I'm from California, in town for a conference, and coming back to the Midwest is usually a disappointment for cuisine. However, I stopped by the bulls head for a quick bite and was pleasantly surprised. The Ahi Tuna steak was cooked to perfection and the drinks were stiff, which I never mind.
(4)
Matt P.
Have been here twice in recent months and enjoyed it both times. First was a Friday night after a hockey game-- it was fairly busy but not to the point we had to wait for a seat. Had a pretty good steak-- wasn't the best I've had, far from the worst. Second time was the Saturday of St. Patrick's Day weekend, prior to seeing an act at LaughFest. It was crazy, but so was the rest of the downtown area. Waited maybe 15 minutes for a seat, but it seemed as though the entire upper area was reserved for a private event, which would have drastically cut down on available seats/tables. Regardless, the staff was doing its best to get people seated, so it was fine. For the life of me I can't remember what I had (NOT due to over-indulgence!) this visit. Setting is nice, I like the location right on Monroe. I like the inside of the place too-- welcoming and comfortable. It can get sort of loud when it's packed but I do think the high ceilings help to damper some of the noise. The only thing I can really knock them on is with the bar-- either they could add a couple extra single malt options, OR the wait staff needs to bone up on what they have. Yes, they have Macallan 12, but when I've asked my waiter/waitress what single malt scotch they have available, most of what they list off is blended (Johnny, Cutty, Dewer's, etc).
(4)
Julie K.
Hurray for Bull's Head Tavern! Every January, I am in GR for a conference and am always searching for somewhere to eat for lunch that doesn't blow the budget and is quick. In walks Bull's Head Tavern. It is directly across the Amway, so it's super convenient! Because of multiple events going on in downtown that weekend, it was busy and there was a wait. But ti's better than walking a couple blocks in the cold to Subway! The interior is cozy and comfortable. It reminds me of my fav place where I went to college, Sidetracks in Depot Town, Ypsilanti. The pace is fast and the waitresses are curt, quick, and funny with just the right amount of sarcasm. Though this looks like the type of place to grab a beer or two and hang out for a while, we had to get back to the conference, so we did not imbibe of the libations. For the appetizer we shared the Fresh Mozzarella, which is enough for 3 people to share. Fresh and bright, the dish was served with a yummy toast. I would have added more cracked black pepper. For the main course, I ordered the Smoked Gouda Chicken Wrap. It's not everyday you see Gouda or pancetta on a wrap or sandwich! Served in a tomato tortilla with your choice of crispy or grilled chicken, kettle chips are served as a side. I was excited to taste the Ancho Chili Mayo, which there was very little of on the wrap. It was better than going to Subway, and more affordable than many of the restaurants in the area. The prices resemble the Cornucopia in the Amway, but the choices at Bull's Head were better. I'd go back!
(4)
Preciousa R.
I went with some Friends after the Beer and Wine and Sprits Show at the DeVos Place.. We stepped in the Restaurant and it was a great Atmosphere! Prices were Okay Food was Wonderful Except the Crab Cakes were more Cake then Crab but flavor was there.. Great Drink Prices and Great Service!!!.. Oh and dont Forget the Dessert!!! Very Yummy!!! I Will be Coming back to this Place!!
(3)
Nathan C.
I was looking for somewhere to grab some good foodie kind of food close to my hotel, maybe hang out and have a couple of beers. I found the usual bar fare here. I had the veggie burger and a couple of IPAs. The burger was good, but I think it was frozen, nothing house made. I like trying new restaurants unless I'm really impressed. Next time I'll try somewhere else.
(3)
Jason S.
The food is great, the vibe is cool. Nice little place to eat. Was pretty busy around 5:30pm but I was able to get a seat at the bar. Staff is friendly and I had a great meal. I would go back for sure.
(3)
Matt M.
Had dinner there with my wife and another couple. I tried the ahi tuna only after asking the waitress for an opinion on it. She admitted that she had never had it but customers reportedly liked it. I'm not certain it was ahi tuna. It had good flavor, but I have had excellent ahi tuna before and this didn't even look the same. It was relatively thin cut and it was light pink in color, not the darker, almost red that is typical. It should have been served a bit more raw also. The rice was excellent though. My wife had a chicken dish that was very good. Her friend had a chicken wrap that reportedly was good but surprisingly ice cold. My buddy had the NY strip steak and it was excellent.
(4)
Kellysue H.
