Overview:
Restaurant: Vander Mill
Location: 2 locations
in Spring Lake (14921 Cleveland Street Spring Lake, MI 49456) and Grand Rapids
(505 Ball Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 4950)
Price: Food = A little
on the pricier side. Entrees around $12-$18. Drinks = Pretty well priced.
Around $4-$6 for a glass based on cider.
-
Atmosphere: Chic looking smaller restaurant with a cool view
of the tap and production room (at the Grand Rapids location that is) -
Service: No complaints. Friendly and gave good
recommendations. -
Food Options: Pretty small. Appetizers like different kinds
of fries and cheese curds, entrees like fish, pot roast, and mac & cheese,
salads and sandwiches -
Taste: Parmesan fries were amazing but the vegetarian entre
options were lacking a little flavor -
Vegetarian Options: Very slim. I tried the roasted root
vegetable hash and other than that it was either salads, fries, grilled cheese,
or mac & cheese
Description:
Vander Mill has a special place in my heart. It’s my go-to
cider every time I go to the bar (sorry beer lovers I’m trying to branch out
more). So I was very excited to check out their Grand Rapids restaurant.
This location is kind of tucked away once you turn onto Ball
Avenue from Michigan Street. There’s plenty of parking and you really can’t
miss the red barn-looking front when you get there.
I’m not going to lie I was a little sad about their small
food options for a cider company that I love so much, especially for
vegetarians. They have some interesting menu options (like “ham + doughnuts” or
“pecan crusted walleye”) but it may be difficult for the pickier eaters to find
something they like. I had the roasted root vegetable hash which was good but
as my friend explained it looked like what people probably think when they say
“you vegetarians eat rabbit food” because it was literally all vegetables (“roasted
butternut squash, parsnips, sweet potato, brussels sprouts & cauliflower
with a shaved fennel & arugula salad with champagne vinaigrette”). It
might’ve been even tastier if there were some fingerling potatoes or something
mixed in to give it a little more substance. Backing up, we did start with
splitting the parmesan fries though which were amazing. Small portion for $7,
but very tasty.
Even though I wasn’t super crazy about the food, the ciders
did not disappoint as always. I recommend instead of getting their “core
series” ciders that you can buy at practically any liquor store, try one of
their special nitro, wood-aged, spiced, or hopped ciders that are sometimes
only a limited release. My favorite spiced cider was called “Fluff” and the
other one was the “Loving Cup” which I got a crowler of to take home. I saw
most people getting the small 5 oz glasses and trying several of them, creating
a little flight. Overall I’ve never tried a Vander Mill that I didn’t like, and
I can happily still say that.
I also loved the overall experience of the place. There was
merchandise you could buy, upcoming events like cider and canvas, yoga and
cider, etc. and some cool mezzanine seating overlooking the production room.
I’d say if you’re a cider fan you’ll love this place, if you’re willing to try
new drinks you’ll enjoy it, but if you’re looking for food it’s a bit pricier
with a lot less options. But I didn’t mind when I had my favorite brand of
cider in my hand.
