Welcome to Vander Mill Grand Rapids
Vander Mill Grand Rapids, located at 505 Ball Ave NE, is a hidden gem in the heart of Grand Rapids, MI, celebrated for its delightful combination of craft ciders and mouthwatering cuisine. Patrons rave about the signature smash burgers, particularly on their unbeatable Tuesday special, which pairs a juicy, perfectly seasoned burger with a pint of cider. The inviting atmosphere features a rustic charm, complemented by prompt and friendly service. With a family-friendly environment and outdoor seating, Vander Mill is an ideal spot for casual dining or special occasions. It’s a culinary experience that leaves guests feeling welcomed and satisfied.
- 505 Ball Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States Hotline: +1 616-259-8828
If you find yourself in Grand Rapids, Michigan, make sure to visit Vander Mill Grand Rapids, a hidden gem that beautifully marries comfort with quality. Nestled at 505 Ball Ave NE, this charming venue serves as a go-to destination for both food lovers and cider enthusiasts alike. With a vibrant atmosphere encompassing high and low tables, cozy booths, and even outdoor seating complete with a fire pit, Vander Mill is perfectly suited for intimate dinners, casual hangouts, and lively gatherings.
What stands out most at Vander Mill is their celebrated smash burger. As noted by customer Aaron Lehrman, this burger has earned accolades as the best in Grand Rapids, especially with their unbeatable Tuesday special: a burger paired with a pint for just $12. This special isn’t just about the price; it's about the quality. The well-seasoned, juicy patties are carefully prepared to achieve a delightful caramelization, while the melty cheese adds an irresistible creaminess. Served on a soft brioche bun that holds well under the toppings, every bite is exceptionally satisfying.
Beyond the burgers, Vander Mill also boasts a stellar menu that caters to various tastes. The cider is a must-try. With a wide selection available, even those who might not ordinarily gravitate towards cider can find something appealing, as the staff, known for their friendly and knowledgeable service, are eager to recommend the perfect drink. Customers rave about both the taste and the smoothness of the ciders, like the popular spitzenburg cider, making it an excellent choice to accompany your meal.
For those looking to indulge in more than just burgers and ciders, Vander Mill offers a delightful selection of dishes, from well-executed grilled sandwiches to hearty comfort food that promises to satisfy. The French fries are another highlight — crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, ensuring you won’t leave hungry. Reviewers have pointed out the restaurant's attention to detail, from the food to the atmosphere, which brilliantly enhances the overall dining experience.
Events like “Friday Date Nights” featuring charcuterie specials invite guests to unwind and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, complete with games like cornhole and jenga set up around the dining area. Vander Mill is not only a place for great food and drink; it's a venue for memorable experiences. It’s clear from numerous reviews that customers leave with smiles and intentions to return.
In a world filled with dining options, Vander Mill Grand Rapids stands out with its commitment to quality, service, and a truly enjoyable experience. Whether you're visiting for the tantalizing food, the extensive cider offerings, or the lively ambiance, Vander Mill is sure to capture your heart and palate.
Visit them at +1 616-259-8828 to reserve your spot and dive into the delightful flavors they have waiting for you.

