I just had lunch here today with my mom (Friday afternoon). They weren't crowded, but definitely not empty; we got one of the little 2-person hi top tables by the window. Such a great atmosphere! The waitress was friendly, got our waters right away and was on top of the refills. I had the soup of the day which was a chorizo corn chowder, and wow, was it good! I love corn chowder anyway, but they had some extra herbs and spices in theirs which made it really amazing! I also opted for the bowl instead of the cup. I didn't see the price for the bowl on the menu, so I was a little worried it would be like twice as much. Turns out it's only $1 up charge from the cup, so that was a nice surprise! My mom had the baby kale salad and really enjoyed it also. We asked about bread since we were ordering smaller items, and they have crostinis for $2, so we split an order of that. They also have a really cute bar that we didn't try out, but my mom is likely going to go back for a glass of wine with her girlfriends. Overall it was a great spot and I'm really glad we decided to try it out!
(4)
Paul M.
Went here for dinner with my wife, and we were both let down. Although the place was not busy, the service was slow. Our waiter seemed more interested in hanging out at the bar and chatting with his friends and coworkers than in providing decent service. Although he was our waiter, a different person brought us our food, and someone else checked up on us throughout the meal. Despite this cavalcade of waiters, we still had a long wait to get our check. The food itself was good, although the portion sizes were on the small size. My pork and risotto was quite tasty, and my wife enjoyed her kale caesar salad. Overall, an underwhelming experience.
(3)
Matt C.
So. In the intetest of fairness, my pork shoulder/polenta dish was really good. BUT, my wife had a tempeh curry that was possibly the worst dish I've ever had from a restaurant in my life. Absolutely insane amounts of lemongrass, to the point that it tasted like dish soap. The service was okay initially, but somehow when it came time for bills she had not tracked what any of us had, so we had to mark up the receipt ourselves with who had what. Furthermore, a 20% gratuity was added to our bill, which is fine (we had 6 people in our party), but she didn't tell us when the bills were delivered, nor at the beginning of the meal for that matter. To top it all off, when the final receipts were delivered our waitress said nothing by way of thank you or good night, even when we said the same to her.
(1)
Adrianne B.
We chose Olive's for lunch on a weekday and almost immediately regretted it; we had our preschooler in tow and this joint is definitely a "Ladies Who Lunch" spot. I never really was able to relax and enjoy the food because I was overly worried that my kid might disrupt the EGR gentry and their 2 martini lunches. (She actually was very quiet and well-behaved throughout ;) Hits- Delicious salad & burgers, decent service Misses- My martini was poured at the table, so gosh darn full that I was unable to sip it without spilling it on the table. The French Onion soup had a lovely broth but suffered from poor execution and presentation. We'll be back-- without the kid.
(3)
Betsey K.
Olive's seems like one of those places that all of the neighbors claim to "looooooove", but always grumble about. There is nothing special about this place. Every time I am here the service is.... Fine... Nothing special and not horrid. The food seems costly for small portions. We keep going because it is close to home, but we are consistently annoyed with how much we pay for food we're not excited about. Actually writing this review makes me wonder why we do keep coming... The drinks are strong and we walk home, that's right... Strong drinks!
(2)
Debbie T.
Lobster roll, killer especially when you take half home. Sooooo ono! Service on the other hand was unbalanced. The waitress was upbeat and efficient. Although, absent quite a bit. Hence, the 3 instead of four stars.
(3)
Peter M.
Emily cleared the muddy waters and re assured me it was an isolated incident. Good beer selection and they have VM! The whimpy burgers are a great share plate. We will be back to try the quinoa cakes
(4)
Sara C.
We enjoyed our anniversary dinner here, on a weeknight. The service and food were good and I like the location. The menu was really creative and it changes seasonally. They also had some really delicious cocktails. We did end up spending a lot, but probably mostly because we had appetizers, drinks, and dessert with our dinner which we don't usually do.
(4)
Rhonda D.
Good food selection. Their martini's are pretty good. Wine selection is good. I liked the environment downstairs, upstairs is kinda crappy. Get a table downstairs so you can people watch the street and you're close to the bar!
(4)
Paul H.
One of the best kept secrets in Grand Rapids! This place is great. We dine here once or twice a month. The food is great and the chef changes the menu every few months which keeps it always interesting and new. The atmosphere is friendly and casual. If you want to hang with the "in crowd" you can sit on the first floor. We prefer upstairs- quiet and more private. Either way the food is great- and a great value. And save room for a dessert. I saw a lengthy negative review, but it surely cannot be for the same Olive's that we enjoy frequently!!
(4)
John L.
We dine at Olives frequently. CJ the head chef always has great specials as well as seasonal menu changes. What we enjoy is the small friendly neighborhood atmosphere and of course the menu that's just a little different. The noise level is a bit spirited as everyone seems to be having a good time. The manager Parker is always helping the servers and bar tenders and it seems to run like a well oiled machine. Lighter menu selections are a plus when we don't want to eat heavy. Nice wine selection too. Try the fish soft taco's. Yum! We will continue to dine here for sure.
(4)
Katy E.
