Real Food Cafe

Unbelievable.
My boyfriend and I had brunch at Real Food Café this morning. For Father’s Day Sunday, the wait was pretty good — about half an hour. The café offers free coffee while you wait, and there is a large, comfortable waiting area with seating.
We shared a single cinnamon roll pancake. It was giant and so decadent and delicious. I can’t imagine eating more than one.
I had the special — Sante Fe Benedict. Two poached eggs on an English muffin, topped with pulled pork, jalapeños, black beans, corn, he’d at cheese and green onions. It came with home fries. The home fries were crispy and perfect.
My boyfriend had the Monster Quesadilla. He loved the super crunchy tortilla and fresh ingredients.
The staff was very friendly, and the service was quick. We would definitely go back.
Tips
— the café is cash only; however, there is an ATM on site.
— due to the number of customers waiting, there was a sign up sheet. There are signs posted indicating that they will not seat your party unless everyone is in the building when your name is called.

Great food & great service! Had the breakfast burrito and it was delicious. My husband had the Monster Omelette and he loved it! We are from out of state and based upon reviews we decided to try this place for breakfast. It did not disappoint… great food! Our server, Bob, did an excellent job he was very friendly, made great recommendations when we asked and was always there to fill our coffee and water without us ever asking for more! I’d totally recruit him to work for my company!

Banana granola pancakes are a must — you can also buy the homemade granola and make gourmet pancakes and waffles at home that taste wonderful!

Wow! Came here after leaving Wolfgangs because their food was so bad. What a great surprise! We ordered the cinnamon roll pancake, Irish Benedict, veggie Benedict, and the corned beef hash. All were huge portioned and out of this world delicious!!! Really, really delicious! One of the best breakfast I’ve ever had on the planet! We couldn’t finish our plates they were so big. I would drive up here from Ann Arbor just to eat at Real Food, it was that good!

Sat at the bar and watched with amazement at the very organized chaos coming from cooking area. Frank the owner standing at the pass making sure every plate went out perfect. We waited a bit but considering it was a full house with lines of people waiting patiently I was surprised it wasn’t longer. I was ensured by a regular that sat beside us the wait was unusual. Great food great staff. There is no way anyone could leave hungry or unhappy.

Good food and good portions at good prices. Tends to get busy. I’ve never been disappointed.

My favorite breakfast spot in GR! It is small and popular so the wait can get bad on weekend mornings but it is worth it to me. Their lumberjack special is my favorite, you get the best of their breakfast fare (eggs, potato, meat, pancakes). The pancakes are so good here. The meat they give you isn’t that papery flimsy stuff. The bacon is hearty and thick, the sausage is flavorful and substantial.

Went looking for quality midwestern diner food. Found it here. We waited about 15 – 20 minutes at 11am on a Saturday — free coffee while you wait :)
Service was good. Quite friendly. They customized our orders with ease as well — which is really helpful and not common for diners.
The lady got the Irish Benedict which was enough food for 3 people. It was really good, but a bit heavy on the potatoes. I got a scramble with tomato, spinach, bacon and double avo. They cooked the avo in the scramble which is weird — but it didn’t ruin it.
Blueberry pancake for dessert was on point.
CASH ONLY!

**payments in cash only**
Sooooo worth the Sunday morning brunch wait! We arrived around 11am on Sunday and were told there was a 30 min wait for a table for 2. We were super hungry but decided to wait. While waiting we chatted with some other people in the large seated waiting area they have, and another patron said it would be worth it as she asked if we had been here before.
The tables moved pretty quickly and since we used our wait time wisely, we knew exactly what we wanted to order when the server came to get our drink orders.
With the extensive menu, I thought it would take me much longer to decide. However, once I saw the spicy Mediterranean scramble, I knew I was in the right place! I’m a savory lover for breakfast and this was the perfect mix with eggs, spicy chicken, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, feta, and a spicy sauce. I LOVE spicy and I was not disappointed! The perfect amount of kick for me! I had sourdough bread with mine. My friend very much enjoyed his eggs Benedict. We also split 2 cinnamon roll pancakes (because how can you turn those down???) my only wish is that we ordered 1 instead of 2 because they are HUGE!
They also have super tempting treats by the cash register. My friend got a cinnamon roll to go (see a theme here?) but I never got the chance to try it because I was full until dinner!
The only downside is that this place only accepts cash, but there are signs stating that everywhere and they do have an ATM in the back.
I will 100% be back!!!

