Exploring Eastown

Aquinas College

Aquinas College is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts college with roots dating back to 1886. The tree-lined campus hosts many public showings of music, theatre and visual arts throughout the school year. View the AQ Arts Calendar for events. 1700 Fulton St E.

Circle Theatre

Located on the grounds of Aquinas College, Circle Theatre is the only community theatre in the West Michigan area that specializes in summer theatre. It produces five “mainstage” plays and musicals, one family show and a Summer Concert Series each season. It is one of the city’s most enduring entertainment options, with a legacy dating back to 1953. 1703 Robinson Rd SE.

Eastown Murals

A Postcard of Eastown (1441 Wealthy St SE) and the Matchbox Diner Mural (1345 Lake Dr SE) are vibrant, large-scale depictions of the neighborhood and its icons. Three Eastown Pride Crosswalks at the intersection of Lake Dr and Genessee St are painted with colors from different LGBTQ+ flags. They’re all part of the self-guided Experience Grand Rapids Uptown Mural Tour and Uptown Grand Rapids Inc. Public Art Walking Tour.

Grand Rapids Pride Center

Since 1988, the Grand Rapids Pride Center has worked to create positive change for the 2-SLGBTQ+ community. In addition to hosting a wide variety of support groups and programs, it is open Monday-Friday for anyone who wishes to drop in. The Pride Center is the guiding force behind the Grand Rapids Pride Festival, an annual June festival that has become one of the city’s largest single-day events.  343 Atlas Ave SE.

Tia's Play Café

Tia’s Play Café is an indoor playground where parents can enjoy a good cup of coffee while keeping an eye on their kids as they play. Imaginative play, fine motor toys, and sensory exploration equipment like swings, slides and climbing/balancing gear provide a fun and engaging environment for children. There’s pre-packaged snacks, juice boxes, sodas and cheese sticks for kids, and lattes and cold brews for parents. 1533 Wealthy St SE.

Wilcox Park

Century-old Wilcox Park offers a host of modern amenities, including playground equipment, a ball diamond, basketball court, soccer field, tennis courts, picnic tables, an enclosed shelter and a splash pad open during the summer season. Abundant greenspace includes hammock stands and some wooded areas between the park and the campus of Aquinas College next door. 100 Youell Ave SE.

Basalt

Basalt  brings an interesting twist to Tex-Mex brunch vibes with a menu ranging from handcrafted tacos and quesadillas to breakfast and lunch sandwiches that will leave you drooling for more. The focus is on capturing the depth of flavor found in Tex-Mex cuisine while using locally sourced ingredients. Owner Steven Martinez is a native Texan (and member of the LGBTQIA+ community), so the flavors are authentic and the spirit is inclusive. 1450 Wealthy St SE.

Brown Butter Creperie & Café

Located in a historic building called the “Windmill,” Brown Butter is a cozy, light-filled spot for enjoying a taste of France in Grand Rapids. The menu includes a variety of sweet and savory crepes, breakfast crepes, gourmet Belgian waffles, coffees, teas, sodas and more. 1436 Wealthy St SE.

Chez Olga

Black and female-owned Chez Olga specializes in Caribbean and Creole dishes such as accra, fried plantains, jerk chicken, gumbo and goat ragu. You can also enjoy non-alcoholic Haitian drinks and an assortment of vegan dishes. Made famous by a 2019 episode of the Food Network show “Restaurant Impossible,” Chez Olga’s distinctive cuisine is matched by its one-of-a-kind building. 1441 Wealthy St SE.

Cottage Inn Gourmet Pizza

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI, Cottage Inn Pizza is a Midwest chain restaurant boasting fresh-made-daily dough and quality ingredients for its perfectly crafted pizzas. Also on the menu: wings, oven-toasted subs, salads, pastas and more. Takeout only. 1533 Wealthy St Ste B.

Eastown Sports Bar & Grill

Kick back with a cold one and watch the big games at the Eastown Sports Bar & Grill, which offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, salads and more to go with your beverage of choice. Pool tables, Jenga and darts keep the competitive juices flowing between games. 1520 Wealthy St SE.

El Cerrito Cocina Mexicana

Brothers Edgard and Juan Rocha deliver bold flavors and warm hospitality at El Cerrito Cochina Mexicana. The restaurant delivers a modern take on traditional Mexican family recipes along with an extensive drink menu featuring authentic handcrafted margaritas and much more. 1400 Lake Dr SE.

Franca’s Pizzeria

Family-owned Franca’s Pizzeria serves up an extensive menu of specialty pies, pastas, stromboli and other Italian eats for takeout. 1551 Wealthy St SE Ste B.

Fruition Acai & Juice Bar

This local health-conscious restaurant offers fresh food, fast – including acai and avocado bowls, fresh smoothies, juices, toasts and bagels. Fruition is located at 1405 Lake Dr SE.

