If you’re a foodie like me, college dining hall food just doesn’t cut it. Long lines, frozen peas, and pizza that tastes like cardboard? No thank you. Two things I miss the most about home are the homecooked meals and going out to eat with my family for free. I especially miss food that doesn’t taste like it’s recently been defrosted and carelessly thrown on the stove.
As a college student, it’s easy to settle for places like Steak N’ Shake, McDonalds and Culvers. They’re affordable and of consistently adequate quality. Don’t settle. Your soul and palette deserve better than grease drenched burgers and soggy fries.
Students and citizens alike, look no further. This is a guaranteed list for the yummiest and cheapest food in the Grand Rapids Area. If someone as poor and picky as I am can enjoy these places, then anyone can.
You’re Welcome Grand Rapidians.
1. The Pita House $
If you’re looking for something different and cheap, The Pita House is the place to go. With heavenly hummus and God-given gyros, you’ll be glad you branched out for this Mediterranean masterpiece.
Why it’s cheap: At The Pita House, everything is under ten dollars. Falafels can be bought at $.59 a piece. Take your leftover change in your light wallet and score yourself a falafel, or if you’re feeling wealthy, get some lentil soup for $1.99.
Where to find it:
1508 Wealthy St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
My Personal Recommendation: If nothing else, make sure to try the Baklava ($1.75). Flaky, sweet, and fried, the Baklava is an all-around winner at The Pita House. While not the cheapest option, for $4.99 you can get a plateful of Greek fries, topped with olives, cheese, and seasoning. Greasy and delicious, these fries will simultaneously make your stomach groan from happiness and from calories.
2. Electric Cheetah $$
An eclectic soup and sandwich shop local to Grand Rapids, the Electric Cheetah is known for it’s sarcastic menu and scrumptious sandwiches. Boasting a menu dedicated to different root beers alone, Electric Cheetah is a must.
Why it’s cheap: For those who hate fancy brunch, look no further than The Electric Cheetah. The Electric Cheetah blesses lazy college students everywhere by giving their signature Pijama Jammy Jam (four warm buttermilk biscuits with honey, butter, and cherry preserves) for free to all customers arriving in their pajamas.
Where to find it:
1015 Wealthy St SE
Grand Rapids, MI
My Personal Recommendation: Besides the go-to Pijama Jammy Jam, I will forever remember the moment my teeth sank into their grilled cheese sandwich (which is filled with three types of cheese, roma tomatoes, and caramelized onions). After eating this sandwich, your life will forever change and you’ll want to go back every single day.
3. Wolfgangs $
Wolfgangs not only has the best atmosphere, but also the best breakfast in town! Famous for its large plates and even larger pancakes, Wolfgangs is the place to go. Make sure you get there early, though, as it’s often filled with locals crowding in to get their fill of Wolfgangs’ delicious food.
Why it’s cheap: They say the early bird gets the worm, and that's even more true at Wolfgangs. Monday through Friday from 6:30am-8:30am, you can get either two large pancakes and bacon, or two eggs and four pieces of toast for just $3. Not only will your belly be happy at this delightful treat, but your wallet too.
Where to find it:
1530 Wealthy St SE
Grand Rapids, MI
My Personal Recommendation: While you can’t go wrong with the Early Bird Special, if you’re feeling a little exorbitant I personally recommend either the corned beef hash ($4.25) or the grilled cinnamon roll ($3.75). While not a main entrée, both offer enough food to fill you for a reasonable price.
4. Osaka $$
Probably my personal favorite, Osaka has some of the best Japanese food in town. From the familiar fried rice to exotic Uni (sea urchin gonads), there is food for every person to try. Basically, there’s no going wrong at Osaka.
Why it’s cheap: Every Monday and Wednesday Osaka offers half off on all their sushi options. Rolls that are usually $10 become $5, $5 rolls become $2.50. With prices this cheap, it’d be crazy to not take advantage of this great deal.
Where to find it:
4977 28th St Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
My Personal Recommendation: Although I always try to get new things, my tried and true favorite sushi roll is the Volcano Roll. Deep-fried in Tempura with white fish, avocado, kani and caviar, it’s basically an 'explosion' in your mouth.
5. Tacos el Cuñado $
Be sure to get there fast, because lines grow rather quickly while waiting for Tacos el Cuñado’s cheap and delicious tacos. Greased and seasoned to perfection, these authentic tacos will bring your taste buds straight to Mexico City.
Why it’s cheap: You could buy a Starbucks coffee, or you could save $1 and buy a taco at Tacos el Cuñado instead. With each taco priced at $3 ($6.25 for a duo and a drink), it’d be a disserve to your soul to abstain from these tasteful tacos.
Where to find it:
435 Ionia Avenue SW Stall 112
Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (in Downtown Market)
My Personal Recommendation: Tacos el Cuñado gives you different vegetarian and meat options to put in the tacos. I personally recommend their Chorizo (a spicy sausage), tempeh (a type of tofu), or Nopales (fried cacti) along with some authentic Horchata to top it off!
Happy eating all you foodies!
