Exploring Creston in Grand Rapids

Creston World War II Memorial

Erected in 1944 “to honor all men and women of Greater Creston who are serving in the armed forces of our country,” the Creston WWII Memorial was financed by people of the neighborhood and contains the names of more than 100 Creston citizens who died in World War II. The granite sculpture was designed by local artist Henry Datema of the VanHouten Sign Company. The memorial is placed at the intersection of Plainfield Ave and Coit Ave.

The DAAC

The Division Avenue Arts Collective (DAAC) is an all-ages music venue, art gallery and DIY project incubator started in 2003 by a group of local creatives. Fueled by volunteers, it is intended as a safe and neutral space for artistic expression for all. The venue hosts music events and more. 1553 Plainfield Ave NE #4.

Lamberton Lake Fen Nature Preserve

The most urban preserve protected by the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, Lamberton Lake Fen is a type of wetland that is very rare in West Michigan. The preserve supports more than 100 native plant species, and the fen is home to several plant and animal species that are threatened, endangered or otherwise imperiled in Michigan. A berm provides a convenient pathway through the preserve, allowing views of Lamberton Creek and the wetlands on either side of the trail. The natural surface trail is just 0.2 miles long and 15 feet wide. 3118 Plaza Dr NE.

Mural Tour

The North Quarter Mural Tour is a self-guided exploration of 20+ large-scale murals in the Creston area. As you walk (or drive) the tour, keep your eye out for painted storm drains and crosswalks, as well, all created by local artists.

Northfield Lanes

Northfield Lanes offers 16 lanes, billiards tables and a sports bar with big-screen TVs and patio seating. For many years, the business was co-owned by Marion Ladewig, a Grand Rapids native who was named Female Bowler of the Year by the Bowling Writers Association of America a record nine times between 1940 and 1963. 2222 Plainfield Ave NE.

Van Belkum Library

The Van Belkum Branch of the Grand Rapids Public Library opened in 1943 and moved to its current location in 1999, when local business owner Nick Van Belkum donated his building to the library. This library offers public computers and printing in addition to a selection of books and other media. 1563 Plainfield Ave NE.

616 Kabob Stop

616 Kabob Stop is a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant offering a wide variety of made-from-scratch family recipes, including grape leaves, shawarma pita wraps and falafel dishes. There are burgers, tacos and wings on the menu, too, along with Turkish coffee, cardamom hot tea and other authentic beverages. 2232 Plainfield Ave NE.

Café Mamo

Wine Spectator Magazine named Café Mamo one of the 12 best new restaurants of 2022, a list reserved for standout wine spots that also offer a memorable dining experience. Opened in summer 2021 by husband-and-wife team Michael Goessman (chef) and Summer Knoop (a certified wine sommelier), Café Mamo is an intimate wine-driven eatery with a rotating food menu “inspired by Grandma’s garden.” 1601 Plainfield Ave NE.

Carlo’s Pizza

Order from-scratch pizza, pasta, subs and more for dine-in or takeout at Carlo’s Pizza. Owner Gino Stabile brings more than 35 years of experience to his craft. 3150 Plainfield Ave NE.

Charlie’s Bar & Grille

Charlie’s is a laid-back bar and restaurant offering burgers, sandwiches and other comfort food made with as many Michigan ingredients as possible. Bar service showcases Michigan beers, too. Outdoor patio. 3519 Plainfield Ave NE.

Choo Choo Grill

The Choo Choo Grill  has been serving up fresh-made burgers and hearty breakfasts since 1946 in a cozy space seating just 20 or so people (but you can always get takeout). One-pound, half-pound and third-pound burgers are available to satisfy any appetite, and there’s a variety of sandwiches and salads, as well. The bright red building housing the restaurant was built in 1924 as a train depot. 1209 Plainfield Ave NE.

Fat Boy Burgers

Fat Boy is a classic burger joint that was founded in 1952 and still packs ‘em in six days a week. (It’s closed on Mondays). Breakfast favorites are available until 11am, when burgers and sandwiches take over. The iconic neon sign is a wonderful throwback to the “Happy Days” era.

FIKA

OPENING SPRING 2025: FIKA is a 100% plant-based, 100% gluten-free brunch spot featuring savory and sweet breakfast options and lunch options including salads, sandwiches and smoothies. A curated market area will sell local goods and snacks. Located on the ground floor of the new Lofts on Grove apartment complex. 1359 Plainfield Ave NE.

