food + drink / must-t y
While the deck is welcoming at all times of the year, the cozy booths are nice too.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken and The Cure Martini at Rose's.
MUST-TRY
All hands on deck Reeds Lake's own dining room. BY PAT EVANS
// PHOTOS BY HANNAH RUSHTON
On the shores of Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids sits an eatery both steeped in nostalgia and current with the desires of today’s diners. Rose’s, 550 Lakeside Drive SE, has served the community in a building that actually dates back to the days when Reeds Lake was an entertainment destination for those from near and far. Ramona Park was an amusement park on the lake from 1897-1955 that thrilled visitors, complete with the Jack Rabbit Derby Racer, one of only two double-track rollercoasters in the country at the time. Rose’s arrived in 1901 and offered park-goers hamburgers and some especially tasty caramel corn (which still is served today at the end of every meal). 60
While the amusement park gave way to developers more than 60 years ago, the former hamburger stand has morphed into dining establishment that’s still worth a trip to the lake. In this month’s Best Of poll, readers voted Rose’s as the best deck seating area for a restaurant in the region. The Gilmore Collection, parent company of Rose’s, certainly understands that and several years ago expanded its patio section to be even bigger and better. Perhaps the best part about that deck is its four-season capability, allowing diners to revel in sailboats during the summer and ice fishing in the winter. There’s a certain comfort level at Rose’s, which started its current journey in 1992. Seemingly little inside the restaurant has changed over the years. With that comes a familiarity for the regulars and a nice, cozy feeling for new visitors. Rose’s also seems to have settled into a nice niche for itself. Despite its lakeside location in an affluent community, it doesn’t flout fine-dining aspirations. It’s not absurdly priced, and while at times some of the prices do outstretch what maybe they should, it certainly could be a more expensive stop for a bite to eat. Instead, it’s a spot one can feel comfortable stopping at after a day in the yard, ready for a delectable burger. But really, no matter the occasion, Rose’s can cover it.
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11/23/21 1:22 PM