I think this is my favorite smash burger in Grand Rapids. It actually brought me to appreciate them more than ever. - Classic Smash Burger - 12: “Every Tuesday, burger & pint - 12.” (Facebook) I stopped by and tried their Tuesday special. It is the best deal I’ve seen in Grand Rapids for a burger. It was really good, included more fries than almost any other burger, and includes a pint of beer of your choice. NO ONE beats this deal in Grand Rapids, but it is Tuesday only. The burger patties are true smash burger style. They were between medium and medium well, thin smashed though just slightly on the thick side, very juicy, caramelized, and just the right amount of seasoning (not too much salt). As good as the patties are, the cheese was out of this world. For me, the cheese makes or breaks it. It has to be melty, throughout, the right savory flavors, not too much, and not too little. This one hit it out of the park! There are two smaller slices, one on each patty. It is about a quarter pound of meat and that is just the perfect amount. And having it with smash patties, you can keep it throughout the meat very well. I just came to appreciate smash burgers a LOT more. The toppings were good. I was so overwhelmed by the rest, I honestly didn’t pay much attention, but it was well balanced. The brioche bun was soft and held up well. Normally, the burger is 15, only comes with chips and no pint. If you need a place for a Tuesday burger, look no further. This is THE place - Fries (comes with the burger): LOTS of fries. You are not going home hungry. They are battered and fried, slightly thicker crispy outside, full and soft inside (slightly more dense). They were ever so slightly on the darker side, but well within tolerance (and actually my preference). - Sparkling Cherry Cider (comes with the burger): Non-alcoholic, but counted as the “beer” for the Tuesday special. It was super smooth, but still had a “sparkle” (very slight carbonation). It was full bodied in cherry flavor, and semi-sweet. My friend was able to sample some of their ciders before settling on his choice. - Service: Extremely kind, positive, helpful, and accommodating. Our food was served fairly quickly. There were not a lot of people when we visited. - Atmosphere: Polished and professional. There are high and low tables with matching chairs. There is at least one half booth setup. There is also a bar with bar stools. There is also what they called a mezzanine behind the bar overlooking the mill. They also have outdoor seating. They mentioned when I inquired that they have plenty of options for events. - Conclusion: This is one of the best lesser known restaurants in West Michigan. They appear to have an awesome cider mill going on and their attention to detail is astounding. I should have made this place a priority a long time ago. Visited on a Tuesday at 8pm.

Amazing service, cider, and food. The waitress did a great job at recommending ciders and the bar manager did a great job on the Cider tour. Fun fact, Laugh Fest has a stage here and you can rent part of the space for a wedding venue.

My wife and I had a great time at Vander Mill on Friday for their "Friday Date Nights" charcuterie 2 flights for 25 special. Delicious food and drinks, and a great atmosphere! On the night we went, they also had cornhole, ping pong, and jenga set up the production floor for guests to play.

Fabulous food, drinks, and service in a fun atmosphere. We'll definitely visit again!

Yes, they do have drinks other than cider. But, you have to go here for their cider. I’m town for hockey and this was a great spot to stop. Large open inside and a fantastic outdoor space, including a fire pit. Super friendly staff, each and everyone of them! Menu is great too. Not overly heavy like some “breweries”, nice selection and the best named kids menu I have ever seen Speaking of kids, extremely family friendly. Little ones seemed to love outdoor area and never interfered with other guests. Everyone co-existed...a rarity these days. Just a great overall vibe in there. We enjoyed a perfect Friday evening.

I’ve been to Vander Mill a few times now, and I’ve always had a good time relaxing there with cider. Their drinks have always been pleasant, and the atmosphere has always been warm and inviting. The service has been prompt and friendly too. I tried two ciders this last time, and I really enjoyed the spitzenburg cider. Their food looks good, but I don’t think I’ve tried it yet. I’ll add that to my to-do list.

Vander Mill is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of comfort, quality, and charm. From the moment you walk in, the warm, rustic ambiance sets the tone for a fantastic dining experience. The food is outstanding—whether you’re in the mood for hearty comfort dishes or something a bit more refined, their menu does not disappoint. The grilled chicken sandwich was cooked perfectly with great flavor and toppings. Their French fries were cooked with exact amount of crunch. Grilled cheese and burger looked delicious. A great selection of Hard Ciders. Juicy, dry and flavorful! You can get a flight of just a single glass. Service is another highlight. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. Even on a busy night, they ensure that guests feel welcomed and well taken care of. If you’re looking for a cozy spot with delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and top-notch service, Vander Mill is definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual dinner or a special occasion, you’ll leave happy and full. Would definitely recommend and will be coming back soon!

First time here, and I was not let down! Great atmosphere and the food was just as wonderful. I would definitely recommend it to anyone for a bite to eat or to have a few drinks!