HOLLAND — Nowadays, eating out seems almost impossible, especially for families.
Post-COVID, food costs have become too overwhelming for many. So we took a close look at local restaurants and did the math. Where can a hypothetical family of four eat in Holland for under $50? (Pro tip: Our cheapest option is under $35.)
Our family consists of two parents and two children under 10 eating dinner in August 2024. Totals are based on a 6% tax rate and a 20% tip. And yes, our hypothetical family drinks water.
Breakfast: James Street Inn
The James Street Inn – 255 James St. – is open Monday through Saturday and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Inn has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The breakfast menu features a number of classics, including pancakes, skillets, steak and eggs, and biscuits and gravy. Most items on the menu are under $13.
The order of our hypothetical family:
Main courses for adults: Ham and cheese omelette $10, Southern skillet $9.50
Children’s dishes: One egg, toast and bacon $3.59, one pancake and bacon $2.99
In total: $26.08
Total amount including taxes and tips: $33.17
Pizza: Crust 54
Crust 54 is a family-owned pizzeria with three locations: two in Holland and one in Grandville. The restaurant offers Chicago-style deep dish and thin crust pizza, as well as a selection of salads, chicken wings and breadsticks.
Fortunately, pizza is easy to share.
The order of our hypothetical family:
Main courses for adults: 14-inch BBQ Chicken Thin Crust Pizza $22
Children’s dishes: 5-inch cheese pizza $7.50, 5-inch pepperoni pizza $7.50
In total: $37
Total amount including taxes and tips: $47.06
Lunch: Baja Grill
Baja Grill – 777 Washington Ave. – serves burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The restaurant offers a range of price points. Burritos and tacos are available for $13 or less. Kids’ meals are under $9.
The order of our hypothetical family:
Adult Starters: Regular wet burrito $13, three Baja chicken tacos $12
Children’s dishes: Children’s quesadilla $7, children’s quesadilla $7
In total: $39
Total amount including taxes and tips: 47,80 €
Dinner: Russ’ Restaurant
Russ’ is a true Holland classic and has been serving the local community for nearly 90 years. There are currently three Holland locations: on Eighth Street, River Avenue and South Lincoln Avenue.
Russ’ serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and most items on the dinner menu are under $14.
The order of our hypothetical family:
Main courses for adults: Monterey Chicken $12.25, Golden Fried Chicken $13.75
Subscribe: Get all the important news and unlimited access to our local coverage
Children’s dishes: Hamburger and fries $4, breaded chicken strips and apple sauce $4
In total: $34
Total amount including taxes and tips: $43.25
— Contact reporter Austin Metz at [email protected].