Gino’s Pizza

Family-owned and operated for 50+ years, Gino’s offers pizzas, strombolis, sub sandwiches, lasagna and an array of appetizers for dine-in, takeout or delivery. 1556 Wealthy St SE.

GoJo Ethiopian Cuisine

Authentic, homemade Ethiopian cuisine is the draw at GoJo, which features a number of combo platters to let you sample different dishes. All dishes are served with injera, a European flatbread used in lieu of utensils. (Yes, you’ll eat with your hands.) Many vegetarian options are available. 421 Norwood Ave SE.

Harmony Brewing Company

Hand-crafted beer and wood-fired pizzas have made Harmony Brewing Company an Eastown hot spot since 2012. Harmony also makes its own line of spirits and offers a variety of sandwiches, soups and salads, all made with as many local ingredients as possible. Weekly euchre, trivia and vinyl nights add to the sense of fun and fellowship. Outdoor patio. 1551 Lake Dr SE.

High Tea GR

Treat yourself to the classic British tradition of afternoon tea at High Tea GR. Their tea experiences include a pot of tea along with various authentic sweets and savories. Fine English china, luxe velvet seating and British-themed décor envelop you in a feeling of continental elegance and sophistication the moment you walk in the door. 1522 Wealthy St SE.

Los Dos Amigos Mexican Restaurant

“Super authentic and amazing,” “The best chorizo tacos I’ve had outside Mexico” and the “best carne asada tacos in Grand Rapids” are among the Google reviews for Los Dos Amigos, which offers an array of south-of-the-border favorites for dine-in or takeout. 1499 Wealthy St SE.

Matchbox Diner & Drinks

Matchbox is a casual-but-cool dining spot offering all-day breakfast, mile-high deli sandwiches, juicy burgers, comfort-food dishes and a full bar. 1345 Lake Dr SE.

Mulligan’s Pub

One of Grand Rapids’ favorite dive bars, Mulligan’s delivers on its promise of “cheap drinks, live music and good company” with awesome happy hour specials, in-house performance venues and an always-intriguing blend of regulars and newcomers. 1518 Wealthy St SE.

Pursuit of Happiness Co.

A chic-yet-casual bubbly bar, Pursuit of Happiness Co. offers cocktails and small-plate bites amidst warm, west coast-inspired vibes. It serves its own brand of American Bubbly made in the traditional French method, as well as mocktails and espressos. 1426 Robinson Rd SE. 

Pita House

The Pita House is Eastown’s go-to spot for gyros, shawarma sandwiches, kafta sandwiches, falafel sandwiches and more, all available with a variety of authentic sauces and toppings. Also on the menu: meal platters, salads, soups and Mediterranean side dishes. 1508 Wealthy St SE.

Quarantino’s Pizza

Named for and started during the days of coronavirus-fueled restaurant shutdowns, Quarantino’s has thrived by offering Detroit-style pizza, which is fabled for its rectangular shape, pillowy dough and crispy crust. Gluten-free and vegan options are available, as is beer and wine. 1444 Lake Dr SE.

Tamales Mary

Known for its handmade, gluten-free tamales – in eight sweet and savory varieties – as well as tacos, burritos and more, Tamales Mary sets itself apart with recipes handed down in the family of its namesake, co-owner Mary Delaluz-Martinez. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. 1551 Wealthy St SE.

Terra Bagels

Terra boils and bakes its bagels fresh daily so you can enjoy them plain, with a schmear or in a sandwich. Pair your selection with coffee, tea or a specialty drink. 1413 Lake Dr SE.

Terra GR

Specializing in farm-to-table dishes and wood-fired pizzas made with sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, Terra GR has been an Eastown fixture since 2013.  Beverage selections include beers, wines and craft cocktails, and brunch is served Saturday and Sunday. 1429 Lake Dr SE.

That Early Bird

That Early Bird is a contemporary café offering a variety of classic and creative breakfast and lunch dishes, plus coffees and other beverages. Outdoor patio. 1445 Lake Dr SE.

Wolfgang’s

Serving Grand Rapids since 1977, Wolfgang’s is one of the city’s most cherished breakfast spots. No wonder: the menu is huge, the food is always fresh and the service is friendly. 1530 Wealthy St SE.

Yesterdog

Named the most legendary restaurant in Michigan by LoveFood.com, Yesterdog inspired the screenwriter of American Pie to include a thinly veiled version of the restaurant in his movie. Opened in 1976, the vintage-themed eatery offers a choice of six hot dog varieties, including a veggie version. 1505 Wealthy St SE.

Also in Eastown: Domino’s Pizza, Jimmy John’s, Papa John’s and Pizza Hut/Wing Street.

