What You Need From Wahlburgers Before Seeing NKOTB at Van Andel This Thursday

If you're a child of the eighties, or living in a world filled with nostalgia, you're probably pretty excited that the New Kids on the Block Mixtape Tour is coming to Grand Rapids. On Thursday, June 16th the boys will bring their friends Salt & Peppa, Rick Astley, and En Vogue along for a party that you won't want to miss.

Downtown Grand Rapids has a few great options on where to eat before the concert, but the most obvious one will be right across Fulton: Wahlburgers.

The restaurant was founded by Wahlberg brother Paul, and supported by Mark and Donnie. There's also a TV show surrounding the chain, in case you missed it.

Without a doubt, it will be packed. Plan to be patient, plan to wait, and possibly plan to show up really early if you want your shot at a table. And if you do luck out - you're in a treat.

I had lunch there this week, and I cannot recommend their entire menu enough. But there's one burger that will give you the most unique and Massachusetts experience possible.

It's called the O.F.D. it stands for "Originally from Dorchester", which is the city the brothers grew up in. According to their menu, it comes with two beef burger patties, Swiss cheese, bacon, sautéed mushrooms & tomato jam. And it's a beast, but somehow it doesn't feel as heavy as it sounds.

You get your choice of tots or fries as a side, and I'm always team tots. Especially with the adorable basket they come in. You can also add a premium side for a small upcharge. You can also get an entire flight of their tot flavors as an appetizer if you're a tater tot fanatic (like me)

Or, if you're looking for something a little less adventurous, their house burger is called "The Our Burger" which comes with their signature sauce, and it's a great choice as well.

If you can't get a table, but find a space at their bar, they are offering a handful of seasonal cocktails that sound incredible! (I don't drink, but when I did, I would have been all about the Smash.)

And while you're there, enjoy the pictures all over the walls, and see how many of Mark Wahlberg's movies you can spot in the mural on the wall next to the bar.

Have fun, and of course, be responsible if you do drink. You don't want to miss the concert, after all.

Or, if you can't get a table there, you can try one of these other new places in town: