Choo Choo Grill

Step into the charming world of Choo Choo Grill, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan. This beloved hamburger restaurant has been serving the community since 1946, inviting both locals and visitors alike to enjoy a dining experience that celebrates the spirit of classic American fare.

Located at 1209 Plainfield Ave NE, Choo Choo Grill is not just another eatery; it's a nostalgic slice of Americana, decorated with railroad memorabilia that transports you back in time. With a cozy atmosphere featuring just two booths and a counter with ten stools, it exudes an intimate, diner-like charm that encourages lively conversation and camaraderie.

Guests rave about the heartwarming service, likening it to a visit to a grandparent's kitchen. The welcoming staff and regulars create an ambiance that's both friendly and familiar, making it easy to feel right at home. As one satisfied customer noted, "They look to take your order as quickly as possible and get you your order very quickly." This touch of hospitality complements the delightful menu offerings, showcasing a variety of options for breakfast and lunch.

  • Breakfast Highlights: Start your day with the energy-packed Fireman — a hearty plate of three eggs, crispy bacon, a slab of ham, and American fries for just $9.99. If you have a sweet tooth, the classic French Toast served with your choice of meat for only $6.99 is a must-try.
  • Lunch Delights: For lunch, the standout must be The Legend One Pound Deluxe Cheeseburger at $12.99. It's a colossal meal made with two half-pound patties, perfectly cooked to juicy perfection, and overflowing with toppings. Savor it alongside their famous homemade chili or a Chocolate Peanut Butter Malt to round out your meal.

As Katey Morse exclaimed after her first visit, "Definitely one of the best breakfasts in town," and it’s clear why — Choo Choo Grill takes pride in serving fresh, hearty portions at an unbeatable value. Customers have praised the quality of the food, with many referring to the burgers as some of the best in Grand Rapids. Each bite delivers rich, bold flavors, whether you're indulging in a classic bacon cheeseburger or enjoying a comforting meatloaf sandwich.

The restaurant’s long-standing history, community-centric vibe, and dedication to quality food fuse together to create an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Choo Choo Grill is sure to become a favorite stop on your culinary journey through Grand Rapids. With every visit, you’ll not only enjoy delicious food but also the warmth of a place where everyone feels like family.

So, come on down to Choo Choo Grill, where the burgers are big, the community is welcoming, and every meal is served with a side of nostalgia!

Menu

Show Full Menu

Location

Address: 1209 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, United States
Phone: +1 616-774-8652

🕓 Work Hours
MON 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM
TUE 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM
WED 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM
THU 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM
FRI 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM
SAT 07:00 AM - 02:00 PM
SUN Closed

Business info

  • Wheelchair-accessible Car Park
    Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible Entrance
    No
  • Wheelchair-accessible Seating
    No
  • Wheelchair-accessible Toilet
    No
  • On-site Services Available
    Yes
  • Offers Takeaway
    Yes
  • Serves Dine-in
    Yes
  • Delivery
    No
  • Fast Service
    Yes
  • Serves Great Coffee
    Yes
  • Popular For Breakfast
    Yes
  • Popular For Lunch
    Yes
  • Popular For Dinner
    Yes
  • Good For Solo Dining
    Yes
  • Serves Coffee
    Yes
  • Serves Comfort Food
    Yes
  • Serves Food
    Yes
  • Quick Bite
    Yes
  • Serves Breakfast
    Yes
  • Serves Lunch
    Yes
  • Serves Dinner
    Yes
  • Serves Dessert
    Yes
  • Toilet
    Yes
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Cosy
    Yes
  • Historic
    Yes
  • Popular With Tourists
    Yes
  • Doesn't Accept Reservations
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Debit Cards
    Yes
  • Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • Free Parking Lot
    Yes
  • Plenty Of Parking
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Katey Morse

    06 June 2025

    First time and it didn’t disappoint! Went for breakfast and we enjoyed the atmosphere, listening to the discussions between the owner and the regulars, and definitely the food! Definitely one of the best breakfasts in town. Such a teeny little place with lots of character. Can’t wait to try lunch there next!