Beer flat, service flat, not much good to say. Might be good for lunch but don't waste your time for dinner.
(2)
Heather G.
Once upon a time, I put my husband in charge of making dinner. So he drove to Kroger and bought four crab (more likely Krab) cakes from the Kroger deli case- you know, the same place where they keep the macaroni salad and Jello mixed with Cool Whip. It wasn't my husband's greatest decision-making moments. The Krab cakes had to be reheated and were mostly breadcrumbs with no lumps of moist, sweet crabmeat to be found. They were extremely salty and all-around gross. Right about now, you are probably wondering WTF Kroger Krab cakes have to do with the Bull's Head Tavern. Well, I think that Kroger and the Bull's Head Tavern source their Krab cakes from the same place. It's just the Bull's Head Tavern charges four times as much for them. Although I was starving, I could barely eat the stupid things. Thankfully, someone had some fries that were tolerable. My husband had the ostrich burger, which he described as extraordinarily dry. We also shared some spinach dip, which I suspect was reheated from a plastic pouch that came from the freezer. As I recall, no one was particularly happy with their food but they had no complaints about the drinks. Now again, you're probably wondering WTF I expect from what is essentially pub food. Let me make this simple: better pub food. It's possible. I strongly suspect that this place is only in business because it is across from the Amway Grand. I also suspect that they've worked out some deal with the Amway Grand because the bell hop and the concierge both recommended it. In fact, the concierge recommended it to four lawyers in suits who asked him to recommend the best restaurant in town. Not the Chop House (also right across the street from the Amway Grand), Bull's Head Tavern. Having been there the night before, we didn't take the bait. Instead I looked on Yelp and we decided we should head over to Bistro Bella Vita, a decision that we do not regret.
(2)
Ashley A.
Great drinks, horrible food. I used to love the food at this place, but when I went there in late December it was obvious that things have changed. The burgers were over cooked and dry, as was the salmon, and the tuna was fishy. I can't believe the owner has let the food get this bad, if it doesn't improve soon it's going to become a Gardella's and attract a younger drinking crowd that doesn't give a darn about food. I really hope they get it together, all their other restaurants/bars are very successful, I'm very surprised they let this one slip.
(1)
Nicole E.
I went here tonight because they had a healthy option on the menu and they were right across from my hotel. I ordered the Sashimi Tuna and it was delicious! I love my Tuna rare - I guess if you don't then this dish isn't for you. The sauce and the wasabi were the perfect combo on this dish. In addition, the service was very responsive and friendly. Well worth a stop if you're in the area.
(4)
Charlene K.
The decor is nice. The food is priced good. The Food tastes pretty good. The Scallops in my scallop linguini had dirt in them. My waitress was reading a BOOK while she was waiting on customers. There was no manager on duty. I went April 3, 2012.
(2)
Anna R.
Good atmosphere, good food. Appetizers: try the crab cakes they're great (I'd eat them for a meal next time) and the bruschetta is wonderful too. The cajun walnut salad was quite good. Although its very large, don't be deceived and pour on both cups of balasmic vinegarette dressing that comes with it, you'll be swimming in it by the end adn won't be able to enjoy the extra walnuts, cheese and pears in the bottom. Being right across the street from the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, and just around the corner from the JW Marriott, its a great place to host out of town visitors for a drink or evening dinner, while staying in a decent price range. Will definately be back.
(4)
Dan B.
It's been a downtown standby for us since some our first meals out and about in GR. Stiff drinks and huge animals heads on the walls, what's not to love? Last night didn't dissapoint, other than maybe the loud, cackaling, middle-aged, man haters at the table next to us. I guess they made it memorable for the guests. Food was great, usually get a burger or chicken ceasar salad but went with 12 oz. sirlion this time. Cooked just the way I asked for it, mashed taters could have used something to spice them up, more garlic maybe? I could use a little larger local beer selection, but if I wanted that I could walk my butt over to HopCat. Also, we didn't have it this time but wife has made the proclamation that they have the best Spinach & Artichoke Dip in town. Verdict is still out for me, but it's good stuff.
(4)
Lisa V.
If you are at the Devos Center (aka their convention center area) and need a quick place for a decent lunch without the hotel prices - come here. I had a shrimp bisque soup and a large mixed greens salad with chicken that hit the spot before going back to the tradeshow events. Its weird to me that people can smoke if they sit at the bar. I thought that logic went out the window when people could smoke in the "smoking section" on an airplane. Hmm.