Frosty Boy

Probably best known for its unique lemon-flavored soft serve ice cream, Frosty Boy also rotates a selection of hard-serve ice cream flavors from Michigan companies Country Dairy and Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream. All soft serve ice creams are gluten-free and they also offer vegan/dairy-free soft serve, gluten-free cake and waffle cones, and vegan/gluten-free shakes and flurries. Open March-October. 1757 Plainfield Ave NE.

Gaia House Café

Gaia House Café opened in 2021, reviving the legendary recipes and laid-back vibe of the original Gaia in GR’s Eastown neighborhood, which closed in 2014. This comfy space is open for breakfast and lunch, with a menu of vegetarian dishes that can often be made vegan – just ask your server. Gaia is also a coffee and juice bar serving naturally vegan coffees and fresh-pressed juices. 1553 Plainfield Ave NE #1.

Graydon’s Crossing

Inspired by the English Pub dining experience, Graydon’s Crossing serves up comfort food with a twist, ranging from Fish & Chips and Shepherd’s Pie to burgers and salads. Full bar. 1223 Plainfield Ave NE.

Iker’s Tacos

Formerly known as La Huasteca, Iker’s renamed itself and moved to a new Creston location after it lost its original lease – and boy, are fans of authentic Mexican cuisine happy  that they did. In addition to tacos, you’ll find tamales, tortillas, fajitas, quesadillas and much more on the menu. 1634 Coit Ave.

Lucy’s

Voted America’s 12^th best brunch restaurant in a 2024 Yelp survey, Lucy’s offers a variety of breakfast and lunch selections until mid-afternoon every day. Baked goods are made from scratch, with a variety of them available for retail purchase. Enjoy coffee, tea and cocktails with your meal. 1747 Plainfield Ave NE.

Mike’s Wings

This casual eatery serves traditional and boneless wings in many flavors, plus chicken strips, sandwiches, fish, shrimp, Polish dogs and more. Beverage choices at Mike’s Wings include Kool-Aid. 1808 Monroe Ave NW.

Mizizi

Originally started as a food truck, MIZIZI transitioned to a brick-and-mortar location in January 2024. It offers a unique fusion of Swahili and Latin American cuisine, from Birria ramen, coconut curry pilau bowls and East African chapattis to burritos, quesadillas and tacos. 1539 Plainfield Ave NE.

Nourish Kitchen

You have to plan ahead to partake of a Nourish Kitchen Meal – order online by Thursday for Monday delivery or pickup and by Friday for Tuesday delivery or pickup. The rotating breakfast dishes, entrees, soups, salads and snacks are all made from scratch. 2162 Plainfield Ave NE.

Quinn & Tuite's Irish Pub

With the words “Céad Míle Fáilte!”– which means “A Hundred Thousand Welcomes” – over the entrance, you know to expect warm hospitality inside Quinn & Tuite's. There are more than 90 Irish whiskeys and beers available alongside selections from Grand Rapids and around the world. Pool tables, cornhole and a weekly Irish sing-along add to the fun. The St. Paddy’s Day celebrations are legendary. 1535 Plainfield Ave NE.

Real Food Cafe

“Real Food, Made From Scratch” is the calling card at family-owned Real Food Café, which serves breakfast all day long. Weekend specials make brunch even more fun – Breakfast Tacos, Custard Stuffed Pecan French Toast and BBQ Smoked Chicken Skillet are a few recent examples. Tasty malts and milkshakes, too. 3514 Plainfield Ave NE.

Rezervoir Lounge

This Bourbon Street-inspired casual restaurant and pub brings a taste of New Orleans to GR with such dishes as Cajun Fritters, Chorizo Dip, Gumbo and Jambalya (regular and vegan versions). “The Rez” also offers many traditional burgers, sandwiches and pizzas on the menu, too, plus daily food & drink specials. 1418 Plainfield Ave NE.

Rice Wok

Rice Wok is a takeout Chinese eatery featuring a menu of fried rice, lo mein, shrimp, chicken, beef and more. 3150 Plainfield Ave NE Ste G.

River North Public House

This neighborhood restaurant and bar offers a nice variety of sharables, handhelds and more, which you can wash down with a wide selection of wine, beer and cocktails. The patio out front makes River North especially popular in summer months. 2115 Plainfield Ave NE.

Saugatuck Brewing Co. | Creston Taproom

A cozy food-and-drink spot with a lively yet laid-back atmosphere and elevated pub fare, Creston Taproom is operated by a brewery headquartered in Saugatuck, 40 minutes southwest of Grand Rapids. Enjoy handcrafted beers and delicious meals seven days a week, plus a wonderful Sunday brunch. 1504 Plainfield Ave NE.

