Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Grand Rapids / Western Michigan

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Grand Rapids / Western Michigan? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Crazy Horse Steakhouse and Saloon

4.9

4.9 (590)

$30 and under

Steak

Holland

About the restaurant

Crazy Horse Steakhouse and Saloon in Holland, Michigan has received the "Best of Michigan" award for 18 years in a row now. While it's obviously a steakhouse, there is so much more at Crazy Horse Steakhouse and Saloon to enjoy. For nearly 25 years, the menu here has also featured ribs, sweet marinated chicken and lots of seafood options.

There are some great sandwiches and burgers at Crazy Horse Steakhouse and Saloon, too. The bacon cheddar burger, boot kicken' bleu burger and Zeek's classic burger are just three specialties worth considering. If you like barbecue, try the big pig. You'll get a plate of slow-cooked pork barbecue piled high on a home-style bun.

Top review

Jo-Dea

Dined 1 day ago

The prime rib is excellent. I also love the red skin garlic mashed potatoes.

Brewster’s New Buffalo

4.9

4.9 (2206)

$30 and under

Italian

New Buffalo

About the restaurant

A beautiful, locally owned restaurant located in downtown New Buffalo, Michigan; Brewster’s New Buffalo puts a modern twist on traditional Italian fare. Our Chef uses a wide variety of fresh, innovative ingredients to create dishes. Our sommelier and bar manager take pride in curating the finest selection of liquor, beer and wine, including wonderful locally and Michigan made specialties.

We are open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every day, all year round! (Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)

We look forward to having you as our guests!

Top review

RobertVIP

Dined on Apr 28, 2025

Very nice restaurant delicious food & our server was excellent!

Bravo Italian Kitchen - Lansing

4.8

4.8 (901)

$30 and under

Italian

Lansing

About the restaurant

Bravo Lansing is an upscale-casual Italian restaurant in Lansing, perfect for those seeking authentic pasta, wood-fired pizza, and signature entrées. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and wine in our inviting, family-friendly atmosphere, surrounded by stunning Roman-ruin décor. Planning a holiday party or Thanksgiving celebration? We offer catering services and easy reservations to make your event special. Whether dining in or ordering online, Bravo Lansing is the place to eat in Lansing, MI for great Italian cuisine. Visit us today-reserve your table or order online!

Top review

Sanal

Dined 6 days ago

Great server, tasty food. Overall, fantastic experience

Lucky Rooster

4.7

4.7 (365)

$30 and under

Italian

Battle Creek

About the restaurant

Lucky Rooster Kitchen and Cocktails features an innovative and entertaining dining experience. From locally sourced Italian classics to hand crafted cocktails with an imported twist. Outdoor dining, family seating, and custom crafted bar will entertain every need. With chef inspired recipes and cocktails that put freshness first, Lucky Rooster is bringing flavor back to Battle Creek. Locally owned, locally sourced, and locally loved. Come check us out soon.

Top review

Kathy

Dined on Apr 25, 2025

Once again, a great leisurely dining experience with wonderful food, service and ambiance.

Plank's Tavern

4.6

4.6 (1172)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Saint Joseph

About the restaurant

Plank's Tavern on the Water is on one of the oldest harbors in the Great lakes.
Its approachable modern menu, home-style seating, and waterfront location takes inspiration from the place it's in, the people who live here, and the past it comes from.

We offer indoor and outdoor seating, outdoor seating is available on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved. although every effort will be made to accommodate your seating preferences.

Join us in a place where everyone is welcomed!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 6 days ago

We love planks and come every year for our anniversary. Always great service, ambience, food, and dtinks. The food this time was not good though :( We each ordered the beef filet and it had some bourbon sesame glaze and shitake on it that made it taste like chicken teriyaki and the roasted vegetables were hard carrots and broccolini. In the past weve gotten nice succulent juicy steaks but this was horrible. They were each 56$. Should have been 36$ at the most. So we spent 240$ and still went and got tacos afterwards. They did bring us anniversary champagne and dessert which was very nice. Drinks, service, and ambiance were wonderful

MeXo

4.6

4.6 (844)

$30 and under

Traditional Mexican

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Welcome to MeXo !

We offer prehispanic-influenced modern Mexican cuisine featuring Chef Oscars authentic regional cuisine, craft margaritas, and extensive tequila and mezcal selections. We offer private dining areas and rooms for curated chef dinners. MeXo offers scheduled Chef Dinners, Tequila Tastings, and private planned dinners.

Top review

Jody

Dined 6 days ago

Amazing food and service! Prices are high, but apps are doable for affordability.

Matchbox Diner and Drinks

4.6

4.6 (100)

$30 and under

American

Grand Rapids

About the restaurant

Matchbox Diner & Drinks is a neighborhood restaurant located in the heart of Eastown in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our modern diner and delicatessen features breakfast all-day, mile-high deli sandwiches, burgers, comfort food, delicious dinners, and a full bar. Matchbox Diner & Drinks is meant to be an extension of our home and our family, so expect good food and good people all year round.

Top review

Gary

Dined on Apr 30, 2025

Small quant place that serves wonderful comfort foods in abundance.

Alder & Iron at Railside Golf Club

4.5

4.5 (37)

$30 and under

American

Byron Center

About the restaurant

Located in Byron Center Mi inside of Railside Golf Club resides Alder and Iron. Welcome to our newly renovated and open to the public full service restaurant. We are delighted to entertain you!

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Nestled amidst the emerald fairways, Alder & Iron beckons with its irresistible charm and genuine warmth, making every visit feel like a cherished homecoming. As guests step through the doors, they’re enveloped in an atmosphere that radiates heartfelt hospitality, where each person is not just acknowledged, but embraced like an old friend.

Top review

Richard

Dined on Apr 26, 2025

Dinner was great. Our waitress Ava was kind and attentive to our needs. IT was a good night.

Sonny D's Bar & Grill

4.5

4.5 (114)

$30 and under

American

New Buffalo

About the restaurant

Enter our restaurant in New Buffalo and you’ll instantly experience a sense of belonging, reminiscent of a family gathering. This is the secret behind our four-decade-long success in the restaurant business, and the reason our patrons return time and again. Join us for a delectable meal today while.

Classic American with Italian Flare!

Open For Lunch & Dinner Monday-Friday at 12 est.

Now Serving weekend Brunch Saturday & Sunday Starting at 10am!

Top review

Dalia

Dined on Mar 27, 2025

Our server was fantastic! Great food, nice atmosphere, becoming one of our favorite places!

HopCat - Kalamazoo

4.4

4.4 (44)

$30 and under

American

Kalamazoo

About the restaurant

Located in a historic train freight depot, this location features a multi-season outdoor patio, private event space, and a special installation of guitars from Kalamazoo's own Heritage Guitars. We're a short walk from Bell's, Arcadia, and other downtown breweries and beer bars in this great beer city.

HopCat was founded on the principles of bringing local craft beer a bit closer to the communities we love. We’re known for our award-wining Cosmik fries, which are beer battered, sprinkled with our signature cracked black pepper seasoning, and served with a side of warm cheese sauce. From burgers to tacos, our menu offers a range of delicious options.

We live the craft lifestyle - beer, cocktails and even craft food made from scratch. With a dedication to local breweries, sustainability and community engagement, HopCat offers craft beer and great food in a vibrant atmosphere for an inclusive, unforgettable experience.

Top review

Paul

Dined on Apr 14, 2025

Good food and menu variety. Friendly and attentive service.

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