Searching For The Best Restaurants In Saugatuck, Michigan?
Wickwood Inn Shares Their Secrets!
Looks may be deceiving. It’s eating that’s believing.”
~ James Thurber
Travel has become all about eating and the foodie experience. Today people want to be in the know about local foods, taste new and authentic artisan flavors, be savvy about the best restaurants, that undiscovered spot, the just opened, the local’s secret joint, the cutting edge chef to brag about, and all things latest and greatest.
Of course that’s right up our alley for as The New York Times noted “At Wickwood life revolves around food and wine.” We come by our enthusiasm naturally as our Owner and Chief Cook and Bottle Washer, Julee Rosso (co-author of Best-Selling Silver Palate Cookbook) has a passion for food that’s contagious. Everyone who works at Wickwood is nuts about eating and drinking well and talking food. We all love the magical way good food instantly makes guests feel at home and transform strangers into friends. It’s our idea of hospitality.
For Food Lovers At The Inn
At Wickwood Inn our guests begin their day with a lavish Farm to Table Breakfast, which may include Warm Honey Crisp Apple Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce or the Best Scrambled Eggs Ever served with Four Berry Salad, Pistachio Sausage, Country Ham and our signature Pecan Sticky Buns. Taste treats continue: Afternoon and Nighttime Sweets of warm Brownie Bites, Almond Bark, Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies or Vanilla Sables. Evening Sips and Small Plates at Six call everyone together with American Artisanal Cheeses, house made chutneys and pickles, Shrimp and Crab atop Crostini, Sausage Pinwheels, Fava Bean and Parmesan Crostini, Panini and Flatbreads, warm Cheese Dips and Soup Shots. And, of course, we want everyone to feel at home, so we never charge our houseguests. That’s the delicious difference at Wickwood.
Foodie Spots In Town
We believe food should be healthy, fresh, and irresistible. In Saugatuck we’re surrounded by incredible orchards, farms, fishermen, wineries, Farmers’ Markets, and we consider our local food artisans, farmers, fishermen, vintners, brewers, and chefs friends.
Our food-loving guests want to continue dining out and about as well. Our most often asked questions revolve around, “Where should we dine in the area?” We encourage our guests to discover our restaurants, bistros, pubs, breweries, cider houses, and wineries and fully enjoy the foods of Saugatuck.
Wickwood’s Saugatuck Restaurant Raves 2016
Restaurants For A Swell Night Out …
Bowdie’s Chophouse | Downtown Saugatuck
Chef Chris Dobler’s was named Best Area New Restaurant for 2015. We concur. Once you’ve tasted their excellent Shrimp Cocktail, Seafood Bisque or Spicy Mussels, their extraordinary 24 oz. Cowboy Ribeye, Lamb Chops, Roasted Organic Half Chicken (nice and moist, yet crispy), Dover Sole, Truffle Fries or Grilled Caesar, you’ll rave too!! Desserts? Never a disappointment.
Salt of The Earth | Downtown Fennville
Chef Mathew Pietsch makes magic using our local ingredients. Intense and exciting flavors prevail beginning with creative Sips such as the Hemingway Mojito, Apple Crisp or a Scratch Made Margarita while you await your Grilled Hanger Steak, Pan-fried Perch, Wood fired Salmon, or Pizza. Finish with Toasted S’mores, or Apple Crumble. Every weekend there’s terrific music.
Everyday People Café | Downtown Douglas
Owner/Chef Matt Balmer has an eclectic menu with bold, exciting flavors!! We love their Greek Salad (never had a better one in Greece!), Drunken Shrimp, Grecian Lamb Chops Mussels, Wasabi Tuna, and Spanish Tapas!! Terrific wine list. Summertime grilling in the garden and music abounds! Downtown Douglas is just 1.5 miles away from Wickwood Inn
Clearbrook Grill Room |Saugatuck
The Jeltema’s have created a lovely haven for fine dining overlooking their beautiful gardens and golf course. Truly a delightful, relaxing experience. This is a favorite of locals who crave their Almond Crusted Walleye, the Grilled Wild Salmon, Blueberry Pulled Pork, their fabulous pastas and pizzas and The Mackinac Fudge Sundae.
