Van's Pastry Shoppe

One of the best businesses in the Grand Rapids area. I started coming here when I was younger and lived near to get an affordable donut and coffee. Now anytime I’m in the city I try to go here. The coffee is affordable and actually fantastic. The donuts are what I judge other donuts by, so good. The shop is cute and reminds you of a better time. Beautiful cookie jars. Traditional small business feel. And the staff is always friendly and helpful. It’s also rare to see a business in this dreadfully liberal city that doesn’t shove their politics down your throat. I feel respected here and I’ll always support them.

Very cute old school bakery! Delicious donuts, bread, and turnovers! Love all the vintage cookie jars lining the shelves. The staff was extremely friendly. Prices really reasonable. Will be back. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Timeless Gem with Unforgettable Pastries This pastry shop is more than just a bakery—it’s a place filled with warmth, tradition, and the kind of flavors that stay with you forever. My granddad absolutely loved this spot, and after visiting, I completely understand why each time I come back.

This place is cute, but it's pastries are just not good. The donuts are always dry, the pastries generally taste stale. It very much tastes like it's made out of the cheapest costco ingredients possible. I've given it many tries, but I find the food here objectively bad.

Van's is an iconic GR location that has been in business since the 20s. A quaint vintage shop that makes their donuts, pastries, and breads in house daily. A few tables to sit down and socialize, but the real gold is in the sweet pastries. One of two great donut shops here in town. This one is a favorite. SO GOOD. Prices are reasonable, and the service is spot on. Always greeted with a smile. This is a top notch family owned Grand Rapids business. Highly recommended.

A historic Grand Rapid's staple and fantastic family owned business. They have the best fresh donuts, English muffin bread, and banket in the area! The folks working here are are so wonderful and the prices are the best you will find ANYWHERE near here. A true treasure and located one block over from the Fulton Street Market.

Such a nice place to visit! Love all the almond pastries, and the bread is great! I also purchased a custom cake recently for my mom's birthday, and it turned out wonderful!

Van’s felt like stepping back in time a bit, but in a good way. Service was quick and friendly, and there were a lot of tasty treats to choose from. I bought several items to go including an apple fritter, and old fashioned plain donut, an almond tart, and a date cookie. Everything was delicious and rich. I definitely highly recommend Van’s as a bakery for pastries and other sweets.

I was in town for business and wanted some great baked goods. My local coworker mentioned Van's. He kept saying it's where everyone goes and it's been there forever. We was going to get a dozen assorted, but we decided to get 2 dozen Pecan Rolls. My coworker was surprised we got them and loved it. I went around like Santa Clause passing out these fantastic rolls. Come on! Pecans on a gooey cinnamon roll? You can't pass that up. Next time I'm in town, I'll pack some up in the Yeti to take home.

This is the go to place for donuts and pastries. Awesome almond bear claws and 'pfeffernusse' anise flavored confections. The service is friendly and welcoming.

Delicious and inexpensive! Local homemade kinda place. Would definitely recommend to check this out if you're in this trendy neighborhood. Can't beat $1.00 coffee and $1.00 donuts!

Van's Pastry Shoppe is what you'd expect in a historic Midwestern city like Grand Rapids. It's along a commercial street in a vintage building with a vintage sign. American flags, old tables and porcelain Disney characters and dolls fill the inside. Behind a glass counter are freshly made doughnuts of every kind. I went around 9:30 a.m. on a July Wednesday and ordered the chocolate cinnamon doughnut. It was still warm! It was also cheap...so much so that I had to pay an extra 50 cents since it was under their $5 minimum for credit cards. #worthit

Walking into Van's is like going back in time. They're an old-school donut shop / bakery with a few tables and fun cookie jars decorating the walls. They don't do novelty donuts, so if you're looking for a donut covered in Reese's pieces or pop rocks, this isn't the shop for you. They're a no-frills place with your basics; glazed donuts, cake donuts, cookies, and other assorted baked goods including bread and coffee cake. Their coffee is not fancy and is super cheap. My boyfriend and I stopped in to Van's to pick up a couple donuts and some coffee. They have a surcharge for credit card purchases under $5, unless you have Apple Pay, then there's no charge to use that. My baseline for donut places is a simple yeast glazed donut, which is also one of my favorites. My boyfriend got a blueberry cake glazed donut, a long john, and a cup of coffee. The total was under $5, so definitely more affordable than the fancier places. Unfortunately my donut was not great -- the glaze was all goopy and melty, which made the donut wet and soggy. I had a bite of the blueberry donut which was a little better with good blueberry flavor. I don't think I'd run back anytime soon, though.

