It's not often I give out five star reviews, but this place deserves it. First off, it's not a fancy place, it's not even very big, probably just 8 booths, a few tables and a big table for groups, although I'm sure that bigger table could be broken up for smaller parties. There's counter seating too. The day I was there, it was just one server. She did it all. Brought beverages, took orders, and chatting with the regular customers. She seemed to play around with a computer, presumably to fill orders. It didn't seem very efficient but I image it keeps better track for inventory purposes. I didn't see it on the "specials" board, so I asked about a breakfast special and she said it was a ham & cheese omelet and included coffee. So I ordered that, it came also with toast of choice. Food came quickly, coffee cup was kept filled and the breakfast was the right portion and delicious. Now in the past I've said I didn't care for their omelets, but I've changed my mind. Perhaps they make them differently than before. Bottom line, Idle Hour is not trying to be something they're not (unlike Pine Street Cafe), so if you're looking for a quick breakfast that won't break the bank, this is the place. BTW the meal was $7.50 +tax & tip. Be warned there is an upcharge if you don't pay cash. read more

Idle Hour Lunch - Ham and cheese omelet with toast $7.50. - New American Near Me - Spring Lake, Michigan

It's been a while since I was here, but since it was close to where I was staying and the weather was pretty bad, I decided this place was a good choice. When I arrived the place only had two tables occupied, one customer each. I figured the snow was keeping people home that morning. I grabbed an empty booth and the server saw me asked for a drink order, brought it back promptly along with ice water and menu. I didn't really look at the menu because when you walk in they have a board displaying todays special. it was a corn beef omelet. Sounded good to me. There were two servers that day and I overhead them complaining how slow it was that morning. One of them was checking her phone constantly, they kept going in and out of the kitchen. Now I'm sitting here a good ten minutes with no server coming to take my order, while in the mean time the servers are looking out the window at the snow! I guess I could have said something but I didn't. 14 minutes later the server shows up and I say to her: "I thought you forgot about me." She replies: "actually I did." Well at least she is honest. I ordered the corn beef omelet, she asks what type of potato I'd like. I didn't realize they come with potatoes, so I tell her home-style. Food shows up about 6 minutes later, and there are no potatoes! Then I realized they put them inside the omelet instead of on the side. The corn beef was a bit dry, the omelet was not fluffy, but overall except for the lack of service, it was okay. read more

Idle Hour Lunch - Corn beef omelet Sour dough toast - New American Near Me - Spring Lake, Michigan

Excellent service and great breakfast at reasonable prices. Yummmy lunches and nice sized burgers. Have specials daily also. read more

Idle Hour Lunch - Friday night and we had a fantastic Perch Dinner. Farm Fresh asparagus and homemade potato salad. - New American Near Me - Spring Lake, Michigan

We stopped on to idle hour for breakfast this morning around 830am. Had to sit at the counter, the tables were full and there was a line standing at the door. Fast friendly waitress took our order right away. The kitchen was a bit slow, they were slammed! The order was a small stuffed has brown and meat lovers scramble. You can't beat it! It was absolutely wonderful. Coffee was fresh and the restaurant was fresh, clean and the rest rooms were as well. read more

See all

We stopped in for breakfast here. The place was busy but we got seated right away. I had the Laker omelet with raisin bread toast. It was good. My better half had the Greek omelet with raisin bread. She thought it was a little bland and could have used some more seasoning. We both loved the raisin bread toast and considered getting another order of it. We resisted the temptation. I thought the florescent lighting made the place feel a little too institutional for my tastes. The wall decor was interesting and the service was prompt and good. All-in-all it was a good breakfast but nothing really stood out to make it a must visit again experience. read more

Very pleasant, clean little diner. My only disappointment was their menu said the corned beef was house cooked, and the waitress said they hadn't done that as long as she could remember .-but my Ruben sandwich was still good. My husband got breakfast and said it was great. read more

The chicken tasted a bit processed. I would come back for breakfast but not for lunch. Not overly impressed but service was really great.

Great local breakfast/lunch place in the spring lake area. My favorites include the Lake Breafast and the french toast!

