/Creston Market's Craft Beer Specialist Randall Kidd.
/Eastern Deli's Philly Steak is a bus stop favorite.
Winter in Michigan is a truly beautiful time. But it can also make your daily commute a little more challenging. Fortunately for those of you who ride the bus, getting on board means avoiding scraping and de-icing your car, driving on slick roads and beating the general stress of winter travel.
So, you’ve planned your trip, checked your bus arrival time on one of The Rapid’s mobile apps, layered and booted up, now you have one thing left to do: wait at the bus stop in the elements. Fear not, there are many wonderful local businesses located steps away from bus stops throughout The Rapid’s service area.
Here are three great places to pop in to keep warm and purchase some tasty treats while you wait for your bus:
1. Creston Market
Located in view from the Route 11 stop at Plainfield and Coit, this supermarket is located in the heart of Creston on Plainfield Avenue. If you have ten minutes to spare before your bus arrives, stop by to check out the selection of goods that includes healthy snacks and produce, custom blended coffee, craft beer, wine and lots of ready-made items to grab and go.
Things to check out at Creston Market: Free Tasting Day takes place on Fridays from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Stop by to try wine or craft beer. Make sure you see Randall Kidd, Creston Market’s Craft Beer Specialist to check out the latest in craft beer. You will receive 10% off your purchase of any of the products at tastings. The word on the street is that they also have fantastic, locally grown produce offerings!
2. Vito’s Pizza
How fast can you eat a slice of pizza? Well if you have five minutes while waiting for the Route 12, 18 or 9 to come, stop by Vito’s Pizza on West Fulton. This establishment has been a Grand Rapids staple since 1973. At Vito’s you won’t just find pizza, they also have delicious subs, stromboli, pasta and more.
One of the most convenient things about Vito’s is that they sell pizza by the slice for just $2.50 to $3. So you can enjoy a bite to eat inside at a table or as you hurry to catch your bus. For those in a hurry: The closest Rapid bus stop to Vito’s is the Route 12 stop located at Fulton & Gold.
Most-loved pizza: BBQ Chicken Shoot-Out Pizza, which features BBQ chicken, onions, cheese, garlic butter crust and no pizza sauce. At $12.74 or a 12” or $18.31 for a 16”. It’s one of Grand Rapids’ best bargains. Run, do not walk.
3. Eastern Deli
You’ll find fast, friendly service and a nice place to warm up as you wait located off of Route 4 & 24 in Garfield Park. The customers we spoke to raved about the subs saying they were the best in Grand Rapids. We’ll let you be the judge. Their menu is a culinary adventure consisting of everything from cheese steaks to gyros. We have a feeling that it’s impossible to try just one item.
If you have a minute before your bus comes at the Eastern and Merritt stop, sit down to enjoy your meal. If not, you can always bring your packaged food of choice on board to enjoy at your destination!
Best-selling menu item: The Original Gyro for $6.99. It’s the perfect handheld sandwich for eating as you wait for your bus.
Is your mouth watering yet? Beat the winter blues and stay warm with a little help from these local gems. Just remember to finish your food and drinks before boarding and use the trashcans located on board all buses to dispose of your leftovers. Happy riding!
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