Explore Comfort Food From Saugatuck’s Delicious Kitchens Like A Local
It’s winter by the Lake and the comfort food in Saugatuck restaurants is what we crave most! We love living in place where each season is vibrant and has its own special allure. If you think Saugatuck is only a place worth visiting in the summer, think again. The people who live her year round make sure Saugatuck is bustling and having fun 24/7/365. And after a day of cross country skiing in the majestic Saugatuck Dunes State Park, or hiking at the Singapore Harbor Natural Area, we’re seriously ready for some comfort food. Thankfully, our talented area chefs now how to keep us nourished and cozy.
In order to make sure you’re in the know, we’ve been filling our bellies with all the best comfort food around town. Here’s a short list of some our favorites.
“Sometimes a little comfort food goes a long way.”
~ Benjamin Bratt
There’s Some Coziness Coming Out Of Saugatuck’s Kitchens This Winter
Southerner | IF you can get yourself beyond the best damn Fried Chicken and biscuits, try the hearty and delicious Mushroom and Dumplings, the always satisfying Pear, Celery, and Apple Cider Squash Soup, the fresh and flavorful Apple Gouda Salad, or go all in with the super hearty Mac And Cheese. And, rumor has it … Southerner’s burger is the best in town. Of course, Southerner’s cocktails add comfort to whatever you decide to order.
Pennyroyal | Ahhhhh, dinner service at Pennyroyal. Exactly what we’ve been waiting for. Now, no matter the time of day, you can get all the goodness that Chef Missy is creating in the kitchen. AND, your breakfast, lunch, charcuterie plate, or dinner can be paired with a fresh Mimosa, glass of wine, or craft beer. Need we say more? The Sunday Supper is now our go to … a 3-course meal that’s all about keeping it cozy with comfort food.
Guardian Brewing | After a long winter hike, snowshoe, or ski, we’re ready for a crisp pint of beer and a delicious plate of comfort food at Guardian. The Brisket Sloppy Joe, Tofu Reuben, and the Kale Salad with Roasted Squash, Apple, Almond Seed Candy, and Ginger-Tumeric Vinaigrette top our list.
“All food starting with p is comfort food: pasta, potato chips, pretzels, peanut butter, pastrami, pizza, pastry.”
~ Sara Paretsky
Clearbrook | We love their: Osso Bucco, Pork Tenderloin, Almond White Fish, Tuscan Spring Rolls, Sweet Potato Fries, House Salad,Hazelnut Crème Brulee, and Mackinac Fudge Sundae.
Bowdies | Everything about Bowdies exudes comfort. The dim lighting, The intimate seating. The beautiful bar. That’s where you’ll find us. Snuggled in with some Brussels and Belly, Shrimp Bisque, the Half Roast Chicken and the Cowboy Ribeye. Insider’s Tip: they also make a mean Manhattan.
Farmhouse | We don’t want to admit how many times Bill and I have each gone to Farmhouse in the same day. Maybe twice. When food is this easy and this wonderful, who can resist? And, there’s always something new and interesting to taste. We’re regulars with their fresh, daily soups … yesterday’s Vegan Vegetable Curry was delightfully spicy. The Cubano sandwich and Vegan Bahn Mi always make us happy. Then there’s the Tillens blue cheese stuffed olives, spinach dip, hummus, and Evergreen Lane Chevre. And, we haven’t even started talking about the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake and the Ginger Molasses Cookies. Oh my!
Ida Reds | We’ve been sitting at the counter and enjoying breakfast at Ida Reds for years. We love reading the morning paper, drinking coffee and fresh juice, ordering the muffin of the day, and eventually deciding between the omelette and home fries or the Wholegrain Pancakes. Nothing says the perfect Sunday morning than a long breakfast at Ida Reds.
Borrowed Time | While we always love sitting at the bar, sometimes at Borrowed Time we opt for the big, comfy chairs in the back where we can simply sink in and enjoy it all. Of course, the Buttered Noodles and the Baked Brie bring us instant comfort. And then there’s the Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookie. The wine, beer, and spirits list are well-curated and impressive. It’s fun figuring out what we’re in the mood for, and Rob and Kim always have great suggestions and take amazing care of everyone.
“The best comfort food will always be greens, cornbread and fried chicken.”
~ Maya Angelou
Salt of the Earth | One of our favorite bar seats in the area. When we really want comfort food, we stick with the Farmer’s Green Salad and a Wood-Fired Pizza. Their pizzas are the best. Although, we are also frequently tempted by the Hanger Steak and the Pan-Seared Walleye. Or, we just go right to dessert and order the Toasted S’More, the Tea and Honey, and a Southwest Michigan Milkshake with Palazollo’s Gelato. So. Good.
Saugatuck Brewing | Shrimp Po’ Boy and a pint of Maggie’s Irish Ale? Yes, please!
The What Not Inn | It’s the music that brings us back time and time again to the What Not! The What Not Inn Jazz Jam on Monday nights has somewhat of a cult following around here. We love it every time. It lifts our spirits and more-often-than-not gets us out on the dance floor. Be sure and ask about the daily homemade pie selections! They don’t disappoint.
Of course, when you stay at Wickwood Inn the cozy just keeps on coming. Our soups become the standout at our Sips & Small Plates Happy Hour: Pomodoro, Spicy Celery, Smoky Potato, Curried Squash. Perfect alongside our Three Cheese Paninis and Baked Brie wrapped in Phyllo served with Tomato Jam, Mango and Blueberry Chutney.
Explore Saugatuck’s Restaurants This Winter & Stay At Wickwood Inn
Explore Saugatuck’s comfort food restaurants this winter and see how cozy you can be! We promise, you’ll leave relaxed and rejuvenated. Reserve your Wickwood Inn winter getaway (in a fireplace suite!) today.