Small Town Sandwich Shop in Spring Lake

At the Small Town Sandwich Shop

If you’re a resident of the Tri-Cities, you’ve likely driven past the Small Town Sandwich Shop a thousand and one times.  It’s the site where Derk’s, FixhX2, Marie’s Diner, and (according to Diva Sharon) an A&W Root Beer stand used to be located (909 W. Savidge Street in Spring Lake).  It’s right across the street from the Holiday Inn.  

But, have you ever stopped in to try one of their delicious sandwiches?  As Kelle, Sharon and Nancy recently discovered, there’s a very good reason that its parking lot seems to always be full!

For our latest dining adventure, we planned to meet at the Small Town Sandwich Shop on Tuesday, March 22, at 12:30 p.m.  But, since Kelle was running late (due to an interview for a film documentary project she’s working on), we actually met at 12:45 p.m., which was smack dab during the lunch hour rush.  So we got a chance to see what things were like at their busiest time of the day.  Fortunately, we found a table (picnic table style with adorable cushions on bench seats) for four, and placed our orders.  

We couldn't help but notice the pay it forward kindness on the wall which made a great impression!  

The Wheel of Good Fortune

Nice

Sweet

Prime Rib French Dip $8
Shaved prime rib, caramelized red onion, white cheddar cheese and horsey mayo served on a hoagie roll with a side of onion soup for dipping.  

Sharon:  "I couldn't help but reminisce when this establishment was the old A&W Drive In 45 years ago.  I had my first Patty Melt served on a metal tray hanging off the side of my car!  Today, I had the Prime Rib French Dip which has the reputation of being one of the most popular of many delicious sandwiches.  I can see why. The au jus was a side of Onion Soup. Best combo ever with prime rib shaved and seasoned perfectly!

To top it off I ordered the Oatmeal Raisin ice cream sandwich which was also delicious.  Homemade cookies with creamy vanilla ice cream. 

The staff is friendly and helpful. The decor fun.  Can't wait to return.  No wonder the parking lot is often full."  

Nancy:  "Since I had heard that the Small Town Reuben sandwich ($7) was “the best Reuben ever” by more than one person, I decided to give it a try.  It was also listed first on the menu board.  I wondered, would it be possible to beat the Reuben at Hearthstone (since I think theirs is outstanding)?  So, I ordered a Reuben half-sandwich with turkey and a cup of soup ($7).  The Reuben is served with your choice of corned beef, pastrami or turkey, and Swiss cheese, sauerkraut (my choice) or fresh red cabbage slaw, and 1000 Island Dressing on toasted rye bread.  As my soup, I chose the Caramelized Onion with Asiago.  And I also ordered a side of Classic Fries ($2.50) to share at the table, which are French Fries dusted with an interesting seasoned salt.  My total bill came to $10.07, including tax.

Then I realized that I forgot to order a drink.  “Could I have some water, please?” I asked.  The answer: “Sure!  There’s bottled water in the cooler… just help yourself.”  What!?!  Free bottled water???  Impressive!  

Our orders were delivered to our table amazingly quickly, given that all tables were filled and the restaurant was brimming over with lunchtime diners.  And I’m very pleased to report that everything was absolutely delicious!  I’ll definitely plan to return… among the things I’d like to try in the future are their Smashed Guacamole starter ($4), Greek salad ($6), BBQ Pork Melt sandwich ($7), and Perch Dinner ($12). 

Prime Rib Melt $7.50
Shaved prime rib, white cheddar cheese, caramelized red onion and tomato on toasted sourdough bread


Kelle:  "This is my first time at the Small Town Sandwich Shop since I didn't know it was there until Nancy mentioned it one day.  (No doubt I've driven past it 1000 times). I'm all about a great deli sandwich now and then, so I was completely on board to check it out for a lunch review.  It took me a long time to make up my mind since everything looked tempting.  I went back and forth between the Prime Rib Melt and the Cuban, but decided on the Prime Rib Melt since I love toasted sourdough bread.  I also added a side dish of deviled egg potato salad ($2.5).  I'm surprised I haven't been back to try the Cuban yet, but I won't hold out too much longer."

Tips Appreciated

Small Town Sandwich Shop

909 W Savidge St

Spring Lake, MI  49456

616.414.7900

Check out their menu (where you can even order online) at: http://www.smalltownsandwichshop.com.

The Divas want it to be noted, with all due respect, that the views and opinions shared in this venue do not represent those of the Grand Haven Tribune and are entirely based on each individual dining experience we encounter.  Perhaps on any other occasion, they may differ.  Our dining experience is entirely at our own expense and not covered by the Grand Haven Tribune or any dining establishment.  

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The Arboreal Inn - Spring Lake

On Thursday, February 18, the Dining Divas decided to return to a legendary restaurant in the Tri-Cities area – The Arboreal Inn!  

The “original Divas” reminisced about dining at the Arboreal nearly two years ago, and thought it was time for a return visit.  This time we welcomed a new Diva – Spring Lake’s own Sharon Bedford, who owns a catering business.

Born and raised in Northern California, Sharon grew up "farm to table."  She started cooking at home when she was around 10 years old.  Her favorite pastimes are reading cookbooks, trying new recipes, extensive travels in search of the best restaurants, and Italian cooking classes.  