Billy’s Lounge

Live music, a fully stocked bar and nightly drink specials make Billy’s Lounge one of Eastown’s most happening spots. DJs and pool tournaments fill in between live-performance nights, so there’s always something fun going on. Groove to the music at a candlelit table or get up and dance. 1437 Wealthy St SE.

Circle Theatre

In addition to producing several full-scale musicals each season, Circle Theatre hosts an annual Summer Concert Series featuring local performers and musicians presenting a wide range of music genres. 1703 Robinson Rd SE.

Mulligan’s Pub

The in-house performance venue at dive bar Mulligan’s Pub hosts a variety of free music and comedy performances each week for the 21+ crowd. 1518 Wealthy St SE.

Art & Gifts

Gallery 154, in business since 1976, showcases diverse artworks and gifts from more than 70 local and national artists. 1456 Lake Dr SE.

Rainbow Resources Art Glass is your source for custom stained-glass commissions, repairs, glass artwork, classes and supplies. 1509 Lake Dr SE.

Rebel is a locally owned store featuring an array of curated gifts, greeting cards, home décor items and more. 1555 Wealthy St SE.

Spirit Dreams has been supplying West Michigan with crystals, books, tarot decks, and other metaphysical and new-age items since 1994. 1430 Lake Dr SE.

Wax Poetic Candle Bar invites you to create your own custom candles and/or shop for premade candles. 1423 Lake Dr SE.

Yours Truly Galleria is a thoughtfully curated boutique with home goods, apparel, jewelry, games and unique gifts. 1405A Lake Dr SE.

Books

Argos Book Shop is stocked with new and used books, comics and graphic novels as well as games, action figures and more. Opened in Eastown in 1975. 1405 Robinson Rd SE.

Redux Books specializes in rare, out-of-print and antiquarian books, and also carries a large and eclectic selection of more common books. 1349 Lake Dr SE.

Clothing & Accessories

Freshwater Whale Boutique is a consignment boutique offering a wide selection of gently loved clothing and accessories for women and children. 1558 Wealthy St SE.

J. Patrick Jewelers boasts West Michigan’s largest collection of Certified diamonds as well as jewelry and custom-design creations. 1426 Wealthy St SE.

The New Yorker Menswear has been styling West Michigan men with upscale dress and casual wear since 1976. 1511 Wealthy St SE.

Food & Drink

Connie’s Cakes specializes in beautifully delicious wedding cakes and other special occasion treats, including cupcakes.1416 Robinson Rd SE.

The Local Epicurean is the place to shop for heat & eat pasta, lasagna and side dishes along with fresh pasta, imported pasta, sauces, oils, vinegars, salts, cheeses and wines. Also offers cooking classes. 1440 Wealthy St SE.

Midnite Patisserie is a “secret” neighborhood bakery that posts a new menu online every Wednesday and takes orders for Saturday pickup at 425 Norwood Ave SE.

Sticky Fingers is Eastown’s candy shop, filled with a broad selection of candy-jar classics, new faves and trendy treats. 1503 Lake Dr SE.

Home Décor

Bluedoor Studio is a vintage store offering unique residential and commercial furnishings and décor, from practical to whimsical. 1533 Wealthy St SE.

Miscellaneous

Earthly Refillery is a zero-waste bulk shop offering a variety of household products, from shampoo to cleaners. Bring your own reusable container or they’ll provide one for you. 410 Ethel Ave SE.

Vinyl Alchemy sells vinyl records, CDs, and art and pop culture collectibles, with a listening station that lets customers try before they buy. 1505 Wealthy St SE Ste 1507.

Places to Stay

Eastown itself doesn’t have any visitor lodging, but there are 13 downtown hotels just a five-minute drive away. Even closer are two award-winning B&B inns: Leonard at Logan House Bed & Breakfast, a century-old English Edwardian-style house named one of the Top 10 Romantic Accommodations in Michigan, and Peaches Bed & Breakfast, an elegant Georgian-manor style home built in 1916.

Eastown Bizarre Bazaar

The Eastown Bizarre Bazaar is the neighborhood’s annual celebration of the arts, featuring artists, family friendly activities, entertainment, food, and a craft beer tent. June.

Eastown Streetfair

The Eastown Streetfair is a family-friendly celebration of arts, crafts, food, drinks, music, and the Eastown neighborhood. September.

Howl-o-Ween Pawty

Why should humans have all the fun? Eastown’s Howl-o-Ween Pawty includes a pet costume contest, local pet-friendly vendors, a craft beer tent, live music, and a variety of festive family (and pet)-friendly activities. October.

Uptown Shop Hop

Eastown businesses participate in the annual Uptown Shop Hop every year, when free trolley rides transport visitors between the Eastown, East Fulton, East Hills and Wealthy Street district for an extra-festive holiday shopping experience. December.