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    Choo Choo Grill

    4.2 (112 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Choo Choo Grill Photos

    Business Info

    CHOO CHOO GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Choo Choo Grill

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    Cute corner exterior
    Kerry F.

    The choo-choo grill is an endangered species. A throwback to a simpler time where Food wasn't trying to be cutting edge but instead just focused on being delicious. The choo-choo grill is your classic American diner. Serving up both breakfast and lunch the food is not fancy, but it is made with love And is made well. The interior is small two booths and counter seating only. What is probably most remarkable, though is that you're only a stranger there once. Every time we dine in, I am amazed at the number of regulars and repeat customers. What's even more impressive that they are remembered by the staff in return. There's terrific community connection going on within this small brick building. Rick, Kathy and Mary do a fantastic job making you feel welcome while simultaneously keeping your coffee mug filled and your order out to you fast. My personal go to is always the cakes and more there is something about a fluffy pancake hot off the flat top that is just magical and don't you dare leave without trying one of their malts ! The chocolate peanut butter is to die for! Currently the building is for sale, so who knows how much time we'll have left before the last train pulls out of the station, so get in and enjoy it while you can.

    Red Caboose combo plus drink.
    Stuart B.

    Old school diner with very friendly service. This place is usually busy with small counter and a few small tables. The burger plate was very traditional, one of the few places where they ask how you want it cooked. I ordered this 1/2 pound burger as medium but it came medium-well. Still tasted good though.

    Tuna melt sandwich and onion rings
    Bonnie B.

    I love this place. Simple, classic, totally Old School. Diner food that is really good: burgers, patty melts, tuna melts, chili, onion rings... Best are the milkshakes and malteds. In fact that's how I heard of Choo Choo Grill: my dad wanted a malted specifically, not a milkshake, and a friend told us her husband comes here for the malteds and says they're the best in town. They are great! The owners are very friendly and so are the other staff. There are only a few booths and a line of stools at the counter, so if you come at a busy time you may have to wait for a seat. We would arrive after lunch but before closing time and get to sit right down, but it's a small place and I would think there can be a line. Breakfast is still in my future, and hope to try that the next time I visit. Except then I might miss out on the chocolate malteds.

    Awesome tiny place
    Michael R.

    This is a super Yelp find thank you yelpers for nailing another one. First morning in Grand Rapids I had breakfast here a true find. Family owned and operated since 1920 and still family run and owned. It is a tiny place with the best food and everyone knew everyone. Soon I will definitely be a local they know also so so good find this little place grab a stool and enjoy a great place. Oh yea the coffee is incredible also

    Iheartgrandrapids I.

    The Choo Choo was bought in 1946, turned into a restaurant in 1957, and this year, the Choo will have been run by the same family for 63 years! A legendary Creston staple & hidden gem in Grand Rapids! ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The menu is simple & classic, and that's exactly what makes it outstanding. Traditional made burgers, fries, and old fashioned shakes make this grill the only one of its kind in Grand Rapids. As you can guess by its name, the Choo is filled with fascinating railroad and train memorabilia. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The Choo has some of the best service in GR, possibly the best burger in GR, and DEFINITELY the best shakes in GR, made with real milk and ice cream! ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The Big Red Caboose burger & Chocolate Peanut Butter malt are the fan favorites around here. ⁣⁣ A MUST STOP diner in Grand Rapids. If you've never been here, you need to add it to your list STAT.

    Tony V.

    Very small building, limited seating but was able to eat here on a weekday during lunch time. Ordered a patty melt with fries along with a bowl of chili. The chili bowl was served immediately and the food was ready within 10-15 minutes of waiting. Chili tasted great, although the crackers served alongside it seemed to taste a bit on the stale side. The patty melt was delicious with a pretty thick meat patty compared to the usual patty melts I've seen. Side of fries was very generous and can easily be for two people. Overall great experience, a bit on the pricier side for such a small place, but would come again if friends wanted to (Although be careful of that as seating is limited).

    Omelette and toast
    Stacey P.

    We came here from a doctor appointment early in the morning. We both ordered the omelette and we took it to go. The place was inviting and the atmosphere is small and quaint. The food was delicious when we got home and ate it. We enjoyed the food and the place was not corporate owned so the food was made to order. I would recommend

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    Photo of John B.
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    1 month ago

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    1 year ago

    The food and service is wonderful. The place is so adorable and only has 18 seats. Highly recommend

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Staff was very welcoming from the second we walked through the door. The food was amazing! Will definitely be back!

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Food was great, classic service, exactly what one would expect from an established old school dinner.

