the first person, her voice is
A sweeping tale of resistance and resilience, Island of Ghosts and Dreams brings wartime Crete to life through one woman’s courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of story.
“This is a story about Greece. What would it be without tragedy?”
— Chris Cosmos
so convincing that readers may forget the careful imaginative work required to bring it to life.
The character’s emotional journey unfolds after her village is ransacked by Nazis and everything she has known is taken from her. Tragedy threads through the story—because, as Cosmos notes with wry inevitability, “This is a story about Greece. What would it be without tragedy?” Yet the darkness is tempered by Maria’s resilience and determination as she undertakes a mission that feels unlikely, yet is entirely possible, given the history of the island. Crete’s resistance during World War II endured longer than almost any other occupied region, and Cosmos channels that history into a story that captures both the horrors of war and the persistence of hope.
With a background in screenwriting and producing, Cosmos brings a cinematic sweep to the novel, grounded in meticulous boots-on-the-ground research that gives it a tangible sense of place. Sunbaked beaches and rugged mountain trails are rendered with such care that the island feels livedin by the reader, while historical figures woven into the narrative anchor the story in reality.
For Cosmos, who still calls West Michigan home while splitting his time between Greece and Los Angeles, Island of Ghosts and Dreams represents a culmination—of history deeply researched, of stories shared and of a lifelong love affair with Greece itself.
Betting On Herself
Marketing guru focusses on relationships — not volume
BY PASHA SHIPP
For Latricia Trice, the decision to start her own company wasn’t about disruption or reinvention. When she founded LTrice Marketing & Consulting, she took nearly two decades of experience and applied it deliberately – building something sustainable and aligned with how she believed good marketing should actually function. The real draw of LTrice Marketing & Consulting is partnership. Their team integrates with the client to create a seamless working experience that prioritizes shared context and continuity.
“When you stay committed to your values and principles over time, the results follow, but more importantly, your impact lasts far beyond the business itself and becomes a part of your legacy.”
— Latricia Trice
“I lead a fullservice marketing and communications agency that acts as a fractional marketing department for growing businesses and organizations,” she said. “That means companies gain access to an experienced marketing team without the overhead of building or expanding an in-house team. We help organizations build thoughtful marketing and communications plans, execute those ideas with strong creative, and measure results along the way. Everything we do is focused on helping our clients achieve their broader business growth goals.”
The agency grew out of a turning point in Trice’s life. As her fortieth birthday approached, she began reflecting on what she wanted to build next – and how she wanted to build it.
“I reached a place in my career where I knew it was time for a change,” Trice said. “I realized I was ready to take everything I had invested into helping other companies grow and invest that same energy into building something of my own. Early on, betting on myself meant turning a vision into a real plan and then figuring out how to execute it day by day. I remember receiving the first checks from clients that were modest at the time, but I saw them as proof that growth was possible.”
Word of mouth is a big part of the firm’s success, with most of their business coming from referrals. That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident.
“From the beginning, I focused on building meaningful client partnerships rather than chasing volume. That approach allows us to do deeper work and drive stronger outcomes for the organizations we serve,” Trice said. “Our team is also culturally diverse, which gives us a unique advantage when it comes
to understanding different audiences and communities. When you combine experience, strong relationships, and a commitment to excellence, clients feel supported and confident in the work we’re doing together. That’s what ultimately leads them to recommend us to others.”
The young firm has grown from zero to $1M+ in under three years. But for Trice, success isn’t measured in revenue alone. Business wins aside, Trice is clear about the impact she wants to leave on the world.
“I hope people understand that I am committed to living a purpose-driven life,” she said. “Whether it is giving my time, sharing my talent, or simply showing up, integrity is at the center of everything I do. When you stay committed to your values and principles over time, the results follow, but more importantly, your impact lasts far beyond the business itself and becomes a part of your legacy. That is what I care most about.”
Latricia Trice turned nearly two decades of marketing experience into LTrice Marketing & Consulting—an agency rooted in partnership, cultural insight, and measurable growth. By embedding her team as a seamless extension of her clients’ organizations, she’s proving that meaningful relationships—not volume—drive lasting impact and a legacy that extends far beyond business.
The gift of thoughtfulness
How a handwritten note can create connection, joy and meaning in a busy world
This Mother’s Day,
reminds us that the most treasured gifts come not from a store, but from the heart—and a pen. Her handmade cards and journals turn thoughtful words into lasting connection, one handwritten note at a time."
This Mother’s Day, the most treasured gift might not come from a store—it could come from a pen. Amy Heitman, a designer of greeting cards, journals, and tea towels, has made it her mission to create stationery that sparks connection and joy—perfect for those who would appreciate a thoughtful, handwritten gesture most: your mom and grandmother.
Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago and later moving to West Michigan just over eight years ago, Amy never imagined she would enter the world of paper and ink. After graduating from Trinity Christian College with a degree in Art Education, she taught art for two years. “When I chose to leave teaching to stay home with our daughter, I began looking for a creative outlet,” she recalls. What began as a small portfolio website featuring murals she had painted for the school district along with wedding stationery she had designed for friends quickly became a blossoming Etsy shop—and the start of a lifelong passion for designing beautiful, thoughtful products.
Finding Creativity in Unexpected Places
Amy’s journey into stationery was anything but planned. “I never imagined I would find myself part of the stationery world,” she says.
“After several years of designing custom stationery, I felt the pull to create something that could live beyond a single day— something that might encourage connection and help people love and bless those around them well. I designed my first collection of greeting cards, thinking that if nothing else, I would always have a collection of cards on hand to help me be more encouraging, intentional, and thoughtful.”
The timing of her Etsy shop was serendipitous. Just a month after opening it, while pregnant with her second child, Amy was placed on bed rest for five months. “During that season, the shop became an unexpected gift. It gave me something meaningful to pour myself into, and I fell in love with stationery and print design—and with the joy of seeing my designs come to life on paper in a tangible way.”
PROFILE
Amy Heitman (top center and bottom right)
STORY AND PHOTO BY LISA ENOS // PHOTOS BY TERI GENOVESE
Even now, the memory of that challenging season informs her work. “Walking alongside friends in different seasons of life, I’ve often found myself wishing for the right card, and it is such a joy to be able to design something that feels like it might connect in those moments,” she explains.
Designing with Heart
Amy’s approach to stationery is deeply personal. She begins each design thinking about what she would want to give—or receive. “The desire to communicate care and connection plays the biggest role in creating pieces that feel personal and meaningful,” she says. “As far as journals and tea towels, it’s been especially fun to design gifts that are easy to give and feel both practical and beautiful. I love the idea of spreading beauty into spaces and being able to gift something that someone will use or interact with daily, and that might carry with it a bit of warmth, beauty, and joy into their day.”
Her work extends beyond aesthetics; it is rooted in human connection. “While I think there is real value in digital connection—it allows us to stay in touch across time and space—there are also real limitations to the level of connection that can be found through it. Something is lost in the ease and speed of it all. There is something beautiful in pausing to hold time and space for someone, in putting pen to paper, and even sitting in the discomfort of searching for the right words,” Amy says.
Handwritten notes, she says, are an act of love. “They say love requires sacrifice or costs you something, and in a world today where our schedules are so full, taking the time to choose a card for someone and then sit down to put words on paper can be a meaningful act of love—a way of offering presence, care, and intention. As the receiver, care is felt in seeing someone else’s handwriting and carefully chosen words. Handwritten notes carry with them a depth of thoughtfulness and love that can’t be captured through a screen, a quick tap, or an emoji.”
“They say love requires sacrifice or costs you something, and in a world today where our schedules are so full, taking the time to choose a card for someone and then sit down to put words on paper can be a meaningful act of love—a way of offering presence, care, and intention,”
— Amy Heitman
Collections Inspired by Life and Literature
Amy draws inspiration from her own life and the seasons her family is experiencing. Over the past eight years, she has homeschooled her three children, and many of her designs are influenced by the literature and ideas they explore together. “The Midsummer Night’s Dream wrap was directly inspired by lines from the play itself, while The Grove of Daphne wrap and collection was inspired by a description from the Grove of Daphne, an Eden-like garden described in Ben Hur,” she explains.
Some designs carry a more intimate family connection. One of her assorted card sets is especially dear to Amy, as it features her father’s handwriting. “He has the most beautiful handwriting, and growing up, most mornings I would wake up to find a note he left for my mom on the back of a daily calendar page,” she shares. It is this personal touch—the echo of real love and connection—that defines much of Amy’s work.
Journals, Rhythm, and Reflection
Beyond cards and wraps, Amy has expanded her line to include journals, a reflection of her own lifelong practice. Journaling became a lifeline during her bed rest with her second child. “Stillness has never come easily to me, and when I felt distracted and unsure of what else to do in a season so far outside my control, those pages became a place to pour out the emotions I was carrying—fear, anxiety, and hope—and to invite God to speak into my heart. Since then, journaling has become a daily rhythm. Over the past thirteen years, I’ve filled forty-three composition notebooks, writing every morning.”
Her journals are designed to bring that same daily rhythm and joy to others. “For years, I’ve wanted a place to write that felt worthy of the words it held, and something simple and beautiful enough to live out in the open, rather than tucked away,” she explains.
The Joy of Touching Lives
Amy’s work has reached clients across the country, from Barnes & Noble to local shops. Yet, the most meaningful feedback comes from individuals whose lives are touched by her creations. “By far the most rewarding part has been the notes I’ve received from people who share how much a card meant to them or how it brought encouragement at just the right time. Designing cards is such a small, simple thing in the grand scheme of the world, but it is such a gift to be able to play a role in meaningful moments of people’s lives and stories. Creating something that helps people connect with those in their corner of the world is such a blessing— and one I’m so grateful for.”
Just Do It: A Call to Write
For anyone wanting to bring more personal, handwritten joy into their everyday life, Amy has one simple piece of advice. “I’m borrowing a phrase from Nike here, but just do it. The fear of saying or writing the wrong thing can sometimes keep us from saying anything at all, but most often, something (even imperfectly or awkwardly worded) is truly better than nothing. Think of how meaningful others’ words through handwritten notes have been in your own life and let that be an encouragement to pass the same kindness along to someone else.”
She also notes that preparation can remove barriers: “Keeping a small collection of cards on hand for different seasons and occasions also eliminates the pressure of not having time to find something in the moment and allows you to be ready when the moment arises. There is so much joy in the act of giving or encouraging someone else, and sometimes the simplest gesture can mean more than we realize.”
Why Gen Z is choosing to do things ‘IRL’ Logging off
BY LISA ENOS
There’s a new trend emerging among Generation Z, and it has nothing to do with the latest iPhone, Google Glasses, or virtual reality headset. In fact, it is defined by the absence of all three.
They are choosing to do things “IRL” —in real life.
For a generation raised on screens, the shift feels almost ironic. These are the children of Generation X, a cohort that grew up letting themselves into empty houses after school—fueled by Jell-O pudding pops, frozen burritos, and hours of MTV—people who, as kids, rode bikes to arcades to dump quarters into Donkey Kong, then graduated to Apple IIe computers in college labs, cementing a lifelong relationship with screens.
And yet, their children are walking away from them.
Instead of scrolling, many Gen Zers are picking up "grandma hobbies" like needlepoint and knitting. Others have dove head first into live-action role-playing games, activities that require presence and the use of their hands. Vinyl records are back, too—not as a retro gimmick, but as a deliberate choice to engage with music in a physical, grounded way, complete with album art.
The shift is showing up in cultural spaces across the country. In New York City, trendy bars now experiment with enforced quiet, where patrons are expected to whisper rather than shout over music. Add in the
rise of board game and cat cafés—equal parts novelty and sensory experience—and a pattern emerges: environments designed to reconnect people with the tangible world. It is not difficult to imagine where this impulse began.
For many in Gen Z, childhood memories include parents who were physically present but mentally elsewhere—absorbed in smartphone tech, social media feeds and the endless doom scroll.
Street crossings stalled when a parent missed the signal, eyes fixed on a text. Museum visits and family outings split in two—one person absorbed in the moment, the other curating it for Instagram. Shared experiences, but not always shared attention.
According to research conducted by Talker, an independent market research agency that creates online surveys, about half of Americans report making a conscious effort to reduce their screen time in order to improve their well-being. The generational divide is particularly notable: 63% of Gen Z respondents and 57% of millennials say they are actively disconnecting, compared with 42% of Gen X and just 29% of baby boomers.
Younger Americans are also more disciplined about it. More than half of Gen Z respondents say they schedule screen-free time, compared with 33% of Gen X and 22% of boomers. The payoff is tangible: 42% report feeling more productive, 33% feel more present with loved ones and 36% say
they are more "aware" in their daily lives. In Grand Rapids, the trend is not theoretical—it is visible.
At House Rules (404 Ionia Ave SW), a friendly local game store known in the tabletop community as an FLGS, groups gather around tables piled high with more than 600 games. Drinks, snacks and conversation flow easily.
Across town, at Black Dog Books and Records on Fulton Street, customers flip through vinyl and paperbacks, lingering in a way online shopping simply doesn’t allow.
Meanwhile, Vertigo Music on Division has evolved with the times—what began in 2020 as a CD shop with a small vinyl selection is now primarily a vinyl store with just a few CDs.
“You have those people who do everything on their phones, and then you have people who are making a concentrated effort to reject living like that.”
— Rose are making a
Even the suburban retail landscape reflects the shift. While big-box stores continue to struggle against the rise of e-commerce—a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic— Knapp’s Corner recently welcomed a new Barnes & Noble. Once considered a symbol of corporate takeover in the 1990s, the bookstore’s presence now feels almost reassuring. People are still buying books. They still want something to hold.
For Rose, now a young professional and a 2020 graduate of Forest Hills—a class that famously missed both prom and a traditional graduation ceremony—the pull toward real-world experiences is personal.
After a recent trip to New York City to visit college friends, she returned with stories of museums, late nights at the theater, a stop at a board game bar and gatherings that stretched well past midnight—but almost no photos.
“Not from my camera roll, anyway,” she said.
She does, however, have a Polaroid camera, a birthday gift from her brother. There is no cloud backup, no editing, no instant sharing—just a moment, captured and kept. Maybe even pinned to a corkboard with a push pin or affixed to the fridge by a magnet.
Her experience reflects a broader divide within her generation.
“Actually, it’s splitting into two camps,” she said. “You have those people who do everything on their phones, and then you have people who are making a concentrated effort to reject living like that.”
That tension may define the future of how Gen Z interacts with technology. Because despite the movement toward disconnection, opting out entirely is not realistic. Daily life now requires digital participation—from scheduling doctor’s appointments to booking something as simple as a haircut. Increasingly, even basic services demand an app download before a conversation can happen.
It is a system that feels, at times, inescapable.
And yet, Gen Z is finding ways to push back—not by abandoning technology altogether, but by setting boundaries around it. By choosing when to engage and when to step away. By deciding that not every moment needs to be documented, shared or optimized.
In that sense, the return to “IRL” is not about rejecting the digital world. It is about reclaiming balance within it.
It is a recalibration and recognition that while technology has made life more efficient, it has not necessarily made it more meaningful.
And so, in small but significant ways, a generation is rediscovering what it feels like to be present—fully, intentionally and without a screen in between.
Champagne & Shopping
PHOTOGRAPH
Christian Louboutin shoes & handbags line the shelves at Leigh's in Breton Village.
Letting go of the old & welcoming the new
Spring cleaning for your wellbeing
BY ANGIE CHANDLER
There are many ways to spring clean. A well-timed cleanse helps prevent the accumulation of harmful substances or toxic influences. Instinctively, you may know when to clear the clutter. Sometimes the very things that are weighing us down or holding us back from being our best aren’t chemicals at all, they could be people, environments, habits, or patterns of behavior that quietly drain our energy. Recognizing this gives you the opportunity to pause, reflect, and intentionally hold on to what is truly working well and release what is not working so you can make space for what lifts you up!
A classic fresh start is at the beginning of a new year. Specific goals are made around becoming a healthier version of ourselves. But left unchecked, people tend to fizzle around the end of February. An effective detoxification, whether it’s for your physical health or mental health, has a beginning a middle and an end to it, even a repeat cycle. A detox is about intentionally clearing out what no longer serves you positively so you can create space for clarity, balance, and renewed energy.
Detoxification is a familiar concept in the world of healthy living. At its core, detoxing is a natural process—your mind and body are always working to clear out what no longer serves you well. But when life becomes overwhelming or your system gets overloaded, you may need a little extra support. Whether you’re cleansing your liver for a metabolic reset, improving daily habits for better overall health, or rekindling healthy relationships to enhance quality of life and longevity, an occasional “clean sweep” can be essential. Releasing what weighs you down helps restore balance and supports excellent health for your mind, body, and spirit.
In many cases, simple lifestyle modifications such as improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, ensuring adequate sleep, and choosing healthy social connections to name a few can help sustain your realignment with excellent health.
Assessing your internal load
Think about the main pillars of health. Nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, mental and spiritual health, environment and toxicity When we feel good, we rarely pause to consider why. It’s only when we start to feel misaligned in any of these areas that we’re prompted to slow down and reflect. The first step is identifying the root cause of the imbalance. In the physical sense, perhaps you’ve noticed yourself waking up “feeling off” more often than usual. It may not occur to you to connect that feeling to yesterday’s choices or to the fact that you haven’t exercised in a while or gone to bed at a decent hour in months. Sometimes low energy sneaks up on us. We don’t even realize we are self-medicating with over-the-counter pain relievers for body aches, relying more and more on caffeine to combat tiredness through the day, or reaching for convenient ultra-processed foods that make you feel good in the moment (sugar high) only to let you down hard later. These subtle shifts
“A detox is about intentionally clearing out what no longer serves you positively so you can create space for clarity, balance, and renewed energy.”
— Angie Chandler, NBC-HWC, NASM-CPT
are often early indicators that your system is asking for attention, but habits both good and bad become engrained.
Our minds can also become overburdened by stress. Managing stress before it becomes overwhelming is key. This is why it’s important to periodically explore what is working or not working for you. Habits such as persistent overthinking could make you feel emotionally overloaded. You’ve probably heard the saying, “What you focus on expands” so slowing down to observe and become aware of your thoughts and focusing on what you can control is a powerful place to begin.
Nutrition, movement, and environment clearly matter—but so does the company you keep. Being attracted to the wrong person or group of people is energy draining. Feeling exhausted after certain interactions, avoiding social commitments, or feeling obligated rather than inspired can signal misalignment. When your social world feels heavy, boundaries or recalibration may be needed. An imbalance in this area often influences our capacity to make healthy self-care decisions such as the foods we reach for or prioritizing quality sleep.
When the cause becomes clear, you can create a plan to restore equilibrium and elevate your wellbeing. This renewal process often reveals meaningful insights and opens the door to healthier, more intentional habits.
•Identify personal beliefs and thought patterns that no longer serve you
•Reflect on interactions that drain your confidence or peace
•Practice quiet reflection, journaling, or talking things out to process what you’ve been carrying and why
•Set boundaries around what you take in—news, social media, conversations
•Rescript a fresh response to replace your typical reaction – this can be transformative!
The more aware you become of your internal cues, the easier it is to choose responses that support your confidence and wellbeing rather than depleting it. A healthy lifestyle must include ways for both body and mind to release overload because it’s all connected ~ body, mind, and spirit.
Pillars of health and wellbeing
The pillars work in harmony therefore an imbalance in one area may influence other areas such as the food we reach for when we are stressed or how well we sleep when a relationship becomes challenging. As you review each category, reflect on an area in your life that may need refreshing. Each area is essential for creating order and flow in our daily lives. They include:
•Nutrition: enjoy a whole food, plantforward diet that includes lean protein, fruits, vegetables, hearthealthy fats, and plenty of fresh water filtered water
•Physical Activity: design a wellrounded weekly routine of physical activity; aerobic, strength, mindbody practices
•Sleep & Rest: make a routine to ensure restorative sleep. Both quality and quantity are critical for physical recovery, cognitive function, and emotional regulation
•Mental and Emotional Health: know yourself and develop strategies for relief management with coping skills that build confidence and resilience, manage your time to support energy
•Social Connections: nurture relationships with friends and family members who are supportive and positive
•Spiritual Health: include practices that provide purpose, meaning, connection beyond yourself
•Intellectual Health: stay curious and engaged in lifelong learning for cognitive stimulation, problem-solving skills, and personal growth
•Environmental Health: surround yourself with safe, clean, and life-giving surroundings that are clutter-free, including green space and daylight.
•Financial Health: Manage resources to build reserves, reduce stress, support life stability, and to give and receive freely.
The power of renewal
Detoxification becomes necessary when what you’re carrying—physically, mentally, or socially—begins to weigh more than it uplifts. Your body and mind are always communicating, offering subtle signals long before imbalance becomes overwhelming. When you listen closely, you gain the opportunity to reset, realign, and choose daily habits that give you pleasure as well as support your longterm wellbeing. Ultimately, letting go of what no longer serves you—whether it’s a habit, a thought pattern, or a relationship—creates space for renewal. When you commit to this ongoing process, you cultivate a life that feels lighter, more intentional, and deeply aligns with your mind, body, and spirit. This is the true power of detoxification: not just cleansing, but clearing the way for a healthier, more vibrant you!
Angie Chandler, NBC-HWC, NASM-CPT is a Lifestyle Care Partner at Trueline Health, 2040 Raybrook St. SE, Suite 200, Grand Rapids. truelinehealth.com
No Boat Required
Easy ways to get on the water in West Michigan
BY KELSEY DUNNEBACK
Growing up in West Michigan, it’s hard to imagine a summer without water. Some of my favorite warm-weather memories involve drifting down a river with friends, spending long afternoons at state park beaches, or puttering around the lake on a pontoon at my family’s cottage.
In a place known as the “Great Lakes State,” water is never far away. Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes and boasts more than 3,200 miles of fresh-water coastline-plus thousands of inland lakes and rivers waiting to be explored.
Some might assume getting on the water requires owning a boat or hauling gear north for the weekend. But within an hour of downtown Grand Rapids, it’s surprisingly easy to rent a paddleboard for the afternoon, drift down a river with friends, or even try surfing Lake Michigan waves.
Whether you’re new to Michigan summers or a local looking for some new water-friendly options, here are five easy ways to get started on the water this summer—no boat required.
Paddling: The Easiest Way to Get on the Water
While stand-up paddleboarding (or SUP, for short) may look intimidating, many people find it one of the easiest intros to getting on the water. Imagine floating across calm water at sunrise before boat traffic picks up, balancing your coffee cup- maybe even spotting a turtle slip into the water along the shoreline.
The wide boards make standing surprisingly stable and if you fall, hey, it’s a low-risk way to cool off in the water. I use an inflatable stand-up paddleboard, which is sturdier than you might expect and packs easily into my car to inflate quickly at the water. If standing is intimidating, you can always kneel or sit on paddleboards too.
Kayaking is a classic water activity- great for short paddles around a lake, but also capable of longer river trips or choppier water.
Calm lakes make perfect places to start paddleboarding and kayaking. Reeds Lake, right in East Grand Rapids, is a great local spot to paddle if you have your own paddleboard or kayak and includes a boat ramp for easy access. Kayaks can also be rented through a Rent.Fun kiosk, behind Public Safety at 770
Lakeside Dr. SE.—$25 for two hours, $5 per additional 30 minutes after that.
Millennium Park, just five minutes from downtown Grand Rapids at 1414 Maynard Ave. SW, offers paddleboard and kayak rentals for around $8-10/hour from the DeVos Family Boathouse starting Memorial Day through Labor Day. With 100 acres of water and miles of shoreline, it’s easy to spend all day on the water.