(4)
Lindsay B.
Bull's Head is a place I would often go for lunch and dinner in GR. They changed their menu in the last year, but they kept their wraps on the menu, which I'm a big fan of each time I'm there. This place is good for lunch or dinner and can get a little busy but I've never had a significant wait here. The prices are moderate and food is great! Try it out!
(4)
Kelly R.
I really like the Bull's Head... I typically stop in here whenever I get back to Grand Rapids and I've always had a good experience. The food is quality and really decently priced. The goat cheese appetizer and the bruschetta are great and they're salads are huge! You'd think there were only of an appetizer size because they're like $7, but no. Add chicken, salmon, tuna, whatever and you have an entree. Decent wine list and really reasonable as well. And not too smoky either. Granted I've only been in here on a weeknight, but the bar area has never been too bad... and that's a good thing since Michigan is a little behind in getting that no-smoking ordinance passed!
(4)
Tarah W.
I went here on a sister date this past weekend when we were in Grand Rapids for our friend's show. We were hungry & walking. This place is right across from the Amway Grand Hotel. I'm always down to try something new. As soon as we stepped in, I was instantly overwhelmed. I was fed the stressful energy of the entire waitstaff. She sat us at a tiny two topper right by the bar. I felt like I was sitting behind the bar. Awkward. My sister was seated right underneath the giant bull on the wall. The entire time she was worried it would fall on her. Oh! and our table was wobbly (pet peeve)--which we fixed by stuffing some extra napkins underneath. Finally after about ten minuets our waiter found us, greeted us, and menu-ed us. He left and came back with water and to take our order. I felt super rushed like we were cramping his style. I ordered a Turkey Ruben and my sister got a chicken wrap of some sort. Both were okay, but not to die for. Their homemade chips however, where quite good. As the restaurant cleared out, our server became more attentive. I understand that sometimes life gets crazy and we get stressed, but it doesn't mean you should show that to your customers. I might come back if I was in the neighborhood, but it's not something I would go out of my way for.
(2)
Sean M.
Steak tasted a bit burnt and the food was mediocre overall. Also, this is a restaurant that still allows smoking. The smoking area was downstairs but we could still smell smoke while up in the nonsmoking dining area.
(2)
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Address :188 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Kyle T.
I'm from California, in town for a conference, and coming back to the Midwest is usually a disappointment for cuisine. However, I stopped by the bulls head for a quick bite and was pleasantly surprised. The Ahi Tuna steak was cooked to perfection and the drinks were stiff, which I never mind.
(4)Matt P.
Have been here twice in recent months and enjoyed it both times. First was a Friday night after a hockey game-- it was fairly busy but not to the point we had to wait for a seat. Had a pretty good steak-- wasn't the best I've had, far from the worst. Second time was the Saturday of St. Patrick's Day weekend, prior to seeing an act at LaughFest. It was crazy, but so was the rest of the downtown area. Waited maybe 15 minutes for a seat, but it seemed as though the entire upper area was reserved for a private event, which would have drastically cut down on available seats/tables. Regardless, the staff was doing its best to get people seated, so it was fine. For the life of me I can't remember what I had (NOT due to over-indulgence!) this visit. Setting is nice, I like the location right on Monroe. I like the inside of the place too-- welcoming and comfortable. It can get sort of loud when it's packed but I do think the high ceilings help to damper some of the noise. The only thing I can really knock them on is with the bar-- either they could add a couple extra single malt options, OR the wait staff needs to bone up on what they have. Yes, they have Macallan 12, but when I've asked my waiter/waitress what single malt scotch they have available, most of what they list off is blended (Johnny, Cutty, Dewer's, etc).
(4)Julie K.
Hurray for Bull's Head Tavern! Every January, I am in GR for a conference and am always searching for somewhere to eat for lunch that doesn't blow the budget and is quick. In walks Bull's Head Tavern. It is directly across the Amway, so it's super convenient! Because of multiple events going on in downtown that weekend, it was busy and there was a wait. But ti's better than walking a couple blocks in the cold to Subway! The interior is cozy and comfortable. It reminds me of my fav place where I went to college, Sidetracks in Depot Town, Ypsilanti. The pace is fast and the waitresses are curt, quick, and funny with just the right amount of sarcasm. Though this looks like the type of place to grab a beer or two and hang out for a while, we had to get back to the conference, so we did not imbibe of the libations. For the appetizer we shared the Fresh Mozzarella, which is enough for 3 people to share. Fresh and bright, the dish was served with a yummy toast. I would have added more cracked black pepper. For the main course, I ordered the Smoked Gouda Chicken Wrap. It's not everyday you see Gouda or pancetta on a wrap or sandwich! Served in a tomato tortilla with your choice of crispy or grilled chicken, kettle chips are served as a side. I was excited to taste the Ancho Chili Mayo, which there was very little of on the wrap. It was better than going to Subway, and more affordable than many of the restaurants in the area. The prices resemble the Cornucopia in the Amway, but the choices at Bull's Head were better. I'd go back!