Came here for breakfast before our flight on a Thursday. Was greeted right away with smiles, you seat yourself, and luckily it wasn’t too busy so we sat right away. Outside of our waitress, other staff came by to see if we needed anything, everyone was very nice/​friendly. Restaurants bigger than it looks from the outside. Def would go back!
Had the Biccado Omelette & Breakfast Monte Cristo, both very yummy.

The Real Food Café is above average, but not necessarily as great as some people would have you believe.
That being said husband and I frequent this place a LOT because it is good, the prices are fair, it’s fast, and the service is superb.
This little diner is right down the street from where we are living right now, so it’s easy for us to go here on a hungry and lazy Saturday morning. Despite usually being crowded, they seat you quickly because they serve quickly, and they serve quickly because they cook quickly! But they retain a level of quality that even more open and casual restaurants display.
I will warn you, most of the food items here (especially savory ones) are pretty greasy. As some people like to say, it’s similar to «grandma’s home cooking». Lots of butter and/​or bacon grease being used to cook with. If that’s not your thing, this may not be the place for you. Be warned that if you’re also not used to this kind of breakfast, it may be heavy on you. Even my husband and I felt a bit sluggish and bloated after the first time we went there.
So far, we’ve been able to sample the «two eggs, meat, and toast», the «eggs Benedict», «breakfast burrito», the «biscuits and gravy», and the «BELT». Our acquaintance has also had the French Toast, which is said is pretty darn good.
The real crowd-​pleaser, though, is hands-​down the BELT. It’s a BLT, but with your preferred-​style egg slipped in between the other ingredients. The bacon is cooked to absolute perfection, the vegetables are fresh, and the egg just adds that extra special kick. My husband was actually JEALOUS when I ordered it because it looked and turned out to BE better than what he had ordered.
My next favorite has to be the eggs Benedict. It is savory, yet mellow. All the ingredients work together, and they toast the English muffin perfectly. They’ll even give you the hollandaise sauce on the side, if you so ask (which I suggest).
My only complaint is that the hollandaise is a bit salty. I feel it may be because it is packaged and not fresh, and it retains a trace amount of grit that signifies this may be true. It’s not as creamy and smooth as I was expecting, but it’s a decent alternative, and it works. Use sparingly, if you’re going in blind.
Next, I got to try my husband’s biscuits and gravy. I’m usually a sucker for biscuits and gravy, but when I tried his order, I was a bit disappointed. The sauce they make is definitely packaged, as you can taste the grit and the preservatives. At least, I could.
I mean, overall, it was good. It had decent flavors, and he said with the additional eggs he ordered, the meal balanced out. But for me, it was very off-​putting to taste that packaged salt and the grit in the sauce. I’m used to being spoiled by my grandpa’s southern, homemade biscuits and gravy. That stuff would make my husband’s plate blush in shame.
Honestly, the breakfast burrito was sub-​par, but it was very filling. The eggs were a bit on the dry side, and the flavor of them was drowned out by the salsa they used, which I should have asked for on the side. My mistake.
This was also when I ordered a side of their potatoes. And I must say, with great disappointment… They’re not very good. They were a bit cold when I ordered them (and not temperature-​wise, but cook-​wise.) They didn’t seem cooked all the way through, because the bigger pieces had insides that were harder to bite through. The smaller bites were good, as they were fried perfectly, with a light crunch, but a soft inside bite. The flavor is also a bit lacking, but with potatoes, I suppose it’s about using your own salt sense.
I wonder if it’s alright to ask them just to cook the potatoes a bit longer for a better crunch. Maybe I’ll try this.
The «egg, meat, and toast» combos are usually great. You can pick how you’d like your eggs cooked, which meats you want, and your style of bread. So far, everything here had been very delicious, but all around what you’d expect. No surprises.
Next time I go, I’d really like to try one of their sandwiches, or even their burgers. But I love breakfast so much! Anyone on here tried their lunch items? Are they worth looking into?
Also, before I close up this review, please pleasE PLEASE keep in mind that this place only accepts CASH. No, they don’t accept cards. But worry not! They have an ATM in the back you can use if you didn’t know, or if you’ve forgotten (like I did when we first tried it). Be sure to tip your waitress, as they’re all really very kind and all of them have been nothing but accommodating and attentive.
Enjoy, my friends!