For Lake Michigan adventures, Grand Haven has plenty of spots to rent gear in town, including beachside board rentals at Sun Sports Rental at the Harbor Drive city (bonus points for not having to lug your board or kayak in if you don’t get a close parking spot!). Try getting there early in the morning or in the early evening to catch the calmest waters.
River Tubing: The Ultimate Lazy Summer Day
If paddleboarding feels peaceful and kayaking feels exploratory, river tubing is pure summer leisure.
Groups often tie their floats together, coolers packed with local brews bobbing alongside them. The pace is unhurried, the water cool, and the biggest decision of the day
is when to stop at a sandbar for a swim. (Pro tip: bring a dry bag and water sandals that stay on your feet in case of sharp rocks. And don’t forget the sunscreen!).
Outfitters like Wisner Rents Canoes in Newaygo at 25 E Water St., just 35 miles north of Grand Rapids, make it easy to spend an afternoon drifting down the Muskegon River, complete with shuttle rides and sturdy tubes. Choose from two- to five-hour trips, where high banks and low tree-covered stretches create beautiful scenery (sometimes even a bald eagle sighting) as you float slowly downstream. Reservations are required for weekends in July and August. Tube rentals are $22 for a single person tube and $15 for a cooler tube. Looking for something a little closer to GR? AAA Rogue River Canoe Rental in Rockford at 18 S Squires St. rents tubes for floats down the Rouge River and has been shuttling paddlers for 40+ years. Choose from a two-hour or four-hour trip for maximum river time. Trips include life jackets and transportation to your starting point, ending at the Rockford Dam in downtown Rockford- perfect for grabbing a post-float ice cream nearby.
Wakeboarding:
When You’re Ready to Pick
Up the Speed
While wakeboarding might seem like an odd inclusion in a “no boat required” guide, wake sports are becoming more accessible thanks to cable parks like Action Wake Park at 3320 Hudson Trails Dr. in Hudsonville. Instead of a boat, an overhead cable system pulls riders across the water, making it possible to try wakeboarding with just a board rental and a short lesson. If it’s your first time, you’ll start with the lower speed progression sessions, learning how to stand up on the lower cable speeds before attempting small jumps or tricks. Beginner sessions include coaching and rental equipment, starting around $55, with season passes available. Even if wakeboarding isn’t for you, watching riders glide across the water from the dock is a great spectator
You don’t need a boat to own the summer in West Michigan. Whether you’re looking for a zen sunrise on a paddleboard or the rush of kiteboarding, surfing or a lazy afternoon drifting down the Muskegon River with a cooler. in tow, the "Great Lakes State" makes it easy to get on the water.
sport- half the fun is cheering when someone finally sticks their first ride. Action Wake Park also has a giant “Aqua Park” for hours of more laid-back fun at their inflatable water playground. Open June through August, Aqua Park passes start at $20 for a one-hour pass and $30 for an all-day pass.
Surfing & Kiteboarding: Lake Michigan Thrills
“Sometimes all it takes is a rented board, a tube, or a little curiosity.”
It might surprise visitors, but surfing is very much part of West Michigan’s water culture. When strong winds roll across Lake Michigan, surfers gather at beaches like Pere Marquette or Grand Haven to chase the waves. Wetsuits replace board shorts, and the water might be colder than the ocean, but the excitement is unmistakable. While surfing during high-wave times is best left to those most experienced, watching someone carve across a freshwater wave is just as fun of a water pastime, and a reminder that the Great Lakes can feel a lot like the coast- just with fewer crowds.
While surfing is a highly skilled hobby, if you’re still seeking something more high-thrill, you can find kiteboarding lessons through MACkite, who’s been teaching kiteboarding on Lake Michigan for over 16 seasons at Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon.
Lessons begin with Ground School where beginners learn wind basics, kite control, and safety before a Group Lesson to head onto the water. They even use waterproof microphones so instructors can coach you in real time, while you’re riding. Ground School is $199 for 1.5 hours and a Group Lesson is $299 for 3 hours.
Sailing: Learning the Ropes
If you’ve ever been curious about sailing, there are a few approachable ways to try it around Grand Rapids. Local programs like those at the Grand Rapids Yacht Club offer beginner-friendly lessons on Reeds Lake, where calm water makes it easier to learn the basics. Their Adult Sailing Classes combine brief on-land instruction with hands-on practice, covering steering, sail trim, knots, docking and safety. The sixsession evening course is offered Mondays (6pm-9pm) or Wednesdays (5pm-8pm) starting mid-June and running through the end of July. Adult classes cost $450.
In West Michigan, water isn’t just part of the landscape- it’s part of summer culture. From quiet sunrise paddles to lazy river floats and windy afternoons along Lake Michigan, there are countless ways to experience it without owning a boat. Sometimes all it takes is a rented board, a tube, or a little curiosity. Once you get out there, it’s hard not to wonder why you waited so long.
Lovely Leigh's
A spring-forward leap into luxury
It’s not that far afield to accuse me of being a clothes horse. I’ve even been caught wearing skirts to the stable, and maybe that’s why I hotfoot it over to Leigh’s every chance I get—to get a feel for what is new and real. And real fun.
It’s an institution in fashion, rare finds, and the feel of relaxation while experiencing true personal service and accommodations by stellar professionals—fifty years and counting, and numbers don’t lie. Others noticed at the glitzy gala marking the occasion in a September to Remember last fall (2025). I am truly one of the lucky ones, as I was there in the beginning when founder Larry Leigh asked me to model for the store. My mother was with me, offering tips, as she
enjoyed modeling in NYC for Barbizon.
The ambience was there as well from the beginning and, with each passing season, continues to grow. Owner Rebecca Wierda is delighted to usher in spring for West Michigan ladies, along with those who make the trek from far away, including Detroit.
Pastels and bouquets of bright garden colors are afforded by the beautiful landscapes we enjoy, and Leigh’s celebrates that.
Wierda offered that she often hears guests refer to Leigh’s as “the happy place.”
I echo those sentiments and will give my “shopping-gifted geniuses” a heads-up prior to my arrival: “Hey, Ariel—hello, Jen—please start a room for me, and don’t forget the bubbly.” One can feel their breath slow and a smile appear as the triple-talented personal shoppers glide across the room, paying attention to every detail and, at times, producing magical outfits that bring out the little girl in you.
Ariel presented a pair of chocolate leather pants for a photo shoot that fit me like a glove. A lady at my barn asked if my brother Brian made them custom for me, as he had done for her and rock greats like Kiss and Bad Company.
A smile crept across my face as I said, “These are another find at lovely Leigh’s.”
Events are a big thing on their website, or create your own like I do. “Hey, girls, who wants to go ‘find things’ at Leigh’s?”—like a custommade Easter egg hunt. Paint the town red, bring out the Louboutin shoes, the matching gloves (my barn buddy scored for me last birthday), get dressed head-to-toe, and have fun doing it. You are your own report card, darling, so dress it like you love it!
Spring ahead and leap into luxury at leighsfashions.com, located at Breton Village, 1942 Breton Rd SE, Grand Rapids.
Clockwise from top left, an Aje atrium, owner Rebecca Wierda, and Christian Louboutin shoes and purses greet shoppers at Leigh's.
BY DEBBY BUCK DEJONGE // PHOTOS BY TERI GENOVESE
STYLE
Allen Ruhf, owner of United Water Restoration Group, helps homeowners prevent costly damage from burst pipes, sump pump failures and hidden moisture.
“When someone calls at 11 p.m. they didn’t ask for this to happen... Our job is to stop the water, walk them through the process and advocate for them.”
— Allen Ruhf
Water, interrupted
Protect your home from seasonal surprises
BY LISA ENOS
Spring in West Michigan brings longer days, thawing ground and, for many homeowners, an unwelcome surprise: water where it doesn’t belong.
For Allen Ruhf, owner of the Grand Rapids-area franchise of United Water Restoration Group, this is peak season. Frozen pipes reveal cracks. Sump pumps kick on after months of dormancy. Airconditioning units begin pushing condensation through lines that may have split over the winter.
“Mechanical failure accounts for a lot of what we see,” Ruhf says. “People don’t think about it until they’re in a state of emergency.”
Ruhf services the east side of Grand Rapids, as well as Holland and Grand Haven, responding to an average of 15 water emergencies a month. Calls range from obvious flooding — burst pipes, failed water heaters, sewage backups — to the more insidious moisture issues that can lead to microbial growth.
He is careful with that term.
“I stay away from the word ‘mold,’” he says. “When people hear that, they think the worst. Microbial growth is around us all the time. It comes down to the type and the concentration.”
Two common culprits this time of year: sump pump failure and undetected HVAC leaks. Ruhf recommends testing sump pumps weekly in the spring by pouring a bucket of water into the pit to ensure it activates and drains properly. He also suggests
having HVAC systems inspected, especially condensation lines that may have cracked during a freeze.
“As long as the AC is working, you think everything’s fine,” he says. “But a small break in that line can create hidden moisture over time.”
Prevention, he acknowledges, is “the opposite of what the industry likes.” But Ruhf, who spent 15 years in construction before moving into restoration, sees education as part of his job.
His construction background — kitchens, bathrooms, additions — shapes how he approaches remediation. “You need to understand how a structure is put together before you decide how to dry it,” he says.
In one recent case, a homeowner had just installed a new bathroom when a pipe burst and flooded the space. Rather than tearing out the entire room, Ruhf accessed the damaged area through an adjacent wall, preserving cabinetry and countertops and reducing costs.
“Just because insurance says to remove everything doesn’t mean that’s the only option,” he says. “The homeowner has a say.”
Ruhf describes himself as a counselor as much as a contractor. A former diesel mechanic who later studied ministry and served as a college pastor in Lansing, he now fields late-night calls that ring directly to his cellphone. He and his five-person team often arrive within hours.
“When someone calls at 11 p.m., they didn’t ask for this to happen,” he says. “Our job is to stop the water, walk them through the process and advocate for them.”
That includes using third-party testing companies for microbial sampling to ensure transparency, as well as technology that monitors drying progress in real time.
His motto: plan for the unplanned.
“Your home is the biggest investment of your life,” Ruhf says. “If we can help people be proactive — check the sump pump, inspect the HVAC, pay attention to small leaks — maybe they never have to call us.”
But if they do, that number is: 616-326-0121.
A handcrafted retreat in the heart of the Manistee National Forest, where one couple’s DIY spirit transformed raw land into a warm, rustic escape—complete with their natureinspired pottery studio, Prickly Pine Pottery—designed for gathering, creativity, and connection with nature.
Building a retreat & business
DIY couple creates handcrafted haven on the Pere Marquette River, opens pottery studio
BY SETH SCHWARTZ
Tracy Beechnau and her husband Ken personify the DIY couple. After 12 years together, the former Sparta residents retired from their professional careers and bought 10 acres in Branch, Mich. A mile from the nearest neighbor, the bucolic setting offers fishing, hiking and birdwatching, along with frequent sightings of black bears, coyotes, deer and bobcats within the Manistee National Forest.
In 2018, the couple hired a builder to construct the frame of their home, then spent nearly every weekend for the next 18 months making the 90-minute drive north to complete much of the work themselves. Hardwood flooring, ceiling treatments, kitchen cabinetry, porcelain tile and fixtures were all installed by hand. A 28-foot chimney of ledger stone rises through the living space, while cedar lap siding wraps the exterior.
The finished five-bedroom, 2,700-squarefoot home sits on a 100-foot bluff overlooking the Pere Marquette River. A wraparound deck on the main floor encourages outdoor
living from spring through November, when the couple enjoys breakfast and coffee outdoors and dinners prepared on the grill. The third floor includes a loft, office and master bedroom, where a barnwood bed anchors the modern rustic décor. A telescope offers views of the river and surrounding wildlife.
“It’s not uncommon to have a momma bear and her cubs wander onto the deck in the early spring in search of birdseed,” said Ken. Inside, 22-foot ceilings in the living room display several animal mounts and items Tracy has collected over the years, including a large elk harvested by her greatgrandfather. Custom cedar root chandeliers and a river-scene bathroom floor designed by Tracy reflect the couple’s shared interest
in craftsmanship and art.
Winter brings heavy snowfall, averaging 70 to 80 inches each year, making a reliable truck essential for the three-quartersof-a-mile drive to U.S. 10. Family and friends visit several times throughout the year.
“We had 15 people stay for Christmas and it worked out nicely,” Tracy said. “Usually when people come up, they want to stay another couple days.”
Prickly Pine Pottery
In a 36-by-48-foot pole barn adjacent to the cabin is the couple’s pottery studio, Prickly Pine Pottery, where nature-inspired wall and floor tiles are produced. The work extends the same hands-on approach that shaped their home, blending function, art and the surrounding landscape. For more information, and for pricing, visit etsy.com/shop/PricklyPinePottery.
HOME
A rare steak, split open to show its interior and garnished with sprigs of thyme, is served with a glass of red wine at The Chop House, where seafood dishes and scratch-made sides are also expertly prepared.
“WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU GO TO A PREMIUM STEAKHOUSE IS A LOT OF FROM-SCRATCH INGREDIENTS, PREMIUM INGREDIENTS, AND REALLY GREAT SERVICE THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO COME BACK.”
— Andrew Verburg, general manager at The Chop House
G nd Cuts M
PRIME STEAKS, FRESH SIDES & SERVICE THAT’S WELL DONE!
BY PAT EVANS
eat and vegetables, it does not get much simpler than that. And yet after more than a hundred years, steakhouses have served up a slab of meat and vegetable side dishes as the go-to meal for special occasions.
Haute cuisine comes and goes, but steakhouses are unrivaled in their culinary staying power amongst the world’s diners. Grand Rapids is no different.
“People know what they’re going to get when they come here,” said Andrew Verburg, the general manager at The Chop House, 190 Monroe Ave. NW. “It all comes down to down to consistency. When you think of a steakhouse, you know it’s a steakhouse. They know they’re going to spend a lot of money for that. They know they’re going to get really great service and a really great steak and seafood.”
As Verburg said, that means big slabs of red meat, a choice selection of seafood, and freshly prepared vegetable sides.
America’s first steakhouses emerged in New York City in the 1800s, as restaurants began to hone their craft and the Midwest’s cattle industry began to boom. Literally, according to Paul Freedman’s Ten Restaurants That Changed America, Delmonico’s was America’s “first real restaurant” when it opened in 1837, with a menu and all, serving, you guessed it: steaks. Since then, the steakhouse is a staple in every dining scene as the quintessential date night, often with a white tablecloth and a hint toward
“WE TAKE NOTES ON GUESTS... IT FEELS LIKE HOME, A SECOND LIVING ROOM WHERE YOU HAVE WAITERS AND CHEFS DELIVERING YOU PERSONAL EXPERIENCES.”
— Alex Lukens, executive chef at Bowdie’s Chophouse
dressing up. The boom happened after World War II, as the middle class began to fully develop with economic means and craved their fancy dinners out.
SO WHY ARE STEAKHOUSES AN AMERICAN RITUAL?
“It really all boils down to a simple philosophy of keep it simple and let the ingredients speak for themselves,” said Alex Lukens, the executive chef at Bowdie’s Chophouse, 2237 Wealthy St. SE in East Grand Rapids. “A good steakhouse should have the best cuts of meat, the freshest produce and it’s just about letting the actual ingredients speak for themselves.
“When you invest in such quality products, it makes cooking a lot easier and you should know it’s going to be good.”
MORE THAN JUST THE FOOD
Steak is a food many are intimidated by to cook at home. But it is also a food many feel like they can cook better than restaurants. So, a steakhouse can offer a paradox of sorts when it comes to dining out, especially as food costs rise and an al carte steak can easily approach, and surpass, $100.
It’s not too crazy to head to one of several nationwide steakhouse chains to grab a quick steak dinner and leave filled up with a few drinks for around $50. There is value in that.
But at the same time, there is a value in going to a, well, fancy steakhouse. Head into a restaurant like The Chophouse, and the ambiance alone can say, “This is a special dinner.’ The ingredients demand the prices, but so too do the table settings and attentive staff, which, according to Verburg are there for a reason themselves. Verburg said to
STEAKHOUSES
be a server, you have to train as a service assistant for up to 12 months and then be approved by a group of managers and a team of five certified trainers.
“If you break down the system behind the scenes of what food service workers are looking for, they’re looking for a stable income,” Verburg said. “If you’ve got the premium ingredients, you can charge this menu price, now you’re going to be able to get the best people. If I’m one of the best servers in Grand Rapids, what am I looking for. Where can I make a higher commission and feel like my career will grow.”
Verburg said the retention of staff at The Chop House is high. He said he’d like to be there another 30 years, after starting there in 2012 as a dishwasher. The head bartender? She’s been there 16 yeras. Other servers he mentioned 17 years. Even the cleaning lady has been at the restaurant for 17 years.
“That’s part of what you’re paying for, the longevity,” Verburg said. “What you get when you go to a premium steakhouse is a lot of from-scratch ingredients, premium ingredients, and really great service that makes you want to come back.”
At the major steakhouses in town like The Chop House and Bowdie’s, there is a definite regular clientele. The staffs know that and they know the customers.
“We take notes on guests,” he said. “If you’re a long-time regular at The Chop House, we just know you. We know where your kids go to college. It feels like home, a second living room where you have waiters and chefs delivering you personal experiences.”
DOWN TO A SCIENCE
At an upscale steakhouse, each steak is meticulously inspected before its put on a menu.
Verburg said each steak coming into the building is inspected three times, first by the morning supervisor who makes through each ounce of the 700 pounds of beef cooked during the week is perfect.
Later, the chef keeps his strict inventory to ensure guests will get the
Bowdie’s Chophouse
Pan Seared Diver Scallops creamy leek & truffle ragout at The Chop House.
“IT REALLY ALL BOILS DOWN TO A SIMPLE PHILOSOPHY OF KEEP IT SIMPLE AND LET THE INGREDIENTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES.”
— Alex Lukens
A medium-rare Tomahawk steak topped with a ball of herb butter is served with a glass of red wine at Bowdie’s Chophouse.
food they want. Then chef weigh each steak, making sure it has the appropriate weight and trim level. At a steakhouse like The Chop House, they like to keep a variance of half an ounce, so no guest is too surprised when they order an 8-ounce filet. Some chains can have up to a twoounce variance.
“You could get an eight-ounce filet and it’s 10 ounces one time, and the next time it’s six ounces,” he said. “Then you’re asking, ‘What the heck happened? Did you get a new chef? Are you ripping me off? Twenty-five percent of my steak is gone from the last time.”
MORE THAN JUST STEAKS
At The Chop House, there’s a Beef Wellington that’s been on the menu for years.
“We have people who drive up from Kalamazoo, even Indiana, who come for the Beef Wellington,” Verburg said.
But The Chop House also serves up some tasty seafood and incredible lamb chops.
At Bowdie’s, Lukens said the steak is the star, but there are other options.
“Not everyone likes steaks,” he said. “But oftentimes, their partner will. We have our rotating specials on seafood and that’s sort of where we try to throw in some of the trending cuisines. We like to mess around with the seafood.
“And even with the steaks themselves, there’s always a hot new steak, maybe a cut people didn’t used to do.”
AND IT'S BACK TO BASICS
When it comes right down to it, steakhouses remain successful because of one thing: Americans know what they are.
“People like routine, people like consistency,” Verburg said. “The American diet has always been oriented to a large portion of beef. It’s kind of like a status symbol. People might say, ‘I reached retirement, it’s about time I go have a big steak, a nice glass of whiskey, a great bottle of wine.
“You’re in the business of people that are celebrating a great accomplishment. As people get more accomplishments, you get more business.”.
Dining on the patio at Gin Gin's.
Pat's Picks:
Some of Grand Rapids’ standout steakhouses
The Chop House 190 Monroe Ave. NW (616) 984-3095
Bowdie’s Chophouse
2237 Wealthy St. SE (616) 805-5044
Gin Gin’s
345 Summer Ave. NW (616) 341-9124
Butcher’s Union
438 Bridge St. NW (616) 551-1323
Prime Casual Steakhouse 3874 West River Dr. (616) 214-7738
Menu
CHEAT SHEET
Heading into a steakhouse can be intimidating, if only because of the sometimes fancy atmosphere. But even to some seasoned diners, decoding a steak menu and an array of cuts at various price points can be daunting. Let’s break some things down a little bit;
Filet Mignon
These are buttery soft cuts with extremely low fat content. It’s for pure texture and often carries subtle beef flavor, so it can pair really well with offered sauces. It can also be among the most pricey per ounce.
New York Strip NY Strips are decently tender but come with bold beefy flavor with a medium amount of fat. It’s really a great, balanced all-around steak that can appeal to many diners.
Ribeyes
Ribeyes are a little more firm than other cuts, but carry a high amount of fat, making for generally rich and juicy steaks. Great for those seeking maximum beef flavor.
Now for some vocab Marbling is the fat makeup within the cut of steak. The more marbling there is, the more fat there is, and therefore usually a juicier, beefier cut of meat.
Wagyu is the buzziest of buzz in the steak world. It’s prized for the intense marbling, but Wagyu from different parts of the world carry different meanings and value. The ultimate Wagyu beef, the Japanese Kobe, are raised in very strict environments and is an intense cut of beef that can cost hundreds of dollars, but melts like butter. Most wagyu found in America is a hybrid that blends the Japanese genetics with local stocks.
Dry or wet aged is how the beef is aged. Dry aged steaks are normally hung for up to 60 days in a controlled environment and loses moisture for a distinct flavor. Wet aged are done so in vacuumed sealed containers and are milder.
The Tomahawk steak, Bowdie’s Chophouse.
A 20-oz Delmonico Ribeye at Prime Casual Steakhouse, served with mushrooms, wedge salad and an Old Fashioned.
JOHN BALL SURVEY SAYS: ZOO A
A deeper look at the growth, mission and impact behind the exhibits
By Ann Byle • Photos by Bree Rose
Animals take center stage at John Ball Zoo—otters frolicking in their new home, snow leopards and sloth, pygmy hippos and red pandas—but the JBZ is also a winner in four Best of Grand Rapids categories thanks to West Michigan voters who recognize that John Ball Zoo is so much more than its roughly 220 species and 31 acres of habitats. JBZ is a winner in the Best Annual Festival (for its Lantern Fest), Best Wedding Venue (for its Bissel Tree House), Best Park, and Best Tourist Attraction.
Ours is also a nationally-recognized urban zoo that has won conservation and sustainability awards, and is recognized in the zoo community for its focus on water conservation, waste reduction, green infrastructure, renewable energy, and certified green habitats.
Sure, those meerkats are darling as they rush around digging important holes and nibbling on breakfast. But they do so in a SITES Gold-certified meerkat habitat, the first in the world to receive the rating thanks to its native plant green roofs, solar lighting, recycled materials, and accessibility.
“Our job is to tell stories about society and where the natural world intersects,” said Peter D’Arienzo,
• Best Annual Festival — for the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival
Best Wedding Venue — for the Bissell Tree House
Best Park
Best Tourist Attraction
“ANIMALS ARE THE HOOK, BUT OUR GOAL IS THAT WHILE PEOPLE ARE HERE THEY ARE INSPIRED AND LEARN MORE THAN THEY THOUGHT, THEN ARE DRIVEN TO ACTIVELY HELP US IN OUR CONSERVATION WORK.”
— RHIANNON MULLIGAN
CEO of the John Ball Zoo since 2016. “We ask ourselves how we can create an environment that impacts society, and tell a story that says the natural world matters.”
