It can get a little tricky trying to find a place to eat where the entire family is happy with the menu options. We all have our picky eaters and have had to settle on Applebee’s more than a few times. And aside from the food, plenty of restaurants aren’t the best place to bring your little ones when they’re rowdy. So we put together a list of just a few of the family friendly eateries in town. We’ve got you covered for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert.
BREAKFAST
Cherie Inn
969 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids
cherieinn.com
With its doors open for nearly 100 years, Cherie Inn offers up unique homemade breakfast and hospitable service. The cozy atmosphere of Cherie Inn makes you feel like you’re sitting in your own home with friends and family. Bring the whole family in for delicious breakfast plates that’ll get the day started off right.
LUNCH
Two Beards Deli
38 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
twobeardsgr.com
Two Beards Deli boasts a sandwich menu for even the pickiest of eaters. With over 90 delicious sandwiches to choose from — all named after famous bearded fellows — you’ll want to stop by again and again. Not only is the food incredible, but the environment is inviting to all. From the warm yellow walls filled with art, to the friendly staff, you’ll keep coming back for more.
Kingfisher Restaurant & Deli
1001 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids
kingfishergr.com
Like Marie Catrib’s before it, Kingfisher is a family business, which means they go above and beyond to make families feel welcome. You can develop your kids’ palate at an early age with Mediterranean
dishes or satisfy their picky taste with the a la carte menu.
DINNER
Brick Road Pizza Co.
1017 Wealthy St., Grand Rapids
brickroadpizza.com
A lot of love and thoughtfulness goes into the food and menu at Brick Road Pizza Co. The restaurant advocates the use of local products and aims to be as sustainable as possible. Brick Road has plenty of space for families, and the chill atmosphere should keep your kids calm. The menu offers up a wide variety of options from soup, salad, pasta, burgers, sandwiches and, of course, pizza. Order up a classic pie for the table or try one of the restaurant’s unique specialty creations. We’re partial to the Buffalo chicken pizza.
Rose’s
550 Lakeside Dr. SE, Grand Rapids
thegilmorecollection.com/roses
The historic Rose’s restaurant has been serving up delicious food, hospitality and lake views for decades. The menu offers up a delightful fusion of Mediterranean, Italian and American eats. Along with the exquisite dining options, the peaceful atmosphere creates an environment welcoming all.
City Built Brewing Co.
820 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
citybuiltbrewing.com
Kids can enjoy Beer City too! One of the first things you see when you walk into City Built’s taproom is a play area for kids. They have games, toys, a chalkboard, a whiteboard — all helpfully right by the waiting area. And the kids menu is fun, with quesadillas, tacos, carrot sticks and more.
Brewery Vivant
925 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids
breweryvivant.com
Walk through the historic building and you’ll find yourself in the beer garden, filled with huge tables perfect for families, not to mention a play place tucked away in the back. It’s perfect for the kids to run around and unleash their energy while you enjoy delicious pints. The kids menu has the classics: homemade mac and cheese, chicken fingers, hamburgers, and even a Big Kids Board, which will teach them early on to appreciate a good charcuterie plate.
Max’s South Seas Hideaway
58 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
maxstiki.com
When you’re enjoying a colorful, fruity cocktail, your kids just might get jealous, which you never want. That’s why Max’s offers kids cocktails, like Gilligan’s Grog, with fresh orange and lemon juice, grenadine, mint and citrus soda. The kids’ food menu is unique too, with chicken skewers, fried rice, crab rangoons and more!
San Chez Bistro
38 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
sanchezbistro.com
San Chez shrinks its tapas concept down so kids can join in on the shareable fun, with small plates like Kid’s Tortellini and Grilled Chez, as well as drinks like the Algerian Sunset, a peach vanilla cream soda topped with whipped cream.
DESSERT
Underground Cookie Club
5422 Division Ave., Grand Rapids
undergroundcookieclub.com
Save plenty of room for dessert when you walk into the Underground Cookie Club. Describing themselves as the ultimate pop culture haven, the shop centers itself around everything you loved growing up, and everything your kids will love too. The atmosphere is inclusive to all fandoms and they strive to make everyone feel welcome and at home. On top of that, the shop’s handcrafted artisan ice cream sandwiches are anything but boring and almost too beautiful to eat.
Cindy’s Donuts and Ice Cream
4020 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids
facebook.com/cindysdonutsandicecream
When you walk through the doors here, you’re greeted with a friendly staff and a large case filled with fresh, homemade doughnuts. Cindy’s is the perfect sweet tooth destination for all ages. If a doughnut isn’t your first go-to, the shop offers up homemade pastries, Hudsonville ice cream and tasty breakfast sandwiches. Don’t forget to pair your treats with a fresh cup of coffee or creamy chocolate milk.
