Westsider Cafe

WE almost didn't come here because there were bad reviews but I am so glad we did! The food was great and the servers were friendly. Clean and tidy dining area and clean bathrooms too. I recommend for sure!

I ordered the Polish skillet with kielbasa. The dish was 80% egg, some of which was burnt. I hate burnt eggs. There were maybe 8 dime-sized pieces of kielbasa in the entire dish, and there was also bacon in there. I did not order bacon, nor is it listed on the menu as being in the dish. Very small amount of potato. In my mind, a skillet is a nice variety of all the items in the description. I have not been to Westsider in a few years, and I came here specifically for this. I am very disappointed.

Food was delicious. I got patty melt and wife quiche. And the owner this nice lady. She actually remembered me from 10+ years ago. I used to eat here all the time when on Different shift. I touched she remembered me

The waiters are accommodating, the food is yummy and filling. The price point is okay! I recommend the potatoes! But heads up if you use AT&T phone network, there's not a lot of service in there haha. A Westside staple ❤️

This might be the best “classic breakfast” in Grand Rapids. The food is delicious and portion sizes are pretty large. Pictured is the “First Street” with scrambled eggs, sausage links, and white toast. The redskin potatoes might be the best part. YUM! I also love that you can get good Polish food here! The servers are always wonderful. My only complaint about this place is that it is pretty small and there’s a lot of seating crammed in there. I personally hate being in the way and I ALWAYS feel like I’m in the way at this place — especially when we’re waiting inside for a seat. But if you don’t mind tight spaces as much as I do, or if the weather is nice and you don’t mind waiting outside for a table to open up, this is a great place to try!

First time here and this place was AMAZING! The menu catered well to my Polish heritage which is a rare find! Plenty of options for American cuisine as well! The food was hot and delicious! I wish I had caught our server's name because I really want to sing her praises! It was OBVIOUS she had a real desire to serve people! Best service I probably ever had! We will be back again and again. I will highly recommend the Westsider Cafe every chance I get

If you want to eat here for breakfast on the weekend, be prepared to wait. It is worth the wait. It's worth the drive and out of the heart of downtown. When you get your seat, the service is excellent and comes with a pleasant smile. Whatever the building used to be, they did a great job making it comfortable with an aged feel. The food? Top notch breakfast with some Polish options. The fried potatoes are terrific. The skillets are overloaded with eggs, but still yummy. Come, wait, and enjoy.

Good portions and you can have some polish influenced breakfast plates and skillets as well. Peaceful area with parks and lake nearby, good for a weekday retreat.

Came here because I wanted to see what the fuss is about! The door was packed with people waiting to get in. Honestly I feel bad saying that I wasn't impressed with my experience here. We waited for a very long time to get a table. The food and coffee was mediocre at best. My boyfriend got to the bottom of his coffee to find trash stuck to the bottom. We mentioned it to our server who was kind enough to reimburse his meal and then got him a clean fresh cup of coffee to drink and apologized to us. I still felt like it was worth mentioning since that grossed us out enough to not really want to eat the rest of our food or get a to-go box for home. This place could really use a makeover and maybe a better dishwasher. I could see why people would come here if the food was cheap but the prices were not a good reflection of what we received unfortunately. I'm sorry to be so negative in a review but I don't plan on coming back here based off this experience.

The food was disgusting. I had an omelet that tasted like it had been stored in the refrigerator for days. The side of fruit consisted of one grape, one blueberry, an orange slice that looked like it had been squeezed, but there was an ample amount of cantaloupe and honey dew. The blueberry muffin was tasteless. The custom blend coffee that I paid extra for was weak and tasteless. The server was apparently new, and was unable to make any recommendations. The facility reminded me of an old country place. I was truly disappointed!!!