When D’Arienzo came to the zoo a decade ago, two-thirds of all visitors came from Kent County, which owns the zoo. Now, two-thirds of visitors come from outside Kent County. In fact, John Ball Zoo is one of the top five mostattended cultural facilities in the state, along with Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids and three other facilities in the Detroit area.
Attendance has doubled in the last ten years, according to D’Arienzo. About 700,000 visitors—from all 83 Michigan counties and all 50 states—visit the zoo yearly. According to an AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) survey, the top reason people go to a zoo is to spend time with loved ones. They come to see the animals, soak in the fresh air, and spend time with the people they love.
“We want to curate an environment where people can spend time together,
From curious penguins to graceful cranes and watchful big cats, the animals of John Ball Zoo invite visitors into a world of wonder, connection, and discovery.
where their memories are humancentered,” said D’Arienzo.
Of course the animals are vital to John Ball Zoo’s mission—Have you seen the huge cockroaches or the chimpazees!— but so are the Grand Rapids Lantern Fest, Wildlife Exploration Days, school visits, field trips, and a variety of other programs.
“Thanks to the 2016 millage, all Kent County students can visit the zoo for free with their classroom,” said Rhiannon Mulligan, Director of Conservation and Education. “We have free resources that teachers can use to elevate the visit. There are ideas for exercises about animals, recording data, and integrating the zoo visit into math and language arts curriculum.”
There’s Zoo Lab, where 4th- and 5th-graders visit the zoo daily for a week, becoming scientists as they observe one animal daily; Zoo Camp for ages 3 to 9th grade; and ZooLittles, a nature-based learning experience for young children.
Conservation efforts
“Animals are the hook, but our goal is that while people are here they are inspired and learn more than they thought, then are driven to actively help us in our conservation work,” said Mulligan “Maybe they take a native plant home and plant it, or think about how they can help the red pandas.”
Conservation Manager Bill Flanagan oversees the zoo’s numerous conservation efforts for animals in the wild, 80 percent of which take place in the Great Lakes region. JBZ leads the Great Lakes Rare Turtle Program, the Great Lakes Rare Butterfly Program, the Grand River Ecosystem Program, and even a sucker monitoring community science project (Who knew we have almost ten sucker species in the Grand River?).
The zoo’s Habitat Hero Program, which has been adopted by several other AZA zoos across the country, brings zoo-propagated pollinator plants out to the community. Zoo personnel attend over 30 community events each year and give away these plants
to anyone who wants to attract more pollinators, like butterflies, into their yards. Since starting in 2022, the program has given away nearly 6,000 native plants to around 2,000 households across Michigan, Georgia, Delaware, and surrounding states. These plants have helped create pollinator corridors and restored habitats.
Flanagan points to the prestigious North American Conservation Award from the AZA, given for JBZ’s work to save the Poweshiek skipperling butterfly. “We’re breeding them here and releasing them back into the wild,” he said. “In 2022, there were a grand total of nine of them in the United States, and there are probably thousands now.”
So much of what John Ball Zoo does is thanks to partnerships in the community, the Great Lakes region, the country, and the world. Working with the Red Panda Network is one of those international partnerships, while partnering with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is a hyperlocal relationship. Angus the Flamingo had a knee injury so, rather than
put Angus down, the zoo asked the Mary Free Bed orthopedic team to fabricate a tiny knee brace. Angus wore his brace until he healed and is now mostly brace-free as he lives his best flamingo life.
John Ball Zoo is dedicated to animal welfare, with Dr. Ryan Colburn, DVM, director of animal health and wellbeing, and Marcus Zevalkink, senior director of animal operations, in charge.
“Animal care and health is a science,” said Zevalkink. “When there is opportunity to improve that care, we take it.”
Colburn points to species-specific behavioral indicators, careful observation of diets, and interaction with each other and their keepers who know the animals well to indicate when an animal might be struggling. He describes a red panda cub that was extremely anemic; baby tenrecs (like hedgehogs) he took home at the start of the COVID pandemic; and learning all about lobsters, which the zoo had never had before.
“We love when we get to apply our skills and techniques and bring an animal from negative health to thriving,” said Colburn. That baby red panda? She received three blood transfusions and is, apparently, ruler of the pack at her new zoo home.
“We’re not sure what’s going to happen every day. We make sure we’re ready to respond to any situation,” he said.
Telling the zoo’s story
For Amy Stockero, vice president for development at JBZ, it’s about “connecting the public to wildlife, but also being thoughtful
Up close and unforgettable— moments of connection at John Ball Zoo bring people face-to-face with wildlife, turning everyday visits into lasting memories.
“WE’RE NOT SURE WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN EVERY DAY. WE MAKE SURE WE’RE READY TO RESPOND TO ANY SITUATION.”
—DR. RYAN COLBURN
about protecting endangered species and intentional about making sure we are at the forefront of animal welfare work.”
She indicates West Michigan’s long history of philanthropy—a number of multi-million-dollar donations have helped fund things such as the new otter habitat and the upcoming giraffe habitat, as well as the green parking lot expansion—but also to individuals rounding up their purchases at zoo gift stores and new people donating during the annual fund drive.
“We are focusing on telling our story, and as we get better at telling the story, donors are responding,” said Stockero.
One story stars Boo Boo the Bear. She had been living in Alaska, but kept coming into cities to find food. She was going to be euthanized in Alaska before John Ball Zoo brought her here to save her life. “That girl is a great ambassador for her Alaskan relatives!” Stockero said, laughing. “People are now part of her story.”
Stockero sees the link between telling the stories of the zoo and an uptick in giving that helps fund the zoo’s efforts. The 2016 millage in Kent County is vital as revenue—it’s up for renewal this year—as are gate revenues, grants, annual fund drives, and separate capital campaigns for larger projects such as the giraffe and otter habitats.
“We are lucky in that West Michigan is unique in community engagement and level of philanthropy. The community has been walking along with us in the work of the zoo,” said Stockero.
For Allmon Forrester, vice president of planning and sustainability, the zoo’s potential involves sustainability at a macro level that helps the whole community. The zoo used to use 83 million gallons of water annually, but that number is now in the low 20 millions. Eighty percent of waste is now diverted from landfills and incinerators thanks to efforts such as composting animal and food waste, and using compostable tableware at concession stands. JBZ uses geothermal systems in several buildings, as
“WE LOVE WHEN WE GET TO APPLY OUR SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES AND BRING AN ANIMAL FROM NEGATIVE HEALTH TO THRIVING.”
—DR. RYAN COLBURN
well as eight green roofs on seven buildings.
The list could go on. “We are showing people how to treat the built environment,” said Forrester. “We’re leaders in the sustainability and green-build spaces. It’s the coolest job in the world to design buildings so people can enjoy them, and reduce our impact on the environment as much as possible. It’s pretty fun stuff.”
JBZ’S NEXT CHAPTER
Where is John Ball Zoo going next? Into the future with optimism.
“We’re hoping to expand our story,” said D’Arienzo. “In Michigan we can’t go more than 100 yards without hitting a body of water. We want to build an aquarium that tells stories about the Great Lakes and the coastal areas, that completes the story of our terrestrial system.”
The aquarium is in planning and dreaming stages, but the zoo itself is actively expanding. The giraffe habitat is under construction and the otter exhibit just opened. D’Arienzo envisions a large
African wildlife area, bringing sea lions back, and adding an Australian exhibit.
“It’s a dramatic re-envisioning and growth of the zoo,” he said.
For Mulligan and Flanagan, it’s about continuing and expanding conversation efforts and continuing community partnerships. “We want to foster student growth because we are building the next generation of conservation biologists. We want to build partnerships deeper and wider,” said Flanagan.
Stockero sees more people becoming involved in zoo support, such as donors who provide means for all children getting the chance to visit the zoo. She also sees continued leadership by JBZ. “Standards for animal care are set by the AZA and we support that. But we don’t want to just be part of it; we want to drive that care.”
“The zoo is a Kent County asset,” said D’Arienzo. “If people haven’t been here in five years, they won’t recognize John Ball Zoo. If they haven’t been here in ten years, it’s not the same zoo.”
THE RESULTS
OF GRAND RAPIDS MAGAZINE'S BEST OF GRAND RAPIDS READERS’ SURVEY ARE IN!
This year, instead of naming winners and finalists, we’re celebrating a little differently — because with so many close races (and plenty of ties), it’s fair to say these businesses, restaurants, and attractions are all winners.
Without further ado — and in no particular order — here is our annual roundup of the very best Grand Rapids has to offer.
Arts & Entertainment
ANNUAL FESTIVAL
ArtPrize
Grand Rapids Lantern
Festival at John Ball Zoo
Pulaski Days
•
GRAND RAPIDS 2026
BAND FROM GRAND RAPIDS
6 Pak
Brena
Crane Wives
• BOWLING ALLEY
Clique Lanes
Wengers Bowling Alley
Northfield Lanes
• COMEDIAN
John Donovan
Matt Lauria
Darius Walker
LIVE MUSIC VENUE
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Amphitheater
20 Monroe Live
Pyramid Scheme
MOVIE THEATER
Celebration Cinemas
Wealthy Street Theater
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Lia Reau – Lia’s Line Dance
Ericka Goss - Michigan Ballet Academy
Darby Tutas - The Studio by Benji
•
DANCE VENUE
Rumors Nightclub
The B.O.B
West Michigan Latin Dance
•
DANCE VENUE/ ORGANIZATION FOR SOCIAL DANCE
The Studio by Benji
Social Dance Studio of Grand Rapids
Imprint Dance Co.
• IMPROV TROUPE
Rapid Fire Improv
River City Improv
Pop Scholars
Phoenix Theater
• MUSEUM
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
•
MUSIC SERIES
5th Third Bank Summer Concerts at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concert Series
St. Cecilia Music Center Acoustic Cafe Folk Series
• PERFORMING ARTS ORGANIZATION
Grand Rapids Ballet
Broadway Grand Rapids
The Civic Theatre
• SINGER (FEMALE)
Laura Bennett
Molly Schultz
Hannah Rose Graves
• SINGER (MALE)
Tyler Gitchel
Brian VanderArk
John Shea
The longest National Scenic Trail in the country is right here.
Personalities
BIKING TRAIL
White Pine Trail
Millennium Park
Luton Park
•
DOG PARK
Grand Ravines
The Pack Indoor Dog Park
Remington
OF GRAND RAPIDS 2026
PRIVATE SCHOOL
Living Stones Academy
Catholic Central
Grand Rapids Christian
•
RADIO PERSONALITY
Mark “Smitty” Smith
Free Beer and Hot Wings
Jeff Isaac
•
ROCK CLIMBING GYM
Higher Ground Rock
Climbing Center
GOLF COURSE
Egypt Valley Country Club
The Mines
Saskatoon Golf Club
• HIKING TRAIL
Provin Trails Park
Millennium Park
Seidman Park
• HOTEL
JW Marriott
Canopy By Hilton
Hotel Rose
•
METEOROLOGIST
George Lessons
Craig James
Matt Kirkwood
ORCHARD
Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
Schwailler’s Country Basket
Wells Orchards
• PARK
Riverside Park
Millennium Park
John Ball Zoo
SPORTS TEAM
Grand Rapids Griffins
West Michigan Whitecaps
Grand Rapids Rise
• TV PERSONALITY (FEMALE)
Rachael Ruiz
Juliet Dragos
Michelle Dunaway
•
TV PERSONALITY (MALE)
Tom Hillen
Elliot Grandia
Matt Kirkwood
•
TV STATION
Wood TV 8
FOX 17
WGVU
•
TOURIST ATTRACTION
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
John Ball Zoo
Taste of Grand Rapids Tours
• WEDDING VENUE
Bissell Treehouse at John Ball Zoo
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Goei Center
Drinks
ALCOHOL/SPIRITS BRAND
Long Road Distillery
Eastern Kille Distillery
New Holland Brewing Co.
• BAR Shots
Logan’s Alley
Pursuit of Happiness
• BARTENDER
Cassie Heuton - Pursuit of Happiness Co.
Jim Foltice - HopCat
OF GRAND RAPIDS 2026
BLOODY MARY
The Winchester
Sundance Grill & Bar
Garage Bar
• BREWERY
Founders Brewing Company
The Mitten Brewing Co.
Vivant Brewery & Spirits
• CIDERY
Farmhaus Cider Co.
Vander Mill
The Peoples Cider Co.
• COFFEE HOUSE
Madcap
Rob Hanks - Nightwatch Lounge
•
BEER BRAND
Founders Brewing Company
New Holland Brewing Co.
Bell's Brewery
Schuil Coffee Company
Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge
CRAFT COCKTAILS
Eastern Kille
Long Road / Less Traveled
Drip Drop Cocktail Bar
• DISTILLERY
Eastern Kille
Long Road
Mammoth Distillery
• HAPPY HOUR
Butcher’s Union Shots on the River
Fratelli’s Italian Kitchen
• MARGARITA
Donkey Taqueria Luna MeXo
• OLD FASHIONED
Butcher’s Union
One Bourbon
Eastern Kille
SPORTS BAR
The Score Shots
Uccello’s
• WHISKEY BAR
One Bourbon
Butcher’s Union
Stella’s Lounge
WINE BAR
Good Good Good
Chateau Grand Rapids
The Lark
APPETIZES
San Chez Bistro
Gin Gin’s
Fratelli’s Italian Kitchen
OF GRAND RAPIDS 2026
CHEF
Chef Jenna Arcidiacono - Amore
Kevin VanderMeer - KJ Catering
Oscar Moreno - MeXo
• CHICKEN SANDWICH
Hancock
BAKERY
Nantucket Baking Company
Wealthy Street Bakery
Field & Fire Bakery
• BBQ
2 Scott’s BBQ
Black Napkin
Nonla Burger
• CHILI
Founders Brewing Company
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Uncle Cheetah’s
• CHILI DOG
Yesterdog
One Stop Coney
Mad Dogz
• CHINESE FOOD
First Wok
Grand Rapids, ank you for voting us Best GR!
K- ROK Korean BBQ
& Karaoke Soju Cocktail Bar
The Pit Stop
Red Bowl
Golden Wok
• CLAM CHOWDER
• BREADSTICKS
Events Made Delicious
Fratelli’s Pizza
Uccello’s
Vitale’s
• BREAKFAST
Leo’s Seafood
Restaurant & Bar
Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, or birthday party, KJ Catering delivers high-quality cuisine & seamless service.
Anna’s House
Lucy’s
Wolfgang’s Restaurant
• BRUNCH
Lucy’s
Fish Lads
Uncle Cheetah’s Soup Shop
• CRAB RANGOON
First Wok
Max’s South Seas Hideaway
3 Happiness
• CUPCAKES
Salted Cupcake
Brunch House GR
Cakabakery
Anna’s House
• BURGER
Black Napkin
Stella’s Lounge
Nonla Burger
• BUTCHER SHOP
Sobie Meats
Louise Earl Butcher
Frank’s Meat Market
• CATERING
Distinctive Catering
KJ Catering
Martha’s Catering
Leah T’s Sweets & Treats
•
DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT
Gin Gin’s
Butcher’s Union
Café Mamo
• DELI
Schnitz’s Deli
Two Beards Deli
O’Briens Deli & Burgers
• DESSERTS
Martha’s Vineyard
Mokaya
Nantucket Bakery
76th Street Truck Stop Diner
Grand Coney
Matchbox Diner & Drinks
• DONUTS
Sandy’s Donuts
Marge’s Donut Den
Sprinkles Donut Shop
• FOOD TRUCK
Sweet Racks & Smokin Butts BBQ
Pattie Matters
Taqueria Chilango
• FRIES
Black Napkin
HopCat
Fratelli’s Italian Kitchen
• FROZEN YOGURT
Pump House Elsa’s
Peachwave Frozen Yogurt & Gelato
• GYRO
Pita House/Sami's Gyro
Zivio
Chicago Style Gyro
• HANGOVER FOOD
Fratelli’s Pizza
Grand Coney
Celebrations Made Easy
OF GRAND RAPIDS 2026
LATE NIGHT DINING & DRINKS
Gin Gin’s
Butcher’s Union
Fratelli’s Italian Kitchen
MAC & CHEESE
Electric Cheetah
West Side Social
Sweet Racks & Smokin' Butts
• MEDITERRANEAN FOOD
Shesco Mediterranean Grill
Zivio
The Pita House/Sami’s Gyro
• MEXICAN FOOD RESTAURANT
Donkey Taqueria
MeXo
Cantina Mexican Grill
• NACHOS
Noco Provisions
Sweet Racks & Smokin’ Butts
West Side Social
• OUTDOOR SEATING
The Score Restaurant and Sports Bar
Rose’s on Reed’s Lake
Wolfgang’s
ICE CREAM
Furniture City Creamery
Frosty Boy
Love’s Ice Cream and Chocolates
• INDIAN FOOD
Pind Indian Cuisine
Palace of India
Pal’s Indian Cuisine
• KIELBASA
Frank’s Meat Market
Sobie Meats
Lewandoski’s Market
Donkey Taqueria
• PASTA
Amore Trattoria Italiana
Bistro Bella Vita
Pietro’s
• PIZZA
Mitten Brewing Company
Quarantino’s
Vitale’s
• POUTINE
Brewery Vivant
One Bourbon
Max’s South Seas Hideaway
• RESTAURANT SERVICE
Gin Gin’s
Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar Grove
REUBEN SANDWICH
Schnitz Deli
The Old Goat
O’Briens Deli & Burgers
• ROOFTOP DINING
Knoop
Mertens Rooftop
Rapid River Stillhouse
• SALADS
Terra GR
Gin Gin’s
Rose’s
SANDWICHES
Two Beards Deli
Schnitz Deli
Apple Spice Box Lunch
Delivery & Catering
OF GRAND RAPIDS 2026
SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar
Real Seafood Company
Bonefish Grill
• STEAKHOUSE
The Chop House
Bowdie’s Chophouse
Butcher’s Union
SUSHI
Maru
Ginza Jaku
TACOS
Donkey Taquiera
Tacos El Cuñado
Luna
• TATER TOTS
Blue Dog Tavern
Logan’s Alley
Gravity Taphouse
• THAI FOOD
Bangkok Taste
Lai Thai Kitchen
Little Bangkok
•
VEGETARIAN/VEGAN MENU
Gaia House Café
Stella’s
Anna’s House
• VEGGIE BURGER
Stella’s Lounge
Black Napkin
Nonla Burger
Wing Doozey
The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar JT’s Pizza & Spirits
Health & Beauty
CHIROPRACTIC CLINICS
I Chiro Clinics
Active Life Chiropractic
Westside Chiropractic
• DAY SPA
Woodhouse Day Spa
Benji Salon & Spa
Design 1 Salon & Spa
•
DENTAL CLINIC
Hudsonville Dental Associates
Contemporary Family Dental MI Smiles
•
DERMATOLOGY CLINIC
Dermatology Associates of West Michigan
West Michigan Dermatology
The Dermatology Institute of West Michigan
FACIAL
Design 1 Salon & Spa
Chasing Vanity Salon & Medi Spa
Chasing Vanity Salon
Benji Salon & Spa
Coiffeteria Salon
• MASSAGE
Design 1 Salon & Spa
Benji Salon & Spa
Woodhouse Day Spa
• NAIL SALON
Design 1 Salon & Spa
Benji Salon & Spa
City Nail Bar
•
PLASTIC SURGERY CLINIC
Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery Associates
Centre for Plastic Surgery
•
TATTOO PARLOR
Copper Coin
Screaming Needle Tattoo & Body Piercing Balm Tattooing
Benji Salon & Spa FITNESS CENTER/GYM 8th Day Gym
Next Level Personal Training
HAIR SALON
YOGA STUDIO
Funky Buddha
Kula Yoga
Twisted Hot Yoga
For over 40 years, Centre for Plastic Surgery has been honored to serve as Grand Rapids’ trusted destination for compassionate, state-of-the-art care. We believe that when you look your best, you feel your best—and confidence begins with feeling comfortable in your own skin. Whether you’re considering a subtle enhancement or a transformative procedure, our team is here to guide you every step of the way with honest advice and personalized treatment in a safe, welcoming environment.
Thank you, Grand Rapids, for trusting us to be part of your journey. Your confidence in us is a privilege we deeply value, and it inspires us to deliver exceptional care and results every day. We look forward to continuing to help you embrace your goals with professionalism, compassion, and expertise.
BEST CREDIT UNION
ANTIQUES DEALERS
Pinky’s Place Antique & Artisan Market
Lost and Found Antiques
Warehouse One
• APPLIANCE DEALERS
Decker & Sons
Gerrit’s Appliance
Nawara Brothers Home Store
•
ART GALLERIES WITH LOCAL ARTWORK FOR SALE
BRIDAL SHOPS
Renee Austin Wedding
Bridal Elegance
Khloe Mae Bridal
LaFontsee Gallery
Nestology Shop & Studio
AllArtWorks Viewing Studio
•
AUTOMOBILE DEALERS
Fox Honda
Borgman Ford
Berger Chevrolet
•
BEER AND WINE MERCHANTS
Martha’s Vineyard
Rishi’s International Beverage
The Crushed Grape
BICYCLE SHOPS
Free Wheeler
Switchback Gear Exchange
Alger Bikes
•
BOOK STORES
Schuler Books
Books & Mortar
Orchard House Books & Café
COMIC BOOK STORES
Vault of Midnight
Tardy’s Collectors Corner
Argos Comics & Used Book Shop
• CONSIGNMENT SHOPS
Gild the Lily
New 2 You
Rock Paper
Scissors
• FLORISTS
Eastern Floral
Kennedy’s Flowers & Gifts
Hysopp Floral Design Studio
•
FURNITURE STORES
Talsma Furniture
Stonesthrow
Klingman’s Furniture & Design • GARDEN CENTER RETAILERS
Flowerland
Romence Gardens & Greenhouses
Harder & Warner Landscapes and Boutique Gardens
GIFT SHOPS
Rebel
Black Cat Bodega
Gather-d
•
GROCERY STORES
Meijer
Horrocks Market
Kingma’s Market
HARDWARE STORES
Grand Rapids Area ACE
Hardware Stores
Alger Hardware
Kutsche’s Hardware & Industrial Supply
OF GRAND RAPIDS 2026
HOME DÉCOR BOUTIQUES
Gather-d
Commune
Kathryn Chaplow Collect
JEWELRY STORES
Almassian Jewelers
DeVries Jewelers
Kessler’s Diamond Center
•
MEN’S CLOTHING STORES
Fitzgerald’s Men’s Store
A.K. Rikk’s Everywear
PET SUPPLIES STORES
Chow Hound Pet Supplies
Pet Supplies Plus Your Pets Naturally
•
SPECIALTY GROCERS
Martha’s Vineyard
Kingma’s Market
Horrocks Market
WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORES
Leigh’s
Disco Darling
Gather-d
Service
ANIMAL CLINIC
Blue Pearl Pet Hospital
Family Friends Veterinary Hospital
Cascade Animal Hospital
• AUTO SERVICE
Community Automotive Repair
Cascade Automotive Services
Mason Street Garage
• BANK
Chase
Union Bank
Fifth Third
CHILD CARE
Milestones
Goddard School
Wee Folks Child Care
• CLEANING SERVICE
Mint Cleaning
Hillside Home Management
Pinnacle Cleaning Services
• COURIER SERVICES
Amazon
FedEx UPS
• CREDIT UNION
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Consumers Credit Union
MSUFCU
•
DOG GROOMER
Whiskers Resort and Pet Spa
Cascade Hospital for Animals
FurChild / Sarah Gordon
•
DOGGY DAY CARE
Whiskers Resort & Pet Spa
Katie’s K9s
The Pack Indoor Dog Park
•
DOG WALKER/SERVICE
Wild & Free Pet Services
Ataraxia Pet Care
Captivated Canine
OF GRAND RAPIDS 2026
DRINKING WATER
DELIVERY SERVICE
Gordon Water Systems
Absopure
Culligan
• DRY CLEANER
Sheldon Cleaners
Afendoulis Cleaners and Tuxedos
Curtis Cleaners
• ESTATE PLANNING
Mika Meyers PLC
Varnum Law
Bolhouse, Hofstee & McLean P.C.