(4)Preciousa R.
I went with some Friends after the Beer and Wine and Sprits Show at the DeVos Place.. We stepped in the Restaurant and it was a great Atmosphere! Prices were Okay Food was Wonderful Except the Crab Cakes were more Cake then Crab but flavor was there.. Great Drink Prices and Great Service!!!.. Oh and dont Forget the Dessert!!! Very Yummy!!! I Will be Coming back to this Place!!
(3)Nathan C.
I was looking for somewhere to grab some good foodie kind of food close to my hotel, maybe hang out and have a couple of beers. I found the usual bar fare here. I had the veggie burger and a couple of IPAs. The burger was good, but I think it was frozen, nothing house made. I like trying new restaurants unless I'm really impressed. Next time I'll try somewhere else.
(3)Jason S.
The food is great, the vibe is cool. Nice little place to eat. Was pretty busy around 5:30pm but I was able to get a seat at the bar. Staff is friendly and I had a great meal. I would go back for sure.
(3)Matt M.
Had dinner there with my wife and another couple. I tried the ahi tuna only after asking the waitress for an opinion on it. She admitted that she had never had it but customers reportedly liked it. I'm not certain it was ahi tuna. It had good flavor, but I have had excellent ahi tuna before and this didn't even look the same. It was relatively thin cut and it was light pink in color, not the darker, almost red that is typical. It should have been served a bit more raw also. The rice was excellent though. My wife had a chicken dish that was very good. Her friend had a chicken wrap that reportedly was good but surprisingly ice cold. My buddy had the NY strip steak and it was excellent.
(4)Kellysue H.
Beer flat, service flat, not much good to say. Might be good for lunch but don't waste your time for dinner.
(2)Heather G.
Once upon a time, I put my husband in charge of making dinner. So he drove to Kroger and bought four crab (more likely Krab) cakes from the Kroger deli case- you know, the same place where they keep the macaroni salad and Jello mixed with Cool Whip. It wasn't my husband's greatest decision-making moments. The Krab cakes had to be reheated and were mostly breadcrumbs with no lumps of moist, sweet crabmeat to be found. They were extremely salty and all-around gross. Right about now, you are probably wondering WTF Kroger Krab cakes have to do with the Bull's Head Tavern. Well, I think that Kroger and the Bull's Head Tavern source their Krab cakes from the same place. It's just the Bull's Head Tavern charges four times as much for them. Although I was starving, I could barely eat the stupid things. Thankfully, someone had some fries that were tolerable. My husband had the ostrich burger, which he described as extraordinarily dry. We also shared some spinach dip, which I suspect was reheated from a plastic pouch that came from the freezer. As I recall, no one was particularly happy with their food but they had no complaints about the drinks. Now again, you're probably wondering WTF I expect from what is essentially pub food. Let me make this simple: better pub food. It's possible. I strongly suspect that this place is only in business because it is across from the Amway Grand. I also suspect that they've worked out some deal with the Amway Grand because the bell hop and the concierge both recommended it. In fact, the concierge recommended it to four lawyers in suits who asked him to recommend the best restaurant in town. Not the Chop House (also right across the street from the Amway Grand), Bull's Head Tavern. Having been there the night before, we didn't take the bait. Instead I looked on Yelp and we decided we should head over to Bistro Bella Vita, a decision that we do not regret.
(2)Ashley A.
Great drinks, horrible food. I used to love the food at this place, but when I went there in late December it was obvious that things have changed. The burgers were over cooked and dry, as was the salmon, and the tuna was fishy. I can't believe the owner has let the food get this bad, if it doesn't improve soon it's going to become a Gardella's and attract a younger drinking crowd that doesn't give a darn about food. I really hope they get it together, all their other restaurants/bars are very successful, I'm very surprised they let this one slip.
(1)Nicole E.