I went to Westside for the first time last weekend- MAN had I been missing out. We had a big group so it was a bit of a wait but it was worth it! Our whole table ordered the Hungriest breakfast, which came with SO much food. (Seriously, we started stacking dishes on top of cups to make space.) The bacon was cooked to perfection, and the pancakes were SO fluffy. I also ordered the dill pickle soup, which was some of the best I've ever had! Our server was so kind, and very easy to get along with. We will absolutely be back!

Went here for a Saturday breakfast date with my wife, the service was excellent and the atmosphere is small but cozy. I really loved the 1st street my food was great but my wife's breakfast quesadilla was just okay as was my coffee, a nice little Grand Rapids family breakfast spot. We will have to return sometime for lunch.

I know that the Westsider Cafe is eternally loved by many, and I decided to stop in again recently for breakfast. It was around 9 am on a Sunday and not too busy yet, thankfully. I still don't like the limited standing space for those waiting. Luckily we got seated right away. Our server was super sweet and polite. I got the Cuban skillet and Nate ordered the Classic 6th Street, the breakfast quesadilla. I tempered my expectations and was pleasantly surprised at the skillet. I knew it would probably be under seasoned, which it was, but I added quite a bit of hot sauce which helped. I asked for the eggs over easy instead of scrambled, and the portion was huge for around $12. We definitely could have split this dish as it also came with a full order of toast. The potatoes were nicely cooked and I liked the pulled pork. The whole skillet was pretty saucy, which I appreciated. I had a few bites of the quesadilla, which was pretty bland, but Nate enjoyed it. I'm glad we went back to The Westsider but will probably continue to visit our other favorite local spots that are a bit closer to home.

Loved this place. Delightful and cozy. Taylor was a lovely waitress. I had the 9th Street consisting of eggs, choice of bread, choice of meat and potato pancakes. It was so very satisfying and delicious. The place gives off a charming village eatery vibe. 10 out of 10, would recommend.

First time here and loved the polish twist on breakfast classics. Friendly service, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to read the Sunday cartoons and sip your coffee. We went around 8:30 AM on a Sunday, and luckily we had no wait time and got great street parking. For food, we got the cinnamon French toast and potato pancakes, both were delish and we left with full bellies and CLEAN plates.

This place was a two minute drive from our Airbnb and had unique polish dishes I would be interested in trying BUT brunch is brunch and what's that without some super tender red potatoes with gravy and eggs over it. Skillet #1 was just that. My partner had the cinnamon swirl French toast and she really enjoyed it. I'm a HUGE pickle fan, so I obviously had to get the pickle soup that wasn't overwhelming with pickles at all (wahh for me LOL still extremely delicious). Our server was quick and attentive! Very friendly and anticipated our needs, which always kind of makes you feel taken care of. The restaurant itself is small but makes you feel at home and honestly I felt bad for the food runners for all the people waiting to be sat and she's just trying to do her freakin job. Haha but overall, amazing brunch spot! For sure get the pickle soup.

Great place & great food Homemade dining for breakfast or lunch! I love going to the Westsider!

A classic Westside greasy spoon. I had not been here in maybe 7 or 8 years and going back, basically nothing has changed. Still a popular neighborhood breakfast and brunch spot. It really personifies to me what the Westside used to be before it got more gentrified and fancy. Great hangover food but it still checks out as a sober person too, can confirm. There will probably be a wait on weekends and yeah there kind of isn't a waiting area. They took our name and number and told us to wait in the car and they'd call us. Before the quoted time we surely enough got a call. Service was very friendly. Satisfied my burger craving- olive burger and fries were very tasty. Burger seemed freshly made, not a frozen patty. I got some dill pickle soup to go as well, always a great add on. Love the Polish options!

Service was really good, from the SERVERS. There appeared to be A cook. It was about 7:30 on a Sunday am, not very busy at all, but the food felt like it took fooorrevvverrrr!!!! Unfortunately, the food was just ok. Not BAD, but just kind of ok; like it was devoid of flavor. It was a nice place, with what appeared to be lots of regulars, but not our cup of tea. I feel a bit sad leaving this review, bcuz I reeeallly wanted to love the place, but it was a minor disappointment because of the food. Great presentation w/ garnish, but "meh," overall.

