The Grotto At Capone’s

Service is slow on busy nights. Request Marina, she knows what she is doing. Tip her well!

Came in for a meal, sat down and waited for a server. 30 minutes later, we had still yet to be served, so we actively tried to chase down several waitresses, but they all seemed to run away from us or ignore us, which was great. Ultimately, we just left and went somewhere we would actually be able to get food from.

Wow, horrible service and wasn’t given a receipt when given change back and was charged $ 36 for 2 beers and 4 shots. Will NEVER go here again.

We were in the mood for Chicago-​style pizza and didn’t want to make the 2.5 hour drive to Chicago so we thought we’d order take out from the Grotto. We’ve eaten there before and it was decent … not exactly authentic, but not bad, considering. The pizza we had last night was disappointing in that it wasn’t hot, and it seemed like it was probably just taken out of a freezer and warmed up (the sauce was drippy and there was a fair amount of water on our plates making me think it was probably frozen). It’s only a few miles from our house so we’ll definitely give them another shot, but last night’s dinner was below average.

Went there Sunday for a Bloody Mary and food. The bloody was surprising better than I expected and the ABC wrap was delicious (even the next day) BEST THING THOUGH was when I got my bill it was 7 $ and some change. I didn’t know all food was ½ off Sundays… needless to say I’ll be back Sundays

This place seems like a perfect fit to be across the street from Western Michigan University… the prices are cheap, the young staff friendly, and they have billiards and a jukebox. I wasn’t able to get there during peak hours, but I could imagine the place having some good life to it on the weekends. The facility itself is clean, but feels a tad too much like it is in a strip mall (which it is).

The Grotto is a little Italian pub, the bar staff is nice and friendly to talk to. I got the Mozzarella sticks which were probably not house made since they were shaped like a square. Beer was good, a good local selection. I might even return for a second day to the Grotto.

If you’re motivated on a Tuesday night, you need not travel further than Grotto’s. $ 3 anythings… that is A N Y T H I N G, or at least according to our bartender. I saw signs of «no Grey Goose or Hennessy,» but that sure didn’t stop her from nearly filling glasses of Grey Goose before splashing a little Red Bull on the top. The bar could have used another tender due to the large crowd, but there’s nothing to complain about the type of crowd… all college-​aged folk looking to get lit up. The downstairs is not exactly what you’d expect, but is a welcome change from the traditional upstairs. Don’t bother getting a new hair cut because the only thing that keeps this place from the 4 beer rating is the long wait for jäger bombs… jäger bombs… jäger bombs…3.5 beers.
Nearly forgot to mention: order an Incredible Hulk, just do it.
*captain ron 3.0÷4.0 beers
The proper name of this establishment is «The Grotto at Capone’s»; a naming convention that has me befuddled. Maybe the upstairs is Capone’s and the downstairs is the Grotto… I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. I’m just going to bust your bubble and say that the downstairs was disappointing to say the least. There is no mistaking that you are in a basement with a makeshift bar in it.
Don’t get me wrong, there is still a lot to appreciate with the Grotto… or Capone’s…or whatever. I appreciate that lovely ladies are here, dressed to kill, on a weeknight. I appreciate «$ 3 for anything» specials. I really could have appreciated a nice bourbon or scotch for my $ 3, but the selection was a bit paltry. Really, this shouldn’t be a surprise. You give college students free reign on drink specials, they’re going to come up with any number of fluff-​and-​glitter, glow-​in-​the-​dark, butterfly-​kiss mixers. Make no mistake, this is a college bar. And I’m more than fine with that.
*qclown 3.5÷4.0 beers
High ceilings, nice seating, and respectable drink specials make the Grotto a great atmosphere for drinking and eating. Despite almost creepy mafia pics on the walls, the Grotto has an upbeat vibe that’s rare in a lot of Kzoo beverage houses. Spinach chicken alfredo pizza was fantastic, and they had Strongbow Cider on tap — an offering I would not have expected from such a collegiate focused bar.
After a few ciders, I was quickly laughing out loud and thoroughly enjoying my time at the Grotto. The only half star reduction comes from the lack of one unique feature to set this bar apart from the rest. I can’t think of it. However, on my next visit I might walk to the Pita Pit afterwards. If the experience is good, the Grotto might get 4 stars for atmosphere, good drink offerings, and proximity to a killer drunk food.
The numbers:
Guy to girl ratio: 1 to 1, but these girls were dressed to impress, or disappoint their mothers.
Rating based on outside appearance: 1.5 beers