• FAMILY LAW
Mika Meyers, PLC
Bolhouse, Hofstee & McLean, P.C Varnum Law
• HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEM
American Dream Integration
GR Metro
• INTERIOR DESIGNER
Design Phase
Fuchsia Design
Kristine Lang
•
LANDSCAPING SERVICE
Harder & Warner Landscapes
& Boutique Gardens
Summit Landscape Management
Alfresco Landscapes
• REALTOR
Erin Fester - GR Home Team
Zokoe Team - Five Star Real Estate
Blu House Properties
•
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Holland Home
Clark at Keller Lake
Porter Hills Village
• TREE SERVICE
Bartlett Tree Experts
Great Lakes Tree Service
Wise Owl Tree Service
At the Averden, retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about stepping into a lifestyle designed entirely around you. Created exclusively for active adults 60+ and just minutes from downtown Ada, the Averden brings neighbors together in a community that feels modern, social, and alive with energy. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to make living well effortless, engaging, and rewarding. This is a place where days brim with possibility, connections come naturally, and everything you need is always within reach.
Pre-sales are happening now.
Roger Ackerman
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Tyler Addington RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Laura Alexander Five Star Real Estate Rockford
Edward Alexander Five Star Real Estate Muskegon
Vanessa Alt REMAX United 28 N. Monroe St. Rockford, MI 49341 616-299-7296 vanessaalt@remax.net vanessaalt.com
Anna Alvarez
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Ingrid Anastasiu
Anastasiu Homes
Keller Williams Grand Rapids 1555 Arboretum Drive Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-304-9387 ingrid.a@kw.com ingridanastasiu.com
Donna K. Anders
Matt Armstrong
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Jon Austin REMAX United 4150 E. Beltline Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-292-0118 jonaustin@remax.net jonaustin.remax-united-mi.com
Pamela Averill Five Star Real Estate Muskegon
Sam Avila City2Shore Gateway Group Allendale
Ross Bacon RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Racine Bamwanya Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
Bryan Anderson Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Dustin Anderson
Five Star Real Estate
Ada
Emily Anderson Greenridge Realty South Haven
Doretha Ardoin Greenridge Realty Kentwood
Courtney Arkins Greenridge Realty South Haven
Gretchen Arkins Greenridge Realty South Haven
Jesse Baragar Baragar Realty Grand Rapids
Michele Baragar Baragar Realty Grand Rapids
Kevin Barnes
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Brian Bartholomew RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Cindy Barton Greenridge Realty Caledonia
Stephen Basinski RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Ginger Baxter
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Julie Bays
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Michigan Real Esate 1679 68th St. SE, Suite B Caledonia, MI 49316
Jeffrey Blahnik Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Mark Blashkiw Blueprint Properties LLC Grand Rapids
Jim Blehm
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Justin Blevins RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Brandi Block Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
John Bodien Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Blake Boehm Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Aubree Boerman Greenridge Realty Holland
John Boggiano
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
Justine Born Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Kourtni Bosch
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Katie Bourgois Five Star Real Estate Rockford
GreenSquare Properties
GreenSquare Properties is a locally owned and operated real estate brokerage dedicated to providing unparalleled service within the industry. With a focus on staffing highly trained and respected agents, its reputation within the community has grown immensely. Offering a concierge experience for clients and a personal, service-oriented approach, the team at GreenSquare delivers big results from its boutique office.
Melissa Mitchell is an associate broker with 12 years of experience in the industry who has made the All-Star list six years in a row. As a certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist, Mitchell works closely with seniors and their families on the transition
out of the family home. She approaches her clients with compassion, patience, and a network of local specialists to meet the unique needs of seniors. Mitchell is a graduate of the GRAR Leadership Academy and currently serves on the Grievance Committee. She attributes her success to honesty, integrity, and a heart for serving others.
Scott West is a broker and owner with more than 20 years of industry experience. He’s been an All-Star for eight years running. West consistently ranks among the top agents in West Michigan for sales volume and was the 2023 GRAR Realtor of the Year. West is a graduate of the association’s Leadership Academy and
served as GRAR’s president in 2025. He attributes his success to his love for the work he does. His passion for serving others is infectious and is evident to both his clients and employees. ■
GreenSquare Properties
2618 E. Paris Ave. SE, Ste. A Grand Rapids, MI 49546
616-285-9305
greensquaregr.com
REMAX United
When it comes to real estate in West Michigan, REMAX United continues to set the standard for professionalism, results, and community leadership. With offices serving the Greater Grand Rapids and Rockford areas, the brokerage has built a reputation for helping buyers and sellers navigate the market with confidence while building long-lasting relationships.
Exceptional Agents, Superior Results
The foundation of REMAX United’s success is its team of experienced and highly trained real estate professionals. Known for their market knowledge, strategic approach, and commitment to client service, REMAX United agents consistently deliver exceptional outcomes. Their deep understanding of the West Michigan housing market allows them to guide clients through every step of the process — from pricing and marketing homes effectively to helping buyers identify the right opportunities in competitive conditions. Strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and a client-fi rst philosophy have made REMAX United one of the most trusted names in local real estate.
Leadership That Invests in Agent Success
REMAX United is led by hands-on broker/owners who are actively involved in supporting their agents’ success. Rather than a distant corporate structure, the brokerage offers direct mentorship, collaborative problem-solving, and a culture focused on professional development. This leadership approach ensures agents have the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive in a rapidly changing industry while continuing to deliver outstanding service to their clients.
Expanding Real Estate Education
In 2026, REMAX United expanded its commitment to education with the launch of the Courtland Academy of Real Estate in downtown Rockford. The academy provides prelicensing education for future real estate professionals along with advanced designation and certification courses for experienced agents.
Courses are taught by successful, practicing real estate brokers who bring real-world experience and proven strategies into the classroom. By investing in education, REMAX United is helping elevate professionalism
throughout the industry while strengthening opportunities for agents across West Michigan.
A Strong Commitment to Community
REMAX United believes real estate is about more than buying and selling homes — it is about building stronger communities. The brokerage and its agents remain deeply involved in local initiatives throughout Rockford, Grand Rapids, and surrounding communities.
From supporting schools and local nonprofits to sponsoring community events and volunteering their time, REMAX United agents are dedicated to making a meaningful difference where they live and work.
A Trusted Name in West Michigan Real Estate
For buyers, sellers, and investors across West Michigan, REMAX United offers a powerful combination of market expertise, professional leadership, and community commitment. With exceptional agents, innovative education programs, and a client-fi rst philosophy, the brokerage continues to raise the bar for real estate service.
When clients choose REMAX United, they are choosing a team committed to delivering results while helping people feel truly at home in West Michigan. ■ REMAX United
616-866-5800
616-884-2230 remax-united-mi.com
Brian Boven
Five Star Real Estate
Rockford
Birgitta Boynton
Greenridge Realty Muskegon
Mark Brace
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
Scott Bradford
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Daniel Bradley
Five Star Real Estate Rockford
Sue Brandsen
Five Star Real Estate
Holland
Larry Branscombe
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Robyn Britton
Ensley Real Estate Cedar Springs
Michele Brown
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Chris Bruce
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Pete Bruinsma
Grand River Realty
330 Fuller Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-293-5731
pete2935731@gmail.com grandriverrealty.com
Bob Budreau
Greenridge Realty Ludington
Tammy Jo Budzynski
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Kaleb Burke
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Dan Burrill
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Juanita Buskard
Buskard Group Real Estate
Wyoming
Todd Buskard
Buskard Group Real Estate
Wyoming
Barry Capel
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Kristin Carlson
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Tricia Carlson
Five Star Real Estate
Whitehall
Jason Carpenter
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Priscilla Cazier
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Drew Champlin
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Micah Childress
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Cassandra Clark
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Patrick Clark Greenridge Realty Grand Haven
Shannon Clark
Keller Williams RiverTown Ionia
Courtney Clement 616 Realty
Grand Rapids
Doren Colley
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Amy Conley Greenridge Realty Kentwood
Wendy Conner Greenridge Realty Plainwell
Abigail Corcoran Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Tanya Craig
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
John Cremer
Five Star Real Estate
Grandville
Abby Cribbs
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids
Andrea Crossman
Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt
Holland
Trent Currie
Greenridge Realty
Muskegon
Sally Daling
The Local Element Grand Rapids
Rick Dawdy
Five Star Real Estate
Grand Rapids
Ann Deboe
Novosad Realty Partners Grand Rapids
Melissa DeBoer
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
David DeBruyn
Greenridge Realty Kentwood
Julie DeDoes
Greenridge Realty Grand Haven
Mark Deering
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Kelli DeHaan
Five Star Real Estate
Grandville
Sandie Dehamer
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
Matthias DeJongh
Greenridge Realty South Haven
Jack Dekker Greenridge Realty
Hamilton
Andrew Denham
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Pam Derks
Five Star Real Estate
Fremont
Angela Devereaux
Five Star Real Estate Rockford
Guy DeVries
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
Corin Dickerson
City2Shore Gateway Group Allendale
Vito Dolci Jr.
Five Star Real Estate
Walker
Ted Dozeman
Five Star Real Estate
Holland
Janet Romanowski, Realtor
Romanowski Homes — Greenridge Realty EGR 2213 Wealthy St. SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | 616-458-3655 | romanhousekey.com
As a lifelong Grand Rapids resident, Janet Romanowski of Romanowski Homes — Greenridge Realty EGR navigates the everchanging local real estate market with ease. More than 20 years of experience gives her the edge over other agents and provides her clients with confidence as they embark on the significant milestone of buying or selling a home. Janet leads with empathy, understanding that those she partners with desire to be heard and feel as though they have her undivided attention. In each transaction, she offers a steady, thoughtful presence, open communication, and a commitment to even the smallest details. This approach has earned Janet the trust of everyone at the table, as well as repeat business and referrals from clients and connections alike. ■
Jennifer Gesik, REALTOR®
Recognized in the community not only as a Real Estate All-Star but also as a Woman Who Moves West Michigan, Jennifer Gesik is proud to be celebrating 20 years in the industry in 2026. Gesik, owner of Crown Real Estate Partners, is a top-performing broker and multimillion-dollar producer in the West Michigan real estate market. Significant, strategic growth over time led Gesik to expand her Crown Real Estate team to include several high-performing, seasoned professionals — each with a commitment to “Roots. Relationships. Results.”
Because Gesik has always believed in independence and autonomy, all Crown Real Estate agents practice independently. Yet they carry with them the same philosophy of establishing solid relationships and building trust with each transaction, earning them repeat customers and referrals year over year. ■
Tina Drum
616 Realty Grand Rapids
Chelsea Dubay 616 Realty Grand Rapids
Mark DuBridge Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
Danna Dykema
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Joey Dykstra
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Lindsey Dykstra
Five Star Real Estate Rockford
Mary Dykstra
Keller Williams Harbortown Holland
Jake Elko
Five Star Real Estate Rockford
Darin Elliott Greenridge Realty
Ionia
Lance Engel
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Tori Ensing
Five Star Real Estate Greenville
Laura Ensley
Ensley Real Estate Cedar Springs
Lindsey Eppink
Five Star Real Estate Holland
Anne Espinoza Greenridge Realty Kentwood
Christine Estep Greenridge Realty Grand Haven
Brandon Faber
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Peter Faber
Five Star Real Estate
Ada
Delaney Faught
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Laura Featherston Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Gerald Feenstra
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Todd Fencil
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Alex Fernandez
Keller Williams Harbortown
Holland
Erin Fester GR Home Team
Ada
Michelle Fields-Harmon The Local Element Grand Rapids
Brooke Finlan
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Chuck Fisher Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Lynette Fitzpatrick The Local Element Grand Rapids
Will Friend Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Darcy Fritsch 616 Realty Grand Rapids
Tammy Fulcher Five Star Real Estate
Ada
Chuck Gallagher Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Brandon Gardner Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Brenda Gartzke
REMAX United 4150 E. Beltline NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616-293-4582 brendagartzke@remax.net brendagartzke.remax-united-mi.com
Michelle Gaudreau Greenridge Realty Caledonia
Ashley Gauthier
Coldwell Banker Sneller Real Estate Allegan
Kyle Geenen
Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors
Holland
Spencer "Pep" Geisen Five Star Real Estate Rockford
Will Gelderloos
Apex Realty Group Byron Center
Rick Genzink
Keller Williams Harbortown Holland
Amanda Gerhardt Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Jennifer Gesik Crown Real Estate Partners, Inc. 583 Ada Drive SE, Suite 102 Ada, MI 49301 616-292-8793 gesik@crowngr.com crowngr.com
David Geurink
Five Star Real Estate Holland
Barb Glashouwer Novosad Realty Partners Grand Rapids
Jarad Glover RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Justin Glover RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Josh Goossen Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Michelle Gordon Five Star Real Estate
Ada
Cheryl Grant RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Elizabeth Grant
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Andrew Grashuis
Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Ken Grashuis Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Kent Graves
RE/MAX United Rockford
Liberty Gray
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Chuck
Ben Langenau
Peter
Rebecca Masck
Dave Stellin
Luther Trook
Jenna Mitchell
Sydny Gray
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Vaughn Greathouse
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Mandy Green Five Star Real Estate Rockford
Traci Gresham
Five Star Real Estate Holland
Diane Griffin
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Jason Griffin
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Tim Groenhof
Five Star Real Estate Ada
Lisa A. Groesser
Polaris Real Estate Grand Rapids
Jeremiah Gruchow Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Lori Grysen
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Mike Haan
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Doug Hale
Five Star Real Estate Muskegon
Tammy Halterman
Five Star Real Estate Muskegon
Joe Hamilton
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Scott Harestad Greenridge Realty Grand Haven
Sharon Harig
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Dan Harland
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Brenda Harris
Five Star Real Estate Muskegon
Jessica Hart
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Gayle Harvey
ARG Realty - Gayle Harvey Homes Dearborn
Marilyn Hazard
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Kim Hensley
REMAX United 28 N. Monroe St. Rockford, MI 49341 616-690-2252 kimhensley@remax.net kimberlyhensley.com
Ryan Hesche Greenridge Realty Saranac
Brian Hevelhurst
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Joshua Heyboer
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Tracy Hilty Greenridge Realty Muskegon
Austin Hilyer
Five Star Real Estate Rockford
John Holkeboer Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Scott Holwerda
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
Phil Hooker Greenridge Realty Lowell
Cathy Hoppough
Keller Williams RiverTown Ionia
Rod Horlings RE/MAX United Grand Rapids
Mark Hoskins
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Rockford
Kelly Hover
City2Shore Gateway Group Allendale
Lucas Howard
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East
Grand Rapids
Nick Howell
Five Star Real Estate
Ada
Tim Hrynewich Five Star Real Estate
Muskegon
Heather Huber
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Tom Hudson Greenridge Realty Caledonia
Ann Huizen Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Tim Hullinger 616 Realty Grand Rapids
Michael Hummel Greenridge Realty Fremont
Joseph Huntington Greenridge Realty Grand Haven
Christian Huyge
Polaris Real Estate Grand Rapids
Ben Iwema
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Lisa Jabara Newell Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Tyler Jackson Five Star Real Estate
Grand Rapids
Mike Jacobs Greenridge Realty Muskegon
LeAnn Johnson Greenridge Realty South Haven
Sandra Johnson Greenridge Realty Caledonia
Heather Jones Five Star Real Estate Greenville
Kristy Jones
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Nathan Jones Ensley Real Estate
Cedar Springs
Jeanne Jonker
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate
Grand Rapids
Alicia Joustra
Five Star Real Estate
Grand Rapids
Chad Jurgens
Apex Realty Group
Byron Center
Kellie Kalish
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Patrick Kane
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Karla Karamol
RE/MAX United Rockford
Katie Karczewski
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Lauren Karsten
Five Star Real Estate Ada
Timothy Katerberg
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Maria Kauffman
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
Scot Kellogg 616 Realty Grand Rapids
Laura Kelso Kelso Homes
Lowell
Wendy Kettler
Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Kyle Kimble
Moxie Real Estate + Development Grand Rapids
Don King Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
Keith King
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
David Kirchgessner
Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Randy Klingel
Five Star Real Estate Muskegon
Liz Klinzing
Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Eric Knoll
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Kevin Knoll
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Karen Koh
Five Star Real Estate Ada
Chris Konyndyk
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Dave Kooistra
Apex Realty Group Byron Center
Scott Koop Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Heather Kopecek Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Mitch Koster
Five Star Real Estate Allendale
Patty Koval Greenridge Realty Wayland
Diana Kovalcik Greenridge Realty Ludington
Heidi R. Kremer
Polaris Real Estate Grand Rapids
M. Dean Kreps Greenridge Realty
Holland
Linda Kroll
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Kevin Kroondyk Greenridge Realty Kentwood
Michael Kuzawa
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
David Lafrance
Ensley Real Estate Cedar Springs
Stephanie Langeland 616 Realty Grand Rapids
Gary Langlois Greenridge Realty Muskegon
Joanna Lasser
Five Star Real Estate North Muskegon
Michaela Lee
Apex Realty Group
Byron Center
Willam Leiter 616 Realty Grand Rapids
AJ Lewis
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Jacob Lietaert
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Barbara Lintz Greenridge Realty Hastings
Ryan Lipinski
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Kelly Lloyd Greenridge Realty Caledonia
Brian Lorenz
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Giuseppe Lupis
Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Taylor Macias
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Charles Mahar Jr. Greenridge Realty Greenville
Rachel Major
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Julie Manion
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estat Caledonia
Beth Mans Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Jeff Marion
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
Lance Markoski 616 Realty Grand Rapids
Amy Marlow GreenSquare Properties Grand Rapids
Dave Martin
Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Jake Martin
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Larry Martin
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Wyatt Martin
Greenridge Realty
Grand Rapids
Robin Maslowski 616 Realty
Grand Rapids
Darryl Matthews
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East
Grand Rapids
Joshua May
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Jane McCarthy Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Kevin McCarty
Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Joshua McCracken Greenridge Realty
Lowell
Jane McGregor
Five Star Real Estate Muskegon
Molly McManus
Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Chris Mendels
Greenridge Realty
Grand Haven
Pam Merriman 616 Realty
Grand Rapids
Cathy Meyering
Five Star Real Estate
Ada
Amy Miller
Five Star Real Estate
Grand Rapids
Gabriel Miller
Grand River Realty Grand Rapids
Melissa Mitchell
GreenSquare Properties 2618 E. Paris Ave., Ste. A Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-308-6304 melissa@greensquaregr.com greensquaregr.com
Michael Moelker
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Travis Moelker
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Doug Mol
Five Star Real Estate
Grand Rapids
Tom Monette Greenridge Realty Muskegon
Alan Moore
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Justin Moorehead Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Kristine Moran Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Stacey Morea
REMAX United 28 N. Monroe St. Rockford, MI 49341 616-915-3315
James Newhouse III Ensley Real Estate Cedar Springs
Jeff Nichols Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Bob Novosad Novosad Realty Partners Grand Rapids
Lisa Novosad Novosad Realty Partners Grand Rapids
Cathy Nyboer
Five Star Real Estate Muskegon
Phil Nykamp
Keller Williams Harbortown Holland
Elizabeth Oakley
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Nicole O'Keefe
City2Shore Gateway Group Allendale
Leo Olson
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Skylar Olson Greenridge Realty Grand Haven
Julie O'Neill 616 Realty Grand Rapids
Michael Oostendorp
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Beau Otis Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Kim Paavola Greenridge Realty Caledonia
Eldon Palmer
616 Realty Grand Rapids
Michelle Parent Greenridge Realty South Haven
Amanda Patterson Five Star Real Estate Muskegon
Hope Pearse
Five Star Real Estate
Grand Rapids
Todd Pearson Greenridge Realty Lowell
Christopher Peel Greenridge Realty Grand Haven
Linda S. Pell
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
Scott Perschbacher Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Steven Pettit
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Mara Piastro Musser
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Caledonia
Lisa Piskin
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
Scott Pitsch
616 Realty Grand Rapids
Latisha Poelman
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Jason Pohlonski
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Randy Poll Greenridge Realty Fremont
Jason Porte
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
John Postma
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Tanya Powell-May
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Brenda Pratt
Crown Real Estate Partners Inc. - Pratt Properties Grand Rapids
Ryan Prichard
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Sue Prins
Five Star Real Estate Jenison
Terry Puffer
Five Star Real Estate Muskegon
Mary Jo Pung Greenridge Realty Montague
Kevin Putnam
Coastal Living Advisors
Five Star Real Estate Leaders 150 W. Center St., Unit D Douglas, MI 49406 586-524-3462 kevin@coastallivingadvisors.com coastallivingadvisors.com
Lisa Quist
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Daniel Rabourn
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Kelley Rahilly
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Lisa Ramsdell
Keller Williams Harbortown Holland
Angela Reid
Five Star Real Estate
Holland
Christina Rice
Five Star Real Estate Rockford
John Rice
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
Tracie Rich REMAX United 28 N. Monroe St. Rockford, MI 49341 616-443-9041 tracierich@remax.net tracierich.com
Richard Rico
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Scott Rider Grand River Realty Grand Rapids
Janice Rietema
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Barbara Rinck
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Carla Rine
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Susan Ring Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
Heather Ritchie Greenridge Realty Wayland
Claire Ritter
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Maddie Robbins Buskard Group Real Estate Wyoming
Theresa Robinson 616 Realty Grand Rapids
Steve Robrahn
Five Star Real Estate
Grand Rapids
Lauren Rockel
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Julie Rockwell
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Grand Rapids
Ernesto Rodriguez
Five Star Real Estate Ada
Jamie Rodriguez
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Amanda Rogers
Rogers Neighborhood Realty 317 E. Main Lowell, MI 49331 616-644-0784 amanda@amandasellsmichigan.com rogersneighborhoodrealty.com
Janet Romanowski
Greenridge Realty, Romanowski Homes Inc. 2213 Wealthy St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-318-0065 janet@romanhousekey.com romanhousekey.com
Julie Rossio
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Trish Round
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Leslie Ruppel Five Star Real Estate Ada
Brandon Ryan 616 Realty Grand Rapids
Lisa Sabo
Greenridge Realty Grand Haven
Derek Sanchez 616 Realty Grand Rapids
Mike Satterlee Greenridge Realty Greenville
Pat Schaefer
Five Star Real Estate Ada
John Schat
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Shelley Schaub Greenridge Realty Muskegon
Katy Scheffler
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Tony Scholten
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Jason Schuringa
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Jody Schwalm
RE/MAX United Grand Rapids
Don Scott
Five Star Real Estate Conklin
Jimmy Scott
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Rustin Scott
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Jared Sebright
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Brook Sharp
Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Ashley Shaw Greenridge Realty Holland
Brit Shearer Greenridge Realty Holland
Susan Shively
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Jim Shull
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Eric Sikkenga
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Greg Simmons
Berkshire Hathaway
Home Services Michigan Real Estate Rockford
Adam Sims
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Jennifer Skarda 616 Realty Grand Rapids
Lindsay Slagboom Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Brenda Smith
City2Shore Gateway Group Allendale
Cherie Smith
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Molly Smith
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Carol Sneller
Coldwell Banker Sneller Real Estate Allegan
Katie Southwell
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Kim Southwick
Five Star Real Estate Ada
Steve Spriensma
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Marcy Stansell
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
DJ Stark Blocksma
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Adam Starr
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Erica Stehouwer
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Samuel Sterk
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Debby Stevenson Greenridge Realty Montague
Lisa Stewart Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Amanda Stickney
Polaris Real Estate Grand Rapids
Karen Storms
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Melissa Story
Keller Williams Harbortown Holland
Andy Straub Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Candice Strehl
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Dale Stuckey Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Stephen Stuckey Greenridge Realty Grandville
Patti Styburski
Five Star Real Estate Grand Haven
Christopher Summers
Polaris Real Estate Grand Rapids
Chad Sytsma Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Tiffany Szakal The Local Element Grand Rapids
LuAnn Takens
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Nora Tan Greenridge Realty Holland
Kristina Tanner
Five Star Real Estate Ada
Dan Tardani Five Star Real Estate Muskegon
Megan Tefft Five Star Real Estate Ada
Rick Tejchma Five Star Real Estate Muskegon
Paul Ten Eyck Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Emmett TerBeek Five Star Real Estate Rockford
Rodney Thiss Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Lisa M. Thomas
Polaris Real Estate Grand Rapids
Lance Tiffany
Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Christopher Timmer
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Yordanos Torrez
Polaris Real Estate Grand Rapids
Rachel Turner
The Local Element Grand Rapids
Tim Updyke
Five Star Real Estate Muskegon
David Van Dam
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Ashleigh Van Duinen-Leistra
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Lindsay Van Duinen-Scully
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Eric Van Dyke
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Brad van Melle
Coldwell Banker Sneller Real Estate Allegan
Leigh Vander Molen Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Brandon VanderHoff
Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Christopher Vanderhoff
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Bailee VanderMolen
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Heather VanderVeen
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Mark VanderWal
eXp Realty - Blu House Properties Grand Rapids
Dave VanderWoude
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Kayleigh VanKeulen
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Brad VanOostenbrugge
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Tyler VanWingen
Greenridge Realty Grand Rapids
Nestor Vazquez
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Lisa Vela
Five Star Real Estate Muskegon
Rachael Veldkamp
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
2026 REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS
Steve Venlet
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Emily VerWys
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Amy Vissman
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Amanda Volkers City2Shore Gateway Group Allendale
Steve Volkers
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Bretton Vredevoogd
Five Star Real Estate Rockford
Mark Vriesman
Five Star Real Estate Grand Haven
Keri Wade
Five Star Real Estate Whitehall
Marilyn Wagner
RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Jacob Walter Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Julie Walter RE/MAX of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids
Amy Jo Weller
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Scott West
GreenSquare Properties 2618 E. Paris Ave., Ste. A Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-550-4016
swest@greensquaregr.com greensquaregr.com
Lyndsay Westdale
Keller Williams Grand Rapids East Grand Rapids
Peter Westers
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Tanner Whitcomb
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Nancy Whitney Greenridge Realty Plainwell
Michael Wiechertjes
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Mark Wierenga
Five Star Real Estate Grand Haven
Corrin Wiersema
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Lisa Wiersma
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Arija Wilcox
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Josh Wiser
Keller Williams Grand Rapids North Grand Rapids
Bradley Wisk
Keller Williams RiverTown Grandville
Caitlyn Wisniewski 616 Realty Grand Rapids
Jason Woodard Greenridge Realty Greenville
Nicole Stroven Wright
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Timothy Wright
Five Star Real Estate Grandville
Rob Young 616 Realty Grand Rapids
Tom Zandee
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Laura Zervas
Five Star Real Estate Grand Haven
Laurie Zokoe
Five Star Real Estate Grand Rapids
Dylan Zuniga
Five Star Real Estate Whitehall
MORTGAGE
PROFESSIONALS
Doug Ardy
Gold Star Mortgage Grand Rapids
Jonathan Arnold
Guild Mortgage
Ada
Stephanie Axdorff-Preston
Mercantile Bank
Grand Rapids
Michael Bartels
Old National Bank
Ada
Chuck Bauss
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Grand Haven
Mike DeKuiper
Supreme Lending Grandville
Rick DeVault
Big Lake Lending
Walker
Josh DeVries Independent Bank Rockford
Bryant Ellam
Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Haven
Ryan Gardner
My City Home Loans
Grand Rapids
Bob Hein
Mercantile Bank
Wyoming
Boomer Hoppough Independent Bank Grand Rapids
2026 REAL ESTATE — MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS
Pete Humphreys
Independent Bank
Rockford
Mike Izenbaard
Heartland Home Mortgage
Grand Rapids
Jason Jenkins
CrossCountry Mortgage
Grand Rapids
Ben Langenau
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Grand Haven
Peter Latvaitis
Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Haven
Rebecca Masck
Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Haven
Tim Meduna Northern Mortgage Byron Center
Josh Nawrot
Northern Mortgage
Byron Center
Jake Ochsner
My City Home Loans
Grand Rapids
Brendan O'Driscoll Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids
Bryan Paul Haven Home Loans
Spring Lake
Josiah Samy
Mercantile Bank
Grand Rapids
John Seville Benchmark Mortgage
Ada
Dave Stellin
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Grand Haven
Kalah Stratton
Treadstone Mortgage Grand Rapids
Luther Trook
Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Haven
Jenna VanderMolen
Lake Michigan Credit Union Grand Haven
Jenny Wagner Mercantile Bank
Grand Rapids
Anthony Wylie
Fifth Third Bank
Wyoming
Arija Wilcox’s mission is to improve the quality of her client’s lives. Paired with Alison Kraai-McKee, Wilcox GR Properties remains a top producer, and leader for Keller Williams Grand Rapids North — with over $300 million in sales, and nearly 35 years of combined experience in residential Real Estate.
