Found this gem thanks to yelp. Breakfast and lunch only. Great food with some special polish offerings like polish sausage or latkes. (Potato pancakes) Check the chalkboard for the Pastry of the day and bring your appetite. Servings are generous read more

This is a gem of a restaurant! Best breakfast I have had in a long time. You can definitely tell the meats are local and fresh. The servers are very friendly and attentive. read more

If you want to eat breakfast at the Westsider, get up a little earlier to avoid the wait. Parking is tight but there are also street options. The space to wait when they get busy is a little tight but it's worth the wait or getting up early! We got lucky and didn't have to wait long. I ordered the french toast with sausage and hubs got the cuban eggs. The french toast was good, a little crispy on the edges but not dry and the sausage flavorful but not greasy. The cuban eggs were amazing! Poached eggs done perfectly with a little kick and pulled pork. I really like their grilled redskin potatoes too. This is one of my favorite spots in Grand Rapids for breakfast. Do yourself a favor and check it out! read more

The Westsider Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Didn't get to order food. Sat there for 20 minutes just waiting for someone to take our order. Seems like if you're a regular you get service but if you're a newbie you're not worth their time. Found out the server who was supposed to wait on us was actually wrapping silverware at a table in her direct line of sight. Will never go there again! As for Ambiance there isn't any. Giving 1 star only because I have to if I want to post this review. read more

A typical breakfast restaurant with a lot of variety to the menu. It can get quite busy, quickly, so definitely expect a wait. Definitely periodically check where you are on the waiting list, multiple groups were skipped over. I was quite impressed by the selections of entrees they had to offer. I was torn between quite a few options. I ended up going with the Polish Skillet. Although, quite good, I was kind of disappointed. The sauerkraut through me off. To me, it was too sweet. I feel like if it had more of a vinegary flavor to it, the skillet would be great! I actually had food envy of what everyone else ordered. There were other things on the menu that I'd like to try. I'd check this place our again if I'm in the area. read more

The Westsider Cafe - Polish Skillet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

My power was out for scheduled maintenance and I had the day off so off to breakfast I went! I have been wanting to try this place and hear there are always lines so I figured a weekday was a good time to try it. Even on a Thursday around 11:00 am it was almost full! They have quite a variety of items and seem to have a lot of regulars! The food was delicious. I had all of my favorites, some eggs (scrambled), crispy bacon, hash browns and French toast. I think I was full for the rest of the day but I ate it all because I couldn't take it with me! My server was very friendly and attentive as well. Definitely somewhere I would go again! read more

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There's nothin really special about this place. It's quality food, cooked perfectly, simple entrees with no frills. It's exactly what you should expect out of a simple breakfast. I had eggs over medium, with bacon, hash browns and a waffle. All were excellent. The Westsider offers no frills, no avocado, no olive oil, no couscous, no kale. Just good, old fashioned American breakfast done exceptionally well. Maybe not having anything special, and doing the not so special flawlessly is what actually makes this place a gem. read more

The Westsider Cafe - The second street breakfast with Kona coffee (excellent) and added blueberries to waffles. All were perfect. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Open in the wintry conditions when places were closed!! It was a nice escape. Met up with some friends for breakfast in a weekday. Seating was not an issue. The table we were at hit both doors when they opened. That was a bummer. The waitstaff was friendly, great coffee refills very prompt. The food what you have been waiting for...Delicious, filling and lots of it. I got the Cuban Skillet. Sooo....Good! Lots of fluffy eggs, the salsa added a great freshness. Lots of pulled pork too. I wish there had been more potatoes; but, I had a side of toast which made things better. I will be back to try more! read more

The Westsider Cafe - The Cuban Scramble - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Probably the third best eggs Benedict I've had in my life. My 1st favorite is First Watch and it was almost as good.The only way to describe the poached eggs was tittys. read more

This place never disappoints. The portions are very large. The pickle soup is the best around town. I've eaten here many times and never walked away disappointed or hungry. I wish them many years of success. One of the few places to get some authentic Polish food. With that said, most of the food is American as not to discourage people that this is the majority of the menu. read more

No review of food because we were not seated after an hour wait. Food did look great, though. However, staff would not move tables to accommodate groups of five or more. read more

Got the #1 skillet It was good! Huge portions, cooked good! Great to go and covid policies. read more

The Westsider Cafe - #1 skillet gluten free toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

The food was wonderful and tasty. The service was excellent as always. Recommend to everyone anytime.