Small locals spot for some amazing breakfast. I came here with my grandma in a Friday morning at 10am and it was pretty busy. They only had two tables left open and shortly after we arrived there were people waiting to be seated. We both ordered their eggs Benedict and they were AMAZING. I'm on a hunt for them every time I get breakfast and their Benedict was one of the best I've ever had. The hollandaise sauce was perfection, the eggs were perfection, the ham was salty and thick, the muffins were soft and perfect. This came with a giant side of potatoes as well that I barely touched. They were good and greasy. The coffee was pretty basic but did the job and their tea was a random assortment of brands. I will for sure be coming back here. It looks like they do a lot of to go orders as well and they had a bunch of lunch options so you will find something you like on their large menu.

Great breakfast spot with delicious food (not overly greasy), fast service, and huge portions! I got the Polish Skillet ($12.05) - Fresh sliced local (Frank's Market) kielbasa, scrambled eggs, kapusta, grilled red bliss potatoes, shredded cheese, and choice of toast, biscuit, or muffin (I got sourdough toast). Husband got the 7th Street: Hungriest ($12.75) - Three eggs, smoked bacon, country ham, savory sausage links, choice of buttermilk pancakes, French toast, Belgian waffle or biscuits and gravy, grilled red bliss potatoes and toast, biscuit or muffin (he got the French toast and sourdough toast). Sausage links were so good that we stopped by the Market up the street and picked a pack up (I'll have a leave a review for the Market - great service and nicest people)! Place was full but service was fast and smooth. We really enjoyed the food!

Dill pickle soup. That's all I have to say! You really need to try it. It's as good as it sounds.

This cute cafe met all my expectations of what I thought it would be like. Everyone I was with, gave it 5 stars too. I got the potato pancakes dish with kielbasa. The applesauce was so good! I asked if it was homemade and they said no. We don't get applesauce like that, on the west coast ( sad face) The french toast my nephew ordered, looked amazing. My mom's red potatoes with onions were fantastic. I was contemplating ordering the dill pickle soup, I didn't, and now regretting it. I got the pierogis instead. Dill pickle soup and pierogis are no where to be found where I'm from, so hopefully I get a chance to come back here before I head home and get me some more goodness to eat!

I've seen so many good things said about this place so it was finally time to check it out! They have a lot of Polish food options as well as typical American breakfasts. The wait on a Saturday morning was insane!! Granted they are still adhering to the covid capacity guidelines but we waited for over an hour to be seated when we were told it would be a half hour. Nonetheless, we stuck it out and once we got seated, our server came right to us. The service was good and who I assume is the owner or manager, came to check on us a couple times. I got the dill pickle soup to start because it is one of my favorite soups and I haven't had it in forever. It was pretty underwhelming and bland. I added a TON of pepper to it which helped a bit but it just needed for seasoning. The special they had that day was the country fried chicken egg Benedict served with potatoes. It was DELICIOUS!! Absolutely huge portion, the chicken was so crispy and tasty and the sausage gravy was good which I am normally picky about. Instead of the Benedict being served on an English muffin, it was on a biscuit. I'm not a huge fan of English muffins so this was perfect. The hash browns were cooked perfectly for my liking. I would go back here just for this meal again. The rest of the menu was intriguing and I almost opted for their Polish combo plate. I hope I can come back here soon to try out more items!

This place never disappoints. The portions are very large. The pickle soup is the best around town. I've eaten here many times and never walked away disappointed or hungry. I wish them many years of success. One of the few places to get some authentic Polish food. With that said, most of the food is American as not to discourage people that this is the majority of the menu.

No review of food because we were not seated after an hour wait. Food did look great, though. However, staff would not move tables to accommodate groups of five or more.

The food was wonderful and tasty. The service was excellent as always. Recommend to everyone anytime.

