Neighborhood Guide: West Side

The well-respected neighborhood of West Side Grand Rapids, connected to downtown Grand Rapids by a footbridge in 1842, was initially inhabited by Irish, Polish, and German immigrants. During this time these communities began to establish diverse business districts among residential streets. Currently, a thriving Latino community plays a big part in this neighborhood’s inclusivity. Within the last few years, both Leonard Street and Bridge Street have been the recipients of a substantial amount of investments. This allowed each to become a hub for a chain of restaurants, shops, and select breweries.

Restaurants

Known as the "taco joint with a margarita problem", Condado Tacos has made its mark after opening last year in February. Being its first location in West Michigan, Condado Tacos attracts many who have a taste for Mexican. Their menu features tacos

and tequila but the main attraction is their build-your-own tacos. The choices allow for a range of toppings, proteins, shells, and sauces. This establishment prides itself on having fresh ingredients made daily. With a fun and energetic atmosphere, this is the place to be. Stop by during its happy hour weekdays from 4 pm to 6 pm which features margaritas, Gran Clasico, house pitchers, spiked lemonade, Cervezas, and bud light. Condado also allows its guests the option of sitting on its covered patio or inside its colorful walls. Who can say no to a good taco?

The Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria and Brewery is the best place to drink and have a good time. With its mother company being

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, oak-aged sour beer is a shared specialty. This takes place when the microbiological cultures in the oak give their beers an intricate flavor profile, often described as having an earthy taste. These beers are then aged up for sometimes 18 months to give them a pristine flavor profile. Awarded many medals, beer is a must when visiting this brewery. The Jolly Pumpkin also specializes in artisan pizzas as well as truffle fries, gourmet salads, sandwiches, and much more. A crowd pleaser is the truffled mushroom pizza that offers a particular taste, claiming it the best in Grand Rapids. If you’re looking for lively company The Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria and Brewery is for you.

For a heartier palet, Butcher’s Union offers an exemplary menu. With its dark woodsy atmosphere and mood lighting, Butcher’s Union is a great place to start date night! Outside of their delicious food, this restaurant offers inspired cocktails and an unrivaled whiskey collection. Featuring a vegetarian-friendly menu with both vegan and gluten-free options, this restaurant has a meal for anyone. It focuses on American cuisine, having one of its most popular entrees be its mouth-watering New York

Strip served with fried potatoes. Recommended by locals, this “meat forward” restaurant has a wide variety of options that, when possible, are locally sourced from trusted partners and farmers. Established in 2017, Bucher’s Union has made a name for itself in the last few years, supporting the local communities and creating meaningful connections, and has become a great addition to the Grand Rapids food scene. With an ever-busy dining room, make your wait time shorter by getting on their Yelp waiting list.

Shopping

With fall coming up, make sure to stop by Engelsma’s Apple Barn Cider Mill, Michigan’s best “Blue Ribbon” cider, freshly pressed daily. Apple picking season has just begun this September, with varieties including Honeycrisp, Gala, and MacIntosh. With the cider mill now up and running, you also have a chance to try the award-winning gourmet apple cider at their market. Engelsma’s Apple Barn Cider Mill cultivates a high-quality cider from apples locally created in its own orchards. The mill began producing fruit in Walker, Michigan during the 1920s and is run by the fourth generation of Engelsma’s family. Engelsma Apple Barn Cider is available in season across a multitude of venues including Forest Hills Foods, Horrocks Market, GVSU Farmer’s Market, Schwallier’s Country Basket, Lewis Farm Market and Petting farm, and Wells Orchard. Engelsma’s Apple Barn Cider Mill is the place for some family fun.

If ever in need of groceries, Bridge Street Market has made a name for itself on the West Side of Grand Rapids. Built with Michigan-specific elements such as reclaimed wood from local

farms and historic neighborhood brick, the 37,000-square-foot store is placed in the heart of the West Side. As the first small-format market opened by Meijer, Bridge Street Market offers a large selection of fresh produce, local and artisan groceries, and Meijer and national brand products all at low affordable prices. This store also cultivates a space that honors local and specialty businesses. This location host, Ferris Coffee, West Side Deli, and Hissho Sushi. This neighborhood grocery store brings the best selection of goods and convenience to the West Side.

Activities

Named as the tenth “Best New Public Golf Course Under $75” by Gold Digest in 2006, The Mines Golf Club is just a short drive from the heart of downtown Grand. The site is made up of mature hardwoods, rolling terrain, and sandy soils. The mine has amazingly designed holes in a convenient location for a

great price. With a fun but challenging layout, the Mines Golf Club offers an exceptional course. The Mines advertises as a par 70 that measures 6701 yards, with a slope of 137. With well-manicured lawns, this course has engaging topographical changes with raised tees and greens throughout. Built over a gypsum mine, The Mines Golf Club has one of the best golf courses in the West.

Come view the wildlife at John Ball Zoo. Including over 2,000 animals that range from lions, tigers, and bears, to chimpanzees, John Ball Zoo inspires its community to become active in the conservation of wildlife and the natural environment. You have the option to experience indoor and

outdoor exhibits. The zoo also features interactive activities such as a tram, zip line, high ropes course, and much more. If you are not a John Ball Zoo member, it is recommended that you purchase your tickets online to ensure a quick and easy entry although tickets are sold on sire as well. John Ball Zoo does close in the winter so be sure to visit before the end of November.