I will admit, I'm a sucker for any local diner/breakfast place. But the Westsider does it sooo well. Every time I come here, I have a hard time deciding what to order, because there are so many things on their menu I can't wait to try. My most recent visit here, I had the potato pancakes, which are served with a side of applesauce, 2 eggs, and toast. De. Licious. Man, I would order that again in a heartbeat! The combination of the savory potatoes with the slightly sweet applesauce was heavenly. Keep up the wonderful work, Westsider! read more

Let me first say that we didn't get the breakfast. This review is on the "Polish Plates" part of the menu. My companion ordered the Polish Combination Plate. The best thing on the plate was the kupusta. The kielbasa wasn't hot; it was referred to as cool by my companion. The pierogies were doughy and the side of sour cream wasn't served. I ordered the house-made cabbage rolls. The cabbage rolls were smaller than a tennis ball. I have to admit they were seasoned very well. I expected a lot more for a dish costing over $10.00. For a restaurant that features Polish-inspired food, they should put more thought and care toward their signature dishes. I've enjoyed cabbage rolls in Hungarian and Greek restaurants that put the Westsider Cafe to shame. As for ambiance, we were seated at a table that had cold air blowing on the diners; it was very annoying. The bottom line: We were not impressed. read more

Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, and later finding myself in Philadelphia for ten years, I never knew how good I had it until I moved to Michigan. When I first moved to Grand Rapids I immediately realized that the food culture here was a little different than what I was used to. From the lack of New York style pizza, to the wet burrito, everything is just a little...different. Being that breakfast is my favorite meal, I quickly started searching for a breakfast place that could replace the diners and small breakfast shops that I frequented back home. Sadly, I have yet to find a suitable replacement. The Westsider Cafe was one of the first places that I had breakfast in Grand Rapids, and that was nearly two years ago. I barely remember the experience, but I must not have been overly impressed as I didn't return for so long. This morning I woke up earlier than normal and decided it would be a good time to revisit my neighborhood breakfast hangout. I rarely consider the place because I abhor crowds and waiting, so I figured 7:30 am on a Saturday morning would be fine. While it wasn't a mad house, I was surprised to see a full restaurant, including a large group waiting for a table. I was sat quickly and I waited for a server to take my order. After placing my order, the wait was longer than expected, but I have patience. Once my (giant) meal arrived, the wait seemed like a waste. Michigan loves giant portions of food, and this place surely delivers. What they do not deliver on is quality. The diners of the east coast are basic, cheap, fast, and delicious. Two eggs, a meat, potatoes, toast, and a coffee will run you $3-6 in most diners. The portion is smaller, and you most likely won't have leftovers, but it is typically a perfect meal. It is also prepared very quickly, even with a packed house. It has been interesting to see people waiting for a table to pay $10+ for an enormous plate of mediocre breakfast. I ordered my go-to breakfast of scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, and toast. The large dinner plate I received was swimming in red skin potatoes which did not resemble any breakfast potato I have ever laid my fork into. They appeared to be boiled, and slightly smashed, but included spuds the size of a golf ball and larger. The potatoes were fine (with a little salt and pepper), but seemed better suited alongside a meatloaf and green beans than scrambled eggs and bacon. The scrambled eggs were an acceptable portion size, and cooked well; no faults here. The bacon strips were slightly overcooked, and didn't hit the spot. The toast was toast. At the end of my nearly $13 breakfast I was left with enough potatoes to feed two more people, and a feeling of regret for giving the Westsider Cafe another shot. I REALLY want to like this place, and I feel terrible writing a negative review because the people there seem friendly and passionate. Unfortunately affability, passion, and large portions won't keep me coming back, delicious food will. read more

tasty, friendly, and fast! Love the Westsider! We usually go to the Westsider for breakfast. The menu has a lot of variety. There are very few places I can go for biscuits and gravy, and this is the place! We like the small-town feel, and the food is excellent. I also enjoy the daily quiche. The Westsider also offers local favorites like perogie, kielbasa, and sauerkraut. read more

Top notch!! My husband and I shared the 7th Street breakfast. Wow, so much food. Everything was delicious and we even took food home! The iced hazelnut coffee with whipped cream, yum!!! They do charge $1.25 to split the meal, seriously not a big deal. Will definitely put this on our Saturday breakfast rotation. We love to support local and it was so worth it this morning. read more

This place was amazing! A lot of people were there and the portions were huge even when you order the lighter side. The food was very good but the service was very slow. read more