This is a gem of a restaurant! Best breakfast I have had in a long time. You can definitely tell the meats are local and fresh. The servers are very friendly and attentive.

Didn't get to order food. Sat there for 20 minutes just waiting for someone to take our order. Seems like if you're a regular you get service but if you're a newbie you're not worth their time. Found out the server who was supposed to wait on us was actually wrapping silverware at a table in her direct line of sight. Will never go there again! As for Ambiance there isn't any. Giving 1 star only because I have to if I want to post this review.

Went to this breakfast spot on my first day to Grand Rapids, MI. The wait was about half an hour. I got the polish skillet and I must say I was not disappointed. I'm polish myself and it was nice to see that there was a polish menu. If I'm ever in this area again, I would most likely come back here!

Found this gem thanks to yelp. Breakfast and lunch only. Great food with some special polish offerings like polish sausage or latkes. (Potato pancakes) Check the chalkboard for the Pastry of the day and bring your appetite. Servings are generous

Westsider Cafe⁣ ⁣ Saturday Morning Breakfast plans? Make them at Westsider Cafe!! ⁣ ⁣ Well....order takeout..... you know the drill.⁣ ⁣ Known for a classic diner feel and big breakfasts, Westsider is loved by all. ⁣ ⁣ But they serve more than just breakfast food! Craving a burger? How about Polish food? Ever tried dill pickle soup? ⁣ ⁣ There's something for everyone at this West Side staple! ⁣ ⁣ If you're new to the area, or have yet to explore more of GR, THIS is one of those places that us locals swear by. ⁣ ⁣

I feel a little bad writing this review because the other times I've been here service was good, however today it was terrible. We were sat at our table and after 20 minutes no one had come over. We asked a server who was supposed to be taking care of us... it was her and she didn't know I guess? Then she took our order and over a hour went by with no food. We asked her where our food was and instead of finding out she kept blaming the kitchen. Hour and a half into our visit we finally got our food. It was okay but definitely not their best. I'm a fan of this cafe normally but today made me not want to go back.

I only made one visit here during my limited time in Grand Rapids. It was nice that this spot was available for breakfast and lunch, as this area of town didn't seem to offer a lot of other dining options. We showed up with a larger group of 6 people without calling ahead, and that was a mistake as this place is more equipped for groups of 4 or less. We had a bit of a wait, but their large table eventually cleared and we got seated. The staff here was the standout of the visit. The lady working the counter was super nice and welcoming, and our server was great the entire time we were here. I thought the food was only mediocre. I got the Cuban breakfast skillet, which sounded better than it ended up tasting. The flavors just weren't there, and it ended up watery from something in it. I would probably stick with one of their more traditional breakfast offerings if I am ever back here, as those got better reviews from the people I was eating with. The prices weren't the cheapest for a breakfast place, but the servings were pretty hefty so you won't have to worry about leaving hungry. Overall, I think this was an A-Ok experience for a local breakfast place that looks like it has been serving customers for quite a while. There were also a lot of takeout orders picked up when we were here, so keep that in mind as an option.

Lovely people, good food, generous portions, parking can be challenging when it's busy.

This is what breakfast should be. The #1 Skillet is an oasis of sausage, gravy, eggs, potatoes and cheese. The toast is so thick and buttery. The pancakes are really good too. Low key, reasonable prices, big portions. Try it. You're welcome!

This place was amazing! A lot of people were there and the portions were huge even when you order the lighter side. The food was very good but the service was very slow.

Probably the third best eggs Benedict I've had in my life. My 1st favorite is First Watch and it was almost as good.The only way to describe the poached eggs was tittys.

