By Dana Kroll, Uptown Marketing and Communication Specialist.
When it comes to food and fun in Uptown, it’s no secret that we have our bases covered, pretty much regardless of what you might be looking for.
Sooo……say it’s some stellar brunch or breakfast you’re after.
OK then. No problemo (*shrugs confidently*).
Here are just a few of our favorites, in no particular order.
If it’s brunch you’re after:
TERRA GR RESTAURANT: Terra in Eastown is where to go for an upscale yet casual farm-to-table brunch experience and a rotating menu of creative offerings that are largely based on the seasonal goods of local providers. Many of their dishes are the brainchild(ren) of the amazing Chef Frain, of recent Food Network fame. Currently on deck is an absolutely divine Breakfast Burrito, with black beans, scrambled-egg, and brown rice on the inside, and queso fresco, cilantro-lime crema, and ancho chili sauce, on the out. Pair it with a beirmosa, trust us.
SQUIBB COFFEE AND WINE BAR:
Squibb, on Wealthy Street, is where you should head if you’re looking for a light and elegant brunch. Plus, it’s fun to say. Squibb. (Squibbsquibbsquibb). Grab a spot on their newly offered front patio seating, sip bubbles with friends, and peruse their petite menu of toasts and breakfast sandwiches. Try the Fancy Grilled Cheese – with Butterkaas, Brie, Prosciutto, and Blueberry Jam.
MATCHBOX DINER & DRINKS:
This dear little nook in the Eastown District puts a modern spin on classic diner fair, with yummies that include a Build-Your-Own Bennie (eggs benedict) menu, Potato Latkes, and Baked Crème Brulee French Toast. Matchbox rounds out the offerings with fun cocktails and a variety of signature bloody Marys. The food and the vibes, are cozy and cool.
FORTY ACRES SOUL KITCHEN:
Three words. Hip Hop Brunch. Nuff said.
OK not really enough said yet. We just thought that sounded cool. Here’s the skinny: Forty Acres is your spot for Saturday Morning brunch with beats. Delicious fare with southern and soul-food flare as well as a range of cocktails, served up with a side of Biggie, Tupac, Wu-tang, and whatever else the crew there feels like bumping to that morning. Try the Chicken and Corn Cakes! Located on Wealthy Street.
BROWN BUTTER CREPERIE:
This is for all you “brunch, but make it introverted” types; we see you. Maybe you just want brunch in bed; is that so wrong? Eastown’s Brown Butter Creperie has you covered with their Weekend Brunch Box, which includes four pre-made sweet crepe shells, an assortment of fillings and ingredients, and easy instructions on how to heat and plate. Chef’s kiss.
If it’s breakfast you seek:
WOLFGANG’S RESTAURANT:
Wolfgang’s. Ah, Wolfgang’s. Have you even Grand Rapids’ed, if you haven’t wolfed some breakie at Wolfgang’s? It’s. Thee. Spot. For that classic breakfast joint experience. The hustle n bustle of friendly cheery staff, those must-have, heavy ceramic breakfast mugs and plates, and of course, a ginormous, gigantic menu with anything you could ever hope for, breakfast-wise. We love the Banana Bread French Toast and allll the skillets (there are at least six or seven of them to choose from). An Eastown Must.
THAT EARLY BIRD:
At any given time, this is where you can head if you want to immerse yourself in the fresh, colorful, eclectic community that IS Eastown. Delicious coffee and a diverse menu with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available, and whose mainstays often include locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The menu includes a core list of everyday faves and usually also includes a specialty dish or limited-time feature; for example, their recently offered Brioche French Toast, served with Blueberry and Fig Compote, Maple Cream Cheese, and Toasted Oats and Nuts. Whew.
CHERIE INN:
This long-beloved European style café in the heart of our East Hills district offers a delightfully vintage and cozy atmosphere (with thoughtful details, like, a little fresh flower on each table, for example. Charming). The service is great. The menu is amazing. We’re partial to the Beef Tenderloin Benedict, which includes poached eggs and hollandaise, served atop marinated tenderloin, portobellos, and an English muffin.
See? We told you. Something for everyone. Oh – one word to the wise. Especially in light of Uptown’s ongoing efforts towards reopening, post COVID-19 shutdown, please be sure to reach to these businesses directly, to confirm their current hours, seating options, and possible additional offerings such as delivery, curbside takeaway, etc.