What a disappointment. On my birthday, of all days, my husband and I decided to try a new (to us) restaurant. He had heard about Olives from someone, so we looked up the website. The menu looked fantastic, so we called to get a table. We were there within 5 minutes of our expected time, but the waitress, who even remembered talking to my husband, had already given our table away. A few minutes later, she waved us over. Yes, she waved. She didn't come over and ask us to follow her. This is not a huge restaurant. It wouldn't have been asking too much. Anyway, we settled, with our three kids, into a very cramped table. The menu still looked great, and we should know, since we had more than enough time to look at it. After at least 15 minutes, the waitress finally came to take our drink order. We bothered her to take our food order, as well. She asked my husband and both older kids if they wanted fries or chips, but she didn't mention that their meals came with chips, and that fries were a $2.00 upcharge. Nice surprise when we got our bill later. Frankly, asking my husband is one thing. He's an adult and can make those choices. But to ask my kids, to give them a choice, without our permission, is bad form. Since we ordered an appetizer (goat cheese--not terribly kid-friendly), she asked if we would like her to bring the kids' food out as soon as it was ready. Great idea. Unfortunately, 15 minutes later we had a bowl of fries unceremoniously plopped onto our table. "On the house" she says. Okay, but why? And to tell you the truth, we'd rather have the food we'd ordered, and guess what? There are fries with 3 out of the four meals coming. However, we were happy to have the fries to keep our kids' mouths busy. If you think it's rough waiting for a long time to get your food, try doing it with three kids under 7. Well, we finished the fries, and spent another 10 minutes after that waiting. Our appetizer came out, and we enjoyed it, but it wasn't spectacular. We've had the same thing at Vitale's on Leonard and it was better. Anyway, after we were finished, the kids' meals came out. We then sat and watched them eat. Do you know how slowly little kids eat? And still, we watched them finish their meals, and still waited a few minutes for our meals to come out. Then they sat and watched us eat. I wish I could say that it was worth the wait. My husband ordered the Whimpy Burger, which was described as three mini burgers with bacon and bleu cheese. He didn't realize that they meant bacon on one of them, and bleu cheese on another, but that's what he got. I ordered a chicken dish (can't remember what it's called, and it's been taken off the menu.....kudos to them for that, at least), which was stuffed with a goat cheese mixture and served with a red pepper cream sauce. I honestly can't remember what it was served with, which kind of speaks for itself. The chicken was dry, and the sauce was bland and somewhat pasty. It was definitely too thick to help with the dryness of the meat. It was a disappointing end to a long night. But the worst was yet to come. We had a certificate from restaurant.com , which we had given to the waitress, and which she failed to deduct. We realized this at the same time that we saw the upcharge for the fries. Here's a question: If you are trying to make up for some delay in the kitchen, wouldn't it make more sense to comp our appetizer than to give us a bowl of the same thing that three of us already ordered with our meal? Or offer a free dessert? Something? There wasn't even an apology for the long wait. What's worse is that I gave the management two chances to make it right. We didn't say anything that night, because we had three little ones to get home, eat some cake, and get to bed. But a couple of days later, I emailed the manager and detailed our experience to him. I fully expected to hear back with at least an apology. Well, that was nearly two months ago, and nothing. We also received a survey from restaurant.com , and I rated it honestly and left a note that I had already left word with the manager about our experience, and still, nothing. It's truly hard for me to believe that a restaurant that couldn't care less about their customers' experience, doesn't have great food, and has lousy service is still in business. I'm telling you, avoid this restaurant at all costs. You can do so much better elsewhere.
(1)
Amanda L.
I stopped in on a Friday night around 8pm for drinks with some friends. Even though we were in the midst of a snowstorm, the restaurant had a warm, friendly camaraderie about it with several people at the bar drinking and laughing. I ordered their Buttered Bourbon which is Butterscotch liqueur and Jack Daniel's Honey on ice. It tasted just like a Werther's Butterscotch candy and warmed me right up! Now I have an idea of how to use Jack Daniel's Honey too. My friend ordered a Chi Martini but could barley take three sips of it because it was so syrupy. Yes, it tasted like a Chi Latte but in the way that the bar tender must have simply opened a carton of store bought Chi Latte and mixed it with some Starbucks Liqueur. It was missing that extra bit of love (and creativity) to balance it out. I My second drink was the 'Olives' Martini. It was a solid martini but I have to admit I was more into the blue cheese stuffed olives more then the actual drink. mmmm.... cheesy olives....Keep em' coming. This seems like a great place for a date night or dinner with friends. In checking out their menu, they have various happy hour specials and week night specials to keep you coming back. The food menu looked tasty and I vowed to come back to try out their main dishes. I especially liked their rotating menu selections with a commitment to local, to keep their meals varied and seasonal. Next to me was a family with some adorable, well behaved children and I noticed that they had a children's section on the menu too. Feel free to bring the whole family on your visit. My one recommendation (besides staying away from the Chi Martini until it gets revised) would be to ask for a table on the main floor when you go. When we arrived our friends weren't there yet and we were initially offered a two top table upstairs by mistake. Fortunately, we were seated on the main floor by the bar at a larger table for all of us. The main downstairs area had a better energy then the upstairs area, with low lights, candles on the table and big picture windows to look out onto the charming Gas Light Village neighborhood. Whereas the upstairs felt disjointed from the restaurant and had brighter lights, a few dated features, and tables that were scattered somewhat randomly. A friend joked once that this is the place to 'see and be seen' in East Grand Rapids and she wasn't kidding! Upon walking in on our first visit, we immediately saw two people we know. Apparently this is the place to see old friends and maybe make a new friend!
(4)
Aaron H.
Very good food and innovative menu. My wife and I went there for an anniversary and were very pleased. The food, although not inexpensive, was very, very good. The menu was somewhat limited, but I think that helps them focus on what they are serving. The menu was innovative and everything was very well prepared and the service was great. The place has a very nice ambience. It is probably not great for kids, but the ambience is very comfortable and not stuffy. Very good. Highly recommended.
(4)
Christian B.
