Someday I’ll have to traverse the midwest to create a more comprehensive guide of restaurants serving the hearty foods from the British Isles. But this time I was headed to West Michigan for the wedding of two friends, which as expected was even more festive and delightful than my Thursday night excursion to Chicago’s Duke of Perth.

By coincidence we continued the theme and Saturday night wound up at Graydon’s Crossing, which rivaled Duke of Perth in flavor and ambiance. Graydon’s Crossing is located just north of downtown Grand Rapids about – Wait come back! Don’t stop reading. So you never plan to visit Grand Rapids, however I’m sure my insider’s guide from earlier this year will convince at least someone (maybe under 60) to consider adding it to their “100 places” list.

Graydon’s Crossing is a cozy, welcoming two story building featuring a dark and stately dining room on two floors, with a back patio and outdoor balcony. I found their old heavy refurbished antique tables to be a very unique with the glossy black luster and engraved legs. A true pub experience. We tried the Guinness Stew, which arrived in a single serving size piping hot kettle after being simmered all day. We also enjoyed the Shepherd’s Pie, stocked with lamb, peas, and carrots.

The best treat? All dishes are accompanied by warm and crumbly Yorkshire pudding. That’s right, Yorkshire pudding isn’t a pudding. It’s a small yellow cake with the consistency of cornbread, only a tad more doughy. Good stuff. The coffee was a bit bland, however I was probably the only person drinking four cups on a Saturday night in lieu of their authentic cask ales.

If you’re passing through West Michigan and looking for a great place to unwind (after an exhausting tour of the Gerald Ford Museum no doubt,) I would make room for a meal there. You won’t be disappointed.

They’re located at 1223 Plainfield just north of Leonard.  Site (and interior photo) at Graydonscrossing.com