Legit breakfast stop. Quickly served and checked on frequently on a moderately busy Sunday morning. Super friendly service. Group of 5, none weren't happy with their meals. Bacon: 5/5 stars. Recommended. read more

Pleasant little diner, clean, bright, looked to be newly renovated. First time here for my wife and I, we showed up around 1pm, an hour before close, and there were few people there. The waiter was very nice, quick, accurate and attentive, and the food was pretty good diner fare. I had breakfast, eggs over easy, hand cut American fries, sausage links and rye toast. My wife had lunch, chili dogs with homemade onion rings. My eggs were cooked nicely, the potatoes were decent, but the sausages were the skinny kind that can end up hard on the inside (I'm not a fan of that kind). Chili dogs were good, large and plump with tasty chili, and the hand-made onion rings were very good, if a touch overdone. Only two negatives I can think of, the waiter said the hashbrowns are from a bag, and the sausages were hard. Big positives were the onion rings and the toast. It surprised me to learn that they bake their own bread there, and it was excellent. How many diners bake their own bread? Nice. Good diner food, nice atmosphere, recommend a visit and we will be happy to return there in the future. read more

The food is great, but they take their name seriously. You will sit idle for an hour.

The Dirty Laker is more food than any human should consume in one sitting but very good. Thick cut bacon and great, prompt service.

Excellent breakfast! Clean and inviting dining room and great service and food too! I had the 'Laker'. It was a scrambler with ham onions green peppers and eggs with a covering of cheese. read more

Idle Hour Lunch - The full size Laker breakfast scramble - New American Near Me - Spring Lake, Michigan

I always like to try local places for breakfast but unfortunately, this was the worst breakfast we've had in a week at the lake. Small portions for the price, food that was on the greasy side, instant iced tea. read more

Love this place. Food is delicious, Service is fantastic, a perfect hometown diner.

I took my Mom here for lunch/breakfast. The staff was very friendly and restaurant was clean and inviting. Food was outstanding and large portions. My Mom tried their quiche that was the special of the day and loved it. I had the dirty laker and couldn't even eat half of it. Great Sunday lunch experience read more

Great food and very inexpensive. Large servings. Staff is very friendly. We had to wait 15 minutes before getting a table but I see why it's so popular. read more

Unfortunately the service and quality has suffered tremendously since the new ownership my family has been visiting for 5 years while boating it was always the friendly go to even having to wait but the wait was well worth it however that is not the case anymore so sorry to have to write this post because I think the current owners are nice and are going through some unfortunate circumstances I can only hope they can turn this around soon. If o were to rate current visits it would have been maybe a 2 but knowing what it was and could be again I am being generous with a 3. Good luck Idle hour. read more

Honestly all around disappointed. Today was my second try here and it went about the same as the first visit. There is always such a long wait to get your food once you are seated ( which is a while in itself). Twice I have ordered scrambled eggs and had them come out spongy like an omelette which is not correct and also disgusting. This time my bacon came out burnt. The portions also felt extremely small for the prices. The wait staff seemed friendly for the most part and the building was clean. I will not be back at least for breakfast. read more

Pretty darn good! We were just passing through and came upon this little gem. Had an omelet which was deeeelicious and fresh. The English muffin was toasted just right. Good service and strong coffee. read more

My friends and I love to go out to different breakfast restaurants around the Grand Haven area on the weekend. We thought we would try something new. We drove to idle hour and were excited and hungry. We came into a 3/4 full restaurant and said hello. The lady at the front then said there will be a 45 min wait and we should try somewhere else even though there was an open table right in front of us. We then left. Unfortunately our car didn't start so we went back in to put our names in while we waited for a ride. Somehow 2 minutes after the 45 min wait we instantly get a seat from a different waitress. We then had to ask for our drinks multiple times. Also my friends were almost done with their food before I was even served. Then the hostess that told us the wait time said that this was the nicest she has been in a long time. I was hoping for a great experience but was unfortunately let down. I wish that the service would of been better. We will definitely not be coming back and will tell all of the North Shore locals the same. read more

Food probably good if it was hot! Okay place if u don't want to wait in line for morning star.

Having Sunday Brunch as I write. No line, prompt service, clean dining room, good home-style food. Idle Hour is a culinary compliment to Spring Lake. I'm tempted not to write a review because I don't want this place to get too crowded but I REALLY want them to stay so... read more

Solid breakfast, always quick service, extremely nice staff. Great place to bring the family. Go!

First time dining at this local restaurant. Somewhat like "Cheers Bar" but for dining only. Friendly and attentive staff, good breakfast at a reasonable price, with plenty of food. My lady and I will be back! read more

Love, love, love this place! The food is amazing, and the staff is awesome! Feels like going home to eat. You are always met by a smile, and a friendly word! Would recommend this to everyone!! read more

I am assuming it's under new ownership, but the menu has changed and the only reason I came was for the amazing waffle fries. But they no longer have them... So I got american fries. I'm not sure if it was just a mistake or an unpatriotic move, but the flakey hash brown looking things were just less than par. At least the staff is always nice. But the food these days... I'll look elsewhere. read more