Good, flavorful food. That's enough. Typically I won't review a place after only one trip, but our food here on our first visit was good enough to warrant mention sooner. I ordered a southern meatloaf of turkey, pork, and andouille on a bed of asparagus and sweet grits, and the flavor was astounding: Well-spiced and a good portion, served elegantly but without pretension. At $16, a good dinner at an acceptable price for East Grand Rapids. Our server was friendly and helpful too. Only knock on this place is the drink menu: Martinis start at $10, which is wildly overpriced, and the draft bottle list is forgettable; start across the street to Derby Station for a better drink menu at more honest prices, then come here for food.
(4)
Megan B.
Great! This place is amazing! My mom took me here for lunch and it was really good. The staff is friendly and funny and the food tastes homemade. The only problem I had with this place were the dishes. They were dirty and scratched. They looked cheap and old. I think they might as well found them in the dumpster.
(3)
Christine L.
I came here for wine an appetizer and got the BEST service. The wine list is great and they had plenty of california wines that I recognized (and love). I had the arancini and they were soo tasty (with honey drizzled on top). I was the weirdo on her laptop, but hey.. they have wifi.. and I knocked out at least 30 emails before I got too buzzed. I'll definitely be back here.
(5)
William T.
Creative menu and excellent service. This neighborhood gem is worth traveling to. Olive's is in the business district of East Grand Rapids. The environment is excellent. There is the main floor with bar or the upper level for a more quiet seating option. There is also outdoor seating that is above street level on a deck for enjoying a beautiful day. The Chef is always changing the menu and adding amazing dining options while saving the classic that frequent diners love. The Southern Meatloaf or the pretzel bread are amazing and you cannot go wrong with the Olive Burger or the Veggie Burger. Save room for dessert too. The level of service is excellent. The staff gets to know you as you come in time and time again. It is a welcoming feel to be greeted by name. Kim is my favorite bartender in the area. She treats her guests like old friends while making sure that they have everything that they need. Any time I have out of town guests I take them to Olive's. It has been loved by everyone and each time my family come's to visit from various parts of the country they always ask when we get to go have dinner at Olive's, usually for the Olive Burger.
(5)
David B.
Very good overall. Not always consistent each time with food presentation. Service is usually friendly and good. Definitely a great choice. I will be back.
(4)
Rene R.
The food was very tasty and innovative. The service impeccable and the atmosphere was fantastic. I really liked mushroom appetizer and the quinoa blackbean appetizer.
(5)
David L.
I tried Olive's with a friend, thinking it would be a nice experience in a quaint Gaslight Village restaurant. What we experienced, however, was an overpriced experience with poor--at best--service. Having a three-year-old along for the trip, we ordered a water for her while we waited for our food. The waitress disappeared, returned to take orders at two other tables, returned to ask what we (the adults) would like to drink, returned with those drinks, as well as drinks for other tables, and we still didn't have the water for the three-year-old. The food was okay, but way too expensive for what it was. I had the Buffalo Chicken Wrap, which, again, was simply okay. Nothing great, nothing terrible. But at $10, it should have been great. Instead, I left disappointed. Getting the check also took way too long for such a small restaurant with other three or four tables occupied. There are certainly worse places to have lunch, but by the same token, there are plenty of better establishments, too.
(2)
Jonathan M.
Amazing food and service! Great combinations of wonderful ingredients. Can't wait to see the new seasonal menu!
(5)
Megan T.
This restaurant is a wonderful addition to East Grand Rapids, and a a great alternative to Roses when you want good food and good drinks at a reasonable price. We showed up on a Thursday night at 7:00 and were immediately seated, but things got busier from there so get there early if you want a spot. Our server's name was Dustin -- he was knowledgeable about the menu, even more knowledgeable about what was behind the bar, friendly and personable. (+1 star) The menu is seasonal and locally sourced (+1 star) -- and had just recently changed when we visited. We started with the Chile Empanadas. These people know their way around empanadas. You should start with these and then work your way through the rest of the menu. They're crispy, flaky, and packed with flavor. (+1 star) Entrees were the BBQ Brisket Meatballs, and Southern Meatloaf. Both were prepared to order, piping hot, and extremely tasty. (+2 stars) What are you waiting for? Get on over to Olives!
(5)
Tracy P.
Great service; interesting appetizers & entrees (try the bacon wrapped shrimp and pulled rib), and a nice cozy atmosphere makes for an excellent evening. And the food tasted pretty darned good as well!
(4)
Lesley H.
My husband and I really loved this place. We dined on a nice summer evening out on the patio. We both prefer fresh healthy eating options, and Olives definitely delivers. In fact, we both had a hard time deciding what to choose. In addition, their menu is seasonal which we love. Our waitress was extremely friendly and patient with us wanting to take our time and enjoy a night out. We really appreciate when we asked to split a salad, that they served it to us already in separate bowls. I had the pork tender and my husband had the salmon- we both cleaned our plates. Looking forward to returning!
(5)
Ann W.
I was at Olive's for my Birthday had a very good meal I had the olive burger and it is this best. I had a really good server named Dustin and he surprised me with a birthday desert wish was also very good. Would go again without a doubt. Ann Cook
(5)
Meri G.
Food is solid and well seasoned. Service is excellent. Specials are interesting and varied. Someone in the kitchen has good ideas!
(4)
Brady P N.
Worst food I've had in a long time! My friends fries were sooo greasy, they told him, that's how they serve them and then offered to grab a napkin and come over to dab off the grease, gross!
(1)
Lola A.
We stopped by Olives Restaurant on a night when many restaurants in Grand Rapids had decided to take the night off...Labor Day weekend. We were greeted by the bartender and promptly offered a table. The restaurant was not busy on the lower level, but they seemed a little short on staffing. The hostess was doing double duty with waitressing and came back to assist us with selections. For starters, we ordered the lime chips with 3 assorted dips. I ordered the porkloin chops stuffed with apricots and accompanied by sweet potatoes. The potatoes were slightly undercooked, but the porkloin was delicous. My husband enjoyed his steak. My overall sense of the place was that it's perhaps a tad over-priced for the menu & service, but it was a pleasant experience though not over the top fantastic.