The food is fantastic! I ordered SOS, my wife ordered Bananas Foster French Toast, and our friend Banana Granola Pancakes! Large portions and decent prices. We all left with to go boxes. The waitress was attentive. There was never an empty glass or cup on the table. There is a sitting area if you need to wait for a table along with complimentary coffee.
Things to remember when you go on a Saturday… there was about an hour wait (for a party of 3). We went at 10:30am.
They don’t accept cards at the register, but do have a large ATM in the back of the restaurant.
Try not to sit anywhere near the front door. We sat at the first table on the main side. Constant screaming of names for people to be seated.
I would go again. It’s a cheerful hangout, lovely atmosphere, and amazing food!

Worth the drive to Grand Rapids!
We came on a Sunday at breakfast time and not only scored a parking space at the door but we were also able to be seated immediately!
Once seated we ordered our drinks. The wife got a cup of coffee. Our daughter got hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and I just got a large orange juice. It was definitely fresh squeezed.
Real Food Café’s food is spectacular! They offer just about anything you could have a taste for including, pancakes, breakfast burritos and quesadillas, French Toast, four versions of eggs benedict, ten different omelets, four different styles of waffles including Belgian, Bananas Foster and a waffle sandwich! Five different scrambles (Scrambled eggs cooked with meat and veggies.). For lunch (served after 11am) they offer burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, soaps and salads. The most expensive item on the menu is $ 11.
After pondering over the menu we all knew what we wanted. My wife chose the Irish Benedict (Two poached eggs of a toasted English muffin topped with corned beef hash, spinach and hollandaise sauce). Our daughter ordered the Strawberry Stuffed French Toast (French toast filled with strawberry cream cheese and topped with fresh strawberries). I went with the Philly Steak Skillet (grilled ribeye steak with home fries, sautéed mushrooms, onions, green peppers, roasted red peppers, topped with melted provolone cheese and two eggs and served with toast) I got mine minus the eggs as I don’t eat them. IT WAS EPIC! My wife and daughter absolutely loved their food also! The portions are HUGE here as well! We barely finished our food but, it was too good not to.
Real Food Café had the best breakfast we had while in Grand Rapids hands down! If you are ever there they are a MUST TRY!
F.Y.I. CASH ONLY!

Real Food can get VERY busy, and for good reason! If you’re on Unilocal to read about this restaurant, just go try it already! It’s worth the wait, although I do recommend trying to stop in for your first visit on a weekday, as you will feel more comfortable lingering over your meal. Another tip is that if you can’t find a parking spot, you probably won’t be seated for about 30 minutes.
The food is delicious and comes in very large portion sizes. I usually sit at the bar to skip the line, and I think it’s fun to watch the cooks while I’m eating. If you live on this end of town, make Real Food your breakfast/​brunch spot.

Yes this is Real food! I had the pleasure (though most would disagree) to sit at the bar and see all the hustle and bustle of the kitchen. They have a pretty unique system, where the manager is calling servers for their orders and prepping the last minute touches on each dish. He was a very nice gentleman and offered me some healthier options for my meal (sugar free syrup, hollandaise on the side etc…). All of course because he noticed my «light» meal option.
I ordered the Veggie Benedict with the hollandaise on the side. The veggies were cooked perfectly and the poached egg was great! No runny whites! Veggies included were mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, spinach and onions. Something nice to add about the attentive manager. He dumped out the water that the veggies released during the cooking process into another plate and discarded it. It’s the little things that count!
I also had a whole grain blueberry pancake with REAL blueberries! It was quite scrumptious I must admit, and the sugar free syrup was nice.
Everything totaled $ 19, yes pricey for breakfast, but quality and portion size was notable.
Overall a great experience, though I will warn you, all the meals here are high in fats and carbs. This was probably the lightest option on the menu.
Enjoy!

Great breakfast joint in Grand Rapids.
Tried the corned hash and eggs benedict. Both were delicious.
Cash only spot

Summary: expect to wait at least 15 minutes on a weekend, they only take cash, and tip your server well. They move quickly! Also, get the Nutella stuffed French toast.
Details: We like to order one sweet dish and one savory dish at breakfast places, so I ended up with the Nutella stuffed French toast and he got an omelette. My French toast was the winner, hands down. Two pieces of thick French toast, practically glued together with Nutella, topped with sliced bananas, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup. The omelette was full of veggies (which was a plus), and it was delicious, but couldn’t compete with the French toast. If we lived in the area, we’d be there again soon.