Came here for lunch with the family on the recommendation of my in laws. Has a small parking lot in the back, and lots of street parking, it's a total hole in the wall diner. I had a Cuban sandwich that was just okay - bread was soggy on the bottom and it was kind of bland overall - would not suggest it and would not get again. That was not the normal experience at the table though - most people had breakfast food (pancakes, waffles, bacon) that was excellent, and my son had a grilled cheese that he insisted he would want to have again. We also ordered pierogis that were really good - a nice fried exterior on the nicely boiled potato filling. Overall, I would try it again but would suggest staying with the breakfast food (or at the very least stay away from the Cuban)

Cute dive, but eggs were bad--super hard and rubbery. Potato pancakes were heavy like hockey pucks, lacked flavor, and were greasy (twice fried). On a positive note, the sausage links were delish.

So many people talk about The Westsider Cafe. I went out on a whim and went out to eat here. It's amazing!!! I was kind of confused when I came in. Wasn't sure if I sat myself, or if I had to go up to the cashier. That's my only complaint because I came in from the side door. Service was prompt. I ordered the regular Benedict and was pleasantly surprised. The hollandaise was broke, but very tasty. The poached eggs were cooked perfectly. I asked to sub the side of potatoes for corned beef hash, yet was charged an extra 6$ for it. I am a cook and this was by far the best corned beef hash I've ever had, so I can't really complain. All in all, was very good and quick. Was 20$ for a cup of coffee and breakfast. But, This is my new diner I prefer for breakfast.

Classic diner aesthetic. Really kind servers, food came out quick, everything was delicious (especially their house muffin), and the portion sizes were great for the price. I'm no connoisseur, but if you're looking for a good reasonably priced breakfast I highly recommend!

Good breakfast - get there early to get a table. The restaurant is small but cozy. Good place for 2 to eat breakfast. Wouldn't try to get seating for more than 3 or 4. Haven't tried their lunch options. And haven't eaten at the Westsider since BC - before covid.

Delicious and very friendly staff! Reasonably priced as well! I got the Dill pickle soup and patty melt which was fantastic!

Husband and I both got skillets, and they were super tasty! My husband had corned beef hash on his, and it was the best hash we had ever had. The portions are LARGE, though. We are usually capable of eating quite a bit, but we probably could have split a skillet (and then gotten a side of biscuits and gravy or something). Be prepared to take some home if you get the skillets!

Top notch!! My husband and I shared the 7th Street breakfast. Wow, so much food. Everything was delicious and we even took food home! The iced hazelnut coffee with whipped cream, yum!!! They do charge $1.25 to split the meal, seriously not a big deal. Will definitely put this on our Saturday breakfast rotation. We love to support local and it was so worth it this morning.

Westsider is our go to place for brunch or breakfast. My husband and I have been going there since we first started dating back in 2013. The staff is always very nice and friendly and the portion sizes and freshness of the food is unmatched! I always applaud the staff for how quickly they turn tables to get everyone in when there is a wait! Its also a cozy mom & pop neighborhood feel of a restaurant which is always what I prefer vs a chain.

The name is appropriate because it's the best breakfast on the west side. The portions are unbelievable and you'll leave with leftovers.

Honestly appalled at some of the poor reviews here especially from some who've been SEVERAL times and then decide to write a review once they have a bad experience. Every restaurant has a niche-- if you're looking for a boozy brunch with downtown digs, this isn't it. Don't expect it to be something it's not. It's tucked away in the West Side, like the real West Side, not the gentrified portion of Bridge Street that all the new folks know and love. The West Sider has done what's it's always done for people who've been here for more than the last 10 years. The food is consistent, tasty (though you'll always need to add salt and pepper probably) and portions are huge so be prepared to take some home. Service is usually good though it can be subpar when they're slammed. They get insanely busy and servers are sat several tables so be prepared to wait a bit. Also, people can be demanding (take a look at these other reviews) and so keep that in mind. Because of how busy it gets, the owner at times will tell you that they need to leave certain seats open-- again, this place gets BUSY. They want to serve as many people as possible and they can't do that when Chad and Rhonda are a party of 2 but insist they sit at the 5 top in the corner by the window. The answer is no every time. Either sit at the table made for 2 and eat your breakfast or go to Wolfgang's (also very tasty) where you have tons of seating options. Listen, if you are okay with a fast paced, crammed environment with sometimes delayed or rushed service and home cooked food, this is it. It's ALWAYS been it. Accept it for what it is. It will not be anything else ever. They do what they do well! If you're looking for something else, go there but don't slam this neighborhood gem. 5/5 stars!