(3)
Becky D.
Olives, so much hype for so much nothing. The drinks are good. Really strong. I would recommend this place for drinks and appetizers, their calamari wasn't awful. I do enjoy a Squidward. Sadly our meals were all a disappointment. Someone got the pot roast, the vegetables were improperly cooked. And they found the meat to be tough. Two people got pork chops, which were dry and burned. Someone else got something that was, well, forgettable. I got a scallop dish that was ok, but nothing amazing. Perhaps our waitress was trying to give us space to talk, but people need refills. Gourmet to Go owns Olives, and I've been told Olives is a good reflection of their food. Draw your own conclusions....
(2)
Bob G.
Would be 3.5 stars if possible. Solid food, attentive service. Paella cakes were well conceived and executed, the chorizo is a good accompaniment. Short rib ravioli in mushroom sauce was really quite delicious and generous. Hanger steak cooked to my liking, but onions were subbed for shallots and were thickly sliced and nearly raw. Veggies also undercooked. Small matter, easily avoided. Overall, a tasty dish. Prices are not bad. One app, two entrees, two cokes, 3 glasses of wine, 70 bucks. Intelligent but small wine list. Good neighborhood place.
(3)
Dan B.
After a number of less than stellar meals I am happy to report that Olive's served up some great grub the other night. The Cob Salad was outstanding. (As was the service.) We go to Olive's because it is convenient. Perhaps Olive's is on its way to becoming more than an EGR hangout.
(3)
Adam B.
Loved it. Had a great dinner and awesome service the meatloaf was to die for. Martinis are huge, one was definitely enough. I recommend this place to all my friends. Love that is within walking distance of my home.
(5)
John S.
olive's is an mediterrainean(sp) restaurants that serve midsize portion on big plates. the service was great, she told us about going to a website to get a gift certificate that we could use to get 25$ off our food. the food was ok. i had a pounded chicken dish that came with way too many artichokes and way to many capers...but the chicken itself was good. it was crusted in parmasean and pan fried. the restaurant is located in the gaslight village so the prices reflect that.
(3)
Jeremy J.
I've driven by Olive's in past, but never thought to stop in. Not sure why; whenever I'm in "East" there are some other favorites that I just gravitate towards instead. We find a spot outside and head in, past a heavy rubberized curtain protecting the entry from the elements. It makes it awkward to hold open the door for Juliet. (Later, I notice some passersby who seem stymied by the doorway, unsure if or how they should enter.) We are greeted by our server, who is working the entire dining area today, it seems. She is friendly (perhaps too friendly, calling us "my darlings" several times; I can't decide if it's annoying or endearing) but not overly efficient. Decor is mostly wood, with some interesting paint choices. There are some cabinets in the corner made up to the look like gifts for the holiday season (we believe there is storage and wine racks behind the gift wrapped doors). The whole restaurant seems to have a laid-back, homey vibe. I'm uneasy about the food now. To start, I order a cup of the Tomato Blue Cheese Bisque. A nice hot cup of soup sounds good, and it turns out to be very nice: well-blended tomato with tiny, tiny chunks of vegetable (celery? hard to tell) and a low-key blue cheese. The light and smoky Laforet Pinot Noir actually complements it, and I am pleased with my choice of wine. While I spoon up the last of the bisque, a cook runs out from the kitchen and dashes toward the D&W Fresh Market just across the parking lot opposite. He come back a few minutes later with, presumably, some ingredients they needed. It must be nice having a grocery store so close by! I am not overly hungry, so I opt for a single small plate of the Shanghai Cabbage Rolls. About six of the rolls arrive on a pretty plate swirled with pepper jelly, alongside a splash of Sriracha. The tender insides of ground pork, jasmine rice, and water chestnuts are earthy but ethereal. The Napa cabbage exterior, though, are a bit too overcooked...but not by much. I prefer my cabbage with a bit of snap left in it. Taste is spot on, however. The sweet-hot combo hits all the right notes on my palate. Again, surprisingly, the Laforet stands up to the spiciness. Wonders never cease! By the time we finish, more people are starting to pour in. Our server begins to get a little swamped and help arrives from the kitchen. As we pay our bill, we're surprised to find a secret coupon inside that we're not supposed to open; it'll be opened by the server the next time we stop in for a bite. It's a good marketing ploy, and one we'll utilize. Although the lunch didn't surprise me, I am pleased enough to want to come back. Don't take my word for it, though; check out video and what my better half has to say about our culinary adventure on our website (linked in my profile)!
(3)
Erin W.
Olive's is kind of hit or miss. I've had decent meals, decent service...but it's not one of my fave's in East. They do have an excellent meatloaf, and the atmosphere is pretty nice. Bonus is you can park in the big lot across the street.
(3)
Stephen M.
We love Olives! The food is always flavorful and the seasonal menu is fun. We've been several times, each of us getting a different dish each time, and haven't had a dish we dislike.
(5)
Fazoli's is an Italian-American fast casual restaurant chain headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. It was founded in 1988and is now owned by Sentinel Capital Partners. As of 2015, there are 213 Fazoli's located nationwide. The restaurant chain specializes in Italian cuisine and dishes. Carl Howard is the company's president and CEO. Fazoli's offers a menu of traditional Italian favorites — highlighted by our famous, mouthwatering, garlic bread sticks — combined with a service experience not typically found in the QSR industry and served in a newly re-imagined restaurant environment. And it's all available to our guests at a great price and value. With over 200 restaurants, explosive growth and a booming sales trajectory, Fazoli's has established itself as a leader in the Quick-Service Restaurant segment.