Was taking a walk and had to stop by because of the amazing smells coming from the pastry shop! So yummy and good prices!

Best Crème Horns ever. These are hard to find and theirs are crispy on the horn and soft yummy crème

There are some good things about this pastry shop.... the decorations, the history, the staff is super friendly, they have ApplePay, and the prices are insanely low. But I went in the shop for a pastry, a donut, not any of these other things. So I picked three different donuts. They were all so stale.... difficult to even bite into, frosting crumbling like chunks of broken cement all over the floor. I won't be back.

I suppose that because we were coming directly from an amazing local deli on the same street, we were expecting something as easily impressive about this bakery. Ah, no. And, I suppose if I had known then as I do now that the bakery resells cookies they buy elsewhere, I wouldn't have stopped at all. Being an aficionado of windmill cookies, I looked and looked at the tray in the display case and thought, "I have seen those designs before. And the cookies are all so uniform in size." Hmm. A bakery selling someone else's cookies? Who does that? (And really, if you are going to resort to buying and eating an easily located store bought windmill cookie, get Steenstra's. Made in Michigan.) I suspect that that locals or people that work in the immediate area have developed fond feelings for this bakery. As a visitor to Grand Rapids I was looking at this establishment with fresh eyes and, oh wow, this bakery's products were an unpleasant experience. The donuts, pastries, and cookies were as delightful and remarkable as a glass of tepid, cloudy water. The interior is yet another bakery structure stuck in time. I don't know why some bakeries seem stuck in the moment, that moment usually being the 60's. Yes, I will admit that the prices were incredibly reasonable. But is any money spent on treats that unsatisfying money well spent?

So so tasty every time! The cherry turnovers are my favorite and the pecan rolls are to die for. I've never gotten something from Van's I didn't love!!

Love this little place. They have the traditional counter with daily fresh donuts and coffee. The best part is the extremely reasonable pricing and cute decor. They sell out of things early so if you go before closing don't expect full trays when you get there.

Friendly faces, great prices, and great quality pastries! My daughter and I get donuts there every once in awhile, and lately I've been getting a few on my own, as well ;) thanks everyone!

Went in for a donut, none of the employees were wearing masks and many of the customers as well! They preach to support local but are probably the cause of many cases. Support your community by wearing a mask Repulsed.

We love Vans. It's family owned and been around for years - a true Grand Rapids staple! Often on Saturday mornings in the summer time we walk to the nearby Fulton Street Farmers Market and stop by Vans on our way home for a treat. All of their donuts are homemade, but the cookies they purchase and resell - which is why they are so cheap ;) Great spot to take the kids who usually get a big kick out of their collection of cookie jars that decorate the store.

No masks on staff. You don't care enough to wear a mask, I won't be back. It's required and important for everyone's safety.

A clean, well-lighted place with great treats and eats at vintage prices. If your identity is built upon spending $3.00 for a cookie and $6.50 for a small coffee, this is not the place for you, and please stay away. Smiling hearts, great tastes, in a super neighborhood -- grab a drink, a donut, and shop the street. If you've got a problem with this, then you, indeed, have got a problem.

I have enjoyed this business for many years but when I went in recently none of the staff had gloves or masks on which is alarming. Choosing not to do so shows a lack of care for their customers, many of whom are over the age of 65. I expect better out of a family business, you customers care for you and continue to support this business in tough times the least you can do is also look out for their well being.

Van's is a classic American donut shop. This locally owned business is consistent, clean, and easy to work with. Once a month I pick up 5 dozen donuts for my office and Cindy always has my order ready to go when I get there. A few months back something went wrong with the donut order and Van's was quick to make it right and even offered a discount on my next order. Van's has a wide variety of donuts, cookies, and pastries. If you are looking for funky, wild flavors with crazy toppings and colors then you will want to skip Van's. This is more of a traditional neighborhood joint with 50 cent coffee and a vast collection of cookie jars lining the windows. In a growing city with new places popping up all the time, it is nice to have a place like Van's Pastry Shoppe in the neighborhood.

Van's is a tie for best donut shop in the whole City for me. It probably is my #1... their donuts are so darn good, I can't help myself when someone brings them into work. Everything about those donuts are perfect!