Hawks Head |20 minutes south, near South Haven
A lovely country setting with terrific food from Chef Kevin Ruppert. Don’t miss the signature Coconut Curry Chicken, Angus Ribeye, Drunken Duck the Scottish Salmon, Sweet Potato Brulee or the Peach Cobbler.
Coast 236 | Downtown Saugatuck
Wonderful small restaurant that took over the space vacated by longtime favorite Hercules. With items like Crab Cakes, Beet Towers, Lamb Lollipops and a dreamy Amalfi Lemon Cake, they are a welcome newcomer to Saugatuck’s foodie scene.
Butch’s Dry Dock| Downtown Holland
Consistently fabulous food in a white linen dining room OR a lively pub setting … with an amazing selection of retail wine, beer, and cider in between. Owner Butch and Chef Clark Frain cook with the seasons — eclectic American Fare — and a terrific wine, beer, liquor, and cocktail list!
Marro’s Italian Restaurant | Downtown Saugatuck
There’s always a good time had by all at Marro’s! New and classic Italian dishes are the menu’s stars and they’re always great. Pizzas are local favorites. And, the Martini’s and the dancing….that’s why there’s always a line on Water Street.
Eat On A More Casual Note …
The Southerner | Saugatuck Riverfront
A delightful homey dockside location along the Kalamazoo River, Chef Matt Millar brings his Southern cooking to Saugatuck. Heavenly Fried Chicken, Flaky Biscuits, Braised Greens, Hickory Smoked Ribs and Sausages, Texas quail, and Tarheel Pulled Pork. Memorable are Deep Fried Whitefish, the Hanger Steak, the Grassfed Beef Burger, Shrimp & Grits, Braised Greens and Blackberry Crisp. Wine & beer lists are limited, but their selections are superb. Cocktails are ALWAYS carefully crafted and pack a punch.
Phil’s Bar & Grill | Downtown Saugatuck
Some of the best bar food and so much more. Phil’s is always exciting and their eclectic menu is casual but very very tasty. From Spicy Quesadillas to Thai Mussels, Lobster Cobb Salad, Wild Salmon, Lamb Chops, Grilled Scallops, and Crab Cakes. We’re addicted to their Nutty Salad! This Wine List is very interesting and the beers on tap always intrigue.
Lucy’s Little Kitchen | Downtown Saugatuck
Chef & Owner Matt Balmer’s second restaurant (also owns Everyday People Cafe) is a bright and charming place that buzzes with energy! We love whatever he puts into the smoker and everything he brings in from local farms! His seafood features are always a hit. Try the Tuna Nachos, Lobster Rolls, Ceviche, Truffle aioli, Burgers with Bacon and Onion Jam, BBQ Pulled Pork, and fantastic cocktails! Terrific.
Guardian Brewing | Saugatuck
A cool newcomer this brewery makes great beers and delicious food. The menu is small, but special. Try the Korean BBQ Wings, Kale & Winter Squash Salad and the Cuban On Dutch Crunch Bread. And for dessert…the Popcorn Ice Cream is pretty spectacular.
J. Paul’s Wine Bar at The Kirby | Saugatuck
Interesting Small Plates with Ahi Tuna, lovely Soups, Seared Salmon, Pork Belly, House Pasta of the Day. Filet of Beef, Lamb, or Roast chicken with Spaetzle and dessert surprises.
Borrowed Time | Downtown Douglas
A charming gathering place serving craft beers, unique wines, inventive small plates, charcuterie, and homemade desserts. Stop by for a drink and a bite before a show and return after for the most delectable dessert! You won’t want to miss the Avocado, Cucumber, Hummus and Olive Oil Bruschetta and the Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze. We trust whatever they create for dessert that day, so enjoy!