If you want to eat breakfast at the Westsider, get up a little earlier to avoid the wait. Parking is tight but there are also street options. The space to wait when they get busy is a little tight but it's worth the wait or getting up early! We got lucky and didn't have to wait long. I ordered the french toast with sausage and hubs got the cuban eggs. The french toast was good, a little crispy on the edges but not dry and the sausage flavorful but not greasy. The cuban eggs were amazing! Poached eggs done perfectly with a little kick and pulled pork. I really like their grilled redskin potatoes too. This is one of my favorite spots in Grand Rapids for breakfast. Do yourself a favor and check it out!

A typical breakfast restaurant with a lot of variety to the menu. It can get quite busy, quickly, so definitely expect a wait. Definitely periodically check where you are on the waiting list, multiple groups were skipped over. I was quite impressed by the selections of entrees they had to offer. I was torn between quite a few options. I ended up going with the Polish Skillet. Although, quite good, I was kind of disappointed. The sauerkraut through me off. To me, it was too sweet. I feel like if it had more of a vinegary flavor to it, the skillet would be great! I actually had food envy of what everyone else ordered. There were other things on the menu that I'd like to try. I'd check this place our again if I'm in the area.

Got the #1 skillet It was good! Huge portions, cooked good! Great to go and covid policies.

My power was out for scheduled maintenance and I had the day off so off to breakfast I went! I have been wanting to try this place and hear there are always lines so I figured a weekday was a good time to try it. Even on a Thursday around 11:00 am it was almost full! They have quite a variety of items and seem to have a lot of regulars! The food was delicious. I had all of my favorites, some eggs (scrambled), crispy bacon, hash browns and French toast. I think I was full for the rest of the day but I ate it all because I couldn't take it with me! My server was very friendly and attentive as well. Definitely somewhere I would go again!

There's nothin really special about this place. It's quality food, cooked perfectly, simple entrees with no frills. It's exactly what you should expect out of a simple breakfast. I had eggs over medium, with bacon, hash browns and a waffle. All were excellent. The Westsider offers no frills, no avocado, no olive oil, no couscous, no kale. Just good, old fashioned American breakfast done exceptionally well. Maybe not having anything special, and doing the not so special flawlessly is what actually makes this place a gem.

Open in the wintry conditions when places were closed!! It was a nice escape. Met up with some friends for breakfast in a weekday. Seating was not an issue. The table we were at hit both doors when they opened. That was a bummer. The waitstaff was friendly, great coffee refills very prompt. The food what you have been waiting for...Delicious, filling and lots of it. I got the Cuban Skillet. Sooo....Good! Lots of fluffy eggs, the salsa added a great freshness. Lots of pulled pork too. I wish there had been more potatoes; but, I had a side of toast which made things better. I will be back to try more!

We were staying downtown and walked here on Saturday morning (~1.5 miles). Go out oF your way to eat breakfast or brunch here. The prices are amazing, the portions are huge, the food is simply amazingly delicious, and everyone is so friendly. We waited about 15 minutes for a table. A wait of 30-60 minutes is worth it if you have the time.

I will admit, I'm a sucker for any local diner/breakfast place. But the Westsider does it sooo well. Every time I come here, I have a hard time deciding what to order, because there are so many things on their menu I can't wait to try. My most recent visit here, I had the potato pancakes, which are served with a side of applesauce, 2 eggs, and toast. De. Licious. Man, I would order that again in a heartbeat! The combination of the savory potatoes with the slightly sweet applesauce was heavenly. Keep up the wonderful work, Westsider!

I am a true "Westsider. I lived down the street from the cafe about 40 years ago. They served Frank's kielbasa in the 9th Street breakfast and it was great.