Locals Reflect on The Clock: A Grand Rapids Staple

A Grand Rapids restaurant that opened in 1974 and was demolished in 2006 is still revered by many area residents.

There's nothing like a 24-hour greasy spoon diner serving breakfast any time. These types of diners have long been a favorite of Michiganders.

"Greasy Spoon"

Who doesn't love a good old "greasy spoon" diner? These restaurants are typically small, inexpensive, and known for serving simple, often fried or greasy comfort food, including burgers, fries, eggs, bacon, pancakes, and more.

For those who like to enjoy the nightlife in Grand Rapids, after a concert or an evening at the club, it's always great to grab a bite to eat with friends. I often visit Grand Coney on Michigan Street after concerts and nearly every year after the Upheaval Festival weekend, that is where my friends and I celebrate the weekend.

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Long before I moved to the Grand Rapids area, I visited this legendary diner on several occasions back in the 1990s as a traveling musician. People still talk about this iconic greasy spoon today.

Memories of The Clock Still Tick in Grand Rapids

Several people recently reacted to a post on the Grand Rapids Reddit page about the Clock restaurant, which used to be located on Alpine. Unfortunately for the community, the restaurant burned down in 2005 and was demolished in 2006 to make way for a Q'doba restaurant. Here are a few comments from the post:

Back in the 90s, the band I was in played at Club Eastbrook, the Alpine Lounge, and The Works a few times a year. After nearly every gig, we would wind up at the Clock.

Nothing like a great night with friends at a legendary greasy spoon.

Talking about the Clock is starting to bring back some old memories from greasy spoons all over the country I have been to as a musician on the road.

Call me old school, but I’ve always loved those personal booth jukeboxes.

I love late at night in the city when everything seems quiet, then you pull into the Clock at 3 am, where the town is still alive and well.

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There are many more posts on the Grand Rapids Reddit for you to check out and even share a memory of your own.

👇BELOW: 4 Iconic Drive-In Diners to Visit Across SW Michigan👇