Today, Fazoli's menu consists of classic Italian dishes, baked pastas, their signature Submarinos sandwiches, and other foods, such as:
Twice Baked Lasagna Chicken Parmigiano Italian Deli Trio seasonal salads Turkey Mozzarella Fresco Meatball da Vinci The Primo Italiano Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza New York Style Cheesecake Baked Spaghetti Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Address :2162 Wealthy St SE
Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Jessica O.
I just had lunch here today with my mom (Friday afternoon). They weren't crowded, but definitely not empty; we got one of the little 2-person hi top tables by the window. Such a great atmosphere! The waitress was friendly, got our waters right away and was on top of the refills. I had the soup of the day which was a chorizo corn chowder, and wow, was it good! I love corn chowder anyway, but they had some extra herbs and spices in theirs which made it really amazing! I also opted for the bowl instead of the cup. I didn't see the price for the bowl on the menu, so I was a little worried it would be like twice as much. Turns out it's only $1 up charge from the cup, so that was a nice surprise! My mom had the baby kale salad and really enjoyed it also. We asked about bread since we were ordering smaller items, and they have crostinis for $2, so we split an order of that. They also have a really cute bar that we didn't try out, but my mom is likely going to go back for a glass of wine with her girlfriends. Overall it was a great spot and I'm really glad we decided to try it out!
(4)Paul M.
Went here for dinner with my wife, and we were both let down. Although the place was not busy, the service was slow. Our waiter seemed more interested in hanging out at the bar and chatting with his friends and coworkers than in providing decent service. Although he was our waiter, a different person brought us our food, and someone else checked up on us throughout the meal. Despite this cavalcade of waiters, we still had a long wait to get our check. The food itself was good, although the portion sizes were on the small size. My pork and risotto was quite tasty, and my wife enjoyed her kale caesar salad. Overall, an underwhelming experience.
(3)Matt C.
So. In the intetest of fairness, my pork shoulder/polenta dish was really good. BUT, my wife had a tempeh curry that was possibly the worst dish I've ever had from a restaurant in my life. Absolutely insane amounts of lemongrass, to the point that it tasted like dish soap. The service was okay initially, but somehow when it came time for bills she had not tracked what any of us had, so we had to mark up the receipt ourselves with who had what. Furthermore, a 20% gratuity was added to our bill, which is fine (we had 6 people in our party), but she didn't tell us when the bills were delivered, nor at the beginning of the meal for that matter. To top it all off, when the final receipts were delivered our waitress said nothing by way of thank you or good night, even when we said the same to her.
(1)Adrianne B.
We chose Olive's for lunch on a weekday and almost immediately regretted it; we had our preschooler in tow and this joint is definitely a "Ladies Who Lunch" spot. I never really was able to relax and enjoy the food because I was overly worried that my kid might disrupt the EGR gentry and their 2 martini lunches. (She actually was very quiet and well-behaved throughout ;) Hits- Delicious salad & burgers, decent service Misses- My martini was poured at the table, so gosh darn full that I was unable to sip it without spilling it on the table. The French Onion soup had a lovely broth but suffered from poor execution and presentation. We'll be back-- without the kid.
(3)Betsey K.
Olive's seems like one of those places that all of the neighbors claim to "looooooove", but always grumble about. There is nothing special about this place. Every time I am here the service is.... Fine... Nothing special and not horrid. The food seems costly for small portions. We keep going because it is close to home, but we are consistently annoyed with how much we pay for food we're not excited about. Actually writing this review makes me wonder why we do keep coming... The drinks are strong and we walk home, that's right... Strong drinks!
(2)Debbie T.
Lobster roll, killer especially when you take half home. Sooooo ono! Service on the other hand was unbalanced. The waitress was upbeat and efficient. Although, absent quite a bit. Hence, the 3 instead of four stars.
(3)Peter M.
Emily cleared the muddy waters and re assured me it was an isolated incident. Good beer selection and they have VM! The whimpy burgers are a great share plate. We will be back to try the quinoa cakes
(4)Sara C.
We enjoyed our anniversary dinner here, on a weeknight. The service and food were good and I like the location. The menu was really creative and it changes seasonally. They also had some really delicious cocktails. We did end up spending a lot, but probably mostly because we had appetizers, drinks, and dessert with our dinner which we don't usually do.
(4)Rhonda D.
Good food selection. Their martini's are pretty good. Wine selection is good. I liked the environment downstairs, upstairs is kinda crappy. Get a table downstairs so you can people watch the street and you're close to the bar!
(4)Paul H.
One of the best kept secrets in Grand Rapids! This place is great. We dine here once or twice a month. The food is great and the chef changes the menu every few months which keeps it always interesting and new. The atmosphere is friendly and casual. If you want to hang with the "in crowd" you can sit on the first floor. We prefer upstairs- quiet and more private. Either way the food is great- and a great value. And save room for a dessert. I saw a lengthy negative review, but it surely cannot be for the same Olive's that we enjoy frequently!!
(4)John L.
We dine at Olives frequently. CJ the head chef always has great specials as well as seasonal menu changes. What we enjoy is the small friendly neighborhood atmosphere and of course the menu that's just a little different. The noise level is a bit spirited as everyone seems to be having a good time. The manager Parker is always helping the servers and bar tenders and it seems to run like a well oiled machine. Lighter menu selections are a plus when we don't want to eat heavy. Nice wine selection too. Try the fish soft taco's. Yum! We will continue to dine here for sure.
(4)Katy E.
