Diversity is the hallmark of Southtown, with African-Americans, Caucasians, and numerous Latino groups - Mexican Americans, Cubans, El Salvadorans, Dominicans, and Guatemalans - living and working side by side. The neighborhood encompasses several distinct residential and business districts, each with its own unique culture but linked by a deep commitment to family and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
Where to Eat in Southtown
Dining choices in Southtown are as diverse as the population.
5 Lakes Brew Pub
- 350 84th Street SW
Real Food Cafe - Alger Heights
- 2419 Eastern Ave. SE
Boston Soul Café
- 1553 Kalamazoo Ave.
Boston Square Ice Cream Parlor Café
- 1553 Kalamazoo SE
Coffee Clubhouse
- 3858 52nd St SE
Don Everette's Grill Master BBQ
- Mobile Kitchen/Catering Location:
Grand Rapids Coffee Roasters
- 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW Suite S-530 Mailbox 8C
Hall Street Bakery
- 1200 Hall Street SE
Happy Cat Cafe
- 447 Division Ave. S
JB's Pizza Parlour
- 2433 Eastern Ave.
La Vencedora
- 1961 Division Ave. S
Last Chance Tavern and Grill
- 1132 Burton St. SE
Last Mile Cafe
- 1006 Hall St SE
LT BBQ
- 1636 Eastern Ave. SE
MudPenny
- 570 Grandville Ave. SW
Where to Shop in Southtown
Shop for both authentic imported products and quality domestic goods.
Belman's Bakery
- 1028 Chicago Dr. SW
Burton Meat Farm
- 435 Burton St. SW
Century Antiques
- 445 Century Ave. SW.
El Especial Supermarket
- 1628 Division Ave. S
Grand Rapids Coffee Roasters
- 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW Suite S-530 Mailbox 8C
Lost & Found Antiques
- 445 Century Ave. SW
National Supermarket
- 1610 Clyde Park Ave. SW
Rodriguez Supermarket
- 2211 Division Ave. S
Smell Goods Cafe
- 1155 Madison Ave. SE
Supermercado Mexico – Mexicana Bakery
- 3355 Division Ave. S
Supermercado Mexico - SouthTown
- 1546 Clyde Park Ave. SW
Warehouse One Antiques & Collectibles
- 449 Century SW
West Michigan FarmLink
- 1111 Godfrey SW
What to Do in Southtown
Shop, dine and drink in the walkable Alger Heights business district – destinations include Harvest Health Foods, The Old Goat and Brass Ring Brewing Company.
Play a round of disc golf at Garfield Park, which also features a ball diamond, basketball court, three tennis courts and a KaBOOM! playground.
Bike or hike the 2.7-mile Plaster Creek Trail, a paved, tree-lined route that meanders along a tributary of the Grand River through several Southtown neighborhoods.
Visit the Grandville Avenue neighborhood for a concentration of Latino businesses – Belman’s Bakery, Rincon Criollo, Supermercado Mexico, Tacos El Cunado and more.
What to See in Southtown
See the high school student-led community mural “Nuestra Historia, Nuestra Voz” (Our History, our Voice) at 912 Grandville Avenue.
See the boyhood home of President Gerald R. Ford, several late 1800s-era mansions and other historic landmarks on a walking tour of the Garfield Park neighborhood.
See history come alive at the Grandville Avenue Museum, which explores the evolution of the district through waves of Dutch, African-American and Latino influences.
Local Southtown Favorites
Tacos El Cunado and Taqueria San Jose serve what many consider the best tacos in town. Who’s #1? Let your taste buds decide!
Real Food Cafe is a “Michigan’s Best Breakfast” finalist that has earned its local-favorite status with delicious family recipes, friendly service and huge portions.
Hidden Southtown Gems
Burton Woods is a six-acre oasis of 120-year-old forest in the midst of urban activity.
Grand Rapids Bike Park offers a variety of mountain bike and BMX bike trails.