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    4 years ago

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    Photo of J O.
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    3 years ago

    Delicious burgers, and quaint, rustic ambiance. All staff were very, very friendly. I will definitely be back!

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    Photo of Steven K.
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    3 years ago

    Small parking lot for a small place. Food was really good and the staff are friendly. Not a huge menu, but it is delicious.

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    The worlds best hamburgers and fries. The place is located in an old train depot. It's very tiny inside but the food is awesome.

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    11 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great food and great service always felt welcome! And it's right in the neighborhood too. That's the best part.

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    8 years ago

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Choo Choo Grill

    Review Highlights - Choo Choo Grill

    Traditional made burgers, fries, and old fashioned shakes make this grill the only one of its kind in Grand Rapids.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    Nonla Burger - Crispy Chicken Sando meal ($14)

    Nonla Burger

    4.5(128 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Okay. We should've come sooner. This is the best burger and chicken sando I've had in a looonnnggg…read moretime. Dare I say... better than In- N - Out! My kids loved it, the hubby loved it, I loved it. 5/5. The staff were friendly and the milk shakes were on point. Mine was spiked and it made me happy all day. That chicken sando though. Wow. Perfectly balanced with a carrot slaw and just a touch of chili oil to get a sizzle all held together with a decadent brioche bun. Voila! So delicious! I had a bite of hubby's burger and it was melt in your mouth awesome. I secretly love it when a restaurant has a small menu. I always hope it means they do a few things really well. Nonla lived up to all my expectations. Fast, but leisurely in the inviting diner atmosphere. The kids enjoyed asking me for $$ to play the games. Luckily, they were all winners. Hubby says this is his top 5 place and we will have to come back again soon! He also implored me to write an unequivocal 5 star review... a rare request from his mouth. Thanks Nonla!

    This meal is for the brave, like me. There's a lot going here flavor wise!…read more Hunger at the time: 7/10 Sauces: 6.65/10 blueberry jalapeño cream cheese has a kick to it! Blueberry compote, never heard of it! Syrup, didn't use it don't need to! Chicken: 8.3/10 Spicy Chicken& it was tender as all get out! Bacon: 8/10 solid Waffle: 7.9/10 The vessel that holds it all together! Beware of what comes after a meal like this! Again, only for the brave!

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    Nonla Burger
    Nonla Burger - Hot Chicken Sando with plant based chicken! Takeout for my bf and me since I'm sick

    Hot Chicken Sando with plant based chicken! Takeout for my bf and me since I'm sick

    Nonla Burger - Wagyu Burger

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    Wagyu Burger

    One Twenty Three Tavern

    One Twenty Three Tavern

    4.3(346 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Locally owned & operated

    We came in on Saturday night, 7/25/26 around 5:30pm before going to a concert at Acrisure. We…read moredidn't have a reservation but fortunately there was room at the bar - which is our preferred seating spot anyway. I was surprised at how long it took for the 2 hosts to greet us - as we were standing directly in front of them. They were talking to one another, and it was probably work related, but to just stand there staring at them for a couple minutes while they ignored us was awkward. When they finally talked to us they weren't very friendly. Anyway, we made our way to the bar and it was full except for 3 seats. I think the bartender waiting on us was new. He seemed like he was pretty overwhelmed/in the weeds. He greeted us quickly and brought us waters when he did, which I appreciated. I ordered a Blackeberry Bourbon Sour and my Mr had Paloma Nuestra. We both enjoyed our drinks they were refreshing and well crafted. For dinner I had a really hard time deciding! I wanted to try so many things! Our bartender said his favorite thing in the menu is the chicken and rice bowl. That was something I was considering and decided to go with that. Excellent recommendation! The chicken was flavorful and so tender. The hot peppers were a nice touch. There was a lot of food too! I couldn't finish it all. Mr had the hanger steak that was served with mushroom and asparagus risotto. He said the risotto was the best he's ever had, and I agree. The asparagus was perfectly cooked and so was the steak. The space is really nice, felt intimate without being overcrowded. We are looking forward to coming back!

