top five

TOP 5

Soup’s on for Grand Rapids

Variety marks the delicious liquid-based offerings.

BY PAT EVANS

The weather is cold, but thankfully Grand Rapids restaurants are serving up a tasty array of soups to keep diners warm. From a hearty stew to a broth-y ramen, here are some of the best the city has to offer.

Cottage Bar

The Cottage Bar is known for its chili, but the beef stew that finds its way onto the menu is ideal for a cold night in one of those cozy booths. The beef is tender, the veggies are plentiful and this mainstay will put meat on your bones.

Uncle Cheetah’s

A go-to place for Grand Rapidians when they want soup, because that’s what they do: soups and grilled cheeses. The soups change regularly, but one of the best we’ve seen is the Reuben, complete with a Swiss cheese and cream base, corned beef and sauerkraut.

Ando

A giant bowl of ramen is a great way to turn up the heat on any day. The pork belly ramen at Ando Sushi has thick slices of slow-cooked pork belly and a delicious broth that washes umami goodness over the tongue.

Leo’s

Seafood in Grand Rapids is not widespread, but Leo’s has been a staple in downtown for nearly 30 years. While summer is a good time to dive into a delectable gazpacho in the dining room, don’t forget the clam chowder and lobster bisque when it’s time to warm up.

The Green Well

When only comfort food will do on a snowy winter afternoon, head to The Green Well, which features a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and tomato soup combo. A fried egg adds another layer to the old-time classic (on the sandwich, not the soup!).

editor's pick

In July 2021, I moved back to Michigan after four years away. My wife and I bought a house, and while it was perfectly movein ready, there is of course plenty to do to make it “ours” and ensure upkeep.

Thankfully, the house is less than a mile away from Great Lakes Ace Hardware, 1234 Michigan St. NE.

While it’s not a giant box store with everything under the sun like a Home Depot or Lowe's, Ace does have everything you might need for a home project, from a great selection of paint to the best electric lawnmower on the market. (Editor’s note: Ego all the way.)

It is large enough to spend hours perusing the aisles and grabbing things throughout the store you forgot you needed. Plus, sometimes there is a hot dog cart outside!

After all, Ace is “the helpful place.”