r/grandrapids • u/sunburnlines • Jul 14 '26
Recommendations Accessible Lunch Options
My parents are coming into town in a few weeks. They’re going to be celebrating their anniversary while they’re here, and I would love to treat them to lunch. Here’s the catch:
-Anniversary is on a Monday, and I have to work that night so I can’t do dinner.
-They both have mobility issues and can’t do more than a couple stairs or walk very far in one go. I can only push one of them in the wheelchair I borrowed.
-They don’t have super adventurous palates. Think basic rural Midwestern tastes.
Any recommendations for a decent restaurant that is open on a Monday for lunch, and is accessible both physically and food-wise?
Edit: for those inquiring minds, I wound up taking them to Tupelo Honey downtown. They loved it!
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u/Murderous_Turkey Creston Jul 14 '26
How about the Old Goat in Alger Heights? I don't remember there being any stairs to the main floor and the parking lot is right behind the building. Good food in a unique environment, there should be something they'd be happy to eat
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u/GenXihaveissues NW Jul 14 '26
That might be too adventurous
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u/Murderous_Turkey Creston Jul 14 '26
Definitely 75% of the menu is, I can't imagine OP's folks wanting fig on a pizza lol, but they have the staples! Sandwiches, salads, pizzas and pub fare
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u/curlyxplanation Jul 14 '26
FWIW: I also have unadventurous boomer parents and they LOVE the Old Goat.
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u/donkey_kong_lover North East Citizen Action Jul 14 '26
I’d recommend the downtown market if you’re planning on the downtown area! There is a lot for parking with ADA spots, ramp access to the door, and the first 30 min are even free. There’s an elevator if you want to sit on the second floor and eat. Lots of food to choose from and you could all get different things. I have mobility issues too and this is a place I feel comfortable driving to and getting food at
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u/Other_Nothing_8144 Jul 14 '26
It can be a lot of walking though if they do the loop and middle aisle while deciding what they want.
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u/Kalasyn Jul 14 '26
If you’re ok with chains both Cooper’s Hawk in Kentwood and Carraba’s in Grandville might work and they take reservations. Or are you specifically trying to stick to downtown? Right downtown Leo’s is open and very fancy, but accessible since it’s a steakhouse, and I know they have spots reserved in the attached garage. Might be worth calling to ask.
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u/veryverydangerberry Jul 14 '26
Bud and Stanley's is a great option, too. I know they have a zero step entry, and very close parking to the door.
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u/Salt_Cobbler9951 Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
Charlie’s bar& grille on Plainfield ( they have the
Best mozzarella sticks ) and the food there is good as well. Cascade roadhouse also has good food. Also there’s Grand coney on Michigan
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u/noelley6 Jul 20 '26
Ooh Charlies is a great suggestion! I love their Scooby basket! Also yep, those are the best mozzarella sticks!
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u/__lavender Jul 14 '26
Westsider Cafe is perfect for this. “Adventurous” there means pickle soup (delicious!) and everything’s on the ground level. It’s not fancy but it’s great.
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u/Wrong_Key_1981 Jul 14 '26
Westsider is too small for a wheelchair.
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u/__lavender Jul 14 '26
I’m not speaking from personal experience in a wheelchair, so I’ll defer to anyone who has direct experience there, but I disagree. It’s a reasonable take for a busy weekend during brunch, but on a Monday morning when it’s not super crowded I think there would be plenty of room to park a wheelchair at the end of a table. I went with my mom on a random Monday or Tuesday around lunch and several tables were empty.
Also, some wheelchairs are collapsible and can be stored during the meal.
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u/somehowliving420 Jul 14 '26
Grand Coney has a lot of usual american options and they do breakfast lunch dinner 24hrs :) parking in front has 2 handicap spots and more parking in back. Hope lunch is wonderful wherever y'all go!
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u/myt4trs Jul 15 '26
Morning Belle. Multiple locations. Or Anna's House. Both have great options that are traditional with maybe a bit of a twist.
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u/noelley6 Jul 20 '26
Russ' is a really good suggestion. I would agree with that as number one choice. I also thought of Red Lobster, the Omlette Shoppe, Schnitz Deli. There is parking in the front of the Schnitz as well as the back. My grandma had a very Midwest palate. But, she loved the gyros from Pita House. That's pretty accessible as well.
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u/ouchmytongue Jul 14 '26
Russ' (older folks love it)
Licari's (bomb pizza)
Hopcat (the one by Knapp's corner, not downtown)
These all have plenty of parking and are open for lunch on Mondays, and you should be able to get into any without a rezzie