Sparrows Coffee

Serving a wide array of coffees, teas, botanicals and specialty drinks, Sparrows Coffee also offers a selection of coffee blends for home use, including its Joven Coffee line that helps support the next generation of coffee farmers. Have a seat on the outdoor patio when the weather cooperates. 2225 Plainfield Ave NE.

Taco Boy

Serving Grand Rapids at this location since 1967, Taco Boy is known as the “Home of the Super Burrito” – but its no-nonsense tacos are also an enduring draw. Beef tacos are available hard or soft. For a real deal, take advantage of Taco Tuesday, when regular prices are slashed. 3475 Plainfield Ave NE.

Tacos El Cunado

This local quick-service restaurant chain serves some of the best Mexican food in town, according to numerous local surveys. Head to Tacos El Cunado for authentic meals and beverages, plus a kid’s menu. 3140 Plainfield Ave NE.

Too Tall’s Tasty Treats

“Sweet Treats & Savory Eats” is the promise at Too Tall’s, a takeout ice cream shop where locals line up for the towering vanilla, chocolate and vanilla/chocolate twist soft-serve cones. Each week brings a new soft-serve flavor that can be twisted with vanilla. There are also many Hudsonville Ice Cream hard-serve flavors to choose from, as well as shakes, slushies, floats, sundaes, flurries and popsicles. The savory menu includes a few burgers, hot dogs, chicken dishes and apps/sides. 2963 Coit Ave NE.

Vinny’s Bar

Named to our 2024 list of the best local dive bars, Vinny’s has been a Creston fixture for 80+ years. Vinny’s doesn’t serve food, but feel free to bring something in from a nearby restaurant. Be sure to bring cash, too – the bar doesn’t accept credit cards. 1815 Plainfield Ave NE.

Also in Creston: Arby’s, Denny’s, Hungry Howie’s Pizza, Papa John’s, Pizza Hut/Wing Station, Scooter’s Coffee, Taco Bell and Wendy’s.

The DAAC

DAAC Presents! Third Saturday is a monthly concert series showcasing local and regional musicians. With a maximum capacity of 96 people – including performers, volunteers and audience – the space is intimate and welcoming. All shows are open to all ages and the venue is wheelchair accessible. The DAAC also hosts a monthly Open Jam for anyone who likes to make music with others, and a number of other events. 1553 Plainfield Ave NE #4.

Golden Age at Creston Brewery

Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, historic pressed tin ceilings and an art deco-inspired bar, the Golden Age venue on the second floor of Saugatuck Brewing Co. | Creston Taproom hosts a variety of comedy shows, music performances and other special events. 1504 Plainfield Ave NE.

Aberdeen Park

Aberdeen Park features a playground, picnic shelter, ball diamond, basketball court, tennis courts, soccer field, open green spaces and a Michigan-themed splash pad. The splash pad is open June-September. 2230 Eastern Ave NE.

Briggs Park

With a huge pool and giant waterslide, Briggs Park is a go-to summer destination for Creston families. There’s also a playground, basketball court, tennis courts, picnic area and picnic shelter. 324 Knapp St SE.

Huff Park

The Huff Park playground features structures crafted almost entirely from wood, with some parts that cater to fans of obstacle courses, like a spider web of rope to climb and a hanging log balance beam. The park also includes picnic areas, baseball diamonds and access points to the 3,500-foot Cattail Crossing at Huff Park Nature Preserve walking trail. 1500 Aberdeen St NE.

Riverside Park

At 100+ acres, Riverside Park is the largest park in the city park system and features nearly one mile of Grand River frontage. Amenities include an accessible kayak and canoe launch, 18-hole disc golf course, playgrounds, athletic fields, picnic pavilions and walking trails. The park’s trail system links up to the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail, which goes all the way to Cadillac, Michigan, 90 miles north of Grand Rapids. 2001 Monroe Ave NE.

North Quarter Pathways

North Quarters Pathways is a collection of five distinct loop trails that weave throughout the Creston neighborhood and along Plainfield Avenue. Ranging from 0.9 miles to 1.5 miles, each loop passes by unique businesses and points of interest . Click here to view and download a walking map.

Sweet Street Park

Situated between City High/Middle School and Kent Country Club, the oldest golf club in Michigan, Sweet Street Park is a small park with a Kaboom playground, wooden playground and bench designed for sunset viewing. 475 Sweet St NE.

Books

Great Matter Books buys and sells all genres of used books, but it specializes in non-fiction. 2436 Plainfield Ave NE.

