Los Potrillos Opens Downtown Grand Rapids, Replacing One Trick Pony

If you’ve driven past 136 E. Fulton Street in downtown Grand Rapids over the last few years, you’ve probably stared at the signs on the building and asked the same question lots of folks are online: “When is that place actually going to open?”

Well, you can finally stop wondering. The wait is officially over!

Los Potrillos Opens Downtown Grand Rapids

Los Potrillos Mexican Bar & Grill has opened its doors, breathing new life into the former One Trick Pony space that has been sitting quiet since 2022.

For decades, the location was run by longtime owner Dan Verhil, who managed it alongside the iconic Cottage Bar next door. When Verhil retired in 2021, he sold both properties to Jassi Dhami, owner of the adjacent Palace of India.

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Dhami kept the Cottage Bar operating for a period of time, though that historic spot has since faced a turbulent stretch of closures and its current state of affairs is unknown.

Meanwhile, also in 2021, current co-owners Diego Mora and Teo Rios stepped in to take over the One Trick Pony space.

Why It Took So Long

So what's been going on with the property? Turns out, a lot!

According to Crain’s Grand Rapids Business, after Mora and Rios took over the business, they skipped a quick surface-level remodel in favor of the long game. The owners handled most of the heavy renovation work on the more than 160-year-old property.

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Their hands-on efforts involved restoring some features dating back to the 1850s and keeping the original 1990s One Trick Pony bar intact, all while adding a new look designed to make guests feel like they're actually in Mexico.

What’s on the Menu?

There is not a full menu available online yet, but early reviewers on social media are already raving about what's coming out of the kitchen.

A main highlight is the fresh, handmade corn tortillas pressed and griddled daily right in the dining room. There has also been plenty of early praise for authentic classics like tacos, loaded tortas, enchiladas, burritos, and quesadillas, alongside traditional pozole.

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For drinks, some standout options are the giant, shared tabletop margarita towers, Cantaritos, Micheladas, and a selection of imported Mexican beers .

Late Nights and Watch Parties

For anyone who has complained about the lack of late-night food options downtown Grand Rapids, Los Potrillos is swooping in with authentic Mexican food. They’ve already been cementing themselves as a sports hub by hosting lively watch parties, and they're open until 2 a.m. on weekends.

The new restaurant is local, it’s family-owned, and after five years of mystery, it’s finally time to go grab a table. Welcome to the neighborhood, Los Potrillos!

To keep an eye out for the official menu when it's ready, be sure to follow Los Potrillos on Facebook.