Inside Scoop on where to Dine in Holland
Holland’s food scene is so vast! Being one of the larger cities along Michigan’s Art Coast this city has an incredible variety of offerings. Whether you are looking for that delicious steak dinner or nachos at a divey gastro pub, I think this towns got you covered.
Hops at 84 East completely blew me away. Having moved from Chicago I came to the area thinking that the food scene was not going to be quite the same. Hops at 84 East stripped me of that belief and captured me from the first visit. First and foremost, you have to sit in the bar area. With high-top tables, plenty of bar seating, and a stage for live music on every Friday and Saturday night, this area is very lively and fun and for me is part of the overall Hops experience. Their menu is delivered on a tablet showcasing daily specials, starters, salads, pizza, handhelds, entrees, and sides. The best part: click on your dish of interest and a photo of the dish pops up with a nice detailed description! Now for the must haves; The Mussels are out of this world delicious. Now I’ve always been a mussels fan and have enjoyed them at various restaurants “known” for their mussels. These are the absolute best I have ever had the pleasure of eating. Even if you’re not a fan of mussels, the flavorful broth with crumbles of Sicilian sausage and the crispy buttery bread for dunking is NEXT LEVEL! I have gotten many people who don’t even eat mussels to fall in love with this dish. Next up, the Brisket! Their house smoked brisket is perfectly tender with those delicious crispy bits and is featured on both tacos and as a sandwich melt, so delish! Their Pizza’s are not to be overlooked. Every month they feature a “Community Pizza” which a portion of the proceeds get donated to local causes/charities! These specialty pizzas typically have unique ingredients and flavor profiles but always seem to be a winner. Last but not least, an INCREDIBLE selection of local beers and one killer cocktail list! During the summer months you can sit outside and still catch the live music from the open doors to the patio. Such a treat! Oh and did I mention they serve a killer brunch?!?
Itty Bitty Bar Oh how the Itty Bitty Bar has stolen my heart! Located on the north side of Holland, this “5 Star Dive Bar” is everything and more. Let me tell you why. The vibes here are super chill; tatted up bartenders and wait staff, nice wrap around bar with Club Keno on the televisions, and a backdrop of nice bottles of booze. This bar is unpretentious and delicious! Belly up to the bar for local beers and the most delicious smash burger. The best way to describe this burger is a gourmet McDonald’s cheeseburger. So simple and so friggin good! While you’re waiting for your food, try your hand at a game of Club Keno. Such a fun, random thing to do while you’re taking in the atmosphere. Ask the bartender for help if you don’t know what you’re doing, just don’t blame them if your numbers don’t hit! Full disclosure, I am not crazy about everything on the menu, but the local-like atmosphere really makes this place a winner. I usually get a fried chicken sandwich no matter where I go, this one however is not on my list of recommendations. The Smoked Gouda Ale is fab-u-lous. Served with crispy tortilla chips and pretzel bites for dipping. Do yourself a favor and ask for an extra side of the pretzel bites, you’re going to need them! All in all this place makes this list for its great atmosphere, friendly staff, and some yummy dishes!
Poquito is an amazing Spanish tapas restaurant with a chic, modern aesthetic. This restaurant has definitely brought some big city influence to our small town of Holland. Bold flavors, unique ingredients, and small, sharable bite size portions make this a fun place for a small group of your favorites! Their hand crafted margaritas are delish and come in a couple sharable sizes as well. Opt for the porrón if you’re sharing with another person. A classic Catalonian glass pitcher with a narrow spout that makes it fun to pour your drink into the glass or straight into your mouth! Now time for the food standouts; First off, be sure to place your full order, about 3 dishes/person, and ask the server to course the meal out for you in the best way they see fit. The Bacon Wrapped Medjool Dates are SO good! Sweet and smoky glaze with goat cheese and pecans, yum! The Barbacoa Tiny Tacos are out of this world with a smoky chipotle, caramelized onions, and a perfectly crispy homemade shell. The Papas Bravas are gourmet cheesy fiesta potatoes; Fried to the perfect golden brown, stuffed with a garlic aioli and a tomato conserva. The Smoked Chicken Empanadas are super yum as well; little fried pockets of chicken and a piquillo pepper crema. I can go on and on so these are just a few personal standouts. Try whatever your heart desires and you are sure to find something you love!
“People who love to eat are always the best people”
-Julia Child