Ida Reds | Downtown Saugatuck
Our favorite food in Saugatuck for Breakfast or Lunch … the day’s specials are fabulous, omelets are terrific, pastas are luscious, and their assortment of interesting salads is very creative. Sometimes we stop just for the Rice Pudding, or Hot Fudge Sundae. Always swamped and only accept cash.
The Mermaid | Downtown Saugatuck, Riverfront
Overlooking the Kalamazoo River. It’s perfect for the parade of boats on the Kalamazoo, a drink and a casual meal. The lightest Fish and Chips in town, Spicy Duck Quesadillas, and our favorite Crunchy Chicken Salad atop greens. The daily special is usually wonderful!
Wicks Park Bar & Grille | Downtown Saugatuck
On the Kalamazoo River near The Chain Ferry this spot is a perfect place for great Cocktails, Starters, Salads, Pasta, Burgers and Sandwiches. The food is as lively as the music, and we love a seat at the bar.
The Wild Dog Grille | Downtown Douglas
This restaurant has become known for its Crab Cakes, Calamari, Stone Oven Pizzas, Shrimp, Scallops, Whitefish, and New York Strip. The desserts are quite delicious and the wine list ever changing and intriguing. Lunch and Dinner.
Pumpernickel’s Eatery | Downtown Saugatuck
Try an omelette in the morning. Salads, soups, or grilled sandwich for lunch. Homemade baked goods anytime of day. Enjoy their new beer, wine & cocktail list!
Wally’s | Downtown Saugatuck
A classic where locals and tourists love to gather, hear live music, and enjoy a beer. Try the fried perch, burger, quesadilla, or the special of the day. We love the heated porch!
The Butler | Downtown Saugatuck, Lake Kalamazoo
A Saugatuck Institution and the meanest drinks in town. The menu is very broad and the daily special usually superb. Pot Roast, Liver and Onions, and a wide range of Steaks that are done perfectly. The Tiki Bar is always fun in summertime!
Saugatuck Brewing Company | Douglas
Saugatuck’s very own micro-brewery and Irish style pub featuring beer, wine and terrific Sandwiches, Fish-n-chips, Swordfish. Soups and Chili. You’ll be surprised!
Restaurants For A Quick Bite …
Grow | Downtown Saugatuck
Real foods, with names you can pronounce, from local farms, and without pretension. All this comes to your table with a smile at Grow. We love the Mitten Salad, and we’ve never tasted a better Waffle. Enjoy eating breakfast or lunch indoors, on the sidewalk, or have Alec pack you up an amazing picnic for two to take to the beach! You’re going to love whatever this sweet café is serving up!
Farmhouse Deli and Pantry | Douglas
Fresh Berry and Vegetable Juices, Coffees, Artisan Cold and Hot Sandwiches, Creative Salads, Daily Soups, Very Special Fresh Baked Goods including Croissants, Scones, Cakes, and Bars, and interesting larder and pantry specialty foods. Dine in or to go.
Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions | Saugatuck
Dine in or purchase to go at Saugatuck’s newest spot for food lovers. Serving Breakfasts and Lunches with a small and focused menu, their owners are a chef, a pastry chef and a farmer. The local ingredients are key with items like Bacon, Kale & Potato Mash, Tomato & Fennel Bisque, Smoked Whitefish Salad and Duck Confit Salad. Welcome this delicious gem to our Saugatuck food scene!
The Ravines Golf Course | Saugatuck
In a very beautiful setting — a choice of three fabulous soups daily, salads and sandwiches in their “Adirondacks” lodge. Try their ½ pound Palmer Burger.
The Gables | Downtown Saugatuck, Riverfront
Dining on the porch overlooking the Kalamazoo River (in the Crow Bar, the Corner Bar, or the Dining Room), the Gable has a room for every mood!! Great Fried Lake Perch and Pizzas.
Restaurants Around & About The Area…
Holland | The Black Sheep Pub, Curragh’s Irish Bar, New Holland Brewery, Our Brewery, or 76 Restaurant.
Zeeland | We love Public, right downtown.