Today, she's a retired elementary teacher and reading specialist.  While she was still teaching, Sharon started Edible Art Catering over 20 years ago and remains actively involved in her business.

"I've loved planning dinner parties and cooking for as long as I can remember," Sharon said.  "I am passionate about not only fantastic food, but presentation as well...my trademark." 

This year, we opted to forego Arboreal’s more formal dining room and dine in the cozy/rustic bar area at one of the high-top tables.  

Both Nancy and Bari chose a glass of the Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon ($9 for 5-oz pour) to accompany our delicious smoked whitefish dip (which was SO good that Kelle considered ordering it for her entrée!).  

This dip ($11) is described as a “Hearty portion of smoked Lake Superior whitefish spread accompanied with shaved red onions, capers, and flatbread.”  Although we might have preferred it with a blander, less seedy cracker (like a water cracker), we’d go back in a minute for this appetizer.  

We also chose to share an order of the Crab Stuffed Mushrooms (five for $12) – fresh mushrooms filled with a blend of crab, shallots and baby spinach.

Fresh P.E.I Mussels sautéed in white wine, herbs, and garlic $10

Bari:  "We really enjoyed the ambiance and charm of dining in the bar.  My wedge salad was very generously sized, and a pleasant change since it was served with crisp romaine leaves instead of a wedge of iceberg.  It had a good-sized portion of blue cheese dressing on the side as well.

The presentation of the mussels was the best I've seen in the area:  the crostini circled the bowl of mussels, setting the stage for dipping that I enjoyed very much.  The mussels were good...all open and small.

Although my favorite dessert at Arboreal is the profiterole, our evening's finale was the carrot cake that we all shared, even me!  (I was full and am not a big sweets eater, anyhow.)  I'm also pleased that we tried it because it prompted Nancy to offer to make her carrot cake recipe for the Divas one of these days.  (Nancy's frosting uses more cream cheese.)"

  

Parmesan Crusted Whitefish - $24. Filet of great lakes whitefish encrusted in parmesan and herbs and drizzled with lemon beurre blanc sauce

Kelle:  "This was my second time dining at the Arboreal and I have to admit I was a bit skeptical since my first visit there wasn't what I had hoped for. But I really like the woodsy cozy location with the proximity to my home. I was happy when Bari said she'll make our reservation in the bar area versus the dining room. The bar decor has a way of making me feel like I'm on a getaway up north. The high-top table was comfy for four, even though it was a little tight with two appetizers sitting in the middle at the same time. 

Our server, Erin, was helpful and patient. We were constantly chatting versus looking at the menu, but she rolled with it and continued to make frequent stops to see if we were ready to order. I asked her which dishes are popular and she immediately responded with the Parmesan crusted whitefish. So, that's what I ordered.  I was surprised when Erin brought it out since the fish portion took up the whole plate. I knew I'd be having half of it for lunch the next day. It was very tasty and I'd gladly go back and order it again. Later on I told a friend we could easily split the fish with a nice side salad and it would be plenty of food. 

Unfortunately, I thought the carrot cake was a bit of a letdown. I was at Two Tony's in Spring Lake a few weeks earlier and a friend (Joan G) surprised me with a piece of the ultimate carrot cake loaded with cream cheese." 

Broiled Salmon with our house seasonings and finished with a dill cream sauce - $24

Sharon:  "We agreed that the bar is cozy and the place to sit!  We ordered the Stuffed Mushrooms and Smoked Whitefish, which were very tasty! However, I would have stepped up the presentation of both:  The mushrooms would look great on Chinese Porcelain spoons, and I would have enjoyed a more simple cracker with the fish appetizer, perhaps a simple table water or crostini.  The cracker distracted from the outstanding flavors of the whitefish.

I enjoyed my Salmon entree with wonderful Dill Sauce and broccolini. I do love carrots, but would have preferred a simple organic carrot sliced lengthwise with a 1/2 stem left on... not the baby carrots on that particular plate.  

We shared a carrot cake which was tasty, but very dense... almost like an apple cake and a bit over baked."

Nancy:  "For my entrée, I ordered a half-rack of Arboreal’s barbecued baby back ribs (served with broccoli and baby carrots, and a scoop of au gratin potatoes).  The ribs aren’t on the regular dinner menu, but (fortunately!) were a special feature that night.  The half-rack was $18 (full rack was $24), and even the smaller portion was large enough to supply leftovers for my lunch for the next day.  The ribs were moist and tender! I ordered extra barbecue sauce on the side (50 cents)... great for dunking and adding a little extra kick if you like spicier/smokier ribs." 

Carrot Cake $6.00

The Arboreal Inn is open Monday through Saturday from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. (dinners only), and is nestled into the woods at 18191 Old Grand Haven Road.

Call (616) 842-3800 

Open Monday - Saturday 5PM-10PM

18191 Old Grand Haven Road

Spring Lake, MI 49456

The Divas want it to be noted, with all due respect, that the views and opinions shared in this venue do not represent those of the Grand Haven Tribune and are entirely based on each individual dining experience we encounter.  Perhaps on any other occasion, they may differ.  Our dining experience is entirely at our own expense and not covered by the Grand Haven Tribune or any dining establishment.

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