  • Author: Aaron Lehrman

    23 May 2025

    The very best restaurant in Grand Rapids all things considered. The most welcoming place in Grand Rapids I know. The Legend Cheeseburger is huge. Their chili is famous for a good reason. - The Legend - 15: HUGE one pound burger (two half pound patties). Ordered mine medium and it was perfectly cooked and the quality of the meat is slightly above average. The juices ran down nicely and yet it was thoroughly cooked. The cheese was not melted in the picture, but it was still quite hot and melted nicely by the time I took my first bite. And the first bite was a juggling act. Two HUGE burgers with a lot of toppings (well balanced and I wouldn’t change it) were falling out the back almost immediately. It’s so big, you do have to manage it carefully or eat it with a fork. I did manage to eat it by hand to the end, but the last quarter of it was no longer hand held, but just picking up pieces. I’ve had this burger before and I’ll probably have it again. It isn’t my very favoritest burger, but it is really high up there. - Homemade Chili - 5: VERY savory. There are a couple more beans than normal per cup, but there is also more meat and the chunks of meat can be a little larger. There is more substance to it than water for sure and they have a name for chili for a reason. The blend of spices was subtle, but definitely there to make it just right. It had a little tiny kick according to my daughter, but she is sensitive. I did not find it very spicy at all, but I can handle habanero spicy. Probably my only complaint about this place is the price of the chili for how much you get is a bit expensive. But it is good. - Chocolate Peanut Butter Malt - 6: I heard their shakes are amazing and they are. It was a touch lighter than many others I’ve had, but not overly. The malt and peanut butter flavor were a little light as well, but this brought out the quality flavor of the ice cream base. It didn’t try to cover the low quality with artificial flavors, but blend it just right. Daughter - Bacon Cheeseburger: Ordered just plain and she reports it was great, especially the bacon. - Fries: I had some of her fries. They are wide and thick cut, similar to Red Robin, but with a bit more seasoning. They were not salted much, so you will likely want to add more. - Vanilla Malt: Liked it. It was like the others, less flavor, but it brings out the richness and quality of the ice cream. - Service: Grandma and Grandpa like service. SUPER welcoming and still seeking to know you without an agenda. They have the grill up front and still keep up the conversation while the burgers are sizzling. They look to take your order as quickly as possible and get you your order very quickly. Very old school and I love it! I found that the staff knew most of the people who were coming and going, immediately noticing I was not a regular (though I want to be now). - Atmosphere: Tiny, but amazing! There are only two tables with booths. Other than that, they have ten diner stools which are showing age and creek, but are very comfortable and nostalgic. There is train station memorabilia everywhere. A lot of the pictures probably date back a hundred years. It also has its goofy perks and smiles everywhere. - Conclusion: I am almost in tears at how warm this place made my visit with my daughter. I don’t normally get emotional with my reviews, but this one struck a chord. They didn’t do much over the top, but they made us feel super welcome. After visiting more than 120 restaurants in a year and a half (yes, I just counted them) and looking carefully over every one of them, I consider this one the best, all things considered. THE BEST! The food was amazing and everything I heard about them is STILL true. It was last year when I visited and it still is. Visited at 11am-12pm on a Saturday.

  • Author: Sean Q

    20 May 2025

    Seriously good food comes out of the Choo Choo Bar & Grill! Been in service since 1946 and it makes one of the tastiest burgers you've ever had! Easy to see from the roadside with its bright red exterior! Plenty of parking spots available! A small diner feel on the inside makes for quite a dining experience. Speaking of dining, the food is hot, fresh and well prepared with generous portions at a good price! Try Choo Choo today!

  • Author: Chauncey Pearce

    25 April 2025

    Awesome railroad and train themed hole in the wall. Authentic American food with kind staff. You feel like you walked into your grandparents kitchen. 10 bar seats and two booths. Will definitely be back.

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