A Day in... GR’s WestSide by Missy Black
S Head of the Pride
o much growth has happened on Grand Rapids’ WestSide in such a short period of time. It’s a mecca of services, specialties and wildly inventive shops. Now is the time to get in on the ground level and experience the boom firsthand. This scene here is all about “history, tradition and pride,” says Mark C. Lewis, President and CEO of Neighborhood Ventures. “People really identify with the WestSide and value the investment and new businesses and are cognizant of what’s happening as things move forward.” There’s the surprising stretch of retail on Bridge Street. An immense diversity of businesses on Leonard, including: restaurants, home furnishings, auto services and shoe and jewelry stores. Mapping out a day in this thriving social scene is a lesson in packing it all in. Here’s where to start!
BREAKFAST:
Shakedown Street
The cozy Westsider Café represents the Polish heritage in the neighborhood with the popular Polish Skillet. There are Philly, Irish and Cuban options as well. Breakfast choices are named after streets in the area so the place has a real hometown personality. Come back for lunch to try different Polish Plates and find out what’s up with the Dill Pickle Soup.
LUNCH:
Local musician Emma Loo gets weird at Captain Bizzaro’s Treasure World
BRIDGE STREET SHOPPING DISTRICT:
DENYM
The Anchor Bar
Photos: Emma Loo by Robert Roblin, Exit Photography; Head of the Pride by M. Tosh Photography; Anchor Bar by Kim Kibby; Shakedown Street and DENYM by Missy Black
Denim devotees will love DENYM, featuring fashions for men and women. The store’s boutique items and local T-shirts will become habit-forming. Next door is The Conscious Collective, a consignment store with discerning pieces for both sexes with local artwork and handmade jewelry. I spotted a pair of flamingo Vans here. Across (Continued on next page)
REVUEWM.COM | July 2015 |
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
The bright and airy Maggie’s Kitchen will surprise you. Choose from salads, tacos, burritos, tostadas, enchiladas, quesadillas, tortas and platillos such as the famous Barbacoa (beef cheek) that everyone raves about. Treat yourself to authentic Mexican food at this WestSide landmark with a huge following. It’s the perfect spot if you’re going to the nearby John Ball Zoo.
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