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Patrons create their own stir-fried dishes at this popular Western Michigan restaurant, whose contemporary architecture pays tribute to traditional Mongolian banquet halls. At such places, the fierce Kublai Khan and his minions would feast on the bounties of their hunts after the food was prepared on a huge griddle. Founder Bill Downs has given Grand Rapids a place where patrons can take the "interactive" approach to mealtime. As you move through buffet-style lines of fresh vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood, you're encouraged to get as much of whatever you want. Once you've piled a plate high, make your way to the grill area, where the chef will prepare your dish to your delight. Fun and energetic, BD's Mongolian Barbeque is a terrific dining experience for the entire family – just make sure you come with an open mind and an empty stomach.
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Bombay Cuisine
1420 Lake Dr, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 · 616-456-7055
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EASTOWN. Boasting what many regulars deem the best tandoori and vindaloo dishes in the city, this Eastown staple looks more like a pub than an Indian joint. Inside, however, you'll find an authentic setting where a large picture window is all that separates the skilled kitchen staff from paying customers. Indian-influenced artwork and furnishings adorn the two main dining areas, and the air is heavy with appetizing aromas. All dishes are cooked to order, including homemade naan. Those wishing to experience something a little different will want to consider taking tea in the connecting Lake Chai Café.
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Cherie Inn
969 Cherry St SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49503 · 616-458-0588
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EASTOWN. Cherie Inn specializes in breakfast and lunch, Euro-style. A neighborhood staple for more than 60 years, the eatery offers a cozy, café-style setting complete with French flags, weathered brick walls, pressed tin ceiling, and intimate tables. Breakfast is the true star, as patrons can tell from eggs Florentine, blueberry pancakes, and breakfast crêpes; meanwhile, lunch turns heads and satisfies taste buds with baguettes, soups, and small-portioned entrees.
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WEST DOWNTOWN. One of the best reasons to make your way west of the river is this authentic Mexican eatery, where Mexican barbecue, chicken fajitas, and Milanesa de Res (fried steak with guacamole) win over diners' stomachs on a nightly basis. Indeed, this cozy, cafeteria-style eatery wows with its homestyle offerings of traditional and "Americanized" Mexican fare. A surprisingly good breakfast menu features the likes of Huevos a la Mexicana (scrambled eggs with onions and jalapenos) and Machacado (scrambled eggs with shredded beef), each of which is served with beans, rice, and your choice of tortilla shells. Reservations are not required.
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DOWNTOWN. Usually the first place mentioned when you ask a local where to find good Mexican, the energetic Margarita Grille is home to, perhaps, Grand Rapids' tastiest and most potent margaritas. The Grill claims one of the area's more eclectic interiors, with its eye-popping murals hand-painted onto brick walls, stylish bistro tables, ceramic floors, exposed ductwork, and a sleek bar area. The menu features chimichangas, fajitas, steak ranchero, and a wide range of combination platters. After dinner and drinks, head to the dance floor. DJs or local bands keep the party going late, especially on nights when there's an event at Van Andel Arena across the street.
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Ignore Mikado's rather mundane strip-mall location. This is one of the city's best places to find authentic Japanese cuisine, and there are separate menus for sushi and sashimi. Dinner specialties include ginger beef, broiled eel, and a variety of terrific tempura and teriyaki dishes. While the decor is rather unimpressive—the brightly lit interior evidences Eastern minimalism at its best—the friendly waitstaff and outgoing chefs go a long way toward making all patrons feel welcome. Take out is available, and reservations are accepted.
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Pita House
1450 Wealthy St SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 · 616-454-1171
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EASTOWN. A quick and easy lunch spot in the Eastown area, this Mediterranean eatery serves up what may be the best gyros in town. Come into the friendly setting and order up all of your favorite dishes – tabbouleh, dolmades, hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, and shish kebabs. Be sure to save room after your meal for a few squares of baklava to go. Take out is available.
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DOWNTOWN. One of the hippest places on Grand Rapids' downtown restaurant scene, San Chez was also one of Western Michigan's first tapas joints. Building on a centuries-old tradition begun on Spain's Mediterranean coast, this trendy eatery combines West European ambiance and attitude with high-quality, friendly service. From paella and Cuban-style grilled sandwiches to fresh salmon, lamb, and calamari, the exciting menu has no qualms about offering diners a wide range of cuisine types – all of them flavorful works of art. Save room for dessert, or you'll never forgive yourself for passing up the likes of Platanos Maduros (fried ripe plantains in caramel sauce) or flan served with caramel and bread pudding.
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Tokyo Grill
4478 Breton Rd SE, Kentwood, MI 49508 · 616-455-3433
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KENTWOOD. A grand alternative for those seeking a break from run-of-the-mill meat and three joints, this cozy eatery offers full sushi and hibachi menus for lunch and dinner. For less than $15, you can enjoy the likes of the Tempura-Sushi Combo, which comes with 3 pieces each of shrimp tempura and sushi and a California roll. First time? Check out their "beginner's menu," which offers a variety of options lettered A through E. Maki sushi is also available, and you can have it spiced to suit your taste. À la carte options include quail eggs, salmon roe, sea urchin, octopus, and sweet shrimp. Take out is available, and reservations are suggested.
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Yen Ching
4605 28th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512 · 616-235-6969
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KENTWOOD. This Chinese restaurant is noteworthy for its terrific food and friendly, professional service. Inside, you'll find a warm, inviting setting, where subdued lighting and a graceful decor add an air of refinement to the place. Start your meal off with a bowl of egg drop or wonton soup, and move on to more serious matters like marinated Yen Ching Duck, Shantung Beef sautéed in a garlic pepper sauce, and sautéed Vermicelli with Chinese bean bread.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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