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Where is Grand Rapids?

For those unfamiliar with the city, Grand Rapids is located about 35 miles east of Lake Michigan. The Grand River flows through the downtown area, which naturally separates it into east and west sections. Interstate 196 and US 131 also intersect downtown, which separate the city into north and south sections. Grand Rapids is north of Kalamazoo, east of Muskegon and west of Lansing. Grand Rapids is home to Gerald R Ford International airport.

What is Grand Rapids Famous For?

Grand Rapids is popular for so many reasons. Home to furniture manufacturing and Meijer stores, it has a vibrant economy and is also rich in arts and culture. Every year people visit the ArtPrize competition and LaughFest, in honor of the late Gilda Radner.

What Attractions Should I Visit?

With so many great places, it’s hard to pick a favorite. I always recommend John Ball Zoo, with or without kids. Frederik Meijer Gardens on East Beltline is also a “must visit” location. Both the indoor and outside attractions are amazing. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is one of my favorites, and I still need to visit the Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum. Don’t miss the Grand Rapids Childrens’s Museum, also located downtown!

Love baseball? Catch a West Michigan White Caps minor league game. They offer gluten free concessions, too! Visit Van Andel Arena for Griffins hockey, and music concerts. Make sure to add Fulton Street Farmers Market and the Downtown Market to your itinerary, also. I love Bridge Street Market and Harvest Health for delicious gluten free groceries. Visit Experience Grand Rapids for more tourist informatoin.

Why Does Grand Rapids Offer So Many Gluten Free Options?

At one point, there was a strong and active Celiac Disease Support Group in the area. They helped educate physicians, hospital systems, grocery stores and restaurants on gluten free dining. Support group leaders visited restaurants to inspect their facilities and teach them how to minimize the risk of cross contact. The city also had a gluten free food fair.

While the group and the fair no longer exist, the prelimary work they did made a lasting impact. Area restaurants realized that the more they accommodated those with dining restrictions, the more people would frequent their business. In addition, as awareness of Celiac Disease continues to grow, so do available dining options.

Where Should I Eat?

I developed the list below with the help from those in the former support group. In full disclosure, I have not eaten at all of these locations. I placed an asterisk at restaurants where I have personally dined. In addition, please remember that food preparation methods can change, so ALWAYS ask questions before ordering. This list is not exhaustive, but compiled with the help of those who know to ask questions about cross contact, including shared fryers, etc.

Another comment in regards to “where.” I grew up in Lansing, and not Grand Rapids. In assigning eateries to areas, I started with the downtown area, and grouped them into areas, due to their geographic location to the downtown area. I embedded a map of these Grand Rapids gluten free dining suggestions, which you can use to get online directions.

Grand Rapids Gluten Free Restaurant Suggestions

Downtown Grand Rapids

Butcher’s Union website

Condado Tacos my review
Luna website
Rise Authentic Baking Co.* (Dedicated Gluten Free and Vegan) website
San Chez Bistro* website 
Two Beards Deli website

Northeast Grand Rapids

Anna’s House– Plainfield* website (Dedicated GF prep space)
Frosty Boy* (Plainfield location ONLY. NOT Cascade) website
Herb and Fire Pizzeria* website
Lucy’s Cafe website
The Melting Pot (GFCO Certified) website
Mitten Brewing Company* website

Northwest

East (East Hills/ Eastmont/ East Town)

The Electric Cheetah website
The Green Well  website
Maru Sushi website
Matchbox Diner website 
Noco Provisions website
Terra Grand Rapids website
Uncle Cheetah’s Soup Shop website 
Wealthy Street Bakery / Hall Street Bakery* (Separate Dedicated GF Kitchen) website

Southeast (East Beltline)

Anna’s House* (Dedicated Gluten Free Prep Station) website
The Cheesecake Factory website
Cooper’s Hawk Winery website
Core Life Eatery website
Papa Chops (Dedicated Gluten Free) website
Condado Tacos (my review)

Southwest- Grandville

Anna’s House (Dedicated  Gluten Free Prep Station) website
Core Life Eatery* website
Tastefull Vegan Ice Cream website (100% gluten free and vegan ice cream stand)

Outlying Areas

North: Comstock Park / Rockford / Cedar Springs
Amore Trattoria Italiana* website
Bostwick Lake Inn website
Cedar Springs Brewing* website
Corner Bar* website
Momma’s Boy website

Archival Brewing

South

East: Ada / Lowell
Flat River Grill website
Nonna’s : The Trattoria website
Mudpenny (Uses Kind Crumbs products) website

West

Other Grand Rapids Suggestions

I’ve mentioned Grand Rapids many other times on my blog. Check out my list of Michigan Gluten Free Bakers, local Cider Mills which offer gluten free donuts, and area coffee shops that serve baked goods from Kind Crumbs and Rise Authentic Baking. For more activity suggestions, visit From Michigan With Love’s list of Fun Things to do in Greater Grand Rapids.

Your turn!  What’s your favorite place to eat, shop and play in Grand Rapids? With so much to see, I’m sure I’ve missed a bunch. What places would you recommend to visitors and tourists? Leave suggestions in the comments below.

Looking for dining recommendations in other cities? Visit my post on dining gluten free in Michigan.

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