Explore the Southtown Corridor

49507 Project

The 49507 Project is a public art initiative employing Black and Brown artists to create murals on Black and Brown-owned businesses in the 49507 zip code. The project is intended to raise awareness about redlining and disinvestment here and highlight residents’ efforts to combat racism and inequity. The 15 (and counting) 49507 Project murals are included in our tour of Southtown murals, and there are other murals on the tour, as well.

Four Star Theatre

One of the city’s most historic and culturally significant buildings, the Four Star Theatre is now in its second phase of revitalization, which includes restoration of the exterior facade and installation of a new Marquee. The Theatre currently hosts a limited number of events and community gatherings but is expected to welcome 200 events annually upon completion of the restoration. A beacon of the Burton Heights neighborhood. 1944 Division Ave S.

Muse SE

Muse SE is an extension of Muse GR’s interactive gallery on Leonard Street in northwest Grand Rapids. This location hosts art-focused classes, a content studio and an intimate venue space. 501 Eastern Ave SE Suite 101.

Giggles & Gourmets Play Café & Bakery

Giggles & Gourmets is a fun play space for newborns to teenagers, with a baby area, imaginative and active play areas, a stage and older kids area filled with board games. It’s also a café offerings freshly backed brownies, cinnamon rolls, croissants, cupcakes and more, plus coffee drinks and kid-friendly snacks. 2426 Eastern Ave SE.

Grand Rapids Public Library

The Madison Square Branch (1201 Madison Ave SE) and Seymour Branch (2350 Eastern Ave SE) of the Grand Rapids Public Library are located in Southtown. Both offer free wifi, public computers and thousands of books and other materials. The Seymour Branch hosts a wide variety of events for all ages.

Over The Top Academy of Dance

A melting pot of movement, fitness, wellness, diversity and the arts, Over The Top offers dance programs for kids of all ages, summer theater, dance and boys’ pre-sports camps, adult dance classes, an annual Tap Week and more. 2423 Eastern Ave SE.

Salvation Army Kroc Center

The Kroc Center is a full-service fitness and aquatics center featuring a two-court gymnasium, climbing wall, weight room, indoor track, lap pool, giant waterslide, zero-depth water play area, outdoor splash pad, child watch and game room areas, specialty classes and more. Memberships and day passes are available. 2500 S. Division Ave.

Terra Firma Bouldering Co.

Terra Firma offers 6,000 sq. ft. of climbing terrain with new routes set every week, so every visit feels fresh. There’s also a fully equipped fitness gym stocked with weights, cardio and recovery equipment, plus specialized tools for climbing training, and a regular schedule of climbing and fitness classes. Memberships and day passes are available.

4 Brothers Chicken & Fish

Generous portions of golden-fried chicken wings and tenders, and cooked-to-order catfish, perch, whitefish and other comfort await you at 4 Brothers. 1975 Madison Ave SE.

7 Mares

Cozy 7 Mares specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine and fresh seafood, prepared using traditional recipes passed through generations. 1403 Kalamazoo Ave SE.

Agave Sports Lounge

Agave Sports Lounge is a casual restaurant and bar serving modern Mexican cuisine, including seafood specialties, and hosting karaoke, dancing and other events. 2053 Division Ave S.

Arvon Brewing Co.

Focusing on flavor-forward, New England-style IPAs, fruited sours and bold stouts, Arvon Brewing Co. releases fresh batches of beer every week, to the delight of craft beer enthusiasts. No kitchen, so guests are welcome to bring food or order takeout from a nearby establishment. Outdoor seating in summer. 1006 Division Ave S.

Big Fish Wings & Things

A small, mostly takeout restaurant, Big Fish Wings & Things serves up a delectable variety of fried foods: perch, walleye, catfish, chicken wings, mushrooms, cauliflower, okra and more. 817 Martin Luther King Jr. St SE.

Brass Ring Brewing

Specializing in small batch-style English pub ales, porters and stouts, Brass Ring Brewing is the first brewery in Michigan to earn Cask Marque certification, signifying that its cask ales boast exceptional temperature, appearance, aroma and taste. Guests can also choose from an expansive craft cocktail list and a food menu of made-from-scratch pub fare. 2404 Eastern Ave SE.

Burton Village BBQ Company

Burton Village BBQ Company serves affordable, tasty BBQ dishes daily, accompanied by fresh-made sides like mac ‘n cheese, baked beans, potato salad and homemade cake. 803 Burton St SE.

The Candied Yam

The delicious soul food recipes at The Candied Yam are rich in heritage and prepared with fresh ingredients and as many local products and resources as possible. Enjoy country-fried chicken, smothered pork chops with gravy, fish, meatloaf, black-eyed peas, collard greens and more, along with vegan and vegetarian options. The Venue at the Candied Yam can be rented for gatherings of all sorts. 932 Division Ave S.

