Bill’s does diner grub right
Sometimes, when you go out and eat, you just want to fill the hole in your stomach. Just about any mush will do, the greasier, the better. When I get that feeling deep down in my gut, I head over to Bill’s Family Restaurant.
Bill’s was a diner before diners were cool. Think yellow vinyl booths, a menu that is displayed on a white board with back lighting and prices you haven’t seen since Happy Days was airing in prime time. I’ll start this review out with a warning: The food isn’t very good. That being said, there’s something about the place that I like. It makes me feel comfortable and warm inside.
Maybe it’s the portion size I like. The meals at Bill’s are large to say the least. When you order goulash, it fills a plate the size of a Ford hubcap. Breakfasts are large too, with heaping portions of potatoes.
Maybe it’s the price I like. A Cheeseburger at Bill’s is $2.40, Turkey Sandwich is $3.70 and the Slim Gem — a grilled ham and cheese sandwich — is $3.80. Dinners are simple. Choices include Fish, Chicken Strips, Beef Steak, Chicken and Shrimp, and all are $6.75. Breakfasts range from $1.50 for a Bagel to the $6.75 Western Omelette. Two eggs and toast with choice of meat is $4.75.
Ultimately, what I like at Bill’s is the atmosphere. It is a mix of senior citizens, college students and suited professionals from downtown. Most of those who eat at Bill’s are regulars. Spend a morning there and you will see the problems of the world discussed, dissected and digested along with a few pots of coffee and several orders of eggs. While people come from all over, it’s mainly a neighborhood joint. Having grown up on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids, I often run into family friends who ask how my parents are enjoying Florida (they are) or if my brother still works at Meijer (he does).
Most satisfying of all is that Bill’s knows what it is and knows what it isn’t. There’s nothing more irritating that a restaurant that pretends to be more than it is. Bill’s is a greasy spoon and it wears its stains with pride.
My 88-year-old grandmother is a Bill’s regular, so we took her to her favorite restaurant for her birthday dinner. The staff knows her well and doted over her all night. She ordered a chili dog ($1.60) and a cup of coffee. It was a Friday and Bill’s was running a special on all-you-can-eat fried Lake Perch ($9.95). I went with that and was happy with the quality of the fish and the cole slaw that came on the side with choice of potato. My wife, Stephanie, decided to have the soup of the day, a creamy chicken and rice that she has enjoyed before. My daughter, Daisy, ordered the BLT.
All of us were satisfied with our choices. Though Bill’s won’t win any culinary awards for its menu, they do what they do pretty well. It isn’t a date night destination, but if you wake up with a wicked hangover after a night on the town and roll out of bed looking for some grub, you can do a lot worse than Bill’s.
I know, that’s not a ringing endorsement. This review is what it is, just like the diner food found at Bill’s.
Bill's Family Restaurant ( Rating:
out of 5 )Where: 1235 Michigan St. NE
Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; closed Sunday
Ambiance: Greasy spoon diner
How much will it cost you: Everything is between $2 and $7
Credit cards: All major
Alcohol: No
Reservations: No
Contact: (616) 454-5345