    Studio Park positions itself as a premium spot for event nights at Acrisure Amphitheater, so maybe…read moreput some effort into making the "Party on the Piazza" an actual event. What a disappointment, but not nearly as much as our experience at 123 Tavern. We came in at 4:15PM before the Brandi Carlile show needing a table for a party of 8-10. The place was fully booked (but only half full at that time) except the bar (first-come, first-served). Fair enough -- but from the moment we walked up, the manager at the host stand couldn't have cared less. She quoted a two-hour wait, shut down my question about sitting outside with a flat no, and pointed us toward the bar. No sense of customer service at all. Like zero. The three of us who were there took the last open seats at the bar. Then came the real show: one bartender for the entire restaurant AND bar. He ignored us for ten minutes. My wife and friend got their beers quickly -- but my bourbon sat finished at the service station for another seven minutes while I watched the large ice cube melting as it marinated there. When I finally asked where my drink was, I got "I'm working on it." When he did finally bring it, he pushed it across the bar at me -- no apology, no eye contact, his attention on anything but me. I'll be honest about what I can't prove: I've worked in this industry a long time, and the whole thing read like my service got intentionally slow-walked. My drink held back while everyone around me was taken care of. Maybe the front manager said something after our rocky start at the host stand. Maybe they're just all bad at their jobs. I can't tell you which. I can only tell you how obvious it felt from the barstool. Everything after was the same; menus, ordering, closing out, all a slog. I had to hunt down that same manager for our check so we could get to the show, and she was all attitude, zero help. We only escaped because my wife flagged a server who found a another manager. His response to hearing all this? "I'm sorry." Nothing else. No attempt to make it right. For the first time in my life, I left $0 on a $100 tab. I'm a 25%+ tipper. That's how badly this went. Here's the thing, 123 Tavern: if you're going to bill yourself as a place to gather before events, staff the place and train your managers to act like they want customers there. Until then, I'll spend my money somewhere that values it.

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    One Twenty Three Tavern
    One Twenty Three Tavern
    One Twenty Three Tavern

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    Stella's Lounge

    Stella's Lounge

    3.9(962 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    My friends and I stopped in for a quick snack, and we're so glad we did. We ordered the nachos, and…read morethey were absolutely incredible!! The atmosphere was cool, and our server was super chill and friendly, which made us feel welcome right away. We only wish we had more time to stay because the rest of the menu looked just as good, and we'd love to come back to try more dishes. Service was a little on the slower side, but we were seated near the front on a Sunday night, so it's possible the restaurant was busier than it seemed. Either way, the food was well worth the wait. If you're looking for a place with great vibes and delicious food, this one is definitely worth checking out. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in town!

    A funky spot to stop while downtown, this quickly became a place we'd love to add to our regular…read morerotation for a night out. Everyone was friendly, service was quick and efficient without feeling rushed, and the vibes were fantastic! We opted for nachos to start. Honestly, would've ordered a second batch instead of a burger if I had the chance, but we had already put in for burgers. Now, the burgers were also amazing, so you really can't go wrong. The chronic fries are DELICIOUS, with a perfect hint of heat to make them more unique. Prices were pretty good for serving size. We can't wait to make our way back (& hopefully that's soon!)

    Photos
    Stella's Lounge - Bar

    Bar

    Stella's Lounge - Call It What You Want burger with side of chronic fries.

    Call It What You Want burger with side of chronic fries.

    Stella's Lounge

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    The Old Goat - Chicken Cobb

    The Old Goat

    4.1(715 reviews)
    4.7 mi
    $$

    This place is an awesome, eclectic, and personable spot with incredible food as well as service…read more The BIzzy Grizzys or whatever they called them were one of my favorite appetizers ever, and I don't typically like things like that. At first I was hesitant because of the price, and it being biscuits, but they made me eat those words and more. It was like a large biscuit muffin top with jalapeño, cheese and honey glaze (I think) and it came with a white cheddar cheese sauce to dip it in that was outrageously delicious. For a guy who hates cheddar biscuits, I've got to say I'm blown away. My wife ordered the steak with fingerling potatoes and carrots. It was on the pricier side, but yet again well worth it. The steak was cooked perfectly, and the veggies were pretty good too. They had live music playing as well tonight. It was a jazzy kind of vibe and it didn't over power anyone talking or anything. The guy had some serious skill too. To top it off, we had some pretty killer service from everyone there. From the hostess taking our names, random servers walking around, and our fantastic server (I forget her name but she was blonde and worked upstairs and had a a really great attitude. The expo or food runner dropping our food off anticipated us possibly needing an extra plate and brought one without asking which was super awesome and ended up coming in handy ( I knew my wife wouldn't finish that steak alone) and she brought it without asking and was ready with a smile to get more. I used to be a GM (I hate when people use this saying but...) truly I know how hard it is to find good workers and the folks running it here seem to have it down. I come from a place where you have to drive 100 mi or more for average service. So seeing exceptional service is really almost too good to be true. I'd definitely stop in for a bite. It's worth every penny. We'll be back for dessert, they have seasonal crème brûlées!