Captain Jay’s Fish & Chicken

The only West Michigan location of a Detroit-based chain, Captain Jay’s is a one-stop shop where you can swing by and buy dinner for the family and pick up a gallon of milk or carton of eggs. The menu features such favorites as Cajun chicken, zesty fries, fresh seafood and shrimp. mac & cheese, and okra. 300 Martin Luther King Jr. St SE.

Chicken Coop

The Chicken Coop is a casual, quick-bite eatery that offers a range of breaded or battered chicken, catfish, smelt, perch, codfish, tilapia, shrimp and assorted sides. 1156 Division Ave S.

Cindy’s Chicken Coop

Fried chicken, turkey knuckles and macaroni salad are a few of the customer favorites at Cindy’s Chicken Coop, known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. 1936 Eastern Ave SE.

Community Café

A program of Treetops Collective, a cross-cultural movement that connects with and invests in New American (refugee) women leaders, the Community Café serves rotating featured coffee, tea and treats prepared by New American women. 906 Division Ave S.

The Derby

One of GR’s favorite dive bars, The Derby  – aka the Silver Derby – offers great cocktails, a decent draft selection, low prices and friendly service. No kitchen, but they serve hot dogs and let you bring in outside food. 86 Buron St SE.

Eastern Deli

Eastern Deli has served GR since 2000 with authentic flavors, generous portions and family-style hospitality. Choose from chicken and shrimp baskets, an array of burgers, salads and daily specials. 2011 Eastern Ave SE.

Ellnora’s Kitchen

Ellnora’s Kitchen – named for owner Elijah Libbett’s mother and featuring her recipes – has been bringing delicious soul food and barbecue to Grand Rapids for nearly two decades. Images of Black icons decorate the restaurant, inside and out. 547 Eastern Ave SE.

Gladys’ Grille

Opening in July 2025, Gladys’ Grille promises “home cooking like our Grandma used to make” in a welcoming atmosphere that honors the rich culinary traditions of African American culture. 1167 Madison Ave SE.

Hall Street Bakery

Serving house-made artisan pastries, breads, sandwiches and pizzas, plus an assortment of coffee drinks, beer and wine, Hall Street Bakery is a popular destination any time of day. 1200 Hall St. SE.

Heights Cream

Family-owned ice cream shop Heights Cream offers soft-serve ice cream, hand-dipped cones, sundaes, flurries, slushies and shakes in the walkable Alger Heights neighborhood. 2408 Eastern Ave SE.

JB’s Pizza Parlor

Founded in 1998, JB’s Pizza Parlor features an array of deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas, plus Buffalo wings, breadsticks, cheese bread and other favorites, for dine-in or delivery. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available. 2433 Eastern Ave SE.

The Last Chance Tavern & Grill

A classic neighborhood bar and grill, The Last Chance boasts a fine selection of Michigan microbrews to accompany its burgers, pizza, and other comfort food. Enjoy weekly karaoke and outdoor dining in summer. 1132 Burton St SE.

Las Rocas Postres

Tacos, birria and other Mexican fare dominate the menu at Las Rocas Postres, which also offers smoothies, ice cream deserts and delectable fruit cocktails. 2106 Division Ave S.

Last Mile Café

Black- and woman-owned Last Mile Café creates a variety of coffee blends using ethically and sustainability sourced beans, and serves them in delicious coffee drinks – including a flight of coffees. Guests enjoy baked goods, comedy nights, art shows and the satisfaction of knowing 10% of profits are donated to charity. 1006 Hall St SE.

La Vencedora

Savor authentic and affordable Mexican breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes at La Vencedora, which also sell meat by the pound and other groceries. 1961 Division Ave S.

Let’z TACO Bout It

Corn and flour tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, quesadillas and wet burritos are among the south-of-the-border delights at Let’z TACO Bout It. A plant-based menu is available on weekends. 1269 Madison Ave SE.

Load-a-Spud Potato Bar

Featuring 20 “Signature Spuds”  – one-pound potatoes loaded with different specialty toppings – Load-A-Spud also offers tacos, salads and snacks. 1721 Madison Ave SE.

Making Thyme Kitchen

Making Thyme Kitchen prepares scratch-made ready-to-cook dinner entrées using whole foods, fresh produce and locally raised meats, and offers them for pickup or delivery. Ready-to-eat sides, salads and sweets are also available. 2409 Eastern Ave SE.

Mineo’s Pizza

Mineo’s has been satisfying local pizza lovers with fresh-made pizzas and other Italian cuisine, plus soups, salads, subs and desserts, for more than 40 years. 1332 Burton St SE

Mi Tierra Restaurant

Mi Tierra dishes up traditional Mexican eats including tacos, gorditas, enchiladas, tampiquena and more. Also has a breakfast menu. 2300 Division Ave S.