Neighborhood diner with charm, hospitality and home cookin’ dishes.
This review is a long time coming as this diner is a popular, long-​standing hidden gem in the Alger Heights neighborhood. We stopped in this Sunday at around 10 am and was pleased to see a minimal line; apparently the church crowd hadn’t gotten out yet. We added our name to the list to wait but noticed that 3 seats at the first come first serve counter seats, so we grabbed those. Our friendly server appeared quickly and we ordered coffees and breakfasts from the expansive breakfast/​brunch menu. We ordered two plates of biscuits and gravy and the daily special, the Lemon Blueberry Waffle. A Belgium waffle topped with lemon cream cheese, blueberries, and strudel crumble was an indulgent, filling and rich start to my Sunday! The portion size was huge and I took some home, in fact, we took some the biscuits and gravy home as well.
Just remember– it’s cash only here and they have an ATM if you need to take some out.

The service here is phenomenal. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. But I found the food to be really so so :(I wanted to like it more and I was even referred to RFC by at least three people for the best breakfast food in Grand Rapids.
My table had the Irish Benedict, a blueberry pancake, and the breakfast monte cristo. The monte cristo was the star of the show, but I think maybe it needs to be renamed a «french toast sandwich.» It wasn’t deep fried (which I was thankful for because whoa, that would be a heavy breakfast), but more like battered, then pan fried. The blueberry pancake was alright, nothing special. The English muffin on the benedict needed to be toasted more and it came with a huge pile of boiled, smashed potatoes. The potatoes desperately needed to be seared on a griddle to add some texture in there.
Because of the overwhelming recommendations for this place, maybe it’s just me. But you should go and decide for yourself. For the food I would probably have given two stars, but the service ups it to three. Another thing to note is that there is a huge parking lot behind the restaurant if there isn’t anything in front on the street.

Grand Rapids has about a zillion breakfast/​brunch spots. A lot of them are really friggin’ awesome. And this one is definitely no exception. In my opinion, this one is actually top of the heap.
Upon approaching Real Food Café on Eastern I was wondering where to park… street parking is minimal, but there is ample parking in the rear (*snickers*) and you can make your way to the «hostess stand» from there.
Really, if Unilocal could do half stars, this place would be a solid 4.5 or even 4.75. While the restaurant may be crowded and a bit compact in spots, the food is definitely worth the minimal hassle you might experience while navigating your way through. Due to its business, please be aware there may be a way for you to get a table… use the sign-​in sheet at the front of the restaurant by writing your name and number in your party.
When I went the wait expected was 15 – 20 minutes, and I was seated in less than 10. So, not bad at all. This crew knows how to turn people over to free up tables. At the same time, when it came time for the bill and to pay, I didn’t feel rushed or hurried out the door. They’ve really managed to strike a good balance.
Overall ambiance of the restaurant is very… diner-​esque. I dig it. While it’s definitely not ugly or anything, the name of the game here is clearly function over form. The real stuff you’ll be looking at anyway will be everyone’s food that’s sitting around you or as you walk past them. Because it all looks AH-​MAZE-​ZING.
There’s a great reason the food looks so good. Because it is. It really friggin’ is. The day I went there was a special called «Cuban Eggs Benedict» (or something like that) which was killer. English muffins topped with pulled pork, Canadian bacon, poached eggs, and smothered in a delicious hot mustard hollandaise sauce. Potato has was served on the side. I definitely appreciate a place like RFC that has the standards (pancakes, eggs and toast, etc.) while also providing inspired takes on traditional things also. I couldn’t help but notice there was also an Irish Eggs Benedict on the regular menu… I know what I’m getting next time.
There are two things that are worth noting about RFC. One is not bad or good… the other is a great irritant of mine. First, the coffee, while delicious, has a certain odor about it. I wish I was trying to be funny but I’m not… it kinda smells like weed. Maybe something odd was going on, I didn’t feel any different after drinking it, but the aroma was there. My irritant though… CASH or LOCAL CHECKS ONLY. Seriously? There is an ATM in the back, but there’s no excuse for a place such as this to not take credit/​debit cards in this day and age. Especially a business that’s obviously doing well enough to have more than one location. I can tell by the number of diners there that they’re definitely not struggling… spring for the credit card machine, please, guys.
Will I be back? You better goshdang believe it. Like I said before, I think, this place beats out all those other breakfast spots in GR. This is a MUST-​VISIT for an awesome, delicious breakfast.