Wilcox GR Properties works in a broad range of properties, from urban condos to single-family homes, representing properties throughout West Michigan including , and lakefront homes in Holland, Grand Haven, Cadillac, Manistee, and Traverse City. ~
Wilcox GR Properties specializes in New Development Sales with the completion of RiverPoint of Ada, developments by Graystone Homes, including The Oaks of Forest Hills, The Cove at Dean Lake — and Fase Street Crossings. Wilcox GR Properties has a broad knowledge of current and future inventory, providing a competitive advantage to their clients in this challenging market.
food+drink
DIVE INTO THE CITY’S GREATEST EATERIES AND BARS
PHOTOGRAPH BY KRISTEN NORMAN
Lavender gimlet, strawberry bourbon smash, espresso martini, and walnut
old fashioned—each
elevated with Twisted Tap’s handcrafted maple syrup at one of the brand’s two namesake cocktail bars.
The Best of Beer and Pizza
For more than a decade, the Mitten Brewing Company has quietly built a lasting pizza and beer haven
BY PAT EVANS // PHOTO BY KRISTEN NORMAN
When Chris Andrus and Max Treirweiler opened the Mitten, 527 Leonard St. NW, in 2012, they did so, building on their homebrewing hobby— hoping to build a career out of something they loved. It was at the height of the craft beer boom, when hundreds of breweries were opening up across the country every year.
To differentiate, the meticulous pair decided to pour their resources behind figuring out a great pizza dough and developing a delicious pizza menu to go alongside their equally excellent brews. And, to add to the plan, they found the historic Engine House No. 9 on the Westside of Grand Rapids built in 1890 and turned it into a baseball mecca with a local slant to the Detroit Tigers.
TABLE
The pizza flight, curse of the goat, brickhouse bee sting and a selection of lagers are seen at Mitten Brewing.
It’s worked.
As the craft beer industry has slowed to a crawl, more breweries have closed than opened two years in a row, the first time that has happened in more than 20 years after consistent double-digit growth, the Mitten continues to thrive. But it’s not by chance.
“It’s been tough, obviously. A lot of places are closing, and it sucks to see peers struggling in many ways,” Trierweiler said. “We’re working really hard. It’s not easy for us, we’re working to improve quality every day. It’s a never-ending battle.”
Since opening on Leonard Street, the Mitten has also opened up satellite locations in Northport and Saugatuck, as well as a pizzaonly takeout hub in Rockford.
Its staples have been on the menu since they opened in 2012, like the Field of Greens, Da Meat Hook, Pesto Chicken, Mediterranean and the Westerdog, a pizza inspired by, well, Yesterdog in Eastown.
The pizza is regularly lauded as some of the best in Grand Rapids, with regular nods as “Best Pizza” in this very magazine by the
readers. This year, they’ve landed spots in both relevant categories: Best Pizza and Best Brewery (list starts on page 50).
More recently, the pizzeria has offered Detroit-style deep dish, which Trierweiler said hasn’t received quite the traction of the original pizzas, but is starting to ramp up.
It’s interesting too, as the Mitten has long turned out some of the best beer in Michigan, it often takes a back seat to the pizza. Not that that’s a bad thing, as the firehouse is often full of families and groups that might not even order a beer, that can’t hurt in a world where restaurants are struggling. But still, as a brewery that can be an oddity.
“The beer we’re making, I’m really proud of it, but it still takes a backburner to the pizza,” Trierweiler said. “That’s not disheartening, our pizza is that good, but sometimes I wish the beer got a little bit more recognition.”
The beer does also stack up against the best in the country and world, with multiple beers winning medals at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup. Beers like Triple Crown Brown, a delightful, light, toasty English dark mild, have won those international competition medals over the years because of a strong dedication to constant quality. (Writers Note: One of my favorite beers of all time is the Mitten’s Country Strong IPA.) Last year, the brewery took home Gold at the Great American Beer Fest for Mr. Oktoberfest.
Mitten Brewing Company owners
Chris Andrus and Max Trierweiler give a toast at the bar at Mitten Brewing.
Mr. Oktoberfest represents a pivot of sorts over the last few years at the Mitten as beer consumers also make a pivot. As noted before, the craft beer boom has faded, and consumers are making their way back to tried and trues. Ten years ago, beer drinkers loved walking into a store and sifting through the huge array of beers to see what new, crazy style or hot brewery they could try.
That has caused a fatigue. Craft breweries have produced less beer year-over-year for several years in a row. There’s a multitude of reasons, from that choice fatigue to just the overall trend of Americans drinking less and less.
“There’s fatigue, for sure,” Trierweiler said. “But craft beer is never going to die, it’s here to stay. But people’s habits have shifted, there’s no doubt about that.”
When the Mitten opened, craft beer made up 6.5% of the beer market by volume. That’s reached more than 13% in 2025. But consumers are heading away from the novelty pastry stouts and big, hoppy hazy IPAs that once dominated conversations at breweries. Instead, they’re going back to classics like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, or simple, clean and light lagers. Some of that could be economic pressures as people look to make sure their dollars are spent on something they know they like. Rather than venturing out to try a new beer, they go back to the brands or styles they know and like.
And that’s exactly where the Mitten is headed, back to one of their original slogans, “classic styles with a twist.”
“Classic styles fit our mold, that’s who we are,” Trierweiler said.
The pizza flight offers variety at Mitten Brewing.
At The Mitten, a shift toward crisp, classic lagers meets the same lively taproom energy— where community gathers over pints, pizza, and a renewed appreciation for balance in every pour.
Lager Focus
The Mitten is currently focused on building a solid lager portfolio to hit on a lot of those classic taste profiles drinkers are now turning to. This summer there will be a solid array of lagers to hit various flavor profiles:
•Platinum Sombrero, a Mexican lager
•Pour of ’84, a classic Bohemian-style pilsner
•Mitten Lager, an amber lager perfect with pizza
•Sodfather, an extremely light rice lager
•Mr. Oktoberfest (later in the summer)
“We’re working hard to make the lagers the best we can,” Trierweiler said. That doesn’t mean the Mitten is giving up on the rest of the styles like the delicious Country Strong IPA or Dock’s No-No double IPA or Peanuts & Crackerjack Porter. In fact, the Mitten recently began offering a beer special for the first time ever, a $5 pint of the week.
“It’s the only special we’ve really done,” Trierweiler said. “We want to highlight some of the beers we’re making that people might not try otherwise.”
Beyond the beer and pizza, the Mitten has also become a staple in the community. From the beginning, the Mitten has partnered with a different non-profit each month, donating a portion of sales.
Andrus even wrote a book on the concept, “Dough Nation: How Pizza (and Small Businesses) Can Change the World,” about the importance of purpose driven entrepreneurship and its impact on communities.
““We want to highlight some of the beers we’re making that people might not try otherwise.”
— Co-owner Max Trierweiler
A STRONG Foundation
•In 2025, the Mitten Foundation raised more than $66,000, including:
•180,000 free meals for food-insecure neighbors
•$2,875 in free books for local children
•$14,000 in holiday groceries
•$2,647 for local teen mothers
•$3,539 to help children with disabilities
•$3,949 in no-cost mental health benefits for employees
•$5,109 in donations to disability nonprofits
•400 board member volunteer hours
So more than a decade after its launch, the Mitten continues to show that a steady focus on quality and community can outlast industry trends. As breweries across the country face consolidation and closures, the Mitten keeps finding ways to evolve, whether that’s refining its beer lineup, perfecting its pizza, or deepening its local impact through its foundation. What began as a side project between two homebrewers has grown into a West Side institution, one that’s built to last by sticking to what works and giving back along the way.
Salmon Surprise
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Salmon
1½–2 lbs salmon fillets (6–8 oz per person)
2 tsp olive oil*
1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lemon, sliced
Fresh dill for garnish
A fully grilled feast with foil-wrapped potatoes and Parmesan asparagus
New potatoes and red pepper (foil packets)
2 lbs small new potatoes, cut into 1–2-inch chunks
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2–3 tbsp olive oil*
Salt and pepper, to taste
BY LISA ENOS // PHOTO BY STACY FEYER-SALO
Grilled salmon with lemon and dill pairs with foil-roasted new potatoes, sweet red peppers, and Parmesan-finished asparagus for an easy, flavor-packed meal perfect for warm nights.
Marinated asparagus
1 lb asparagus, woody ends trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil*
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
*Optional: If you prefer butter to olive oil, use 1–2 tablespoons per item—toss the potatoes and asparagus with melted butter before grilling and brush the salmon with melted butter instead of olive oil.
Instructions
1. Prepare the potatoes and red pepper
1. Toss potatoes and red pepper with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Place in a large sheet of heavyduty foil and fold into a sealed packet.
3. Grill over indirect medium heat for 25–30 minutes, shaking the packet occasionally, until potatoes are tender.
2. Marinate the asparagus
1. Toss trimmed asparagus with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Let sit 10–15 minutes while the potatoes start cooking.
3. Grill the salmon
1. Brush salmon with olive oil and season with Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
2. Lay lemon slices on top.
3. Grill skin-side down over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, then flip carefully and grill another 3–4 minutes until cooked through. (Optional: cook in a foil packet for extra moisture.)
4. Grill the asparagus
1. Grill asparagus over medium heat for 4–6 minutes, turning once, until tender and slightly charred.
2. Remove from grill and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan.
5. Serve Plate salmon with foil-packed potatoes and Parmesan asparagus. Sprinkle fresh dill over the plate. Serve immediately.
CHEERS
Liquid Gold
Caledonia siblings tap Michigan's maple forests for sweet success
BY LISA ENOS // PHOTO BY KRISTEN NORMAN
Twisted Tap isn’t your typical craft business. It didn’t start in a boardroom with a business plan. It began in the woods of Caledonia with two brothers, Quentin and Greyson Hunderman, hauling sap and burning the midnight oil over boiling kettles in the brief, sweet window that Michigan’s maple season offers—warm days and freezing nights that coax the sap from tree to bottle.
Quentin, now 20 and armed with an engineering eye from West Michigan Aviation Academy, lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula through the heart of the season, tending to 30,000 taps across 750 sprawling acres of forest. He’s the guy who rigs the pumps and keeps the sap flowing through lines to their sugar shack. Greyson, a junior at South Christian, jumps in where school lets him; it was the two of them who truly lit the spark of what would become Twisted Tap. Their younger brother Preston is just getting started. The sugar shack itself—Twisted Tap
Sugar Shack—is more than maple syrup production; it’s a boutique of bold, flavorinfused maple creations that go way beyond breakfast. The line includes classic pure maple syrup, cinnamoninfused and fall spice syrups, vanillainfused, walnut and birch blends, maple cream, maple pancake mix, maple sugar, and even bourbon barrelaged syrup—each with its own personality and purpose. These aren’t pantry basics; they’re conversation pieces for coffee, cocktails, glazes, cereals, desserts, and more.
That maple creativity found a new outlet when the Hundermans purchased Wise Men Distilling and reimagined it as Twisted Tap Distillery. Their Broadmoor Avenue location in Kentwood pulls triple duty: daytime morning crowd for coffee sweetened with signature syrups, and evenings serving inventive cocktails that lean on those same sweet, layered flavors. The old distillery space downtown at 146 Monroe Center NW, right
across from Rosa Parks Circle, is now a tasting room where Grand Rapids can sip a rotating menu of cocktail twists that highlight Twisted Tap’s homegrown syrups.
Maple vanilla lattes have become a local favorite, and the cocktail list at Broadmoor often nods directly to the family’s craft— think maplesweetened sours and Old Fashioneds kissed with pure Michigan syrup. Syrup that once lived only in forests and kitchens now migrates to glassware and mugs alike.
From local coffee shops to tables in all 50 states, Twisted Tap’s reach is wide, but the work is still very much hands-on and rooted in family. “It wasn’t planned,” Nicole says with practiced humility. “We were just blessed with the right circumstances.” What began as two teens tapping trees has become a uniquely Michigan craft story—one that lives in syrup bottles, coffees, and cocktails across a state that loves both.
The espresso martini and walnut old fashioned are seen at Twisted Tap. Below, The Hunderman siblings of Twisted Tap turn Michigan maple into bold, small-batch syrups— growing a hands-on family craft from forest to bottle.
food + drink / must-t y
Randall Scot brings scratchmade, locally sourced meals to OSKAR SCOTS, surrounded by murals celebrating his family, his wife’s Manitoulin Island roots, and the surrounding community.
OSKAR SCOTS Diner
Secret
sources, determination & a really great Philly cheesesteak
BY MATTHEW ROTHENBERG // PHOTOS BY AMANDA KAMPPINEN
Randall Scot’s career in Grand Rapids’ restaurant business started at age 10, working in his parents’ restaurant. To launch OSKAR SCOTS diner in Caledonia, Randall needed all those years of experience to navigate a series of unfortunate events and come through with frying colors.
The journey started when he purchased Fortune Chef, a Chinese restaurant in Caledonia, just months before the COVID-19 pandemic prompted his cooks to retire. Randall decided to rethink his restaurant. “My wife said, ‘Well, you’re a barbecue guy — why don’t you do something and build your own legacy?’ So OSKAR SCOTS was born.”
The name of the restaurant reflects that family vibe. OSKAR is an anagram that includes Randall’s son, Owen; his wife, Sonya; his daughters Kyla and Alexa; and Randall himself,
When the owners of OSKAR SCOTS original building sold to new corporate owners, Randall moved in June 2023 to the diner’s current location at 3555 68th St, SE #9 in Caledonia. He remodeled it and adorned it with colorful murals, many of which honor his family’s Indigenous connections. (“My wife and kids are Whitefish River First Nation, so they’re Ojibwe from the Manitoulin islands in Ontario.”)
“I was thriving!” Randall exclaimed. “I was
doing so good my first year here.” Then in June 2024, the diner experienced a string of misadventures — a collapsed roof, broken water pipes and the theft of expensive kitchen equipment — that shut it down for more than eight months.
Randall credits OSKAR SCOTS’ survival to the loyalty of his customers, and to the quality of his recipes and ingredients, many of them from local, secret sources. “All of my eggs are local,” he said. “All of my beef and pork is local. There’s no fillers, no additives, no junk in my beef. My burgers are fantastic! My Italian sausage is made for me from scratch using my recipe.”
Out back is the smoker for Randall’s barbecue items, including pulled pork, meatloaf and wings. And in the adjoining space, his pizza oven turns out home-made pies.
Another OSKAR SCOTS secret: the identity of the Chicago bakery that makes the buns for his Philly cheesesteaks and burgers. “I don’t tell anybody where I get my buns!” Randall declared.
What’s on the menu?
OSKAR SCOTS’ array of hearty American fare includes all-day breakfast and lunch. (The diner is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Randall’s own top picks: “My breakfast pizza is a staple, my hillbilly hash, my liver and onions, my Philly cheesesteak, and then anything burger wise,”
Let’s dig in! The aforementioned Philly cheesesteak sits pretty on a long bun from Randall’s Chicago hookup, piled with shaved beef, onions and OSKAR SCOT’s homemade cheese whiz. (Like the other sandwiches, it comes with tasty, breaded fries, or onion rings for $2 extra.)
“All of my beef and pork is local. There’s no fillers, no additives, no junk in my beef. My burgers are fantastic!”
— Randall Scot
Other sandwich meats include pulled pork and prime rib, each with a grilled-cheese option; grilled ham and cheese; a grilled or fried chicken wrap or sandwich; and a cod sandwich. Burger options include a patty melt; a bacon Swiss burger; and the mighty Bobbie Burger, which puts a patty, ham steak, bacon, an egg, three cheeses; and some incidental greenery onto a brioche bun. Clearly, OSKAR SCOTS doesn’t hold back.
KISS with CSS
When it comes to pizza, Randall waxes philosophical. “The only three things that make a pizza different from everybody else’s is the crust, the sauce and the sausage. I call it the CSS — those are the three differentiations.”
OSKAR SCOTS has the CSS covered: Randall’s pizza dough and sauce are made from scratch, and we’ve already discussed his proprietary pork sausage. If you’re having a hard time deciding between breakfast and a pizza, OSKAR’s Breakfast Pizza has you covered; the pie boasts egg, hashbrowns, ham, bacon, onion, mushroom, green pepper, cheese, and sausage gravy. Other special toppings include pickle chips, hot honey, and homemade cheese whiz, in addition to all your classic favorites. Pizzas come in 10-, 12-, 14, and 16-inch models.
The menu also boasts subs, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, French toast, pancakes, country fried steak, quesadillas and burritos, and much more.
And the not-so-secret ingredient behind it all? Randall Scott himself. “I’ve been here my whole life. Yep, I’ve lived in this Gaines township for over 20 years. I’m a good steward for my community, and I love all my people that come in through my door.”
Hungry for more information? Check out OSKAR SCOTS online at https:// oskarscotsmi.com, or call them at (616) 512-6123.
Five must-try diners
Still hungry? Here are five-more diner-style eateries to check out.
76th Street Truck Stop
Diner (460 76th St. SW, Byron Center). For a quality, authentic road-tripping experience, check out Patricia Dunneback’s diner, which she founded in 2014. The 76 Diner (and its brand extension in Coopersville) serves breakfast lunch and dinner 24/7. It’s hard to choose, but we’re partial to the country-fried steak!
Leo’s Coney Island/Leo’s Coney on Tap (6080 28th St. SE/122 Oakes St. SW, Grand Rapids). Diners in the New York area owe a debt to Greek immigrant owners who opened them — so it’s appropriate that two Greek-American brothers brought the “coney dog” from Coney Island to Detroit in the early 20th century. Founded in 1972 by Peter and Leo Stassinopoulos, the Leo’s restaurant chain serves coneys, of course, as well as breakfast staples, grilled sandwiches and burgers, and a selection of Greek specialties. (Try the pastitio, Greece’s answer to lasagna.)