What a disappointment. On my birthday, of all days, my husband and I decided to try a new (to us) restaurant. He had heard about Olives from someone, so we looked up the website. The menu looked fantastic, so we called to get a table. We were there within 5 minutes of our expected time, but the waitress, who even remembered talking to my husband, had already given our table away. A few minutes later, she waved us over. Yes, she waved. She didn't come over and ask us to follow her. This is not a huge restaurant. It wouldn't have been asking too much. Anyway, we settled, with our three kids, into a very cramped table. The menu still looked great, and we should know, since we had more than enough time to look at it. After at least 15 minutes, the waitress finally came to take our drink order. We bothered her to take our food order, as well. She asked my husband and both older kids if they wanted fries or chips, but she didn't mention that their meals came with chips, and that fries were a $2.00 upcharge. Nice surprise when we got our bill later. Frankly, asking my husband is one thing. He's an adult and can make those choices. But to ask my kids, to give them a choice, without our permission, is bad form. Since we ordered an appetizer (goat cheese--not terribly kid-friendly), she asked if we would like her to bring the kids' food out as soon as it was ready. Great idea. Unfortunately, 15 minutes later we had a bowl of fries unceremoniously plopped onto our table. "On the house" she says. Okay, but why? And to tell you the truth, we'd rather have the food we'd ordered, and guess what? There are fries with 3 out of the four meals coming. However, we were happy to have the fries to keep our kids' mouths busy. If you think it's rough waiting for a long time to get your food, try doing it with three kids under 7. Well, we finished the fries, and spent another 10 minutes after that waiting. Our appetizer came out, and we enjoyed it, but it wasn't spectacular. We've had the same thing at Vitale's on Leonard and it was better. Anyway, after we were finished, the kids' meals came out. We then sat and watched them eat. Do you know how slowly little kids eat? And still, we watched them finish their meals, and still waited a few minutes for our meals to come out. Then they sat and watched us eat. I wish I could say that it was worth the wait. My husband ordered the Whimpy Burger, which was described as three mini burgers with bacon and bleu cheese. He didn't realize that they meant bacon on one of them, and bleu cheese on another, but that's what he got. I ordered a chicken dish (can't remember what it's called, and it's been taken off the menu.....kudos to them for that, at least), which was stuffed with a goat cheese mixture and served with a red pepper cream sauce. I honestly can't remember what it was served with, which kind of speaks for itself. The chicken was dry, and the sauce was bland and somewhat pasty. It was definitely too thick to help with the dryness of the meat. It was a disappointing end to a long night. But the worst was yet to come. We had a certificate from restaurant.com , which we had given to the waitress, and which she failed to deduct. We realized this at the same time that we saw the upcharge for the fries. Here's a question: If you are trying to make up for some delay in the kitchen, wouldn't it make more sense to comp our appetizer than to give us a bowl of the same thing that three of us already ordered with our meal? Or offer a free dessert? Something? There wasn't even an apology for the long wait. What's worse is that I gave the management two chances to make it right. We didn't say anything that night, because we had three little ones to get home, eat some cake, and get to bed. But a couple of days later, I emailed the manager and detailed our experience to him. I fully expected to hear back with at least an apology. Well, that was nearly two months ago, and nothing. We also received a survey from restaurant.com , and I rated it honestly and left a note that I had already left word with the manager about our experience, and still, nothing. It's truly hard for me to believe that a restaurant that couldn't care less about their customers' experience, doesn't have great food, and has lousy service is still in business. I'm telling you, avoid this restaurant at all costs. You can do so much better elsewhere.
(1)Amanda L.
I stopped in on a Friday night around 8pm for drinks with some friends. Even though we were in the midst of a snowstorm, the restaurant had a warm, friendly camaraderie about it with several people at the bar drinking and laughing. I ordered their Buttered Bourbon which is Butterscotch liqueur and Jack Daniel's Honey on ice. It tasted just like a Werther's Butterscotch candy and warmed me right up! Now I have an idea of how to use Jack Daniel's Honey too. My friend ordered a Chi Martini but could barley take three sips of it because it was so syrupy. Yes, it tasted like a Chi Latte but in the way that the bar tender must have simply opened a carton of store bought Chi Latte and mixed it with some Starbucks Liqueur. It was missing that extra bit of love (and creativity) to balance it out. I My second drink was the 'Olives' Martini. It was a solid martini but I have to admit I was more into the blue cheese stuffed olives more then the actual drink. mmmm.... cheesy olives....Keep em' coming. This seems like a great place for a date night or dinner with friends. In checking out their menu, they have various happy hour specials and week night specials to keep you coming back. The food menu looked tasty and I vowed to come back to try out their main dishes. I especially liked their rotating menu selections with a commitment to local, to keep their meals varied and seasonal. Next to me was a family with some adorable, well behaved children and I noticed that they had a children's section on the menu too. Feel free to bring the whole family on your visit. My one recommendation (besides staying away from the Chi Martini until it gets revised) would be to ask for a table on the main floor when you go. When we arrived our friends weren't there yet and we were initially offered a two top table upstairs by mistake. Fortunately, we were seated on the main floor by the bar at a larger table for all of us. The main downstairs area had a better energy then the upstairs area, with low lights, candles on the table and big picture windows to look out onto the charming Gas Light Village neighborhood. Whereas the upstairs felt disjointed from the restaurant and had brighter lights, a few dated features, and tables that were scattered somewhat randomly. A friend joked once that this is the place to 'see and be seen' in East Grand Rapids and she wasn't kidding! Upon walking in on our first visit, we immediately saw two people we know. Apparently this is the place to see old friends and maybe make a new friend!
(4)Aaron H.