I went here tonight because they had a healthy option on the menu and they were right across from my hotel. I ordered the Sashimi Tuna and it was delicious! I love my Tuna rare - I guess if you don't then this dish isn't for you. The sauce and the wasabi were the perfect combo on this dish. In addition, the service was very responsive and friendly. Well worth a stop if you're in the area.
(4)Charlene K.
The decor is nice. The food is priced good. The Food tastes pretty good. The Scallops in my scallop linguini had dirt in them. My waitress was reading a BOOK while she was waiting on customers. There was no manager on duty. I went April 3, 2012.
(2)Anna R.
Good atmosphere, good food. Appetizers: try the crab cakes they're great (I'd eat them for a meal next time) and the bruschetta is wonderful too. The cajun walnut salad was quite good. Although its very large, don't be deceived and pour on both cups of balasmic vinegarette dressing that comes with it, you'll be swimming in it by the end adn won't be able to enjoy the extra walnuts, cheese and pears in the bottom. Being right across the street from the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, and just around the corner from the JW Marriott, its a great place to host out of town visitors for a drink or evening dinner, while staying in a decent price range. Will definately be back.
(4)Dan B.
It's been a downtown standby for us since some our first meals out and about in GR. Stiff drinks and huge animals heads on the walls, what's not to love? Last night didn't dissapoint, other than maybe the loud, cackaling, middle-aged, man haters at the table next to us. I guess they made it memorable for the guests. Food was great, usually get a burger or chicken ceasar salad but went with 12 oz. sirlion this time. Cooked just the way I asked for it, mashed taters could have used something to spice them up, more garlic maybe? I could use a little larger local beer selection, but if I wanted that I could walk my butt over to HopCat. Also, we didn't have it this time but wife has made the proclamation that they have the best Spinach & Artichoke Dip in town. Verdict is still out for me, but it's good stuff.
(4)Lisa V.
If you are at the Devos Center (aka their convention center area) and need a quick place for a decent lunch without the hotel prices - come here. I had a shrimp bisque soup and a large mixed greens salad with chicken that hit the spot before going back to the tradeshow events. Its weird to me that people can smoke if they sit at the bar. I thought that logic went out the window when people could smoke in the "smoking section" on an airplane. Hmm.
(4)Lindsay B.
Bull's Head is a place I would often go for lunch and dinner in GR. They changed their menu in the last year, but they kept their wraps on the menu, which I'm a big fan of each time I'm there. This place is good for lunch or dinner and can get a little busy but I've never had a significant wait here. The prices are moderate and food is great! Try it out!
(4)Kelly R.
I really like the Bull's Head... I typically stop in here whenever I get back to Grand Rapids and I've always had a good experience. The food is quality and really decently priced. The goat cheese appetizer and the bruschetta are great and they're salads are huge! You'd think there were only of an appetizer size because they're like $7, but no. Add chicken, salmon, tuna, whatever and you have an entree. Decent wine list and really reasonable as well. And not too smoky either. Granted I've only been in here on a weeknight, but the bar area has never been too bad... and that's a good thing since Michigan is a little behind in getting that no-smoking ordinance passed!
(4)Tarah W.
I went here on a sister date this past weekend when we were in Grand Rapids for our friend's show. We were hungry & walking. This place is right across from the Amway Grand Hotel. I'm always down to try something new. As soon as we stepped in, I was instantly overwhelmed. I was fed the stressful energy of the entire waitstaff. She sat us at a tiny two topper right by the bar. I felt like I was sitting behind the bar. Awkward. My sister was seated right underneath the giant bull on the wall. The entire time she was worried it would fall on her. Oh! and our table was wobbly (pet peeve)--which we fixed by stuffing some extra napkins underneath. Finally after about ten minuets our waiter found us, greeted us, and menu-ed us. He left and came back with water and to take our order. I felt super rushed like we were cramping his style. I ordered a Turkey Ruben and my sister got a chicken wrap of some sort. Both were okay, but not to die for. Their homemade chips however, where quite good. As the restaurant cleared out, our server became more attentive. I understand that sometimes life gets crazy and we get stressed, but it doesn't mean you should show that to your customers. I might come back if I was in the neighborhood, but it's not something I would go out of my way for.
(2)Sean M.
Steak tasted a bit burnt and the food was mediocre overall. Also, this is a restaurant that still allows smoking. The smoking area was downstairs but we could still smell smoke while up in the nonsmoking dining area.
(2)