Good Truckin’ (701 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids). Straight out of Lansing, Good Truckin’ Diner’s breakfast and lunch offerings include your classic diner eats along with street tacos; huevos rancheros and migas (fried corn tortillas scrambled with eggs, cheese, and veggies); and vegan and gluten-free options.
Matchbox Diner & Drinks (1345 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids). This Eastown institution features some Jewish deli dishes that are hard to find in Grand Rapids, including latkes (potato pancakes served with sides of sour cream, apple sauce, and lox for your sweet-and-savory cravings.
Bill’s Family Restaurant (1235 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids). Like the name implies, Bill’s serves an array of breakfast and lunch classics at down-home prices. (Burgers and grilled sandwiches will cost you less than $7 each!)
Not Pulp Fiction
Once Upon a Time in Eastown
BY JASON ROTH // PHOTOS BY AMANDA KAMPPINEN
On a dark Friday evening, after three months of recovering from a broken ankle, I was ready to rejoin society once more. My late-night comrades were engrossed in a rousing session of Magic: The Gathering, but had worked up an appetite for pizza. Being a problem solver, I was off to Quarantino's! As their name might indicate, Quarantino's began during the COVID pandemic as a pop-up restaurant. It was originally supposed to wrap up once the pandemic ended, but the public loved the food too much to let Quarantino's fade away, and they expanded from take-out only into a full-fledged pizzeria and bar.
They specialize in Detroit-style pizza. For those unfamiliar, Detroit-style pizza is made in square pans with a foccaccia-type dough, plus Wisconsin brick and mozzarella cheeses. The cheese
crisps up around the edges, making the corners a special treat. Once toppings are added, the pizza is sauced on top either before it goes into the oven, or after it comes out (which is the Quarantino's way.) Their menu features appetizers including meatballs, fried chicken wings, and beer cheese, an armada of specialty pizzas with monikers like “Shroomer,” “Roni Boi,” and “The Nene,” with the option of customizing a “Choose Your Own Adventure” pizza. They also offer a vegan menu and gluten-free cauliflower crust options.
From Detroit-style squares with crispy, caramelized edges to creative topping combinations and indulgent dessert slices, Quarantino’s delivers bold flavors born from a pandemic pivot.
Pizza choice number one was the “Quentin Quarantino Deluxe,” featuring mozzarella, brick cheese, pepperoni, fennel sausage, smoked ham, mushrooms, peppers, and onion. If you add a dusting of the hot red pepper flakes included, the Quentin Quarantino Deluxe becomes pizza perfection. We went a little more off-book with second pizza of the night, “It's All Greektown To Me,” also with red sauce, mozzarella and brick cheese, plus spinach, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, and herb marinated feta.
Opa!
Both pizzas went over like gangbusters with myself and all four of my dining companions. I can't say enough about how good this pizza is, seriously delicious. Find Quarantino's at 1444 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. They are open every day from 12pm-9pm for both dine-in and take out. Do not miss this GR gem!
dine
OUR STAFF'S GUIDE TO THE
AREA'S BEST EATERIES
BOBARINO’S AT THE B.O.B.
For any additions or changes, please email lenos@hour-media and write "Dining Guide" in the subject line of the email.
Downtown GR
7 MONKS TAPHOUSE
Beer bar with more than 50 taps and gastropub food, including pretzel bites, burgers, salads. Open daily. // 740 Michigan St NE, 265-5417. 7monkstap.com/ grand-rapids. Lunch, Dinner $$$
ALLORA
Top-notch, chef-led fine dining venue featuring a menu of sustainable, artfully prepared dishes inspired by coastal Italy. Open Tuesday–Saturday. // 201 Monroe Ave NW 855-9463. Reservations recommended, opentable.com. Dinner $$$
ANGEL’S THAI CAFÉ
Extensive Thai fare. Menu includes your-choice stir-fry option. Vegetarian friendly. No alcohol. Open daily. // 136 Monroe Center NW, 454-9801. angelsthaicafe.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
BANGKOK TASTE CUISINE
Thai fare with lunch buffet and kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 15 Jefferson Ave SE, 356-5550. bangkoktastegr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
BEIJING KITCHEN
Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines. Lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 342 State St SE, 458-8383. beijingkitchenmi.com. Lunch (SunFri), Dinner $-$$
BISTRO BELLA VITA
Big-city casual; modern French and Italian cuisine, locally sourced and prepared over a wood fire. Mammoth martini bar, nice wine selection. Open daily. // 44 Grandville Ave SW, 222-4600. bistrobellavita.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
BLACK NAPKIN
High quality burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and homemade sodas. Takeout only, Tuesday-Saturday. // 966 E. Fulton St. Lunch, Dinner $
BOB’S BAR
Down home sports bar with 10 HD TV's. 14 Beers on Tap specializing in Chicago cuisine. Open daily. // 725 Michigan St NE. 774-0512. bobsbar.org. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $
Grill on second floor of The B.O.B. offers everything from wood-fired pizza to upscale entrées. Lunch menu has deli sandwiches, salads, burgers. Full bar. Outdoor seating. Closed Sun. // 20 Monroe Ave NW, 356-2000. thebob.com/bobarinospizza. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
BRICK & PORTER
Appetizers, burgers, salads, sandwiches and a nice selection of entrées; 20 beers on tap (“the darker, the better”). Open daily. // 47 Monroe Center NW, 226-6928. brickandportergr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$
BRICKYARD TAVERN
Located inside the historic Boardwalk Building, BrickYard Tavern offers a varied menu with items including a selection of burgers, sandwiches and entrées such as beer-battered salmon and chips, fish tacos and rib eye. Enjoy cocktails and 24 beers on tap. Open daily. // 940 Monroe Ave NW, 805-3280. brickyardtaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
BROOKLYN BODEGA BAGEL & DELI
Bringing the bagel shops and delis of the East Coast to the third coast. Whether a bagel, egg and cheese or a hearty turkey sandwich, Brooklyn Bodega has it. Open Monday-Saturday // 10 Jefferson Ave SE, 724-4275 Breakfast, Lunch $
THE CHOP HOUSE
Aged prime beef, seafood, pork, lamb chops, chicken and more. Downstairs is La Dolce Vita dessert and cigar bar. Closed Sun. // 190 Monroe Ave NW, 451-6131. thechophousegrandrapids.com. Dinner $$$
CITY BUILT BREWING CO.
Taproom featuring a variety of craft beer. Plus, Puerto Rican-inspired appetizers, small plates, entrées, soups and salads. Closed Mon. // 820 Monroe Ave NW, 805-5755. citybuiltbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
CINCO DE MAYO
Offers the usual Mexican fare plus carnitas and steak asada. Full bar. Open daily. // 114 Monroe Center NW, 719-2401. cincodemayogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $
CHICAGO BEEF JOINT
This lively casual restaurant in the Monroe North district boasts “live music all the time” and serves up scrumptious Chicago style beef and sausage sandwiches (served with your choice of hot giardiniera, mild giardiniera, or sweet bell peppers). Menu also includes, hot dogs,chicken sandwiches, tavern pizza, salad, and more. Happy hour specials and a full bar make this a
great place for watching sports. Open daily at 11 a.m., closing times vary. // 822 Ottawa Ave NW, 420-7724. cbjgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $
DUBLIN HALL
Tapas-style fare, plus house specialties. Patio seating. Full bar, happy hour 3-7 Mon-Fri. Open daily. // 100 Ionia Ave SW, 456-7673. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
FIELD & FIRE CAFÉ
All-day breakfast, sandwiches, soups, salads, toasts, croissants, muffins and tarts. On weekends brunch is available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 820 Monroe Ave NW Suite 100, 616-608-4533. fieldandfire.com. Breakfast, Lunch $-$$
FOUNDERS BREWING CO.
Spacious taproom, serpentine bar and live music Thu and Sat. Menu features appetizers, deli sandwiches. Outdoor beer garden. Open daily. // 235 Grandville Ave SW, 776-1195. foundersbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $
FRIESIAN GASTRO PUB
A cozy neighborhood eatery offering comfort food items with an eclectic twist. Menu items include handhelds like the harissa hot chicken sandwich and vegan Rueben, as well as entrées including ramen bowls and Korean short ribs. Full bar. Patio and rooftop deck. Open daily. // 720 Michigan St NE, 825-3001. friesiangr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
GARDEN DISTRICT
New Orleans style restaurant serving southern Cajun and Creole. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Closed Sundays. Full bar. / 55 Monroe Center St NW, 376-4002 . gardendistrictgr.com/ Lunch, Dinner $$
GINZA SUSHI & RAMEN BAR
Wide selection of authentic Japanese cuisine, sushi, ramen, poke bowls, hibachi dinners, appetizers, soups and salad. Open daily. Catering available. // 1015 Michigan St NE, 272-4116. ginzasushiramen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
GRAND RAPIDS GARAGE BAR AND GRILL
“All-American grub” includes burgers, nachos, sandwiches, soups and salads, full bar. Live entertainment Fri and Sat. Open daily. / 819 Ottawa Ave NW, 4540321. garagebargr.com. Lunch, Dinner $
GRAND WOODS LOUNGE
Eclectic menu with upscale comfort foods. Live entertainment, pool tables, spacious full bar. Yearround alfresco dining with fireplace. Open daily. // 77 Grandville Ave SW, 451-4300. grandwoodslounge. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
dine / estau ants
THE HERITAGE
GRCC culinary students prepare gourmet dishes from steaks to vegan. Menu changes weekly. Wine and beer. Open Tue-Fri during school year. // Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St NE, 234-3700. grcc.edu/heritage. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
HONG KONG EXPRESS
Szechuan and Cantonese. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 150 E Fulton St, 235-2888. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
K-ROK
Delicioius Korean BBQ, noodles, Soju cocktail and more Private karaoke rooms. Full bar. Happy hour specials and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Closed Mondays. // 169 Louis, Campau Promenade Ste 1A, 369-5765. $-$$
JAMAICAN DAVE’S
Chicken, goat, oxtail, beef, fish and vegetarian fare in Jamaican style. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 530 S Division Ave, 458-7875. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $
THE KITCHEN BY WOLFGANG PUCK
Comfort fare and global classics in a casual atmosphere overlooking the Grand River. Menu includes appetizers, gourmet pizzas, salads and entrées. Full bar. Open daily. // Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-3230. amwaygrand.com/dining/the-kitchen-bywolfgang-puck. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
KNOOP ROOFTOP BEER GARDEN
Upscale rooftop beer garden offers Dutch and German inspired cuisine with a modern touch. Madefrom-scratch shareables, small bites, hand-crafted cocktails and scenic views of downtown Grand Rapids. // 131 Ionia SW, 8th Floor, 616-456-6200, canopygrandrapidsrestaurants.com/knoop/. Dinner $$-$$$
LEO'S CONEY ISLAND ON TAP
An east side favorite located in Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids serves up classic Coney Island favorites, cocktails and beer on tap. // 122 Oakes St SW Suite 100, 805-3780, leosconeyisland.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$
LEO’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT AND BAR
Fresh seafood, soups, salads and more in elegant yet casual atmosphere. Happy Hour specials Mon–Thurs, 3:30–5:30 p.m. Open Mon-Fri., 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., and Sat 4:30 p.m.–10 p.m. Closed Sunday. // 60 Ottawa Ave NW, 454-6700. leosrestaurant.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$
LINEAR
Riverfront eatery featuring seasonal menu with fresh modern American fare and outdoor-seating options; plus, a display of rotating works by local artists. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 1001 Monroe Ave NW, 200-4343. linearrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
LITTLEBIRD
Cozy neighborhood bistro for farm-to-table cuisine, natural wine and bespoke cocktails. Full bar. Open Tuesday–Sunday. Hours vary. // 95 Monroe Center NW, 419-4168. thelittlebirdgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $
LUNA TAQUERIA Y COCINA
Upscale Latin American menu pairs with locally sourced meat and produce. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 64 Ionia Ave SW, 288-6340. lunagr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
MARGAUX
A contemporary French bistro. Fine wines and cocktails. Alfresco dining overlooking the Grand River. Open daily. // JW Marriott, 235 Louis St NW, 242-1448. ilovethejw.com/dining. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$
MAX’S SOUTH SEAS HIDEWAY
A tiki-themed restaurant that includes a raw bar, hot appetizers, salads, sides, land and sea dishes, and vegan options. Appetizers include ceviche and puhahana rock shrimp, and entrées include a poke bowl, citrus-glazed faroe and an island lobster roll. Full bar. Open daily. // 58 Ionia Ave SW, 551-0016. maxstiki.com. D $$-$$$
MDRD
Overlooking the Grand River from its location on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza, this restaurant serves modern Spanish cuisine including tapas and paella. Reservations available. Closed Sun and Mon. // 187 Monroe Ave. NW, 776.6425. amwaygrand.com/dining. Dinner $$$
MERTENS PRIME AND ROOFTOP
Eclectic menu, upscale dining on restored historic site of original, early-20th-centuryera hotel. Steaks, chops, seafood, pasta, entrées and small plates. Local wine options. Open daily. // 35 Oakes St SW, 551-1713. mertensgr.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$
MEXO
Features tequila/mezcal bar and a modern touch on classic pre-Hispanic foods of Mexico. Full bar. Open daily. // 118 E Fulton St, 828-4123. mexogr.com. Breakfast (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$
MOJO’S DUELING PIANO BAR
Lively downtown spot opens for dinner at 5 pm Wed-Sat. Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, flatbread pizzas, full bar. Shows start at 8 pm Wed-Fri, 7 pm Sat. Closed Sun-Tue. // 180 Monroe Ave NW, 776-9000. mojospianobar.com. Dinner (Wed-Sat) $$-$$$
NOODLE PIG
Laid-back local ramen shop serving inventive bowls built from the ground up with noodles made fresh in-house daily. The menu balances traditional Japanese flavors with playful fusion twists, alongside small Japanese dishes like gyoza, the fan-favorite J-Dog, and fried chicken. Gluten-free and vegan options, a
selective bar featuring beer, wine, sake, seltzers, and signature “boozy boba” cocktails. Open noon–10 p.m seven days a week. // 601 Bond Ave NW Suite 102, 327-2922, www.noodlepig.com. Dinner $-$$
ONE TWENTY THREE TAVERN
This restaurant offers elevated American fare; fried chicken sandwiches, jackfruit carnitas, meatloaf, veggie meatballs, quinoa bowl, starters, small & large plates, handhelds a kids menu & more! Full bar. Open daily. // 123 Ionia Ave SW. 123tavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$
PALACE OF INDIA
Indian cuisine with a sizeable menu including vegetarian selections. Lunch buffet 11-3. Open daily. // 138 E Fulton St, 913-9000. palaceofindiarestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
A fine-dining Indian restaurant offering traditional dishes, such as tandoori, biryani, chicken tikka masala, malai kofta and samosas with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 241 W Fulton St, 805-4767. pindgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$
REAL SEAFOOD COMPANY
Contemporary seafood restaurant that offers premium fresh fish and seafood from the waters of New England to the Great Lakes. // 141 Lyon St NW, Grand Rapids, (888) 456-3463, realseafoodcorestaurant.com. Dinner $$$
ROAM BY SAN CHEZ
The San Chez Bistro team introduces global street food, including cuisine from China, Morocco, Spain, France, Poland, U.K., Indonesia and more. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 250 Monroe Ave NW, 288-9129. roambysanchez.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE
Classic American steakhouse in the Amway Grand Plaza. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 187 Monroe Ave NW, 776-6426. amwaygrand.com/dining/ruthschris-steak-house. Lunch, Dinner $$$
SAN CHEZ BISTRO
Spanish fare focusing on tapas-style small plates; sides and entrées. Wine and beer list includes Spanish varieties and sherry. Open daily. // 38 W Fulton St, 774-8272. sanchezbistro.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
SCHOLAR
Swanky restaurant serving elevated old school American fare, situated on multiple levels, offering a variety of atmospheres. // 11 Ionia Ave SW, 980--9073.
scholargr.com. Drinks, Dinner$$-$$$
SILVA
A dinnertainment venue that focuses on reviving crafting dishes that honor and revive traditional recipies. Billiards, bocce, darts & more in a carnival-like atmosphere. // 975 Ottawa NW, 757-4582. silvagr. com. Drinks, Dinner, Games$$-$$$
SOCIAL HOUSE
A casual pub serving American-style food. Menu features a variety of offerings: starters,soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and pizza. Full bar. Closed Mon. // 25 Ottawa Ave. SW, 551-1412. socialhousegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$$
SOCIAL MISFITS
An interesting concept mashing waffles (sweet or savory,) with other food, accompanied by creative cocktailss. The business also introduces Great Lakes Coffee Roasters to town. // 43 W. Fulton St, 272-4984. thesocialmisfits.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$
SPEAK EZ LOUNGE
Casual pub setting with eclectic menu, including vegan and gluten-free. Creative starters, soups, salads, entrées (after 4 pm). Full bar. Open daily. // 600 Monroe Ave NW, 458-3125. speakezlounge.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
STELLA’S LOUNGE
Award-winning stuffed burgers, plus vegan and vegetarian items. Full bar, known for its whiskey selection. Open daily. // 53 Commerce Ave SW, 742-4444. stellasgr.com. Lunch (Fri-Sun), Dinner $-$$
TERRA BAGEL
A quaint place to grab a bagel, a schmear and some coffee. The sister restaurant of Terra Bagel and Terra GR in Eastown. Open Daily // 40 Pearl St. NW, terrabagels.com, 616.465.4343 Breakfast, Lunch $
TUPELO HONEY
This southern kitchen & bar serves southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains. // 140 Ottawa Ave NW STE 100, 239-7158, tupelohoneycafe. com. Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch $$
Z’S BAR & RESTAURANT
Sports-themed eatery known for its BBQ ribs. Soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées. Carry-out available. Open daily. // 168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, 454-3141. zsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
West Side
BLUE DOG TAVERN
Craft brews on tap, full bar, beer garden. Good selection of tots, dogs, burgers, appetizers and more. Open daily. // 638 Stocking Ave NW, 608-6050. bluedogtaverngr. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
BROAD LEAF WESTSIDE
Progressive craft brewery and distillery. Award winning gin. Cocktail slushies. Boozy shakes. Large outdoor beer garden. Incubator kitchen has rotating menu with guest chefs. // 443 Bridge St NW, 254-0105, broadleafbeer.com./Thurs, 4–10 p.m./Fri, 4–11 p.m./Sat, 12 p.m.–11 p.m./Sun, 12 p.m.–9 p.m./ Lunch, Dinner $-$$
BROADWAY BAR & GRILL
Neighborhood bar known for burgers and holiday decorations. Outdoor grilling during summer. Hours change seasonally. // 740 Broadway Ave SW, 4540565. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $
BURGER THEORY
Bright, contemporary restaurant features diverse menu in downtown Holiday Inn. Full bar. Open daily. // 310 Pearl St NW, 235-1342. higrdt.com/dining/ pearl-street-grill. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$
BUTCHER’S UNION
Meat-and-whiskey-centric gastro pub with a wide menu and festive atmosphere. Craft drinks and a full bar. Outdoor seating available. // 438 Bridge St NW, 551-1323. butchersuniongr.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $$
CONDADO TACOS
Stylish Bridge Street Mexican restaurant serving build your own tacos, tequila, margaritas and more. Come as you are! // 449 Bridge St NW, 734-6815, condadotacos.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
DRIP DROP COCKTAIL ROOM
Upscale, plush craft cocktail lounge with a NYC ambiance. Light bites. // 445 Bridge St NW Unit 2, dripdropcocktailroom.com. Snacks, Cocktails $$
EL GRANJERO
Mexican fare from steak and shrimp to menudo on weekends. No alcohol but tasty virgin coladas. Open daily. // 950 Bridge St NW, 4585595. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EL SOMBRERO
Offers “the original” wet burrito. Weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 527 Bridge St NW, 451-4290. elsombrerorestaurantmi.com. Lunch, Dinner $
FRATELLI’S KITCHEN & BAR
Italian cuisine based on family recipes from Sicily with a “modern twist.” Full service bar. Open daily. // 443 Bridge St NW, Suite 2. 389-4963. fratellisgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
GIN GIN'S
Stylish and inviting, Gin Gin’s offers a diverse menu of American classics, including premium steaks, fresh seafood and handmade pasta. The bar's charm provides the perfect ambiance for savoring handcrafted martinis and vintage cocktails. // 345 Summer Ave NW, 341-9124, ginginsgr.com. Tue–
Established in 1905, the menu features appetizers, snacks and sandwiches. Seating includes 40-foot horseshoe bar, tables and a beer garden. Open daily. // 801 Fifth St NW, 456-9058. theholidaybargr.com. Lunch, Dinner $
THE KNICKERBOCKER –NEW HOLLAND BREWING
Craft brewery featuring a variety of locally sourced shared plates, sandwiches, soups, pizzas, barbecue and more. Open daily. // 417 Bridge St NW, 3455642. newhollandbrew.com/knickerbocker. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$
KÜSTERER BRAUHAUS
Munich style Bierhall offering German and American craft beers, sangria, cider, cocktails and German street food. Featuring Bundesliga and International soccer. Live music on Sundays. // 642 Bridge St. NW. 616-451-4255. grbrauhaus.com. Lunch, Dinner $
LONG ROAD DISTILLERS
Craft, small-batch distillery featuring variety of housemade snacks, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 537 Leonard St NW, 228-4924. longroaddistillers.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $-$$
MAGGIE’S KITCHEN
Mexican fare in café setting, cafeteria-style ordering. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 636 Bridge St NW, 458-8583. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $
THE MITTEN BREWING CO.