Very good food and innovative menu. My wife and I went there for an anniversary and were very pleased. The food, although not inexpensive, was very, very good. The menu was somewhat limited, but I think that helps them focus on what they are serving. The menu was innovative and everything was very well prepared and the service was great. The place has a very nice ambience. It is probably not great for kids, but the ambience is very comfortable and not stuffy. Very good. Highly recommended.
(4)Christian B.
Good, flavorful food. That's enough. Typically I won't review a place after only one trip, but our food here on our first visit was good enough to warrant mention sooner. I ordered a southern meatloaf of turkey, pork, and andouille on a bed of asparagus and sweet grits, and the flavor was astounding: Well-spiced and a good portion, served elegantly but without pretension. At $16, a good dinner at an acceptable price for East Grand Rapids. Our server was friendly and helpful too. Only knock on this place is the drink menu: Martinis start at $10, which is wildly overpriced, and the draft bottle list is forgettable; start across the street to Derby Station for a better drink menu at more honest prices, then come here for food.
(4)Megan B.
Great! This place is amazing! My mom took me here for lunch and it was really good. The staff is friendly and funny and the food tastes homemade. The only problem I had with this place were the dishes. They were dirty and scratched. They looked cheap and old. I think they might as well found them in the dumpster.
(3)Christine L.
I came here for wine an appetizer and got the BEST service. The wine list is great and they had plenty of california wines that I recognized (and love). I had the arancini and they were soo tasty (with honey drizzled on top). I was the weirdo on her laptop, but hey.. they have wifi.. and I knocked out at least 30 emails before I got too buzzed. I'll definitely be back here.
(5)William T.
Creative menu and excellent service. This neighborhood gem is worth traveling to. Olive's is in the business district of East Grand Rapids. The environment is excellent. There is the main floor with bar or the upper level for a more quiet seating option. There is also outdoor seating that is above street level on a deck for enjoying a beautiful day. The Chef is always changing the menu and adding amazing dining options while saving the classic that frequent diners love. The Southern Meatloaf or the pretzel bread are amazing and you cannot go wrong with the Olive Burger or the Veggie Burger. Save room for dessert too. The level of service is excellent. The staff gets to know you as you come in time and time again. It is a welcoming feel to be greeted by name. Kim is my favorite bartender in the area. She treats her guests like old friends while making sure that they have everything that they need. Any time I have out of town guests I take them to Olive's. It has been loved by everyone and each time my family come's to visit from various parts of the country they always ask when we get to go have dinner at Olive's, usually for the Olive Burger.
(5)David B.
Very good overall. Not always consistent each time with food presentation. Service is usually friendly and good. Definitely a great choice. I will be back.
(4)Rene R.
The food was very tasty and innovative. The service impeccable and the atmosphere was fantastic. I really liked mushroom appetizer and the quinoa blackbean appetizer.
(5)David L.
I tried Olive's with a friend, thinking it would be a nice experience in a quaint Gaslight Village restaurant. What we experienced, however, was an overpriced experience with poor--at best--service. Having a three-year-old along for the trip, we ordered a water for her while we waited for our food. The waitress disappeared, returned to take orders at two other tables, returned to ask what we (the adults) would like to drink, returned with those drinks, as well as drinks for other tables, and we still didn't have the water for the three-year-old. The food was okay, but way too expensive for what it was. I had the Buffalo Chicken Wrap, which, again, was simply okay. Nothing great, nothing terrible. But at $10, it should have been great. Instead, I left disappointed. Getting the check also took way too long for such a small restaurant with other three or four tables occupied. There are certainly worse places to have lunch, but by the same token, there are plenty of better establishments, too.
(2)Jonathan M.
Amazing food and service! Great combinations of wonderful ingredients. Can't wait to see the new seasonal menu!
(5)Megan T.
This restaurant is a wonderful addition to East Grand Rapids, and a a great alternative to Roses when you want good food and good drinks at a reasonable price. We showed up on a Thursday night at 7:00 and were immediately seated, but things got busier from there so get there early if you want a spot. Our server's name was Dustin -- he was knowledgeable about the menu, even more knowledgeable about what was behind the bar, friendly and personable. (+1 star) The menu is seasonal and locally sourced (+1 star) -- and had just recently changed when we visited. We started with the Chile Empanadas. These people know their way around empanadas. You should start with these and then work your way through the rest of the menu. They're crispy, flaky, and packed with flavor. (+1 star) Entrees were the BBQ Brisket Meatballs, and Southern Meatloaf. Both were prepared to order, piping hot, and extremely tasty. (+2 stars) What are you waiting for? Get on over to Olives!
(5)Tracy P.
Great service; interesting appetizers & entrees (try the bacon wrapped shrimp and pulled rib), and a nice cozy atmosphere makes for an excellent evening. And the food tasted pretty darned good as well!
(4)Lesley H.
My husband and I really loved this place. We dined on a nice summer evening out on the patio. We both prefer fresh healthy eating options, and Olives definitely delivers. In fact, we both had a hard time deciding what to choose. In addition, their menu is seasonal which we love. Our waitress was extremely friendly and patient with us wanting to take our time and enjoy a night out. We really appreciate when we asked to split a salad, that they served it to us already in separate bowls. I had the pork tender and my husband had the salmon- we both cleaned our plates. Looking forward to returning!
(5)Ann W.
I was at Olive's for my Birthday had a very good meal I had the olive burger and it is this best. I had a really good server named Dustin and he surprised me with a birthday desert wish was also very good. Would go again without a doubt. Ann Cook
(5)Meri G.
Food is solid and well seasoned. Service is excellent. Specials are interesting and varied. Someone in the kitchen has good ideas!
(4)Brady P N.
