I recently discovered The Green Well in the East Hills area of Grand Rapids- it's a part of town with trendy little restaurants and some neat shops, and a cool bookstore too. In fact, the bookstore is right across the street and down a bit. Anyway, I've been wanting to try this place for a bit so I finally took the plunge.
My first impression was positive- there is a bar and spacious indoor seating, appropriately socially distanced, and a patio area outside as well. It was chilly the day I was there but it was still nice to be outside and watch the foot traffic. There's a neat place next door too, a nice historical building that at one time was the Blodgett Home For Children. It was an orphanage and later served kids stricken with polio. A nice place to wander after a meal, with its columns and front garden. The patio area is nice with lights strung up and 70's music playing.
The menu is diverse without being too much, and I think they have a nice mix- there are vegetarian options as well as traditional fare. Honestly though, can you go wrong with a place that has Kung Pao Broccoli? We got the Breads and Spreads appetizer and it was delicious- a mix of breads with three different spreads. I opted for the Green Well Burger, and it was massive with a tasty aioli spread- a bit pricy at $16 but burgers seem to to be that way everywhere these days. My daughter got the Grilled Cheese and Ham (cheddar and Swiss) and it came with tomato soup- which was delicious. We traded some of her soup for some of my S&P Fries (salt and pepper) and while I loved the soup, I had a hard time giving up the fries!
Taking notes for next time- the mac and cheese (corkscrew pasta with ham, chicken, bacon, onions, mushrooms, a bunch of stuff) and Beef Bulgogi (soy sirloin steak, kimchi, scallions, cilantro rice- yes please) are calling me. This would be a wonderful place to anchor a shopping trip through East Hills, and there were couples there and people doing shots. I didn't try any of their alcoholic beverages this time out, but the bar carries a nice offering of craft beers including lots of selections from local as well as European sources.
This place is a find.
Sounds yummy.
ReplyDeleteIt's always nice to find a new favorite restaurant.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds great! If only I didn't live down in Ohio...
ReplyDeleteKung Pao Broccoli? I've only ever had the potatoes, I think. If a restaurant can come up with such innovative mixes, it has to be good. Thanks for talking about it, and of course, it made me want to ransack the refrigerator/ kitchen immediately! 😂
ReplyDeleteI love finding new restaurants!
ReplyDeleteAhhh dining in a restaurant. What a concept! It's been so long for us. :(
ReplyDeleteSounds yummy!
ReplyDeleteLove their logo!
ReplyDeleteTheir logo is so cool! If I ever find myself around those parts I will have to stop by!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool place. That mac and cheese sounds totally decadent.
ReplyDeleteI love finding local gems - especially now. It's nice to get out and it's nice to support local places.
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's Worth
It sounds so nice! And delicious! And Kung Pao Broccoli sounds amazing, as does the burger, frankly!
ReplyDeleteEast Hills area sounds like a great place!
ReplyDeleteKung Pao Broccoli sounds delicious, but I would go for the burger as well.