Vintage baseball-themed nanobrewery pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas. Open daily. // 527 Leonard St NW, 608-5612. mittenbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
MONARCHS’ CLUB
Starters, sausages, hot dogs, panini, Italian beef sandwiches and Grand Rapids Stackers. Michigan beer on draft. Open daily. // 646 Stocking Ave NW, 2339799. monarchsclubcornerbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $
NONLA BURGER
Nonla Burge offers both traditional, 100% beef hamburgers and Vietnamese-inspired cuisine. // 449 Bridge St NW Suite 102, Grand Rapids, nonlaburger.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
ONE BOURBON
Trendy, two-level restaurant serving creative shareable plates, burgers, hot sandwiches and entrées. Full bar features more than 120 whiskies. Closed Sun-Mon. // 608 Bridge St NW, 608-5766. onebourbongr.com. Dinner $-$$
O’TOOLE’S PUBLIC HOUSE
Pub grub includes appetizers, sandwiches and burgers
dine / estau ants
served on a mountain of fries. Open daily. // 448 Bridge St NW, 742-6095. otoolesgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
RAPID RIVER STILLHOUSE
A three‑level restaurant and whiskey bar that features bold, handcrafted spirits and Southern‑inspired smokehouse cuisine with meats smoked on site. The first floor offers whiskey tasting, the second floor hosts live music, and the third‑floor rooftop deck provides city views with occasional performances. It opens at 11 a.m. daily. Closing times vary. //401 Stocking Ave NW, (616) 438-6133, rapidriverstillhouse.com. Lunch, Dinner S$-$$$
SALVATORE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Sicilian and southern Italian fare. Separate sports bar; patio seating. Food, beer and wine available to go. Delivery and catering. Open daily. // 654 Stocking Ave NW, 454-4280. salvatoresgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$
SHOTS
Local neighborhood kitchen and bar serving a full menu, daily lunch specials, an abundance of taps featuring craft and domestic beer options, large patio, and plenty of big screen TV’s all contributw in making this the local favorite for food, drink, sports, and groups to meet. Open daily at 11 a.m. // 4259 Lake Michigan Drive NW, 453-7780, info@shotsgrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
THE SØVENGÅRD
West Side farm to table restaurant focusing on seasonal and local sourcing with an outdoor biergarten. Special occasion/meeting space available. Brunch: Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. / Dinner: Wed Sat, 4 10 p.m. & Sunday, 4 9 p.m. // 1232 Bridge St NW, 214-7207. sovengard. com. Dinner $$
TWO SCOTTS BARBECUE
Authentic barbecue smoked in house daily with homemade sides and sauces. Features draft root beer and weekly specials. Catering and food truck available. Closed Sun. // 536 Leonard St NW, 608-6756. twoscottsbbq.com. Lunch $-$$
WESTSIDE SOCIAL
“Reimagined” American style tavern with locally sourced, house made appetizers, burgers, seafood and other entrées. Full bar. Happy hour specials available Mon Fri. Open daily. // 2802 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 453-5877. westside.social. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$
Uptown
BROWN BUTTER CREPERIE & CAFÉ
Locally sourced, made from scratch sweet and savory crepes and liege waffles. // 1436 Wealthy St SE, 2885038. brownbuttercrepes.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Wed-Sat) $
CHEZ OLGA
Caribbean and Creole fare. Veggie/vegan options. Takeout available. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1441 Wealthy St SE, 233-4141. chezolga.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
THE COMMONS
1970s themed restaurant with “retro comfort food.” Full bar, including craft beer and ’70s inspired cocktails. Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 547 Cherry St SE, 458-2704. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$
DIRTY PLATE BISTRO
Clean eating from an ever changing menu meets bold flavors and good vibess. Full bar. Closed Sunday and Monday. // 961 Fulton St E, 301-4166. dirtyplatebistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
DONKEY TAQUERIA
Authentic Mexican food, including tacos, tostadas, botanas and tortas in a former 1920s service station. Full bar. Open daily. // 665 Wealthy St SE. donkeygr. com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$
ELECTRIC CHEETAH
Eclectic menu with an emphasis on locally grown fare and creative combinations. Beer and wine available. Open daily. Cascade location closed on Sun. // 1015 Wealthy St SE, 451-4779 electriccheetah.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$
GINO'S PIZZA EASTOWN
Local family owned joint for hand tossed pies, strombolis, and subs, plus Italian comfort dishes like lasagna and appetizers such as wings and breadsticks. Late night hours with dine in, takeout, and delivery available. Open Tue–Thu 5 p.m.–1 a.m., Fri–Sat 5 p.m.–2 a.m., Sun 5 p.m.–midnight. // 1556 Wealthy St SE, 458-6522 ginospizzaeastown.com. Dinner $
GOJO ETHIOPIAN CUISINE & DELI
Authentic dishes including vegetarian options. Watt (stew) dishes served with injera flatbread. Carry out available. No alcohol. Closed Sun and Mon. // 421 Norwood Ave SE, 459-3383. gojoethiopiancuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
GROVE
Fresh, farm to table unique takes on American fare in a presentation unlike most experienced before. Multiple time Grand Rapids Magazine Dining Award winner. Open Wednesday Saturday // 919 Cherry St SE, groverestaurant.com, (616) 454-1000 Dinner, $$$
HANCOCK
Nashville hot chicken restaurant with sandwiches, fried chicken, an assortment of Southern picnic sides, salads and desserts. Also serves breakfast. Open daily. // 1157 Wealthy St. SE, 805-4232. hancockgr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$
HARMONY BREWING CO.
Custom brews with a full bar, wine and wood fired pizzas. Sandwiches served 11 am 4 pm. Dog friendly
patio. Open daily. // 1551 Lake Dr SE, 233-0063. harmonybeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
KCM
A Japanese/Korean fusion restaurant specializing in sandos, open faced toast with meat, egg salad, curry and other rice bowls; tonkatsu, chicken katsu; and kimbap (Korean style fish and vegetable hand rolls wrapped with seaweed). Open Tues. Sun. // 209 Diamond Ave. SE. kcmgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
LITTLE AFRICA ETHIOPIAN CUISINE
Hearty vegetable stews; sauces and fixings served on Ethiopian flat bread. No alcohol. Cash or checks only. Closed Sun and Mon. // 956 E Fulton St, 222-1169. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $
MARU SUSHI & GRILL
Large menu of Japanese cuisine with a twist, from sushi to hibachi grilled items. Vegetarian options. Full bar. Open daily. // 927 Cherry St SE, 458-1900. marurestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
MATCHBOX DINER & DRINKS
Breakfast all day, deli sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and seasonal entrées. Also, milkshakes and malts. Carry out available. Open daily. // 1345 Lake Dr SE, 774-8641. matchboxdiner.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$
QUARANTINO’S
Pizzeria featuring creative Detroit style pies with gluten free and vegan options, plus beer and wine. Located at 1444 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids. Open daily, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. First come, first served. // 1444 Lake Drive SE, 734-6833. quarantinosgr.com. Dinner $-$$
MANGIAMO
A Gilmore Collection restaurant that serves upscale Italian fare in a historic East Hills mansion. // 1033 Lake Dr SE, 356-2627. mangiamogr.com. Dinner $$-$$$
TESTA ROSSA
Neighborhood Italian joint serving up crispy crust pizza, pasta, hearty sandwiches, salad, and desserts. Enjoy live music and a lively, family friendly at mosphere and the Wolve's Den Bar with a late night menu. //1017 Wealthy St. SE, 278-3174. terragr.com. Mon-Wed, 11 am – 10 pm; Thurs–Sat, 11 am – midnight. Wolves Den Bar: Thurs–Sat, 4 p.m. to midnight. Lunch, Dinner $$
TERRA
Eastown eatery features food from local, ethically raised and sustainable sourcing. Specialty cocktails, Michigan craft beers, wines from small wineries. Open daily. // 1429 Lake Dr SE, 301-0998. terragr.com. Brunch (SatSun), Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$
WEALTHY STREET BAKERY
Breakfast pastries; sandwiches, salads and soup; pizza available after 4 pm. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 610 Wealthy St SE, 301-2950. wealthystreetbakery. com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$
VIVANT BREWERY + SPIRITS
European style craft beer and food. Spirits, wine and cider are also available. Locally sourced menu. Housed in a renovated funeral home chapel with a large patio and geer garden. Open daily. // 925 Cherry St SE, 719-1604. breweryvivant.com. Lunch (Fri.-Sat.), Dinner $$-$$$
THE WINCHESTER
Locally sourced menu includes sharable plates in century-old space. Craft brews on draft. Full bar. Open daily. // 648 Wealthy St SE, 451-4969. winchestergr. com. Breakfast (Sat-Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$
YESTERDOG
Specializes in the “good old-fashioned hot dog.” Cash or check only. Catering available. Open daily. // 1505 Wealthy St SE, 336-0746. yesterdog.com. Lunch, Dinner $
ZIVIO
Modern European tavern and grill serving Bosnian cuisine melded with Turkish, Greek and other Central European countries' cooking traditions. Salads, wraps, gyros, dinner entrées. Full bar. Open daily. Catering available. // 724 Wealthy St SE, 608-3534. ziviogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$
East Grand Rapids
BIG BOB’S PIZZA
Neighborhood pizza parlor in EGR’s Gaslight Village also offers appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, subs. Full bar. Open daily. // 661 Croswell Ave SE, 233-0123. bigbobspizza.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$
BOWDIE’S CHOPHOUSE
An upscale steakhouse “perfect for date nights, business dinners and late-night cocktails.” The restaurant serves various items: starters; soups and salads; shareables; and entrées, including chicken, salmon and steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2237 Wealthy St. SE, 805-5044. bowdieschophouse.com. Dinner $$$
CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY KITCHEN
Coastal South Carolina-inspired fare, including seafood, chicken, pork, beef and greens. Full bar. Open daily. // 2213 Wealthy St SE, 805-5231. carolinalck.com. Dinner $$
GASLIGHT KITCHEN ASIAN CUISINE
Asian restaurant specializing in Chinese-American dishes. // 2128 Wealthy St. SE, 454-8677, gaslightkitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner
JOSÉ BABUSHKA’S
Starters, salads, burritos, chimichangas, flaming fajitas, tacos and special plates. Full bar. Open daily. // 2232 Wealthy St SE, 272-4472. josebabushkas.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
OLIVES
Seasonally inspired menu of creative fare and comfort foods featuring local produce and meats. Full bar. Alfresco balcony. Closed Sun. // 2162 Wealthy St SE,
451-8611. eatatolives.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
PERA PIZZARIA
Pera Pizzaria features several different Mediterranean style pizzas, shish salads and a surprising pizza made with Nutella. // 2224 Wealthy St. SE, 805-4810, perapizzeria.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
ROSE’S ON REED'S
LAKE
Dockside dining on Reeds Lake with varied menu, including pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Three-season porch. Serves beer and wine. Open daily. // 550 Lakeside Dr SE, 458-1122. thegilmorecollection.com/ roses. Lunch, Dinner $$
Northeast GR
BIRCH LODGE
Menu includes wet burritos, sandwiches, burgers, gyros, fish baskets. Daily specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 732 Michigan St NE, 458-1918. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $
BLUE WATER GRILL
Entrées include steaks and fish, wood-fired pizzas. Nice wine selection. Lakeside views, outdoor patio. Beer, wine and cocktails. Open daily. // 5180 Northland Dr NE, 363-5900. thegilmorecollection.com/bluewater. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
BUD & STANLEY’S
Extensive menu includes Mexican specialties, pasta, burgers and more. Daily specials. Takeout available. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1701 Four Mile Rd NE, 361-9782. budandstanleys.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
CAFÉ MAMO
An American restaurant inspired by grandma's garden. Classic Midwestern dishes paired with tasty wine in a warm, comfortable setting. Open daily. // 1601 Plainfield Ave. NE, 350-3430. mamohsp.com. Brunch (Sat-Sun) Dinner (Mon-Sat) $-$$
CHARLIE’S
BAR & GRILLE
Well-rounded menu features dinners from ribs, steaks and seafood to kielbasa and kraut. Also, Mexican fare and sandwiches. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3519 Plainfield Ave NE, 364-0567. charliesbarandgrille. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
CHEERS GOOD TIME SALOON
Menu offers something for everyone in a logcabin environment. Takeout available. Full bar. Open daily. // 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, 363-1188. cheersgrandrapids.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $
DETROIT WING CO.
Serves classic wings, boneless wings and chicken tenders with 19 house-made sauces. Its menu also includes mac n’ cheese, poutine, coleslaw, cornbread muffins and cheesecake. Detroit Wing Co. was founded in Detroit. Open daily. // 2004 East Beltline Ave. NE, 214-8331. detroitwingco.com. Lunch, Dinner $
FLO’S PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS
BAR
Pizzas, sandwiches, salads, Italian and Mexican entrées, full bar. Big screen TVs; takeout available. Open daily. // 1259 Post Dr NE, Belmont, 785-1001. flossportsbar. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
FRED’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Longtime favorite offers Italian fare, including fresh pasta and gourmet pizza. Full-service bar. Closed Sun. // 3619 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-8994. fredsitalian.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
FUJI YAMA ASIAN BISTRO
Hibachi grill tables or eat in dining room with Chinese, Japanese and Thai selections. Full bar. Open daily. // 1501 East Beltline Ave NE, 719-1859. fujiyamabistro. com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
GAIA HOUSE CAFÉ
A neighborhood vegetarian café offering items like the Mean Green Burrito and Gaia cookies, as well as freshpressed juices and specialty coffees. Open Wed-Sun for take-out only. // 1553 Plainfield Ave. NE. Visit on Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch. $
GOLDEN WOK
Chinese cuisine with some Hunan-spiced dishes. Sunday specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 1971 East Beltline Ave NE (Knapp’s Corner), 363-8880. goldenwokgrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
GRAVITY TAPHOUSE GRILLE
Menu items pair with craft beer suggestions. 64 craft beers on tap. Open daily. // 3210 Deposit Dr NE (East Beltline at I-96), 719-4944. gravitytaphouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
GRAYDON’S CROSSING
Global pub serves traditional English pub food and worldinspired dishes. Full bar with large selection of microbrews and imported beers. Open daily. // 1223 Plainfield Ave NE, 726-8260. graydonscrossing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT
Full menu of Chinese options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1263 Leonard St NE, 458-0977. hunangrc.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
JAKU SUSHI NORTH
Japanese and Korean fare, including a large selection of sushi; plus, bento, bibimbap, hibachi, katsu, udon and more. Open daily. // 2289 East Beltline Ave NE, 649-0407. jakusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
616 KABOB STOP
Eatery serves “healthy and tasty” Mediterranean food, including hummus and falafel starters; salads; lentil soup; sandwiches, entrées and more. Closed Sun. // 2232 Plainfield Ave NE, 286-3035. hummusandfalafel.org. Lunch, Dinner $
dine / estau ants
KITCHEN 67
Large menu uses Michigan ingredients and includes steaks, sandwiches, salads, small plates, pasta and more elevated fare. Full bar with craft beers. Open daily. // 1977 East Beltline Ave NE, 272-3778. kitchen67.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
LA HUASTECA
Authentic Mexican restaurant offering burritos, tacos, enchiladas, flautas and more. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1811 Plainfield Ave NE, 447-7733. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $
LAI THAI KITCHEN
Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1621 Leonard St NE, 456-5730. laithaikitchen. net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
LICARI’S SICILIAN PIZZA KITCHEN
Specialties include thick-crust Sicilian pizza and stuffed pizza with a crispy crust. Also pasta, entrées, calzones and desserts. Full bar. Open daily. // 3123 Leonard St NE, 608-6912 . licarispizzakitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
LUCY’S
Family café offers breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Crepes, omelets, deli sandwiches and build-your-own breakfast plates. Open daily. // 1747 Plainfield Ave NE, 591-3149. lucyscafegr.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
MAI’S THAI
Thai fare for counter service only. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 820 Michigan St NE, 451-3441. maisthaigr.com. (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $
MILL CREEK TAVERN
Comstock Park eatery offers appetizers, soups, sandwiches, full dinner options. Full bar with separate dining room. Closed Sun. // 3874 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 784-3806. millcreektaverngr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
THE OMELETTE SHOPPE
Fourteen signature omelettes, selection of quiches and baked goods. No alcohol. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 726-5800; omeletteshoppe.com. Breakfast, Lunch $
POKE TOKI
Build-your-own bowls featuring a fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese and Korean cuisine. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 5150 Northland Dr NE, 729-4414. poketoki.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
PALIO
Ann Arbor-based eatery with an expansive menu of Italian fare. Full bar and happy hour. Open daily. // 545 Michigan St NE, 719-0660. paliograndrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
PRIME CASUAL
Classic steakhouse serving prime cuts, sides, and drinks in the heart of Comstock Park. Full bar, open daily, 4–10 p.m. // 53874 W River Dr NE Suite B, 214-7738. primecasualsteakhouse.com. Dinner $$-$$$
REDS AT THOUSAND OAKS
Large menu features sandwiches, salads, artisan pizza and entrées. Extensive wine list, craft beers, full bar. Patio with fire pits and covered deck. Open daily. // 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, 447-7750. eatatreds.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
REZERVOIR LOUNGE
Full menu of appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and entrées, some with Cajun flavor. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1418 Plainfield Ave NE, 451-0010. rezlounge.com. Lunch (Tue-Sun), Dinner $-$$
RIO GRAND STEAK HOUSE & SALOON
Texas-style barbecue ribs, steaks and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5501 Northland Dr NE, 364-6266. riograndsteakhouse.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
RIVER NORTH PUBLIC HOUSE
A “family-friendly” pub serving a variety of shareables, burgers and sandwiches. You’ll also find entrées, including Knapp Mac & Cheese and grilled sirloin tip steak. Full bar. Open daily. // 2115 Plainfield Ave NE, 288-7888. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$$
THE SCORE
Restaurant and sports bar with large menu, more than 100 beers on tap. Open daily. // 5301 Northland Dr NE, 301-0600. thescore-restaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
SHESHCO GRILL
Mediterranean cuisine, including surf, turf and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2121 Celebration Dr NE (Knapp’s Corner), 364-0600. sheshcogrill.net. Lunch, Dinner $$
SHOTS ON THE RIVER
Full menu kitchen and bar with 22 taps offering craft and domestic beer options, daily lunch specials, large patio with outdoor seated bar, banquet rooms, numerous TV’s, pool table, and live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday featuring some of West Michigan’s top cover bands. Open daily at 1 p.m. and closed on Sundays. // 5760 West River Drive NE Belmont, 9516071, info@shotsgrandrapids.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$
THAI CHEF
Knapp’s Corner restaurant has large menu, including duck, seafood and vegetarian options. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 1971 East Beltline Ave NE, 570-0032. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$
TIA JUANA
This gem brings the Tijuana taco experience to Knapp's Corner. // 52289 E Beltline Ave NE Suite C, 901-3316. tiatacos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
Northwest GR
AMORE TRATTORIA ITALIANA
Regional Italian dishes using local products and Italian imports. Italian wines and liqueurs. House-made desserts. Banquet facility. Closed Mon. // 5080 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5344. amoretrattoriaitaliana.com. Dinner (Tue-Sat) $$
CHINA CHEF
Family-style restaurant with Szechuan-style entrées and Hunan choices. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4335 Lake Michigan Dr NW, 791-4488. chinachef49534.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
CHINA CITY
Chinese cuisine; lunch prices all day. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1140 Monroe Ave NW, 451-3688. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
EMPIRE CHINESE BUFFET II
All-you-can-eat buffet. Seafood buffet Sat-Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4255 Alpine Ave NW, 785-8880. empirechinesebuffet2.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
FRICANO’S PIZZA RESTAURANT
Famous for its thin-crust pizza. Pasta dinners with sauce that made its way to the retail market. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 5808 Alpine Ave NW, 785-5800. fricanospizza.com. Dinner $-$$
HIBACHI GRILL & SUPREME BUFFET
Pan-Asian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and American. No alcohol. Open daily. // 785 Center Dr NW (Green Orchard Shopping Center), 785-8200. hibachigrillsupremebuffet.letseat.at. Lunch, Dinner $$
616 KABOB STOP EXPRESS
Located near the Allendale campus of Grand Valley State University, eatery serves “healthy and tasty” Mediterranean food, including hummus and falafel starters; salads; lentil soup; sandwiches, entrées and more. Closed Sun. // 10897 48th Ave., Suite B100, Allendale. hummusandfalafel.org. Lunch, Dinner $
PERRIN BREWING CO.