Clothing

2RST was founded on the idea that everyone can benefit from living life like a tourist, and it offers a diverse inventory of clothing, footwear, skateboards, coffee and more. 1511 Plainfield Ave NE.

Mieras Family Shoes has provided West Michigan with quality name-brand footwear and premium service since 1922. 3130 Plainfield Ave NE.

Mission India Super Thrift sells donated clothing, furniture, books, houseware items and more to benefit Christian mission in India. 2146 Plainfield Ave NE.

Renee Austin Wedding is an elegant shop offering fashionable designer wedding gowns, plus dresses for the bridal party. 1555 Plainfield Ave NE.

Food & Drink

Creston Market is a neighborhood corner store featuring specialty coffee, wine, craft beer, fresh produce and much more. 1403 Plainfield Ave NE.

Heffron Farms Market sells beef, pork, chicken, turkey, dairy products, eggs and more, most of it naturally raised on local fourth-generation Heffron Farms. 3150 Plainfield Ave NE.

J & K Party Store offers a wide variety of beers, wines and spirits along with party and convenience items. 1237 Plainfield Ave NE.

Ken’s Fruit Market is a place to shop for fresh produce, hand-cut meats, specialty grocery items, and seasonal garden plants and products. 3500 Plainfield Ave NE.

Kingma’s Market, serving Grand Rapids for 80+ years, includes a butcher, deli, bakery, bulk foods section, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, 800+ wines, 500+ beers, a garden center and more. 2225 Plainfield Avenue NE.

Health & Beauty

Kay Pharmacy, a third-generation family owned business, continues to serve the neighborhood with its “tradition of convenient, caring, personal service.” 2178 Plainfield NE.

Hobbies & Gifts

Alive Again is a retro horror store stocked with movies, books, collectibles and lots more – including “watchdog” Elvira the tarantula. 1541 Plainfield Ave NE.

Black Cat Bodega is an artisan gift shop offering an array of metaphysical supplies and hosting a variety of workshops and events. 2458 Plainfield Ave NE.

Boomtown Records buys and sells vinyl records, cassettes, CDs and other music formats, along with retro video games. 1809 Plainfield Ave NE Ste A.

Johnny Ford Sports Cards & Memorabilia stocks vintage and modern trading cards, autographed items and more. 3150 Plainfield Ave NE Ste E.

The Natural Order offers potted houseplants, exotic herbs, rare succulents, antiques and home décor items. 1519 Plainfield Ave NE.

Rit Music is a locally owned and operated music store selling a variety of instruments and accessories. 3150 Plainfield Ave NE.

Theatricks is the city’s go-to destination for theatrical costumes and special effects makeup (which makes it really popular around Halloween).

Home Décor

Stonesthrow is a modern furniture store offering furniture, art and accessories for the living room, bedroom, dining room and home office. 1428 Plainfield Ave NE.

Sporting Goods

Switchback Gear Exchange is both a full-service bike shop selling and servicing new and used bikes, and a community gathering space serving adult and non-alcoholic beverages. 2166 Plainfield Ave NE.

Also in Creston: CVS and Dollar General.

Motel 6

Motel 6 is the Creston location of this budget hotel chain, where kids stay free, pets are allowed and they’ll always leave a light on for you. 3221 Plainfield Ave NE.

Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront

Located just across the Grand River from the Creston neighborhood, the Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront is a perfect home base for exploring both Creston and downtown GR. Amenities include free parking, an onsite restaurant, indoor pool, fitness center and business center. 270 Ann St NW.

Creston Farmers Market

Creston Farmers Market brings fresh-grown produce and other local goods to City High/Middle School each week during the summer. 1720 Plainfield Ave NE.

Creston Garden Tour

The Creston Garden Tour is an annual self-guided tour of the area’s most beautiful gardens. July 14, 2025.

Creston Pride

Launched in 2024, Creston Pride celebrates the local LGBTQ+ community with the "World's Smallest Pride Parade," entertainment, food trucks, vendor booths and more. Sept. 7, 2025.

Art Bash for Creston

Established in 2006, this festival of creativity and community spirit buzzes with live music, live art and refreshing drinks, all to support the Creston Neighborhood Association. Sept. 24, 2025.

Lights on Creston

This annual December event celebrates the holidays with magical trolley rides to area shops for convenient gift shopping. In 2024, Lights on Creston debuted the Crestkindlmarkt as part of the event, featuring a variety of delicious food, festive drinks and more. Dec. 12, 2024.