When you’re craving authentic smoked meats and a place where you can actually relax and move around, Butcher Block Social in Caledonia delivers. This 9,000-square-foot restaurant at 9900 Cherry Valley Avenue SE opened in 2022 and quickly became a favorite among locals for its wood-fired BBQ, over 200 bourbon options, and a space that feels more like a gathering place than a typical sit-down restaurant.
Owners Justin and Kelly Heyboer partnered with Mike Saladino, who runs the food truck Saladino Smoke, and Brian Witvoet to create something different for the Grand Rapids area. The result is a spot where you can grab brisket that’s been slow-smoked to perfection, pull up a seat at one of the communal tables, and then wander around with your drink while catching live music or playing games.
What Makes the Menu Worth the Drive
The food here centers on what comes out of their custom smoker that handles around 2,000 pounds of meat. You’ll find brisket, pulled pork, and smoked apple ribs alongside BBQ sandwiches that locals rave about. Their wings, brisket wranglers, and loaded nachos make great shareable starters when you come with a group.
Friday and Saturday nights bring prime rib that’s available from 4pm until it sells out, so get there early if that’s what you’re after. For weekend brunch lovers, they serve breakfast on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7am to 10:30am with options like brisket and gravy, breakfast tacos, and French toast. The sides hold their own, too, with options like cheesy potatoes and baked beans that round out your plate.
More Than Just a Restaurant
What sets Butcher Block Social apart is its role as a community gathering spot. Justin Heyboer explains that the whole concept revolves around communal-style seating, where you’re not stuck at one table the entire time. You can order your food at the counter, grab your tray, sit wherever looks good, and then get up to explore the space or head out to the patio.
The bar offers craft beers and an impressive bourbon collection with around 200 different options for whiskey enthusiasts. They host live music, trivia nights, and private events, making it a spot that works for everything from corporate gatherings to casual Friday nights with friends. Support the heart of our community and see more neighborhood favorites featured here at The Community Corner.
The Local Connection
Mike Saladino brings his food truck expertise to the kitchen, overseeing barbecue operations and ensuring every plate of smoked meat lives up to the hype. The Heyboers, who also own the Wildwood Family Farms venue, have deep ties to the area and wanted to create a place where people actually connect.
Regular customers mention the brisket and pulled pork as standouts, with some saying it’s among the best BBQ they’ve had. The open layout lets you watch what’s happening in different parts of the restaurant, and the patio is a great option when the weather cooperates.
Plan Your Visit
Butcher Block Social is open Monday through Thursday from 11am to 11pm and Friday and Saturday from 11am to midnight. Whether you’re looking for a spot to watch the game, celebrate with coworkers, or just enjoy some seriously good smoked meat, this Caledonia restaurant gives you plenty of reasons to make the trip south of Grand Rapids.
Stop by and see why locals keep coming back for the BBQ, staying for the bourbon, and enjoying the whole experience that makes Butcher Block Social a standout in the area’s dining scene.
Sources: butcherblocksocial.com, yelp.com, Butcher Block Social Facebook Page, Butcher Block Social Instagram Page
Header Image Source: Butcher Block Social Facebook Page
