That Early Bird
A contemporary cafe serving international-inspired dishes, local ingredients, and community vibes. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, and coffee.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
That Early Bird
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A contemporary cafe serving international-inspired dishes, local ingredients, and community vibes. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, and coffee.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To find a table more easily, consider visiting during less busy times.
Try Unique Sandwich Combos
Experiment with unique flavor combinations, like the 'bird dog' sandwich without egg.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cafe, American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Breakfast Sandwiches with Bacon Jam
Experience unique breakfast sandwiches, like the Bird Dog, featuring flavorful bacon jam that elevates the entire dish.
Vibrant Cafe Atmosphere
Enjoy a comfortable and vibrant cafe setting, perfect for meeting friends or relaxing with a book and board games.
Exceptional Coffee & Lattes
Sip on well-made coffee drinks, including standout lattes like the honey lavender matcha, perfect for any time of day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To find a table more easily, consider visiting during less busy times.
Try Unique Sandwich Combos
Experiment with unique flavor combinations, like the 'bird dog' sandwich without egg.
Explore Creative Dishes
Don't miss creative options like the vegan hash or other inventive dishes on the menu.
Consider Self-Service
For faster service, utilize the self-service kiosks.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To find a table more easily, consider visiting during less busy times.
Try Unique Sandwich Combos
Experiment with unique flavor combinations, like the 'bird dog' sandwich without egg.
Explore Creative Dishes
Don't miss creative options like the vegan hash or other inventive dishes on the menu.
Consider Self-Service
For faster service, utilize the self-service kiosks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
That Early Bird is praised for its fresh, delicious food and well-made coffee drinks, creating a vibrant and comfortable cafe atmosphere. Diners love the unique breakfast sandwiches and creative dishes, with many recommending it as a top brunch spot. However, some find prices to be a bit high for the area, and a few reviews mention inconsistent food quality.
"I’m from out of town but I come to Grand Rapids every once in awhile. For over a year amongst my travels, I have been wanting to try this spot and I finally got the chance to yesterday (4/21) and I was not disappointed!!!
I ordered the bird dog without egg (personal preference), with a side of potatoes and it was AMAZING. Definitely the most delicious breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had. The smoked ham is absolutely phenomenal. The bacon jam I was unsure of at first but once trying it on this sandwich I was impressed by how well it combined the flavors on the sandwich.
The garlic mayo was perfect, not overpowering but not a weak flavor either. Spot on.
Whatever you guys are doing here, you are doing it right. Keep on keeping on.
Will be back."
Emily Marentette
"I got the vegan hash. :) !
It was so good my eyes got huge! 👀
Def. did a happy dance while eating.
Thank you!!"
gaia
"The food came out extremely fast. The chorizo breakfast burrito was absolutely incredible. I also really enjoyed the cold brew, latkes, and matcha. The atmosphere is killer with lots of natural light and the bar offers great views of the historic neighborhood."
Joshua Franke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include unique breakfast sandwiches like the 'Bird Dog' with bacon jam, flavorful vegan hash, and decadent French toast.
Yes, the menu features a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Yes, it's a family-friendly spot with a nice patio and a small play area for toddlers.
They offer a variety of well-made coffee drinks, including Americanos, lattes, and unique options like honey lavender matcha.
Yes, the comfortable atmosphere and natural light make it a great place to work or meet up with friends.
Information on dedicated parking is not provided, but it's located on a busy street with nearby options.
Yes, That Early Bird is a dog-friendly coffeehouse with a spacious pet-friendly patio.
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Owners Sarah Wepman and Joel Wabeke opened the shop in 2016, with an emphasis on making it a neighborhood home base. Along with coffee and food, That Early Bird regularly hosts activities that bring neighbors of all ages and backgrounds together—from local harvest nights to crafting events to game nights (picture senior citizens and teens teaming up to play Euchre, and folks consulting worn dictionaries over a Scrabble board). Across the street, you can also find a pizza shop that Wepman and Wabeke opened during the pandemic, which kept its fitting name—Quarantino’s.
Top 10 Restaurant of 2021: Quarantino's
Quarantino’s Pizza feels like a secret, impossibly so as it’s located on a busy boutique-lined stretch of Lake Drive in Eastown across from its sister business The Early Bird. Here, chef Joel Wabeke’s latest darling rocks out his Detroit-style pizzas, truly addictive squares with crispy charred edges and ingredients reverse layered so they’re blanketed by red sauce.
East Grand Rapids Restaurants
That Early Bird is in the Eastown neighborhood and serves an eclectic healthy menu of locally sourced ingredients. Menu’s change seasonally so be sure to check back often to see what is new. Early bird offers both breakfast and lunch options and includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, so you are sure to find something for everyone.
The 5 Best Brunch Spots in Grand Rapids
Any place that has amazing coffee and brunch is a winner in my book. Located in Eastown you’ll find That Early Bird to be that place you’ll keep coming back to. The coffee and pastries are incredible, but they also offer dishes like biscuits and gravy, breakfast nachos (yes, you read that correctly) and eggs benedict.
Top 20 Best Brunch Spots in Grand Rapids
I just moved to Grand Rapids and decided to start my new chapter with brunch at That Early Bird, and what an amazing choice that was!. The moment I walked in, I was greeted by super kind staff, setting a great tone for the meal ahead. Starting off with their Mocha, it was simply out of this world.
Highest-rated Brunch Restaurants in Grand Rapids, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (15 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (3.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, Cafe- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 1445 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1711- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:What are the most common degrees in Grand Rapids?
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Located in Eastown, This is a great breakfast spot for those with a discerning palate. They have pancake specials on Sunday, featuring limited time offerings like peaches & cream pancakes and pineapple upside down pancakes. The service is top-notch and atmosphere higher end.
Best Restaurants in Downtown Grand Rapids
If you’re looking for good vegetarian food in Grand Rapids look no further than That Early Bird. I think the coolest part about this spot is that the menu is super eclectic. Sure they have the traditional french toast and breakfast sammies but they also have vindaloo hash!
12 Best Brunch Spots in Grand Rapids
That Early Bird has been providing Eastown with great brunch since they opened their doors in 2016. With a focus on seasonal and local products, they’re able to create a menu that is noticeably fresh, complete with Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten Free options.
Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Grand Rapids, MI
Speaking of coffee and pastries, That Early Bird is a dog-friendly coffeehouse with pastries, breakfast, lunch, coffee, and teas. They have a spacious pet-friendly patio outdoors. And their motto is: "Good, wholesome food, community, and delicious coffee.
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That Early Bird is another Eastown neighborhood eatery on this list and offers an “eclectic” menu with fresh and health meals made with seasonal, local ingredients, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, according to its website.
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Cozy coffeehouse where you can relax with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, breakfast, and lunch. Menu includes fresh baked pastries, biscuits and gravy, salads, sandwiches, and pasta. Whatever your needs, whenever you need them.
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1445 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506Phone: 616-258-8350 Visit Website. A post shared by That Early Bird (@that.early.bird). Have you ever tried breakfast nachos?
Bring Your Pup To These Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Grand Rapids
If it is a nice day outside, take advantage of the fact that dogs are welcome at the patio tables!
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