Amidst a decade of change, still just a One Trick Pony

Any restaurant situated right smack between the artsy atmosphere of Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood and the traditional Victorian mansiones of Heritage Hill can hardly be anything but eclectic.

One Trick Pony (OTP), a taproom and restaurant specializing in unusual dishes, recently celebrated a decade of doing business in a district that’s continually changing.

“They zapped down Purple East and put up a parking lot,” said OTP’s owner Dan Verhil with a laugh, referring to the alternative lifestyle store that was across the street before relocating elsewhere downtown.

In the past ten years, this four-block strip of Fulton Street directly east of Division has seen the addition of Brian’s Books, the Children’s Museum, and Diplomat Pharmacy. The nearby Grand Rapids Public Library and the Meijer Majestic Civic Theatre have undergone major renovations. And the relocation of the YMCA to downtown left a historic building that's soon to become upscale condominiums.

Through it all, Verhil has managed to keep One Trick Pony’s focus unchanged.

“I started with a vision of quality food and service,” Verhil said. “The phrase ‘One Trick Pony’ is an old cliché about someone who can only do one thing, but he’s really the best at doing that one thing. I thought, “What’s my one thing?’ and that’s hospitality.”

Verhil’s hospitality has created a following of loyal clientele who drop by to relax in the comfortable ambience, have a tasty brew, an unusual meal, and listen to the kind of live acoustic music found in few places around the city.

“We have an emerging concert series with WYCE call the Hat Trick Concert Series,” Verhil said.

Every-other Monday night, acoustic musicians from around the country entertain the crowd, while patrons pass a hat to collect money for a pre-selected charity. The Thursday Night Acoustic Stew and occasional Saturday night jazz acts also fill the house.

“It’s a very unique little neighborhood and it’s changing,” Verhil said. “It’s the last place for downtown to grow, and we’re finally starting to emerge.”

Source: Dan VerHil, One Trick Pony

Photograph by Brian Kelly