When we began taking suggestions in our search for Grand Rapids’ best locally owned restaurant, The Electric Cheetah came up a number of times. We’d never been there, let alone even heard of it, so we had no idea what to expect. Located in the recently renovated (and very quaint) area of Wealthy Street, The Electric Cheetah offers a charming atmosphere with a nice selection of appetizers & sandwiches, and a fantastic selection of daily homemade desserts.
Food
We ordered 4 appetizers including Southern Raw Fries (which were actually fantastically delicious home baked potato chips), Tickle Pickle, Grilled Flat Bread, and Hot Goat Cheese. We passed the four around, all of which were so good that we nearly licked each of the plates clean. So far The Electric Cheetah was off to a good start.
For the main course, most of the group ordered sandwiches, with only 2 ordering entrées. While the dinner selections were very good, I would say the appetizers trumped the entrées. However, the grand daddy of the whole meal had to be the delectable desserts. We were all so stuffed, but there was no way we could pass up these desserts after getting a look at them. We ordered three to split – peanut butter pie, chocolate mousse pie, and chocolate banana cream pie. As I mentioned earlier, the desserts are homemade each morning so choosing what to order among the eight or so selections was quite difficult. In the end we made the right choice as each of these desserts were to die for. We left very full and very happy.
Another unique characteristic of the Electric Cheetah was their vast selection of root beers. They have oodles of them to choose from, brewed all over the country. Check out the root beer menu here.
Atmosphere
The restaurant itself is very quaint with an open kitchen, eye catching bar seat area, and very cool lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Although, the open concept does make for a pretty loud atmosphere when the place is busy.
One member of our party (thanks Ty!) commented on the electric bow-tie-wearing cheetah that stared back at you no matter where you were seated. He was an amusing addition to the restaurant.
One thing that was absolutely unexpected and really stood out were the bathrooms. The bathrooms? Yes, the bathrooms. There were two, each very different. One was plastered wall to ceiling with puzzles and the other with US patents. Talk about bathroom reading material.
One thing that we really enjoy about these experiences is having the opportunity to meet the owner of the restaurant – the person who put their passion into making the establishment what it is today. Unfortunately, this is the second week in a row that did not happen. I was looking forward to meeting the Electric Cheetah owner to find out why he selected the name Electric Cheetah, what the scoop was on his other restaurant the Electric Eel, and to ask him all the random questions that I pull out of my bag when talking to the brains behind the operation each week. Oh well, maybe next time?
There is one really great trait that I forgot to mention… The Electric Cheetah uses so many LOCAL businesses and vendors to support their restaurant. Check out the list here.
Parting Thoughts
The Electric Cheetah is an interesting place, and one I might consider bringing guests to for lunch. If you go, be sure to try some appetizers and desserts – you won’t be disappointed.