It's like going back in time - to a better time, that is . Love this little donut shop, delicious every time.

Four stars because five stars requires some amazing experience. No real complaints here. We got a handful of paczkis. They were good, not incredible, but solid. The woman behind the counter seemed confused when we asked about the filling. Seemed not entirely sure what was going on as we were paying, like she's new there? Not sure. Anyway, the prices were fine. We only had a single and limited experience here, but it was fine. They didn't have a ton of variety (another reason they don't get five stars). For instance, paczkis only came in custard and raspberry. So...it's good, but that's only based on a handful of paczkis.

Local bakery located in GR. All my life living in GR I have never been here until this year. Awesome English muffin bread for $2.50/loaf. Donuts are less than $1. My favorite is the pastry with almond paste. Very similar to a Dutch letter you would get from other bakeries. There is street parking and parking in the back as well.

Van's, certainly is a staple of the community. To quote, Lil Wayne: 'skinny pants and some vans'... Warning to those who wear skinny pants: they won't fit very well after you're hooked on, Van's. They're dirt cheap. Scratch that, reasonable, because they definitely aren't a cheap product. They're the best bang for your buck in town! A local spot that is worthy of support, not for just the sake that they're local, but because they're all around part of what makes this city grand.

No mask by employees and no gloves. It is like Covid is not happening. Very unsafe. I saw customers not wearing mask. I will never go there again.

No masks worn by several employees. What an arrogant sign of disrespect to customers and families. A slap in the face to all health care workers and victims to this virus. DO BETTER. What a disappointment.

I went into Van's a few weeks ago and not one worker was wearing a mask or gloves. I know they are hot and not comfortable but it is not that hard to care about the health and well being of your customers and co workers. I will not be back.

These people have so much spirit, it's wonderful. Go there and get your hopes lifted or just some donuts, and a few extra to share. Some of these reviewers on here trying to spread their panic, but it just won't stick on these guys

Owned by the loveliest family! Great donuts and friendly service! People who are negatively reviewing this place because of an antique cookie jar haven't even been here.

Amazing bakery and all out display of Americana! Some say their cookie jars are racist but they are a part of History! God Bless this Shoppe!!!

I used to come here all the time as it is my neighborhood shop. There was a recent change of ownership, I believe a family member taking over, and it has left more than a sour taste in my mouth. The new owner, David, is flat out rude and disrespectful. He doesn't care at all for his customers and thinks he is better than everyone who stops in the shop. He also has gone into other businesses in the neighborhood and treated people absolutely terribly. Work like this gets around and has consequences. I used to bring donuts into work from here but that is going to be stopping. I can no longer do business here after hearing how this guy speaks to people.

One of my favorite bakery's in GR! Reminds me on a old classic bakery. Always kind employees and customers. Lots of offer! Would highly recommend for your classic bakery needs

I really cannot say anything wrong about this place! It is a classic pastry shop still with the "mom and pop" spirit! My dogs have memorized our morning routine of running and if we pass by Vans we have to stop! I have loved everything I've tried and when I want something simple and original they are the perfect go to! Also the old fashion prices are impossible to beat!

Excellent donuts and very friendly staff. The orange glazed donut is really good as well as the chocolate.

Great little donut shop that's been there forever. There are a few small tables but not a lot of seating. Also, your coffee will come in styrofoam. But the donuts are great - I recommend the Shakespeare rolls. They also have a couple little lunch options if you need a cheap and simple bite (I like the chicken salad sandwich). Overall, a great experience!

There is just SOMETHING about a Van donut! The cake ones have this oh-so wonderful fresh outer "crunch" to them - and I mean that in all the right ways! Every time we are in town, we make a trip to Vans. 50 cents - who can beat that??

Simple, old fashioned, affordable. Enough said. They treat you as if you've been coming there for years.

A local icon. Fresh made baked goods from a family owned business. I have ordered wedding cakes from Van's and all of the guests thought they were great. Their pies are delicious. Try their Indian (feathers, not dots) bread. Highly recommend this bakery. Best in G. R., in my opinion. Enjoy!

Van's is a small bakery with tasty, traditional pastries and very friendly service. Tables are almost always full and all sorts of cookie jars line the walls. I've been coming to Van's for years, every time I am back in Grand Rapids and always with one mission...to pick up some of their English muffin bread. The bread makes the best toast, garlic bread, sandwiches and pizza (and I'm sure whatever else you have a taste for). And it freezes well, so we usually pick up 2-3 loaves at a time so we're never without our favorite bread. Parking is streetside and it's usually pretty easy to find a spot.