Worst food I've had in a long time! My friends fries were sooo greasy, they told him, that's how they serve them and then offered to grab a napkin and come over to dab off the grease, gross!
(1)Lola A.
We stopped by Olives Restaurant on a night when many restaurants in Grand Rapids had decided to take the night off...Labor Day weekend. We were greeted by the bartender and promptly offered a table. The restaurant was not busy on the lower level, but they seemed a little short on staffing. The hostess was doing double duty with waitressing and came back to assist us with selections. For starters, we ordered the lime chips with 3 assorted dips. I ordered the porkloin chops stuffed with apricots and accompanied by sweet potatoes. The potatoes were slightly undercooked, but the porkloin was delicous. My husband enjoyed his steak. My overall sense of the place was that it's perhaps a tad over-priced for the menu & service, but it was a pleasant experience though not over the top fantastic.
(3)Becky D.
Olives, so much hype for so much nothing. The drinks are good. Really strong. I would recommend this place for drinks and appetizers, their calamari wasn't awful. I do enjoy a Squidward. Sadly our meals were all a disappointment. Someone got the pot roast, the vegetables were improperly cooked. And they found the meat to be tough. Two people got pork chops, which were dry and burned. Someone else got something that was, well, forgettable. I got a scallop dish that was ok, but nothing amazing. Perhaps our waitress was trying to give us space to talk, but people need refills. Gourmet to Go owns Olives, and I've been told Olives is a good reflection of their food. Draw your own conclusions....
(2)Bob G.
Would be 3.5 stars if possible. Solid food, attentive service. Paella cakes were well conceived and executed, the chorizo is a good accompaniment. Short rib ravioli in mushroom sauce was really quite delicious and generous. Hanger steak cooked to my liking, but onions were subbed for shallots and were thickly sliced and nearly raw. Veggies also undercooked. Small matter, easily avoided. Overall, a tasty dish. Prices are not bad. One app, two entrees, two cokes, 3 glasses of wine, 70 bucks. Intelligent but small wine list. Good neighborhood place.
(3)Dan B.
After a number of less than stellar meals I am happy to report that Olive's served up some great grub the other night. The Cob Salad was outstanding. (As was the service.) We go to Olive's because it is convenient. Perhaps Olive's is on its way to becoming more than an EGR hangout.
(3)Adam B.
Loved it. Had a great dinner and awesome service the meatloaf was to die for. Martinis are huge, one was definitely enough. I recommend this place to all my friends. Love that is within walking distance of my home.
(5)John S.
olive's is an mediterrainean(sp) restaurants that serve midsize portion on big plates. the service was great, she told us about going to a website to get a gift certificate that we could use to get 25$ off our food. the food was ok. i had a pounded chicken dish that came with way too many artichokes and way to many capers...but the chicken itself was good. it was crusted in parmasean and pan fried. the restaurant is located in the gaslight village so the prices reflect that.
(3)Jeremy J.
I've driven by Olive's in past, but never thought to stop in. Not sure why; whenever I'm in "East" there are some other favorites that I just gravitate towards instead. We find a spot outside and head in, past a heavy rubberized curtain protecting the entry from the elements. It makes it awkward to hold open the door for Juliet. (Later, I notice some passersby who seem stymied by the doorway, unsure if or how they should enter.) We are greeted by our server, who is working the entire dining area today, it seems. She is friendly (perhaps too friendly, calling us "my darlings" several times; I can't decide if it's annoying or endearing) but not overly efficient. Decor is mostly wood, with some interesting paint choices. There are some cabinets in the corner made up to the look like gifts for the holiday season (we believe there is storage and wine racks behind the gift wrapped doors). The whole restaurant seems to have a laid-back, homey vibe. I'm uneasy about the food now. To start, I order a cup of the Tomato Blue Cheese Bisque. A nice hot cup of soup sounds good, and it turns out to be very nice: well-blended tomato with tiny, tiny chunks of vegetable (celery? hard to tell) and a low-key blue cheese. The light and smoky Laforet Pinot Noir actually complements it, and I am pleased with my choice of wine. While I spoon up the last of the bisque, a cook runs out from the kitchen and dashes toward the D&W Fresh Market just across the parking lot opposite. He come back a few minutes later with, presumably, some ingredients they needed. It must be nice having a grocery store so close by! I am not overly hungry, so I opt for a single small plate of the Shanghai Cabbage Rolls. About six of the rolls arrive on a pretty plate swirled with pepper jelly, alongside a splash of Sriracha. The tender insides of ground pork, jasmine rice, and water chestnuts are earthy but ethereal. The Napa cabbage exterior, though, are a bit too overcooked...but not by much. I prefer my cabbage with a bit of snap left in it. Taste is spot on, however. The sweet-hot combo hits all the right notes on my palate. Again, surprisingly, the Laforet stands up to the spiciness. Wonders never cease! By the time we finish, more people are starting to pour in. Our server begins to get a little swamped and help arrives from the kitchen. As we pay our bill, we're surprised to find a secret coupon inside that we're not supposed to open; it'll be opened by the server the next time we stop in for a bite. It's a good marketing ploy, and one we'll utilize. Although the lunch didn't surprise me, I am pleased enough to want to come back. Don't take my word for it, though; check out video and what my better half has to say about our culinary adventure on our website (linked in my profile)!
(3)Erin W.
Olive's is kind of hit or miss. I've had decent meals, decent service...but it's not one of my fave's in East. They do have an excellent meatloaf, and the atmosphere is pretty nice. Bonus is you can park in the big lot across the street.
(3)Stephen M.
We love Olives! The food is always flavorful and the seasonal menu is fun. We've been several times, each of us getting a different dish each time, and haven't had a dish we dislike.
(5)