In any city, there are eateries that become big names through word of mouth, marketing and familiarity. And then are the hidden gems.
By “hidden,” we don’t necessarily mean they’re tucked away on a random corner in the middle of nowhere. Call them underrated, or overlooked, or best-kept secrets, if you want.
These spots have a smaller but highly devoted following, who sometimes keep the good word to themselves to avoid long lines (understandable, but a risky gamble if you want them to stick around). Or fans might try to bring more people into the fold, but struggle with the fact people get anxious about trying new things and stick with what they know.
Regardless, it’s our job at Revue to help blow up their spots, and we won’t apologize for doing so. We want these hidden gems to get the love they deserve and not just survive, but thrive. So if you’re looking to go beyond the usual big names, here are a few underrated hidden gem restaurants and take-out joints around Grand Rapids.
7 Mares Restaurant
1403 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
Tucked away in the South East area, 7 Mares has thrived as a neighborhood favorite, with fans raving about their entire menu as the best Mexican food in all of Grand Rapids. Fish tacos, al pastor, shrimp enchiladas, California burritos—it’s all top-notch. Whenever it’s recommended, you’ll see people saying, “Shhh, don’t blow up my favorite spot!’
Sushi Yama
146 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids
Sushi Yama has been serving up sushi in the heart of downtown for decades now, despite being somewhat hidden in the basement of McKay Tower. They serve up affordable yet quality sushi in a unique environment, just down some stairs off Monroe Center. It’s the real deal.
The Latin House
3363 Remembrance Road, Walker
If you keep driving west down Leonard, you’ll eventually find The Latin House, an underrated treasure serving authentic South American cuisine you won’t find anywhere else. It’s Argentinian, Colombian and Peruvian food packed with flavor, like Lomo Saltado, Bandeja Paisa, and Churrasco. Don’t know what that means? Go check it out!
Adobo Boy
4492 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
Having just recently moved into their spot on the north end of Plainfield, Adobo Boy isn’t in the most visible area, but they’re drawing fans from not only around the city, but across the state. Their Filipino cuisine is authentic as it gets, and served with an abundance of heart, passion and joy from the whole Marasigan family. Get the adobo bowl, the lumpia, and everything else.
Mi Pueblito
1499 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids
In our opinion, not enough people are talking about Mi Pueblito, despite being located right in the heart of Eastown. This Mexican eatery has all the usual faves, plus a large selection of tostadas, tlayudas and tortas. Not only that, but they’re open ‘til 2 AM on weekends and offer online ordering, if you need a quality fourth meal.
Wishes Food-Snacks-And More
1216 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
There are burgers, and there are fries. What more do you need? Nothing, when they’re done this well. It’s highly affordable, noticeably fresh, and famously delicious. The end!
B&N Sandwiches
4242 S. Division Ave., Kentwood
If you want a true blue banh mi—authentic, affordable and quickly prepared—this is the place to be. Stowed within the hallway leading to Kim Nhung Superstore, it’s easy to miss, but hard to forget once you’ve visited. Head there for banh mi, banh bao, summer rolls, and a whole bunch of packaged snacks.
Dirty Plate Bistro
961 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
While not exactly hidden, we have to admit some people have been turned off by the name—this is a mistake. You want to try Dirty Plate’s rotating menu, passionately crafted by the chef and owner Ben, bringing classic meals with flare to the table. This week’s menu, for instance, includes a pork belly sandwich, kimchi grilled cheese, elk hachis parmentier, and more.
Al-Bo’s
2930 Shaffer Ave. SE, Kentwood
Just off 28th Street, Al-Bo’s is quietly serving up a delectable array of Albanian, Bosnian and Coration cuisine. If you love meat, this is an especially great place for you. Try the cevapi sausages, served with fluffy lepina bread, onion, sour cream and ajvar (an amazing red pepper relish).
FireFox & CM Chicken
3323 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids
Nearby Al-Bo’s is FireFox, an unpretentious Korean fried chicken eatery with rave reviews. You can go for something as simple (yet delicious) as wings or tenders, or go for a “snow” bowl, smothered in sliced sweet onions and your sauce of choice.
