James & Shirley Balk Café
Artfully Delicious 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—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.
Hours
Hours
Daily: The James & Shirley Balk Café is open from 9 am–5 pm. Sunday hours are 11 am–5 pm.
Full menu service ends at 3 pm.
Tuesdays: The James & Shirley Balk Café is open from 9 am–7 pm.
Other Info
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 now required for entry.
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.
All kids meals are served with fruit juice and choice of graham Bug Bites or applesauce squeeze.
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) $5.96
Served with side salad and pickle spear.
Meijer Gardens’ Favorite Chicken Salad $12.95
Fred Meijer’s Favorite Sandwich! White meat chicken, pineapple, walnuts, dried Montmorency cherries, celery, heritage greens. Served on wheatberry bread.
Barbecue Bacon Club $12.95
Turkey breast, barbecued bacon, smoked gouda, tomato, arugula, barbecue mayo. Served on Nantucket sourdough.
Calder City Quesadilla $12.95
House-smoked pulled pork, pickled peppers, pepper jack cheese, honey-adobo chili sauce. Served on jalapeño-cheddar tortilla.
Howlin’ Beet $12.95(Vegetarian)
Roasted beets, halloumi, vindaloo curry hummus, pickled onion, arugula. Served on Nantucket multigrain.
Smoked Brisket Cheesesteak $13.95
House-smoked brisket, ancho queso, pickled peppers. Served on Nantucket ciabatta roll.
Salads are served with a warm ciabatta roll.
Michigan Maple $13.25
Grilled natural chicken breast, spring mix, candied pecans, dried Montmorency cherries, goat cheese, Michigan maple vinaigrette. Served on heritage greens. Vegetarian Option $10.95.
Spiced Cauliflower & Lentils $12.95 (Vegetarian & Gluten Free)
Curry-roasted cauliflower, lentil tabbouli, chopped dates, pickled onions, tahini dressing. Served on heritage greens.
Chicken Fattoush $13.25
Feta, grape tomatoes, chickpeas, cucumber, grilled chicken breast, crispy pita, za’atar vinaigrette. Vegetarian Option $10.95.
Harvest Grain Bowl $13.25
Kale and cabbage blend, pearl barley, golden beets, roasted apple, smoked blue cheese, toasted pepitas, natural grilled chicken, apple cider vinaigrette. Vegetarian Option $10.95.
House-Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends $11.50
Zesty Jalapeño $8.95 (Vegetarian)
Barbecue 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