Wealthy Street is coming back to life. Yet another new dining establishment has surfaced, just after the intersection at Union. The Winchester opened in the middle of January 2009 and has been attracting new customers ever since.

The building, which was the location of a local meat market in the 1940’s, still has lingering smells of renovation. Self-acclaimed as a “New American Tavern,” the restaurant/pub prides itself on being a neighborhood establishment. Two sleek flat screen televisions are hung on either side of the bar, and three large paintings– of a rooster, pig and cow– adorn the walls, perhaps as a way to remind customers that the meat comes from a local farm and is raised steroid and hormone free.

Although the food menu is only one page long, The Winchester offers a wide assortment of dishes. Deliberation over the assortment of soup, salad, dishes to share, and fancy sandwiches takes a few minutes. Pad thai, fried egg sandwich, huevos rancheros, empanadas, bison chili dog, a rather sophisticated macaroni and cheese, chimichuri chicken sandwich, and fish tacos are just a few of those made for the adult taste buds. The Winchester is not for the plain of taste. They take simple, locally grown ingredients and combine them in eclectic, imaginative ways.

Upon numerous recommendations, a friend decided to order the Cuban Reuben. Instead of using corned beef like a traditional Reuben, the sandwich piles hand-pulled pork meat, Swiss cheese, Latin slaw, house-made Latin remoulade sauce all onto a ciabatta bun. The proportions of meat to bread were perfectly balanced on this unique interpretation of a classic sandwich.

I opted for the more vegetarian-friendly Grilled Flatbread sandwich: goat, swiss and cheddar cheese, roasted red peppers and tomatoes on (what else) a grilled flatbread. All sandwiches come with a side of plantain (not plantation) chips. If you’re willing to spring the extra $1.50, upgrade to yucca fries. They have a unique texture and come with a citrus dipping sauce instead of ketchup– not to mention they are healthier than French fries.

A popular appetizer for a group of two or more is the Baked Tomato & Goat Cheese Fondue. Appetizer prices range anywhere from 3 to 9 dollars, and sandwiches 7 to 10.

Everything down to the beers is local or small business brews. They feature a wide assortment of beers on tap, from the Michigan brewed Arcadia Whitsun Ale and Shorts Bellaire Brown to Flying Dog, which hails from Colorado. For the sweeter tooth try Spring Lake’s own Vander Mill Hard Cider. Get there between 3:30 and 7 p.m. during the week or 11 to 5 on Saturday and the beer is reduced to a slick $3 a glass.

The variety of food and drink is enjoyed by a variety of clientele– from posh businessmen and women who stop by after work for a drink, older couples, and even families can all find something on the menu to satisfy their taste buds.

The Winchester is open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day of the week except Sunday, when they do not open until noon.