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—comprising dozens of individual blown-glass pieces—spans the ceiling in a continuum 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. You’ll find a colorful variety of beverages including soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, wine and a selection of Michigan craft beers. Guests could sit indoors in the colorful climate of Lena’s Garden or enjoy the picturesque water fountain and changing seasons of the outdoor Grand Rapids Press Terrace. Complimentary Wi-Fi available.
No outside food or beverages, please.
Daily: The James & Shirley Balk Café is open from 9 am–5 pm.
Sunday: The James & Shirley Balk Café is open from 11 am–5 pm.
Full menu service ends at 4 pm.
Tuesdays: The James & Shirley Balk Café is open from 9 am–9 pm.
Full menu service ends at 8 pm.
Fresh Express take away items are available during regular business hours.
No outside food or beverages are permitted in the café.
Please note: Admission ticket or membership is required for entry.
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.
All kids meals are served with fruit juice and choice of graham Bug Bites or applesauce.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich $6.50 (Vegetarian)
All-Beef Hot Dog $6.50
Cheese Pizza $6.50 (Vegetarian)
Nantucket Baking Co. Pretzel $6.50 (Vegetarian)
With Honey Mustard
à la carte $4.25
Made from scratch and served with a warm ciabatta roll.
Ask about our daily selections.
Bowl (12 oz) $7.95
Cup (8 oz) $5.95
Served with side salad and pickle spear.
Meijer Gardens’ Favorite Chicken Salad $13.25
Fred Meijer’s Favorite Sandwich! White meat chicken, pineapple, walnuts, dried Montmorency cherries, celery, heritage greens. Served on wheatberry bread.
The Reuben $14.25
Corned beef, baby Swiss, sauerkraut, barbecue Thousand Island dressing. Served on Nantucket pumpernickel bread.
Berry Bacon Brie $13.25
Applewood smoked bacon, double cream brie, blackberry jam, arugula. Served on Nantucket focaccia.
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Torta $13.25(Vegetarian)
Spice-rubbed roasted sweet potato, pico de gallo, spicy black bean hummus, cotija-lime crema. Served on Nantucket telera roll.
Chicken Gyro $13.75
Marinated chicken thighs, feta tzatziki, tomato, red onion, sumac oil. Served on naan bread.
Salads are served with a warm ciabatta roll.
Michigan Cherry $13.50
Grilled natural chicken breast, pickled fennel, spring mix, toasted almonds, Montmorency dried cherries, goat cheese, Michigan cherry vinaigrette. Served on heritage greens.
Vegetarian Option $10.95.
Roasted Pepper & Salami Panzanella $13.95 (Vegetarian & Gluten Free)
Artisan salami, hand-torn fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, cipollini onions, focaccia croutons, red-wine vinaigrette. Vegetarian Option $10.95.
Moody Blue, Berry & Bacon $13.75
Strawberries, blueberries, smoked blue cheese, applewood bacon, glazed pecans, heritage greens, honey-balsamic vinaigrette. Vegetarian Option $10.95.
Gardener’s Cobb $13.95
Spring mix, arugula, hardwood-smoked bacon, grilled chicken breast, grape tomatoes, hard-boiled egg, red onion, rainbow carrots, green goddess dressing.
House-Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends $11.50
Zesty Jalapeño $8.95 (Vegetarian)
Applewood Smoked Bacon $9.95
Classic Smoked Gouda $8.95 (Vegetarian)
Ask about our Chef’s deli sides of the day or visit the Grab N’ Go case for our delicious varieties of scratch-made deli favorites, including wraps and salads.
Fountain Coke Products
Bottled Beverages
2% Milk
Coffee (Regular & Decaf) or Tea
Hot Chocolate
Beer & Wine are also available.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With One of Our Delicious Desserts