New York Fried Chicken

Chicken wings, tenders, breasts, legs, thighs, gizzards … you name it, New York Fried Chicken has it, along with shrimp, catfish, burgers, sandwiches and to-die-for pizza puffs. 743 Division Ave S.

The O & E Eatery

Fried corn and flour tacos, chicken wings, fries, hot dogs, brats, cheeseburgers and other quick bites are served hot and fresh at The O & E Eatery. 1419 Eastern Ave SE.

The Old Goat

Enjoy simple, honest and scrumptious seasonal fare – soup, sandwiches, pizzas, entrées and more – at The Old Goat, which has been serving the families of Alger Heights and greater Grand Rapids since 2015. A full bar, Sunday brunch, live music, outdoor seating and friendly service complete the picture. 2434 Eastern Ave SE.

Pacific Fish & Chicken

A wide range of fried fish and chicken dinners, plus sides and salads, grace the menu at Pacific Fish & Chicken, where the service is excellent and the prices are reasonable. 655 Eastern Ave SE.

Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen

One of several Grand Rapids locations for the national Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen chain features juicy southern-style fried chicken – wings, tenders, sandwiches and whole pieces – plus fried seafood, soulful sides and desserts. 1954 Division Ave S.

Real Food Café

Real food, your way is the mantra at Real Food Café, a classic daytime-only diner with a killer menu of breakfast favorites and lunchable burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. Yummy homemade desserts, shakes and malts, too. 2419 Eastern Ave SE. Restaurante Cancun El Pifas

Restaurante Cancun El Pifas

Serving a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes and cocktails in a relaxed setting, Restaurante Cancun El Pifas may be best loved for its many fish and seafood options. 2140 Division Ave S.

SIP Coffee & Cocktails

“Designed for the thirsty soul,” SIP Coffee & Cocktails serves expertly crafted coffee, baked goods and bagels by day, and handcrafted cocktails, spirited sips and shareable bites by night. 806 Alger St SE.

Tacotento Taqueria

A huge menu of authentic Mexican fare is available to delight you at Tacotento Taqueria, which also offers all-day breakfast and a few burgers. 2401 Eastern Ave SE.

Taqueria San Jose

Tacos, tortas, burritos and quesadillas are dispensed over the counter at this modest Mexican restaurant, which reopened in 2025 after a four-year hiatus, much to the delight of its legion of fans. 1338 Division Ave S.

Tortilleria y Restaurante La Guadalupana

Offering fresh-made corn tortillas and traditional Mexican dishes including tacos, tamales, guisado and chiles rellenos, Tortilleria y Restaurante La Guadalupana is one of the city’s hidden gems. 1627 Division Ave S.

Wing Heaven

“Only the good chicken makes it in” is the motto at Wing Heaven, a takeout-only operation offering golden-fried chicken wings, gizzards, catfish, perch, bluegill and other comfort eats. 2020 Eastern Ave SE.

Log Cabin Cocktail Lounge

Operating since 1938, the Log Cabin Cocktail Lounge is a chill bar and grill serving a wide array of pub grub and cheap drinks. Nightly entertainment ranges from live music on the weekends to trivia, music bingo, karaoke and more during the week. 2401 Division Ave S.

Metro Grand Rapids

Metro Grand Rapids is a nightclub, kitchen and bar hosting local and national hip hop and Latino entertainers. Fuel up with some great food and cocktails, then hit the spacious dance floor. 1901 Division Ave S.

Alexander Park

Classified as a “mini-park,” Alexander Park includes a modern playground, picnic areas and picnic tables on its one-tenth-of-an-acre site. 610 Alexander SE.

Alger Park

Located on the grounds of Alger Middle School, Alger Park features a ball diamond, soccer field, tennis courts, playground, picnic area, walking trail, biking trail and a splash pad for cooling down on hot days. 921 Alger St SE.

Campau Park

One of the oldest parks in Grand Rapids, Campau Park is nonetheless outfitted with a modern playground, splash pad, basketball court, picnic shelter and restrooms. 51 Delaware St SW.

Garfield Park

A kid-designed, community-led KaBOOM! Playground is a centerpiece of Garfield Park, which also offers a disc golf course, futsal courts, tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts, a playground, picnic tables and grills. A wooded area with walking trails adjacent to the park is known as Garfield Nature Center or Burton Woods. 250 Burton St SE.

Joe Taylor Park

A toddler-focused playground with baby swings, slides and a springy merry-go-round combines with a splash pad featuring dump buckets and spraying rings to delight young ones (and their parents) at Joe Taylor Park. Picnic areas and restrooms, too. 1031 Baxter St SE.

