James & Shirley Balk Café

James & Shirley Balk Café

Delectable Dining

Enjoy lunch (or dinner on Tuesday evenings) at the James & Shirley Balk Café  with its dazzling glass ceiling sculpture by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Named Lena’s Garden in honor of Lena Meijer, the sculpture, comprised of dozens of individual blown-glass pieces, spans the ceiling in a spectrum of colors from cool greens, cobalt blues and purples to brilliant oranges, yellows and reds.

With an emphasis on local products, Meijer Gardens' globally inspired menu changes with the seasons and features sandwiches, salads, small bites and a kid’s menu. In stock is a colorful variety of beverages including soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, wine and a selection of Michigan craft beers. Guests can sit indoors in the colorful climate of Lena’s Garden or enjoy the picturesque water fountain and the changing seasons of the outdoor Grand Rapids Press Terrace. Conveniently located near the main entrance of the building, the James & Shirley Balk Café is open to the public and admission is not required. Also offered is free wireless internet.

Click here to take an interactive tour of the café!

Fast, fresh and local...you'll like what you taste.

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James & Shirley Balk Café Menu

In partnership with Local First, the James & Shirley Balk Café proudly supports the community by sourcing ingredients from local farmers, butchers and bakers.

Menu changes seasonally. 

Download menu (PDF) 

All kids meals are served with fruit juice and choice of graham Bug Bites or applesauce squeeze.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich $5.00 

All-Beef Hot Dog $5.00 

Cheese Pizza $5.00 
Vegetarian

Mini Pretzel Dogs $5.50 
Served with honey mustard

Jumbo Soft Pretzel $4.75
With Honey Mustard
Without fruit juice or sides $3.50

House-Made Soups. Served with a warm ciabatta roll.

Bowl $4.95  
Cup   $4.95

Ask about our daily selections!

Served with side salad and pickle spear.

MEIJER GARDENS CHICKEN SALAD  $10.95
A Frederik Meijer Gardens Favorite! 
White meat chicken, pineapple, walnuts, 
dried Montmorency cherries, celery, heritage blend greens, multigrain bread.

THE EUROPEAN CLUB  $11.25
Oven-Roasted turkey breast, local applewood bacon, cream brie, 
Dijon-apricot mostarda, greens, served on organic ciabatta.  

GREEK GYRO  $10.95
Seasoned beef and lamb, sliced tomato, red onion, house-made tzatziki sauce, served on Naan bread

MUSHROOM-ARTICHOKE MELT  $10.95
Slow-braised gourmet mushroom blend, fire-roasted artichoke hearts, baby-swiss cheese, 
served on organic focaccia.
Vegetarian

SWEET HULA HOG  $11.25
Applewood-smoked ham, grilled pineapple, smoked blue cheese aioli, thin red onion, 
served on organic ciabatta.

PITMASTER’S SMOKED BRISKET  $12.50
House-smoked BBQ brisket, caramelized onions, baby-swiss cheese,
mustard-seed horseradish mayo, served on organic ciabatta.

Salads are served with a warm ciabatta roll.

MICHIGAN MAPLE  $10.95
Natural chicken breast, spring mix, candied walnuts, Montmorency dried cherries, 
goat cheese, Michigan maple vinaigrette.   
Vegetarian $8.75

MEXICAN STREET-CORN SALAD  $10.95
Sweet corn, pickled red onion, fresh cilantro, black-eyed peas, grape tomatoes, 
diced grilled chicken, creamy ancho chili dressing, cotija cheese. Served on bed of greens.  
Vegetarian $8.75

VEGAN SPICY PEANUT NOODLE BOWL  $10.95
Buckwheat soba noodles, cilantro, red bell pepper, rainbow carrots, cabbage blend tossed 
with spicy peanut dressing and topped with crushed peanuts and ginger-scallion relish.

ROASTED KALE & APPLEWOOD BACON GRAIN BOWL  $10.50 
Roasted kale, ancient grain blend, butternut squash, pickled red onion, 
smoked blue cheese, applewood bacon, rosemary-apple cider vinaigrette.   

CULTIVATOR’S COBB SALAD  $10.50
Spring mix, hardwood-smoked bacon, smoked blue cheese, diced grilled chicken, 
grape tomatoes, hard-boiled egg, red onion, rainbow carrots, green goddess dressing.

Perfect for sharing.

HOUSE SMOKED BRISKET BURNT ENDS  $8.50

SMOKED MICHIGAN BACON  $7.25

OLD-SCHOOL CHEDDAR  $6.50 
Vegetarian

ZESTY JALAPENO  $6.50 
Vegetarian

Ask about our Chef’s deli sides of the day or check the grab n’ go case for our delicious varieties of scratch-made deli favorites!

Fountain Pepsi Products $1.50 12 oz
Bottled Beverages $2.50-$4.75
2% Milk $1.25
Coffee (Regular & Decaf) or Tea $1.75
Hot Chocolate $1.50

Beer & Wine are also available.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With One of Our Delicious Desserts $4.25-$5.50

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Hours

Hours

The James & Shirley Balk Café is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday. On Tuesdays we are open from 9 am to 8 pm.

Full menu served until 3 pm. Between 4 pm and 5 pm the Café offers snacks, desserts, beverages and Fresh Express items. 

On Tuesday nights, full menu is available until 7 pm with snacks, desserts, beverages and Fresh Express items served until 8 pm. 

 

 

Other Info

Fresh Express available during regular business hours.

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Catering

Catering

Meijer Gardens Hospitality, the internal caterer for Meijer Gardens, has earned a reputation for unparalleled taste, service and style. Three outside, approved caterers are also available.

More Info