Comstock Park craft brewery/taproom menu includes tacos, salads, burgers, panini and more. Kids menu available. Open daily. // 5910 Comstock Park Dr, 5511957. perrinbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $
ROASTED SPORTS BAR & GRILL
Spacious sports bar with a diverse menu of specializing in ribs and other American fare. Outdoor seating. TV's for sports viewing. Full bar. Open daily. // 34322 Remembrance Rd NW, 381-2000. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
THREE HAPPINESS RESTAURANT
Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan fare. Daily specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // Green Ridge Square, 3330 Alpine Ave NW, 785-3888. threehappinessgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
dine / estau ants
WALKER ROADHOUSE
Diverse menu with interesting twists on classic fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 3272 Remembrance Rd NW, 791-9922. thewalkerroadhouse.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$
Southeast GR
7 MARES
Authentic Mexican dishes including breakfast. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 3018555. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$
AL-BOS EUROCAFE-BAKERY
Authentic southeastern European cuisine. Menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, entrées and kids options. Daily specials. Open daily. // 2930 Shaffer Ave SE, 325-2800. al-bos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
ASIAN PALACE
Chinese and Vietnamese fare with extensive menus for each. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 141 28th St SE, 5347770. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
BELTLINE BAR
Americanized Tex-Mex menu, including wet burritos. Full bar. Curbside service. Open daily. // 16 28th St SE, 245-0494. beltlinebar.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
BRASS RING BREWING
Small-batch, style-specific brewery in the Alger Heights neighborhood. // 2404 Eastern Ave SE, 460-1587. brassringbrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
BROAD LEAF BREWERY & SPIRITS
Pub fare including snacks, meat and veggies on a stick and entrées like drunken noodles, burgers, tempeh and more. Open daily. Brunch on Sun. // 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, 803-0602. broadleafbeer.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
CABANA TRES AMIGOS
Authentic Mexican fare including vegetarian selections. Full bar. Takeout available. Open daily. // 1409 60th St SE, 281-6891. cabanatresamigos.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$
CAFÉ DE MIRO
A café offering Kurdish, Armenian and Greek foods. Traditional Mediterranean breakfast and side dishes; skillets, scrambles and acai bowls; pastries; toasts; soups; sandwiches; salads; Turkish coffee; tea; desserts; and more. No alcohol. // Breton Village Shopping Plaza, 1878 Breton Rd SE, (616) 719-1462. Facebook. Open daily. Breakfast, Lunch $
CANTINA MEXICAN GRILL
Menu offers extensive Mexican specialties. Full bar. Drive-thru window. Outdoor patio. Open daily. // 2770 East Paris Ave SE, 949-9120. cantinamexicangrill.biz. Lunch (Sun-Thu), Dinner $$
DADDY PETE’S BBQ
Slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket and other meats. No alcohol. Catering available. Closed
Sun and Mon. // 2921 Eastern Ave SE, 818-5522. daddypetesbbq.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
Dinks and Dingers Social Club
American Fare full-service restaurant and bar with a twist.Shareable apps, stacked burgers, sandwiches, fresh salads,handhelds, and house specialties. GF Options.Indoor and Outdoor seasonal seating, Eat-In, Take-Out. Open Daily // 5080 Broadmoor Ave SE, 616-343-8343. Lunch, Dinner $$ www. dinksanddingers.com
EAST GARDEN BUFFET
Cantonese, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Daily buffet. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6038 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 6988933. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
EL ARRIERO MEXICAN GRILL
Extensive menu offers specialty dishes, à la carte selections. Mexican and domestic beers, margaritas. Open daily. // 2948 28th St SE, 977-2674. elarrieromexicangrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
EL GLOBO RESTAURANT
Authentic Mexican fare; weekly specials. No alcohol. Closed Mon. // 2019 S Division Ave, 734-6869. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
FIREROCK GRILLE
Guests can cook signature dishes on 500-degree lava stone. Offers soups, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Full bar. Brunch on Sundays. Open daily. // 7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9898. firerockgrille.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
FLORENTINE PIZZERIA RISTORANTE & SPORTS LOUNGE
Italian fare with American and Mexican choices and thin-crust pizzas. Full bar. Open daily. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4261 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 455-2230. florentinespizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
GANDERS
Features American cuisine with a twist and Michigan products, including craft brews. Open daily. // 4747 28th St SE (inside DoubleTree Hotel), 957-1111. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$$
GURSHA ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT
Authentic Ethiopian dishes, traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Buffet lunch and dinner on Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4301 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 350-0009. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$
HALL STREET BAKERY
Breakfast sandwiches and pastries; pizza, entrée salads and soup served for lunch and dinner. Beer and wine. Kids menu. Closed Sun. // 1200 Hall St SE, 214-7604. hallstreetbakery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$
INDIA TOWN
Indian fare including vegetarian and vegan. Lunch buffet Mon-Sat. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3760 S Division Ave, 243-1219. indiatowngrr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
LAST CHANCE TAVERN AND GRILL
Appetizers, soups, burgers and sandwiches and a huge selection of Michigan craft beers. Open daily. // 1132 Burton St SE, 719-4270. thelastchancetavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $
LE KABOB
Soups, salads, sandwiches, large choice of entrées and combos. Kids menu. Carry-out available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3122 28th St SE, 272-4135. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
MI TIERRA
Traditional Mexican, eat in or drive-thru. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2300 S Division Ave, 245-7533. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $
MIKADO SUSHI
Sushi and sashimi à la carte. Dinners offer full range of Japanese cuisine. Lunch specials. Serves alcohol. Closed Sun. // 3971 28th St SE, 285-7666. mikadogr.com/main. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$
NU-THAI BISTRO
Appetizers, soups, Thai salads, fried rice, seafood, duck, curries. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2055 28th St SE, 452-0065. nuthaibistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
THE OLD GOAT
Creative cuisine from Electric Cheetah owner Cory DeMint includes appetizers, entrées, sandwiches and salads. Kids menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 2434 Eastern Ave SE, 288-6976. oldgoatgr.com. Breakfast (Mon-Fri), Lunch, Dinner $-$$
PAL’S INDIAN CUISINE
Authentic Indian food, including lunch buffet 11-3. No alcohol. Open daily. // 2915 28th St SE, 957-2271. palsindiancuisine.com. Lunch, Dinner $
PHO ANH TRANG
Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai cuisine. Daily specials. Catering. Open daily. No alcohol. // 3633 Eastern Ave SE, 246-9966. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
PHO SOC TRANG
Wide selection of Vietnamese offerings. No alcohol. Open daily. // 4242 S Division Ave, 531-0755. Lunch, Dinner. $-$$
PIETRO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Regional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Tuscan wines, desserts and cappuccinos. Kids menu. Takeout available. Open daily. // 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, 452-3228. pietrosgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
SIP COFFEE & COCKTAILS
Café by day with breakfast bites that transforms into a bustling nighttime cocktail lounge, serving flatbread and appetizers. Closed Sun, hours vary. // 806 Alger St. SE, 805-3517 $$
dine / estau ants
TACON MADRE
Mexican hamburgers, Tacos, tortas, quesadillas, and more with and a variety of proteins (pastor, Barbacoa, birria, tripe, Chicharron, Trompo and more) to choose from. Aguas frescas and other authentic Mexican specialties. // 3501 Division Ave. S. Wyoming, 570-0322, taconmadremi.com. Lunch, Dinner $
THAI EXPRESS
Thai specialties, spiced to customer specification. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // Towne & Country Shopping Center, 4317 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 827-9955. thaiexpressgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $
THAI FUSION
Thai cuisine and fusion specials with good selection of starters and salads. Kids menu. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 3097 Broadmoor Ave SE, 301-8883. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
TOKYO GRILL & SUSHI
Tatami rooms, sushi bars. Hibachi, teriyaki, udon, tempura. Sake, Japanese and American beer and wine. Open daily. // 4478 Breton Rd SE, 455-3433. tokyogrillsushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
VILLAGE INN PIZZA & SPORTS GRILLE
Longtime favorite for pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, Mexican. Daily specials. Mon-Fri pizza lunch buffet. Full bar. Open daily. // 2215 44th St SE, 281-1444. vipizza.net. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
Southwest GR
84TH STREET PUB & GRILLE
American fare from pizzas to steaks. Full-service bar. Kids menu. Daily specials. Open daily. // 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr SW, 583-1650. 84thstpub.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
ALEBIRD TAPHOUSE AND BREWERY
Community-focused brewery offering creative sandwiches along with a variety of burgers and entrées, including summer chicken and pea ravioli. Open daily, lunch on weekends. // 2619 84th St SW, 288-7888. alebird.com. Lunch, Dinner $$$
BLUE GINGER ASIAN KITCHEN
Noodle-based Thai dishes, chicken, seafood, beef and pork entrées, curries. Vegetarian options. No alcohol. Open daily. // 5751 Byron Center Ave SW (Bayberry Market), 261-8186. bluegingerkitchen.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$ FAR-EAST CHINESE RESTAURANT
Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. Carry-out and catering available. No alcohol. Open daily. // 3639 Clyde Park Ave SW, 531-7176. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
GOLDEN 28
Szechuan, Hunan, Mandarin, Vietnamese cuisine. No alcohol. Open daily. // 627 28th St SW, 531-2800. Lunch, Dinner $$
LINDO MEXICO
RESTAURANTE MEXICANO
Fresh food with “real Mexican flavor.” Kids menu. Serves alcohol. Open daily. // 1742 28th St SW, 2612280. lindomexicogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
LITTLE BANGKOK
Extensive Thai standbys plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. // 2359 Health Dr SW, Suite 140, 929-2306. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$
MONELLI’S ITALIAN GRILL & SPORTS BAR
Southern Italian cuisine. Sports bar plus family-friendly dining room with fireplace. Open daily. // 5675 Byron Center Ave SW, 530-9700. monellis.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
NOBLE RESTAURANT
Breakfast favorites along with vegan and gluten-free options, handhelds, burgers and small bites. Open daily. // 1851 44th St SW, Wyoming, 530-8750. eatnoble.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$
PETE’S GRILL & TAVERN
Casual bar and grill with tavern burgers, Detroit style pizza, sandwiches and entrees. Open daily. // 2588 84th St SW, Byron Center, 878-9582. petesgrillandtavern.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
WOODY’S PRESS BOX
Complex includes two bars, patio and bowling. Sandwiches, pizza, Mexican and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 5656 Clyde Park Ave SW, 5302400. spectrumlanes.com. Breakfast (Mon-Sat), Lunch, Dinner $$
Ada/Cascade/Lowell Area
ADA GARAGE BAR & GRILL
High quality bar appetizers, mac and cheese, chicken tenders, burgers and a variety of entrees. Plus there's always a $2 draft, a $3 well and a $4 glass of wine every day. // 518 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-3002, adagaragebar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
CASCADE ROADHOUSE
Relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu of traditional fare. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6817 Cascade Rd SE, 2597439. cascaderoadhousemi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
CORK WINE & GRILLE
Contemporary dining with indoor and outdoor seating. Seafood, steaks, burgers, fish, sandwiches, salads. Extensive wine list, specialty cocktails. Open daily. // 5500 Cascade Rd SE, 949-0570. corkwineandgrille. com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
THE EURO BISTRO
European bistro fare includes entrées, small plates, salads, wood-fired pizzas. Takeout available. Full bar. Closed Sun. // 6450 28th St SE, 719-2017. eurobistrogr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $$-$$$
FLAT RIVER GRILL
Casual atmosphere in turn-of-century building. Comfort food, wood-fired pizzas. Full bar plus The B.O.B.’s House of Brews beers. Alfresco dining on patio. Open daily. // 201 E Main St, Lowell, 8978523. thegilmorecollection.com/flatriver. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
JU SUSHI & LOUNGE
Sushi and sashimi, Japanese hibachi, tempura, soups, salads and entrées in elegant surroundings. Full bar, huge sake selection. Takeout, catering and banquets. Open daily. // 1144 East Paris Ave SE, 575-5858. jusushi.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$
LA LAGUNA
Authentic Mexican dishes including shrimp, wraps, salads, kids menu. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6250 28th St SE, 805-8821. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
LITTLE BANGKOK
Extensive Thai standbys, plus some unique items. Kids meals available. Serves beer and wine. Closed Sun. // 850 Forest Hill Ave SE, 808-3153. littlebangkokgr.com. Lunch (Mon-Fri), Dinner $-$$
MAIN
STREET BBQ
Wood fire used to smoke ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage and pork. Rubs and sauces are gluten-free. Also serves sandwiches, wings, salads and soups. Catering. Takeout/delivery at 1539 Plainfield Ave NE. Full bar. Open daily. // 210 E Main St, Lowell, 987-3352. bbqlowell.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
MYNT FUSION BISTRO
Thai, Korean and Chinese. Renowned for its curries. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 800 W Main St, Lowell, 9879307. myntfusion.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
NOCO PROVISIONS
Laid-back, regionally inspired comfort cuisine. Outdoor seating on the patio. Full bar. Open daily. // 4609 Cascade Rd SE, 747-0300. nocogr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
NONNA’S: THE TRATTORIA
Fresh, European-style pastries, salads, soups and entrées made from scratch. Breakfast and lunch served seven days a week. Pizza available during lunch Tues-Sat. Brunch specials available Sat-Sun. // 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 920-7028. eatwithnonna. com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Tue-Sat) $-$$
NOTO’S OLD WORLD ITALIAN DINING
Elegant décor, extensive classic Italian menu. Special wine cellar dinners. Lounge menu features lighter fare. Closed Sun. // 6600 28th St SE, 493-6686.
notosoldworld.com. Dinner $$-$$$
OSAKA STEAKHOUSE & JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Asian fare, including sushi, hibachi, shabu-shabu and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 4977 28th St SE, 4194628. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $$
SABOR MEXICANO
Burritos, tortas, quesadillas, quesabirrias, tamales (pork or chicken) and tacos served the authentic way, menu items for kids and more. // 109 Riverside Drive in Lowell, 987-5027. Lunch, Dinner $
SAPPORO RAMEN & NOODLE BAR
Fresh, traditional Japanese “soul food” with an innovative twist. GF options available. No alcohol. Takeout available. Closed Mon. // 5570 28th St SE, Cascade, 608-6657. sappororamenbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
SCHNITZ ADA GRILL
Schnitz Deli by day, casual fine dining by night. Full bar, happy hour 3-6. Closed Sun. // 597 Ada Dr SE, Ada, 682-4660. schnitzadagrill.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$
SHEPARDS GRILL & TAVERN
Bar food with flair, from appetizers to sirloin. Open daily. // 6246 28th St SE, 350-9604. Facebook. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
THORNAPPLE BREWING CO.
Brewpub features a wide selection of original beer, cider, wine and spirits brewed in seven-barrel brewing system. Plus, artisan pizza, appetizers and dessert. Brunch on Sun. // 6262 28th St SE, 2886907. thornapplebrewing.com. Lunch (Sat), Dinner $$
ZEYTIN
Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Full bar, beer and wine lists. Takeout. Open daily. // 7437 River St, Ada, 682-2222. zeytinturkishrestaurant.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
Grandville/Jenison Hudsonville Area
ARROWS RESTAURANT
Breakfast, soup and sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. No alcohol. Open Monday–Saturday, 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Closed Sun. // 4225 32nd Ave Hudsonville, 896-0033, dinearrows.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$
More than 70 Mexican selections, plus a few American options. Daily food and drink specials. Full bar. Open daily. // 4499 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville, 530-9470. elburritoloco4.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
MICHIGAN MOONSHINE DISTILLERY
A distillery with starters, sandwiches, salads and sides with a barbecue theme. Many of the items include Bobby Q sauce. Closed Sun. and Mon. // 4005 Chicago Dr SW in Grandville, 259-1000. michiganmoonshine.us. Dinner $$
PIKE 51 BREWING CO./ HUDSONVILLE WINERY
Craft brewery and winery under one roof. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées. Open daily. // 3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville, 662-4589. hudsonvillewinery.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
RAINBOW GRILL
Breakfast, soup and sandwiches, daily lunch specials, chicken, fish and other dinner staples. No alcohol. Closed Sun. // 4158 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, 534-8645. rainbowgrillmichigan.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $-$$
RUSH CREEK BISTRO
Diverse menu in club-like surroundings. Weeknight and happy hour specials at full-service bar. Open daily. // Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, 457-1100. rushcreekbistro.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
WHITE FLAME BREWING CO.
Small production brewery with taproom. Sandwiches, wraps, appetizers and a couple twists on the classic macaroni and cheese. Open daily. // 5234 36th Ave, Hudsonville, 209-5098. whiteflamebrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
THE WIN TAVERN
Family-friendly restaurant offering cooked-toorder meals, including starters, salads, burgers, sandwiches & steak. Sunday breakfast, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. with a build-your-own hash bar and more. Full bar. Open daily. // 7628 Georgetown Center Dr, Jenison, 734-6724. thewintavern33.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $$
Rockford Area
BOSTWICK LAKE INN
Menu includes steaks, pork, fish, chicken, mac and cheese, pizzas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Large deck. Full bar. Open daily. // 8521 Belding Rd, 8747290. thegilmorecollection.com/bostwick. Lunch (Sat-Sun), Dinner $$-$$$
BOULDER CREEK RESTAURANT
Golf Club restaurant has varied menu. Golf course views from inside or deck. Serves alcohol. See website for seasonal hours. // 5750 Brewer Ave NE, Belmont, 363-1330, ext 2. bouldercreekgolfclub.com/
restaurant. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
CEDAR SPRINGS BREWING CO.
German-style brewery features American pub and traditional Bavarian menu. Open daily. // 95 N Main St, Cedar Springs, 696-2337. csbrew.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
GRILL ONE ELEVEN
American-with-a-twist menu, full-service bar and lounge. Open daily. // 111 Courtland St, 863-3111. grilloneeleven.com. Lunch, Dinner $$-$$$
Located alongside Rogue River. Menu features wings, salads, gyros, burgers, as well as gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Handcrafted brews on tap. Open daily. // 12 E Bridge St, 951-4677. rockfordbrewing.com. Brunch (Sun), Lunch, Dinner $-$$
TIMBERS INN
Appetizers to meat ’n’ potatoes fare in lodge-like surroundings. Full bar. Open daily. // 6555 Belding Rd NE, 874-5553. timbersinn.net. Lunch (Wed-Sun), Dinner $-$$
THIRD NATURE BREWING COMPANY
Located near the White Pine Trail and the Rogue River, Third Nature Brewing is a rustic brewery and taproom offering “comfort foods” such as pizzas and hot sandwiches, as well as healthier options like power bowls and salads. Open daily. // 7733 Childsdale Ave. NE in Plainfield Township, 616-5129314. thirdnaturebrewing.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
THE TOASTED PICKLE
Handcrafted unique sandwiches, soups, salads, cocktails and more. // 17 Squires St Square NE, 8840498. thetoastedpickle.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
Multiple Locations
ANNA’S HOUSE
Retro-style diner with a menu that caters to guests with a wide variety of dietary needs; gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Natural, local ingredients are utilized to create tasty classic breakfast entrees, benedicts, house bowls, salads, wraps, sandwiches, fresh-pressed juices, signature coffees, lattes and more. No alcohol. Open daily. // 5488 Northland Dr NE, 330-3310; 3874 Plainfield
dine / estau ants
Ave NE, 361-8500; 2409 East Beltline Ave SE, 551-0434; 3766 Potomac Circle, Grandville, 2885855; 525 84th St SW, Byron Center, 447-1201. annashouseus.com. Breakfast, Lunch $$
BAGEL BEANERY
Bagel and coffee cafè offering healthy whole grain and sugary sweet bagels, breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Magnum coffee. No alcohol. Open daily. Catering available. // 455 Michigan St NE, 235-7500; 2845 Breton Rd SE, 245-4220; 5316 Clyde Park Ave SW, 2499500. bagelbeanery.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $
BRANN’S STEAKHOUSE & SPORTS GRILLE
Famous sizzler steaks, small plates, sandwiches, salads, gluten-free and vegetarian choices, bar munchies. Full bar. // 3475 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, 531-6210; 4157 S Division Ave, 5345421; 5510 28th St SE, 285-7800. branns.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
FIRST WOK
Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan cuisine. Full bar. Open daily. // 2207 44th St SE, 281-0681; 6740 Old 28th St SE, 575-9088; 3509 Alpine Ave NW, 784-1616. firstworkgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $$
GRAND CONEY
Classic diner offering custom hot dogs, traditional breakfast items and comfort foods. No alcohol. Open daily. Downtown location open 24 hours. // 809 Michigan St NE, 776-5580; 5121 28th St, 930-3596. thegrandconey.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $
HERB & FIRE PIZZERIA
Fast-casual atmosphere with Italian accent. Signature and create-your-own pizza options, flatbread sandwiches and salads. // 3180 44th St SW, Grandville, 773-1443; 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Suite 250, 773-1895 herbandfirepizzeria.com. Lunch, Dinner. $-$$
HOPCAT
Crafted brews with some 50 beers on tap and 150 bottled. Full bar and creative fare, including sharables, signature fries, burgers, wraps and more. Open daily. // 25 Ionia Ave SW, 451-4677; 84 W. Eighth St in Holland, 965-9780; 2183 East Beltline Ave NE. hopcatgr.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
MORNING BELLE
This “garden-themed” brunch spot is part of Meritage Hospitality Group. Its menu features breakfast entrées; lighter options, such as salads and grain bowls; glazed doughnut waffles; specialty beverages, such as freshly squeezed orange juice and breakfast cocktails; and more. Limited bar. Open daily. // 1600 East Beltline Ave NE, 301-8171; 434 Bridge St NW, 855-6907. morningbellebrunch. com. Breakfast, Lunch $$
MR. BURGER
Breakfast, burgers, chili dogs, sandwiches, homemade soups and desserts. // 2101 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, 453-6291; 950 44th St. SW, 538-0363; 1750 44th St. SE 455-8604; 5181 Northland Dr. NE, 363-3888; 2300 28th St. SW;
Coffee bar with all-day breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and salads. Catering available. Closed Sun. // 570 Grandville Ave SW, 259-5353; 496 Ada Dr SE, 259-5353. mudpenny.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $
PEPPINO’S PIZZERIA AND SPORTS GRILLE
Italian/American menu. Full bar. Open daily. // 130 Ionia Ave SW, 456-8444; 1515 Eastport Dr SE, Kentwood, 554-8880; 5065 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, 895-1615. peppinospizza.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$$
PITA HOUSE
Sami’s gyros, Middle East specialties. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1510 Wealthy St SE, 454-1171; 3730 28th St SE, 940-3029. thepitahouse.net. Lunch, Dinner $
REAL FOOD CAFÉ
Fresh, locally sourced traditional favorites, scrambles and made-from-scratch baked goods; plus, soups, sandwiches and salads for lunch. Cash only. Closed Mon. // 2419 Eastern Ave SE, 241-4080; 3514 Plainfield Ave NE, 361-1808. Facebook. Breakfast, Lunch $
RED GERANIUM
Breakfast and lunch favorites, omelettes, pancakes and burgers. No alcohol. Open daily. // 6670 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 656-9800; 5751 Byron Center Ave SW, 532-8888. redgeraniumcafe.com. Breakfast, Lunch
SUNDANCE BAR & GRILL
Southwestern-infused cuisine, margarita bar. Open daily. // Waters Building, 151 Ottawa Ave NW, 776-1616; 5755 28th St SE, Cascade, 956-5644. sundancegrill.com. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Mon-Sat) $$
TACOS EL CAPORAL
Mexican fare, with menudo Sat and Sun. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1260 Burton St SW, 246-6180; 1717 28th St SW, 261-2711. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner $
TACOS EL CUÑADO
Fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare. No alcohol. Locations are individually owned and operated. // 1342 Grandville Ave SW, 452-1266; 455 Burton St SW, 248-9099; 1024 Bridge St NW, 475-800. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
TAMALES MARY
Tamale-centered Mexican restaurant featuring 18 types of tamales, plus other Mexican dishes and daily buffet specials. No alcohol. Open daily. // 1253 Burton St SW, 288-5007; 1551 Wealthy St. SE, 724-4269. tamalesmarygr.com. Lunch, Dinner $
UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE, PIZZERIA & SPORTS LOUNGE
Italian fare, pizza, entrées, burgers, sandwiches. Full bar. Open daily. // 122 Monroe Center NW, 7731687; 2630 East Beltline Ave SE, 954-2002; 3940 Rivertown Pkwy SW, Grandville, 249-9344; 4787 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Standale, 735-5520; 8256 Broadmoor Ave SE, Caledonia, 891-1100; 19 N Main St, Rockford, 866-0666. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
VITALE’S PIZZERIA
Multiple locations serving pizza and pasta from family recipes and a wide variety of American fare; burgers, subs, entrées and appetizers. Full bar. // 6650 E Fulton St, 676-5401, vitalesada.com; 5779 Balsam Dr, Hudsonville, 662-2244, vitaleshudsonville.com; 834 Leonard St NE, 458-8368, theoriginalvitales. com; 3868 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, 7845011. vitalessportsbar.com. Lunch, Dinner $-$$
Unity QB goes pro
From Hudsonville to Ford Field, Isaac TeSlaa’s unique journey to the Detroit Lions
BY CLAYTON TRUTOR
Detroit Lions Wide
Receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) walks off the field after the game between Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions on August 16, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI.
“Isaac was always the first to meetings, always sat in the front, never complained, took notes the entire time, and knew every wide receiver position in our offense,”
— Ronnie Fouch, Arkansas wide receivers coach
Hudsonville native Isaac TeSlaa’s journey to professional football was one of the most heartwarming stories of the 2025 NFL season. TeSlaa starred in high school at Unity Christian but was lightly recruited by major college programs. He became one of Division II college football’s biggest stars while at Hillsdale before transferring to the University of Arkansas, where he shone brightly in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). In April 2025, the Detroit Lions, TeSlaa’s favorite team, selected him in the third round of the NFL Draft. He showed the Lions how much he wanted to play for them by wearing the Lions jersey he received one year for Christmas to his pre-draft interview with the team. Isaac impressed in his rookie year, scoring six touchdowns despite starting just three games.
Isaac’s story is rooted in West Michigan, where his parents Mark and Stephanie raised their four children. Mark teaches and coaches football and baseball at Unity Christian. Isaac was a frequent presence at Unity sporting events and practices from his earliest years.
Stephanie recalls games being a fixture of their home life—board games, card games, and sports. The family attends Crossroads Bible Church in Grand Rapids and Stephanie cites “strong Christian values” and “lots of togetherness” as fundamental to her children’s upbringing.
Isaac had always been athletic, but after shooting up from 5’2 to 6’4 in his sophomore year, his talent translated into a commanding presence on the field.
“[Isaac] was easily the best athlete we had. He could run and jump in ways that normal kids didn’t do,” said Craig Tibbe, his head high school football coach at Unity Christian.
Isaac started playing football in third grade. In high school, he played quarterback on offense and safety on defense. He started at
quarterback as a junior and senior for Unity, guiding their run-heavy “Wing-T” offense to great success.
Isaac is universally described as calm, analytical, and laid back.
“He's more of a guy that leads by example rather than talking to everybody up” Mark said.
As a junior, Issac led Unity to its first football state championship. He guided the Hudsonville school to a 42-7 romp over Portland in the Class 5 title game at Ford Field.
Having little experience as a passing quarterback, Isaac transitioned to wide receiver as he pursued a college football career. Few major programs showed interest in Isaac, in part because of his inexperience as a receiver.
Hillsdale, the college Isaac’s parents attended and where Mark played football himself, showed immediate interest in his obvious athletic gifts.
Isaac was a force at Hillsdale. In 2022, the budding wide receiver was named his conference’s offensive player of the year, and he earned Division II All-American honors.
Major college programs came knocking and Isaac transferred to Arkansas, where he competed for two years in the SEC.
"Isaac was always the first to meetings, always sat in the front, never complained, took notes the entire time, and knew every wide receiver position in our offense,” said Ronnie Fouch, his position coach at Arkansas. West Michigan made its presence known during Isaac’s time at Arkansas.
“We had 60 people travel down each year to see him play at least one game at Arkansas,” Stephanie said. West Michigan has been just as vocal in its support for him on the Lions.
“A lot of people reach out to us and they're just so excited for him and the platform he has now to let people know about what Christ means to him,” Mark said.
YOUR SUMMER STARTS HERE.
If your idea of the perfect vacation is sugar-sand beaches, clear blue waters along 28 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, outdoor adventures, climbing to the top of historic lighthouses, or exploring a charming downtown, Ludington is your destination for Pure Michigan fun.
Ludington's unspoiled natural resources offers a quintessential “Up North” experience all within easy reach. Start planning your next getaway at:
