Where to Eat in Holland, Michigan During Tulip Time Festival 2025

The Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan, is an annual spring celebration that honors the city’s rich Dutch heritage and the beauty of millions of tulips blooming throughout the area. The idea for the festival originated in 1927, and the first event took place in 1929, when about 100,000 tulips were planted. Since then, Tulip Time has grown into a large-scale event lasting around 10 days (in 2025, from May 2 to May 11), attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world.

The centerpiece of the festival is over 5 million tulips creating incredible floral displays in parks, streets, and special exhibition gardens, including the Tulip Immersion Garden, where visitors can learn about the history of tulips from Turkey to the Netherlands and Holland, Michigan. In addition to the flowers, guests can enjoy vibrant parades featuring traditional Dutch dancers wearing wooden clogs (klompen), musical performances, fairs, children’s activities, carnivals, and festive fireworks. Particularly popular are the Kinderparade for kids and the large Volksparade with marching bands and festive floats.

Photo Credit: holland.org

This festival is recognized as one of the best flower festivals in the United States, has received numerous awards, and is listed among the top spring festivals in the country. Tulip Time is not only a celebration of nature but also a lively cultural event that preserves and promotes Dutch traditions.

While you enjoy this magical floral spectacle and festive atmosphere, it’s important not to forget about comfort and delicious food. Holland offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and breweries where you can relax, refuel, and continue your festival day with renewed energy. In our dining guide, we will share the best places to eat during Tulip Time to make your festival experience not only vibrant but also tasty.

Address: 28 W. Eighth St., downtown Holland
With its recognizable windmill exterior, Windmill Restaurant is a true representation of the city's Dutch past. The menu focuses on traditional Dutch dishes like pannekoeken (large pancakes with cheese, fruit, or meat), stamppot (mashed potatoes with sausage), and hearty split pea soup. Breakfast features scrambled eggs with local sausage, while desserts include warm apple strudel. The rustic dining room has wooden tables and Dutch-themed decor. You’ll often hear Dutch spoken here, as it’s a favorite spot for local families.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/windmillrestaurantholland/

Address: 441 U.S.-31, Holland
Named after traditional wooden clogs that decorate the walls, this restaurant blends American and Dutch cuisine. Must-try dishes include erwtensoep (thick pea soup with smoked meats) and oliebollen (deep-fried dough balls with raisins). The menu also offers fried chicken, ribs, and burgers. The spacious, sunlit dining room is perfect for family lunches, and Sundays draw crowds after church services.

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Address: 361 E. Eighth St., Holland
A classic American diner operating since the 1960s, Russ’ is known for quick service, affordable prices, and generous portions. The menu features retro staples like cheesy omelets, buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup, chili, and turkey sandwiches. Save room for homemade apple pie or a thick milkshake. The nostalgic décor evokes nostalgia for the 1950s with its brass-trimmed counter, neon signs, and red vinyl booths.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/russrestaurants

Address: 360 Douglas Ave., Holland Township
DeBoer Bakkerij is a family-run Dutch bakery using recipes passed down for generations. Highlights include speculaas (spiced cookies with intricate designs), banketstaaf (flaky pastry filled with almond paste), and crusty tijgerbrood (tiger bread). Coffee is served Dutch-style with frothy milk. Arrive early—popular items like currant buns sell out by noon. The aroma of fresh baking greets visitors even before entering.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/deboerbakery/

Address: 216 Van Raalte Ave., Holland
Overlooking Lake Macatawa’s marina, Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant specializes in fresh seafood like cedar-planked salmon and beer-battered perch. Meat lovers enjoy ribs, steaks, and gourmet burgers. In summer, dine on the patio with live music; in winter, cozy up by the fireplace. A popular spot for weddings and romantic dinners, it’s ideal for sunset views over the water.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/boatwerks/

Address: 450 Washington Ave., Holland
The Biscuit is a cozy café where flaky, buttermilk biscuits take center stage. Toppings range from classic (poached eggs, ham) to creative (vegan tofu scramble, avocado). Enjoy your biscuit with cold brew coffee or a lavender latte. The minimalist interior, with wooden tables and potted plants, suits quick breakfasts or casual work meetings. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/thebiscuitcafe/

Address: 365 Douglas Ave., Holland Township
A local legend since 1983, Captain Sundae serves soft-serve ice cream made daily. A must-try is the famous Captain's Delight, a waffle cone topped with caramel, almonds, and whipped cream. Seasonal flavors include pumpkin spice in fall and strawberry in summer. Portions are huge (even the “small” size is generous). Summer evenings see crowds enjoying treats at picnic tables under twinkling lights.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/captainsundae/

Address: 66 E. Eighth St., Holland
A craft brewery since 1997, famous for its Dragon’s Milk Stout (aged in bourbon barrels) and Mad Hatter IPA. The menu pairs beer with elevated pub fare: grass-fed beef burgers, smoked ribs, and cheese boards with local honey. The industrial-chic space features exposed brick and communal tables. Live music on weekends and brewery tours (with tastings) make it a hub for beer enthusiasts.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/newhollandbrewpub/