Honestly appalled at some of the poor reviews here especially from some who've been SEVERAL times and then decide to write a review once they have a bad experience. Every restaurant has a niche-- if you're looking for a boozy brunch with downtown digs, this isn't it. Don't expect it to be something it's not. It's tucked away in the West Side, like the real West Side, not the gentrified portion of Bridge Street that all the new folks know and love. The West Sider has done what's it's always done for people who've been here for more than the last 10 years. The food is consistent, tasty (though you'll always need to add salt and pepper probably) and portions are huge so be prepared to take some home. Service is usually good though it can be subpar when they're slammed. They get insanely busy and servers are sat several tables so be prepared to wait a bit. Also, people can be demanding (take a look at these other reviews) and so keep that in mind. Because of how busy it gets, the owner at times will tell you that they need to leave certain seats open-- again, this place gets BUSY. They want to serve as many people as possible and they can't do that when Chad and Rhonda are a party of 2 but insist they sit at the 5 top in the corner by the window. The answer is no every time. Either sit at the table made for 2 and eat your breakfast or go to Wolfgang's (also very tasty) where you have tons of seating options. Listen, if you are okay with a fast paced, crammed environment with sometimes delayed or rushed service and home cooked food, this is it. It's ALWAYS been it. Accept it for what it is. It will not be anything else ever. They do what they do well! If you're looking for something else, go there but don't slam this neighborhood gem. 5/5 stars! read more

Delicious and very friendly staff! Reasonably priced as well! I got the Dill pickle soup and patty melt which was fantastic!

We had breakfast here this morning and had a great experience! Yummy food very good service! Not only was our server Karinne attentive and friendly but the owner came by to check on us. The eggs Benedict looked yummy and were served with fried redskin potatoes. The homemade corned beef plate with eggs potatoes and choice of toast or a biscuit was generous and also delish. My cinnamon swirl French toast was delightful and just enough for my small appetite. It was on the alacarte menu. The best part was everything was hot!! Yum read more

Westsider is our go to place for brunch or breakfast. My husband and I have been going there since we first started dating back in 2013. The staff is always very nice and friendly and the portion sizes and freshness of the food is unmatched! I always applaud the staff for how quickly they turn tables to get everyone in when there is a wait! Its also a cozy mom & pop neighborhood feel of a restaurant which is always what I prefer vs a chain. read more

The Westsider Cafe - Waffle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Lovely people, good food, generous portions, parking can be challenging when it's busy.

The name is appropriate because it's the best breakfast on the west side. The portions are unbelievable and you'll leave with leftovers.

Cute dive, but eggs were bad--super hard and rubbery. Potato pancakes were heavy like hockey pucks, lacked flavor, and were greasy (twice fried). On a positive note, the sausage links were delish. read more

Y'all what can I say! My husband and I love this hidden gem we found on yelp. Literally found it on a whine and I am so glad we did. It is so delicious and satisfying. I purchased the hungriest and I am so happy I did. The Westsider Cafe has THE BOMB FRENCH TOAST!!!!! Listen y'all please please please please please get the French toast it is amazing! They have warm syrup there too. The French toast experience is something to die for!!!!!! So delicious!!! read more

The Westsider Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

We came here on a day off and it was busy at 11am on a weekday. The parking is pretty limited, so keep that in mind when you go here. We both had coffee to start and they did a great job on refills and offered to go cups without even having to ask! We ordered the Cuban Skillet and Huevos rancheros. They were both excellent and large portions. I can't get enough of the pork and the ranchero sauce in the huevos rancheros. This place is fantastic! Great service, fantastic menu, good coffee and delicious food. read more

The Westsider Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

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I've eaten here a couple times, and I would eat here every day if my waistline and schedule would allow it! The best... seriously, THE BEST breakfast joint in town. There is usually a wait, but the line moves surprisingly fast. The wait is uncomfortable. You find yourself crammed with lots of strangers in the tiny vestibule. The building is small and there is just nowhere to go. Once the hostess brought me coffee as I waited. That was a nice gesture :) The first time I feasted on the Cuban Skillet... pretty much huevos rancheros ... and it was damn good. The portion size is best described as "enormous". I made two meals out of this one. And it was less than ten bucks. The other time I visited was immediately after participating in a 5k. I brought my appetite that day! I ordered the 8th Street: Cuban Eggs. I would summarize it as cuban eggs benedict. It was truly delectable. I still couldn't manage to clean my plate, but I did come close. My friend ordered the Polish Skillet and she raved and raved about it. We were a couple happy gals. I've read other reviews acclaiming the coffee. On that point, I have to disagree. I would tend to call myself coffee snobbish, and I just did not enjoy their coffee. But I didn't go there to sip a top-notch cup of joe, I went there for the amazing food. And I definitely found what I was looking for. The service is prompt, efficient, and accurate. Coffee refills are frequent. The servers deserve a healthy tip when you pay your check. Everyone eating has smiles on their faces. And they probably have to loosen their belts once they get back to their cars. Don't go here if you are dieting, because the food will probably stomp all over your willpower. You just have to make this one of those occasions to splurge. Go here! Trust. read more