    I dined at TOG today for a business lunch and, unfortunately, my experience was very disappointing…read more At the end of our meal, I asked for a to-go box because I had barely touched my food. My guest and I spent most of our lunch talking, and I left with nearly an entire meal. About 20 minutes after leaving, I realized I had forgotten my box and immediately called the restaurant to see if it was still there. The young lady who answered the phone asked where I had been seated. I explained that I was at the very first table at the front of the restaurant. Within seconds, she told me there was nothing there. Her tone made it clear that assisting me was not a priority. Given that the hostess stand is located at the back of the restaurant and I was seated at the front, I do not believe there was enough time for her to actually check before dismissing my concern. After I sent an email regarding the situation, the hostess responded that she had walked through the restaurant looking for the box. Based on the timing of our phone conversation, I find that difficult to believe. In her response, she also stated that she checked with the servers after our call had ended, which suggests that no real effort was made while I was on the phone. What is most disappointing is that I am a regular customer. Today, I paid $56.00 for lunch for myself and my business guest. Between a server who was largely absent throughout the meal and the dismissive interaction when I called about my forgotten food, the level of service fell far below what I have come to expect. Everyone has an occasional bad day, but customer service is often defined by how issues are handled after something goes wrong. In this case, I felt dismissed rather than helped. Unfortunately, after today's experience, I do not plan to return.

    Photos
    The Old Goat - Live Jazz on Sunday.

    Live Jazz on Sunday.

    The Old Goat - Tomahawk

    Tomahawk

    The Old Goat - View of interior from the waiting area

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    View of interior from the waiting area

    House Rules

    House Rules

    4.9(54 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    My husband and I met some friends at House Rules. This is a great place where you can have a bite…read moreto eat, grab a drink, and play a game in a relaxed atmosphere. You pay for your table by the hour. You can pick from a wide range of games from their game library. You can also bring your own games or purchase one at the establishment. We played Chameleon while enjoying sandwiches and chicken tenders. The food was pretty good and made with local ingredients. You can order from a QR code on the table and the food is brought to your table. For dessert we ordered a cookie skillet. We had a good time at Hose Rules and highly recommend it.

    In terms of things to do in Grand Rapids, visiting House Rules nears the top of my list. I'm not a…read morebig beer drinker, so I had my doubts, but in addition to a half dozen fridges full of beer, they had plenty of non alcoholic drinks, as well as hard ciders, seltzers, and canned cocktails. Many brands were local that I'd never heard of before, and it was fun to experiment and try new things. Their food menu honestly shocked me with how tasty everything was. For a board game bar, I usually expect food to take a back seat or be phoned in, but everything was delicious! I had to try the elote deviled eggs, which was a combo I had never considered but I'm so glad someone did! I also got the truffle mac and cheese and a house salad. Both were excellent! The board game selection was extensive, with old favorites and hidden gems. If I'm ever back in the area, I'll be sure to stop in again!

    Photos
    House Rules
    House Rules
    House Rules - Seating area

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    Seating area

    The Electric Cheetah - Salisbury Steak Dinner

    The Electric Cheetah

    4.0(830 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    It has been years since I have been to EC and I'm glad I came back! They revamped their menu and…read morebrought back a lower price point with some of their OG items and I'm really happy they did. The menu is extensive and filled with delicious, comfort meals... including the TV dinners. I saw this and felt like I had to try it! I just got the chicken fingers version and their fried chicken, mac and cheese were sooo good. I even loved the little veggie mix! But the winner, which got me to even order it, was the little brownie that came along with it. A full meal with dessert for such a small amount of $$. I look forward to trying their brunch sometime or coming back to try more of their items again!

    We went here on a suggestion from a friend. The menu names are very colorful. The bathroom was even…read moremore colorful (in a quirky cool way). We got the pickle tickle as well as the Southern raw fries (more like deep fried spiral cut potatoes) which were both good. I got the nachos since I tend to get them whenever I go and all were very good. My daughter is vegetarian and they had lots of vegetarian options. Service was good and quick. All 5 stars. They even have their own canned root beer. How cool is that. Unfortunately it was a little too sweet with maple syrup/molasses taste for me (to be fair the waitress forewarned me about the fair. But why not try their signature root beer. I don't regret it one bit). My only issue, which is out of their control was that the parking lot was packed on a Saturday 6pm, so we had to find street parking down the road.

    Photos
    The Electric Cheetah - Entrance.

    Entrance.

    The Electric Cheetah - I'm Not My Brother's Mac

    I'm Not My Brother's Mac

    The Electric Cheetah - DJ chiliquelles

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    DJ chiliquelles

    Choo Choo Grill - burgers - Updated September 2026

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