“Eat” listings
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Uncle Cheetah’s Soup Shop
There’s nothing like a bowl of steaming soup on a crisp fall day. Dig into mostly organic, vegetable soups—all from scratch—or sandwiches with delectable combos like local goat cheese and charred jalapeños. The menu changes according to the owners' whims, and get more inspired every time.$ (09/2011)
1133 Wealthy St SE
616-451-4780
electriccheetah.com -
Reserve Wine Bar & Restaurant
More than 100 wines by the glass take center stage at this hip downtown restaurant. Create your own wine or cheese flights, sample a few small plates or settle in for a dinner made of locally-grown ingredients. $$$ (09/2011)
201 Monroe Ave NW
616-855-9463
reservegr.com -
Bistro Bella Vita
Tasty dishes packed with local ingredients keep people coming to this exposedbrick- walled restaurant located downtown. Try the prosciutto-and-fresh fruit salad with local berries or the house-made gnocchi with veggies. $$$ (08/2011)
44 Grandville Ave SW
616-222-4600
bistrobellavita.com -
One Stop Coney Shop
Order ’em deep-fried and smothered with barbecue sauce, topped with bacon and ranch or Grand Rapids style, with chili and dill shreds. There are more than 15 hot dogs from which to choose at this downtown stop, including vegetarian—and a cone of Belgian frites makes a great side. $ (08/2011)
154 Fulton St E
616-233-9700
onestopconeyshop.com -
The Green Well Gastro Pub
Half of the menu is vegetarian, while the other half is for carnivores at this bistro, which specializes in locally produced dishes like chicken with Michigan maple syrup and whisky sauce. A dozen brews crafted in the state make it easy to drink locally, too. $$$ (06/2011)
924 Cherry St SE
616-808-3566
thegreenwell.com -
1913 Room
Michigan’s only AAA Five- Diamond restaurant, Grand Rapids’ crown jewel is a favorite for a special dinner. Order dry-aged steaks or fresh seafood in a dining room that sparkles with crystal chandeliers, polished maple and Louis XIV furnishings. $$$$ (05/2011)
187 Monroe Ave NW
616-774-2000
the1913room.com -
Gaia Café
Gaia's barebones décor belies its amazing vegetarian grub. From stir-fries to potatoveggie hashes and the Mean Green Burrito, the menu here is an eclectic mix of flavors, all prepared with organic, locally grown produce. The brown rice risotto of the day is always worth checking out. $ (03/2011)
209 Diamond Ave SE
616-454-6233 -
six.one.six
Taking its name from the local area code where many of its ingredients are produced, this eatery serves fresh, delicious nouveau-American cuisine. Try Trillium Haven Farm salad or Otto's chicken breast. $$$ (03/2011)
At JW Marriott Hotel 235 Louis Campau St NW
616-242- 1448
ilove616.com -
MARIE CATRIB’S
The crowd is always buzzing at this East Hills landmark known for its Middle Eastern/American comfort food. From steaming baskets of pita and savory grilled shawarma to grilled-cheese sandwiches, the farm-to-table food here warms diners from the inside out. $$ (01/2011)
1001 Lake Dr SE
616-454-4020
mariecatribs.com -
THE WINCHESTER
A neighborhood standout, The Winchester serves updated versions of comfort food favorites. Warm up with handmade butternut squash and goat cheese pierogies, a plate of vegetable lasagna or a bowl of pork green chili soup. Local beers and wines complement a menu that’s packed with food raised and harvested in West Michigan. $$$ (11/2010)
648 Wealthy St SE
616-451-4969
winchestergr.com -
LOUIS BENTON STEAKHOUSE
Dine on Grand Rapids’ best prime aged steaks, served with blue cheese or just a hint of seasoning and butter to keep it simple. Louis Benton’s dining room looks as rich as its steaks taste, with dark mahogany and a warm fireplace. $$$ (09/2010)
77 Monroe Center
616-454-7455
louisbenton.com -
BLOOM
Crisp greens, creamy cheese plates and seared whitefish are the draws at this organic restaurant. There’s also a top-notch drink menu with a variety of artisanal beers. $$$ (07/2010)
40 Monroe Center
616-632-2233
bloomgr.com
