Remembering Grand Rapids’ Favorite Restaurants: Nostalgia And Sentimental Attachments

We all have our favorite restaurant the we love, casual, fast food, gourmet, whatever. They do come and go for whatever reason. So I pose the question, what was your favorite Grand Rapids restaurant that isn't around anymore that you wish were?

Robert Wahl posed that question on the Facebook page, GReat, and there was so much chatter about this. Grand Rapidians love to weigh in and list their favorite restaurants that are not around anymore. If you put it all together it would probably fill a book. So, here are just some of the favorites that they, or I should say, we, all miss.

Mr. Fables

Mr. Fables came up big. I am still longing for a Mr. Fabulous and onion rings.

Ponderosa Steakhouse

So many people commented about how they missed their Ribeye w/sauteed mushrooms, salad and sundae bar.

 Schnitzelbank

Another much missed restaurant and their wonderful German food, beer and fun.

Tillman's was a great old watering hole and steak house. The Who's Who of GR could be found there working through the problems of the day with a cocktail and steak.

There were lines out the door at Fingers just because of the fried chicken.

Who didn't love Bill Knapp's au gratin potatoes and chocolate birthday cake! My family sure did.

Such a fun place for the family with Granny sitting outside rocking and waving and Grandpa table hosting and telling awful jokes, but you loved every minute of it. Remember the train making it's way hi above the dining room?

Such a popular place for over 14-year at Lake Drive SE and Diamond Avenue. The served a delicious mix of dishes inspired by Lebanese heritage, vegan and vegetarian options, and gluten-free dishes.