The Westsider Cafe - Cuban skillet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Stumbled on this place while visiting Grand Rapids and reading reviews referring it as a "hipster" location. Great menu featuring breakfast and lunch options. Friendly staff and good food. We got the french toast, eggs, potatoes, waffles and sausage links. Links were outstanding! read more

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Super friendly service, fast, not expensive at all. The roasted red potatoes are delicious because they are cooked slightly well done. My egg white omelette was yummy. The avocado was super fresh. My husband's Cuban skillet was average but a little bland, even after hot sauce, and watery? Maybe it was the salsa on top that made it watery. I tried it and it was just "ok." Nothing great just meh. Was good for breakfast but not somewhere I would seek out regularly when in town. read more

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Classic diner aesthetic. Really kind servers, food came out quick, everything was delicious (especially their house muffin), and the portion sizes were great for the price. I'm no connoisseur, but if you're looking for a good reasonably priced breakfast I highly recommend! read more

Second visit to this establishment, it was meet with consistency of great food. First the wait was only about 20 minutes and it was a great day to wait in the sun. We all had something different, but I have to say the 7th street gives you a taste of so many things. So if you are looking to sample most everything that's the choice. Great sausage that has good flavor. The one observation is the space on the table. You get so much you will need to get creative to make room. From a value perspective you get far more for you money than Anna's house. The waffles are delicious. Sausage gravy is great and fresh. Toast was buttered with real butter not truck stop motor oil flavor like butter. Last the staff was helpful and friendly. read more

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Our family LOVEs the Westsider. We make sure to come at least once a month. We get the most excellent service and the best food and LOTS of it. Best if all is the "Dill Pickle Soup". We never leave without it!!! This is the place for families to come together... HIGHLY recommend it John and Lil Kotecki read more

This is probably my favorite breakfast joint. I've been here dozens of times and have had almost the exact same experience every time. The only real variables are the wait time and the rotating specials. 90% of the time we"ll go after church, when there's always a crowd. There is not a lot of room to wait, but the atmosphere is always inviting and friendly. The real standout is the food, but their service is also excellent. The staff keeps your coffee full and your table clean, they update you on how your food is coming along, and when to expect it. We've never had a bad experience there. The food portions are huge, and the quality is excellent. They offer a nice selection of Polish offerings, American staples, and renditions of classics interpreted into breakfast favorites. My personal choice is almost always the Cuban Skillet with English muffin toast, and hot or iced coffee depending on the season. I would always recommend visiting if you're in the area. read more

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I had one of the best quiche ever. Light flavorful served with a wonderful cinnamon blueberry muffin and fresh fruit. Good coffee and a nice read more

Westsider is legit. There are some reviews on here that complain about no alcohol, but let's not be greedy here. This is basically a diner (a polish one). How many diners have alcohol? I randomly came upon the Westsider and was pleasantly surprised with everything. The prices are great. The service was great. I didn't experience the pancakes, but every other breakfast food was excellent with the grilled potatoes being a highlights. Their kielbasa is also good if you like that kind of thing. Just a little bit outside of town and maybe that allows them to have better prices than most. It's definitely on my list of places to revisit when I'm in the area. read more

Good breakfast - get there early to get a table. The restaurant is small but cozy. Good place for 2 to eat breakfast. Wouldn't try to get seating for more than 3 or 4. Haven't tried their lunch options. And haven't eaten at the Westsider since BC - before covid. read more

I am a huge fan of breakfast. I could eat breakfast for every meal! I am also a huge fan of ma and pa places to eat at. Put those two favorite together and I present you with the westsider. When you walk in you know you are entering someone's pride and joy. The owner even walks around to make sure everything is going well. Pros -great home cooked meal -not too greasy -they allow you to make alterations which a lot of times doesn't happen at busy places like this -it is crowded, which shows people love it here -there are gluten free options -endless coffee, try the houseblend, no idea what it is but it is good -friendly personable staff -large portions for the money=worth the money Cons -it is crowded, I try and go at an off time -street parking, but it is free read more

Visiting with my family for an overnight stay in GR. My dad told me to find a place for breakfast. The Westsider had nothing but great reviews. It did not disappoint!! Great food, good service, and they keep your coffee cup filled at all times! Highly recommend checking out this hole in the wall breakfast spot! read more