Martin Luther King Jr. Park

Opened in 1911 as Franklin Park, this city park was renamed in honor of the slain civil rights leader in 1969. Today, Martin Luther King Jr. Park offers a seasonal swimming pool with waterslide, concession stand and accessible lift, as well as a ball diamond, basketball court, tennis courts, playground, picnic facilities, fitness center and restrooms. 1200 Martin Luther King Jr. St SE.

Pleasant Park

A playground and winter sledding hill are the key features at 2.4-acre Pleasant Park. 404 Pleasant Ave.

Clothing

Amy’s Fashion offers designer collections for special occasions, including weddings and quinceañeras. 1973 Division Ave S.

Italian Connection Men’s Wear provides stylish and affordable formal wear, casual wear, accessories, alterations and more. 1310 Burton St SE.

Le Casa de la Cobjia/The Blanket House offers a wide variety of clothing for occasions as well as blankets, throws, rugs and much more. 2355 Division Ave S.

The Look Fashion and Apparel specializes in contemporary clothing and accessories for men and women. 32 Hall St SE.

Modesty Boutique focuses on fun fashion for women – clothing, shoes and accessories that you can dress up or down. 1149 Burton St SE.

Food & Drink

Great Giant Supermarket offers fresh-cut meats, produce, dairy, groceries, liquor and a soul food deli. 1226 Madison Ave SE.

Harvest Health Foods is a natural and organic foods store stocking a large selection of certified organic produce, bulk items, herbs and spices, organic beer and wine, an array of local Michigan products, body care products and health supplements. 1944 Eastern Ave SE.

Ken’s Fruit Market specializes in fresh products and hand-cut meats, offers a variety of grocery products, and has a garden center filled with flowers and plants. 2420 Eastern Ave SE.

Edy’s Tiendita Guatemalteca (2342 Division Ave S), El Especial Supermarket & Bakery (1628 Division Ave S), La Placita (2424 Division Ave S), Rodriquez Supermarket (2211 Division Ave S). Sin Fronteras Supermarket (2437 Division Ave S), Supermercado Bedolla (2228 Division Ave S) and Tienda La Bendicion (1260 Division Ave S) are Hispanic markets offering a diverse variety of meat, produce, groceries, prepared eats and other goods.

Safari Supermarket is stocked with a wide selection of international foods, including African favorites. 1324 Burton St SE.

Southeast Area Farmers Market offers a wide variety of local produce, cottage kitchen foods, personal care items, crafts and ready-to-eat foods every other Saturday from mid-July through mid-November at Joe Taylor Park, 1030 Bemis SE.

Hobbies & Gifts

Della Soul Records specializes in old school vinyl hip hop, R & B, jazz, funk, soul, urban contemporary, blues, Motown and other music in those veins, plus unique cultural gifts. 1220 Kalamazoo Ave SE.

Tardy’s Collector’s Corner has been supplying Grand Rapids with comic books, graphic novels, vintage toys and other collectibles since 1979. 2009 Eastern Ave SE.

Water Colors Aquarium Gallery carries everything you need for home and commercial aquariums. 453 Division Ave S.

Home Improvement & Decor

Alger Hardware & Rental is a locally owned hardware store offering products ranging from paint to plumbing supplies, plus small-engine repairs. 2408 Eastern Ave SE.

Modern Hardware is a full-line family-owned hardware store carrying everything from building supplies to decorative hardware. 1500 Kalamazoo Ave SE.

Reinspired Treasures presents an eclectic mix of vintage and new home décor, farmhouse finds, unique furniture and gifts. 2417 Eastern Ave SE.

Rooted Together offers a selection of refugee-made and inspired apparel, jewelry, children's items, home goods and gifts. 906 Division Ave S.

Sporting Goods

Oakdale Community Bikes is a free, do-it-yourself, volunteer-powered, non-profit community bicycle shop that has a variety of used bikes and new and used accessories for sale. 1260 Kalamazoo Ave SE.

Boston Square Fair

The Boston Square Fair is an annual July celebration filled with great food, live music, entertainment and kids’ games. Organized by the Boston Square Neighborhood Association, the fair is held in the Boston Square Parklet at 1480 Kalamazoo Ave SE.

One Piece Hip Hop Festival

Since 2021, the One Peace Festival has brings neighbors together to advance Hip Hop’s core principles of peace, unity, love, fun and health. Held each August in a community park.

Rock the Block

Each June, the Rock the Block street festival brings neighbors, local businesses and community partners together for a vibrant day of entertainment, food trucks, local vendors and family activities. This “block party with a purpose” takes place at the corner of Madison Ave. and Hall St., and is organized by Linc Up, a community organization whose mission is to advance racial equity by expanding affordable housing and increasing community power.

If you’re planning an event of your own, Muse SE (501 Eastern Ave SE), The 1530 Events (1530 Madison Ave SE) and The Venue at The Candied Yam (932 Division Ave S) can host gatherings from dinner parties to wedding receptions to corporate events.