I was in the neighborhood a few weeks ago and my wife suggested that we fuel our rummage-saling with Van's. Seemed like a great idea, but it WAS NOT. Worst donuts ever! Neither of us could eat them. They were terribly greasy and I even but into a chunk of what seemed to be lard. My friend bought a cookie and said it was good, so that warrants one star and one star only.

Van's pastry is the best I have been taking my little boy there since he was in kindergarten and now he's in college they ask about him every time I go in there the other day I walked with my neighbor who has a two-year-old and I told her the story about when I started taking him there I can't wait to see the years where she takes her little girl there and brings her home with a donut in the hand you're awesome Vans pastry today I brought a dozen donuts down to veenstra's because they help me with my car keep on going with all your wonderful cookie jars you're the best

This is the cutest little donut shop! Most donuts are freshly made everyday and cost .50!They also have cookies and bars that are tasty. You can also buy lunch here that is cheap and good for the price. They have things like soup and hot dogs. It's not fancy but the price is right and it tastes good.

Very friendly and reasonably priced bakery. Unlike some new downtown GR "vegan" overpriced snooty bakeries you charge $4 a cookie or $5 for a stupid cupcake, Van's is keeping it real. They still have Vienna bread and cookies under a $1. I like the vintage cookie jars and Americana displayed.

This shouldn't even be classified as a donut shop. Do they have donuts, yes....however, I am pretty sure they come from a store. I'm 99% sure the apple fritters came from Sam's Club. We ordered 5 donuts and were surprised they were only $3.75, but they tasted like it too! It's a cute place with nice servers, but don't go there and expect a "real" donut.

The BEST! Authentic pastry shop offering an old school traditional counter where they serve the best donuts and cookies in town! The prices will amaze you and you feel like you're being teleported back in time. The service is friendly and if you have a chance to go on a Monday morning they offer a little service and sing, 'God Bless America'! Its wonderful!

Van's Pastry Shoppe has been a staple in Grand Rapids that I have been looking to try for quite some time. I have always been a sucker for a good donut, so I'm glad I stopped by because Van's is in no short supply! It is no wonder Van's has been a success for almost a century. We tried a half-dozen assortment made up of an almond bear claw, cinnamon roll, raspberry jelly filled, chocolate, and two long johns. Every flavor was delicious, and I'm a little ashamed to admit that the fiancé and I polished off the half dozen by the end of the day (oops). I took off one star because I felt that the donuts could have been a little bit fresher. We stopped in mid-morning, but one of the donuts already felt a little hard around the edges. However, it was a small detail compared to the overall quality, and I may be a little picky. Overall, if you are looking for some delicious, classic donuts, Van's is your place. Enjoy!

Seeking a friendly atmosphere? Look no further! Vans Pastry not only has excellent goods but the best customer service. I was very happy with my seasonal treat :) the food presentation looks great & the workers gave accurate recommendations; where as some businesses only up sell the most pricey product. Definitley take a splurge and stop in before work

Classic American doughnut experience. Super inexpensive and really delicious. Nothing unique or modern (no bacon jalapeño doughnuts or anything like that), just a good representation of your childhood favorites. Gotta love custard filled long johns and apple fritters! I also love the classic cake doughnut for dipping in coffee. Great place to stop and get treats for the office on your way to work because you can spend next to nothing for a couple dozen doughnuts - and they're homemade! Also, this place makes the whole neighborhood smell like heaven early in the morning.

I'm a Grand Rapids native and had driven past this place for years. Today I stopped and bought doughnuts. OMG! First time in my life I had a doughnut so fresh and delicious it was literally melting in my mouth!!! Awesome! And incredibly inexpensive- 50 cents per doughnut! I'm a new regular customer!

I love love love love Van's. I can't say enough good things about it. Having grown up nearby, Van's is practically a family tradition at this point. The donuts are fabulous (their chocolate frosting is delicious), and the English muffin bread is amazing. Friendly staff, convenient location to downtown GR, and tasty baked treats at affordable prices - what more could you want?

Vans is the best donut shop in Grand Rapids. The local color here is part of the experience. After school donuts with my son are always a treat, and the counter-help is always sweet and patient as I teach him to pay and make change.