Cherie Inn surprises with freshness

By on May 18, 2010  |  Breakfast, East Hills, Lunch, SE

Every so often I go to a restaurant that I’ve never heard of, and that I know absolutely nothing about. Last week, I visited Cherie Inn, a small, local restaurant on Cherry Street. While the decor and environment was a bit ancient for my tastes, the food was a pleasant surprise. Using fresh ingredients, Cherie Inn was a great find — for lunch and breakfast.

Two of my friends and I visited Cherie Inn after we had done a bit of moving. We were greeted by a somewhat loud but friendly waiter, and were promptly seated at a table. I dove right into the lunch menu and ordered the Pastrami and Swiss sandwich, with a side of redskin potato salad. Julie and Katherine opted for breakfast; both of them ordering omelettes.

While we waited for our meals, I couldn’t help but notice the decor. It reminded me somewhat of my grandmother’s house. It was homey, but improvements could definitely be made. However, with the modern look and feel taking over new Grand Rapids restaurants, this didn’t bother me too much. We did seem a bit young for the restaurant, so maybe it was just me — we happened to be the youngest diners in the restaurant.

The wait for our food was a little longer than I would have liked, but it was well worth it. My sandwich was cooked perfectly, and the pastrami had a strong flavor that blended with the swiss cheese extremely well. And the homemade potato salad? Definitely the way to go.

The girls’ omelettes were equally delicious. Katherine’s spinach omelette featured a plethora of vegetables paired with a side of toast. Julie’s ham, artichoke and brie omelette was stuffed full of artichoke.

As I said, I had never heard of Cherie Inn. I drive by it several times a week and have never even seen the sign. It’s a pleasant surprise to a neighborhood that’s blooming with new restaurants. The food is fresh, and while I would’ve liked to see a few more items on the lunch menu, several things sounded very good to me.

Overall, Cherie Inn is definitely worth the visit. If you go, be sure to enter on Lake Drive — there’s a sign as soon as you walk in to the Cherry Street entrance telling you you’re coming in the wrong way. It’s a perfect, relaxing place for breakfast or lunch, or to enjoy some quality time with your grandmother. Seriously though, the food is great, and although the service and atmosphere could be a tad better, I’d definitely go back.

Cherie Inn  ( Rating: out of 5 )

Where: 969 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids
Hours: Tues. to Fri. 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Ambiance: Charming, but a bit out of date
How much will it cost you: The average meal costs around $9.
Credit cards: All major
Alcohol: No
Reservations: No
Contact: (616) 458-0588

  • emk

    This place definitely feels, and looks, like Grandma’s house, but their pancake specials are so delicious!!!

  • http://na Michael Kulczyk

    Wireless Internet is Available at The Cherie Inn, The Oldest Restaurant in Grand Rapids since 1924!!

  • Valerie

    I find the Cherie Inn to be very charming as the oldest restaurant in Grand Rapids. The menu is fantastic and the daily features are incredibly creative. Please know that the sign at the Cherry St entrance says please come in and go to the Lake Drive entrance to be seated…..it’s not the “wrong” entrance as stated in the review…..there is no wrong way to come in to the Cherie Inn!

  • Kay

    I have been dining at Cherie Inn for a few years and love their breakfast. I also enjoy the quaint ambience. It’s a nice change from the same look all of the time. I truly miss dining at Cherie Inn since I now live in Kalamazoo. Sure do miss GR restaurants.