15 Best Restaurants in Saugatuck: Local Favorites for 2025

Saugatuck’s culinary scene stands out with an impressive variety of restaurants that seems unexpected for such a small town.  This charming Michigan destination packs more eateries than anyone could visit during a weekend getaway.

The town’s dining experience shines because of Michigan’s status as the nation’s second most agriculturally diverse state.  Local chefs channel this rich farming heritage into their creations and many restaurants proudly showcase farm-to-table cuisine.  The area’s sophisticated dining options cater to every taste.  Phil’s Bar & Grille, a downtown institution, delights guests with upscale dishes and outdoor seating.  The Southerner has become a local favorite since 2015, serving heartwarming comfort food.  This piece highlights 15 outstanding restaurants that deserve your attention during your 2025 visit to this culinary destination.

The Southerner

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The Southerner brings authentic Southern cuisine with deep Appalachian roots to Saugatuck’s dining scene.  This restaurant by the Kalamazoo River tells a compelling story that connects to the 1950s, when Southern families moved to Michigan to work in the auto industry.

The Southerner Specialties

Chef/Owner Matt Millar crafts a menu that celebrates his Appalachian roots and classic Southern cooking, especially when it comes to New Orleans and low country traditions.  Their famous fried chicken needs over 12 hours of marination to achieve its perfect taste.  The menu shines with dishes like Shrimp and Grits that features Benton’s country ham and mushroom broth ($28.95).  Guests can savor the Catfish Robert with buttered Anson Mills rice grits and shrimp & crawfish etouffee ($30.95).  The Blue Crab & Langostino Calas – Carolina gold rice fritters served with creole remoulade ($16.95) – are a must-try.  The restaurant’s biscuits consistently earn high praise from customers.

The Southerner Pricing

Diners will find options for every budget here.  Main dishes start at $16.95 for Grits & Greens and go up to $30.95 for seafood specialties. “Nana’s Table” serves family-style meals with all the fixings: Small (feeds 4-6) costs $130, Medium (feeds 6-8) runs $190 and Large (feeds 8-10) is priced at $250.  These generous spreads include fried chicken, mac and cheese, fried catfish filets, sides and biscuits with honey butter.  Side dishes remain affordable at $5.95-$6.95.

The Southerner Location and Ambiance

The restaurant at 880 Holland Street feels like stepping into a friend’s summer cottage by the river.  Mismatched tables, chairs, and delicate china create a warm, welcoming space.  Diners enjoy peaceful views of the Kalamazoo River flowing toward Lake Michigan through large windows.  The outdoor seating becomes the place to be during summer months.  The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but guests find the wait worth it thanks to excellent food and stunning waterfront views.

Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions

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Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions stands out among Saugatuck’s farm-to-table restaurants.  The restaurant creates a real connection between field and fork through its carefully crafted dishes.  Their food showcases the best of West Michigan’s agricultural richness.

Pennyroyal Cafe Specialties

The restaurant’s menu features simple, seasonal home-style food that changes as local produce becomes available.  Their food stands apart because they get heirloom vegetables straight from their own farm nearby.  The kitchen team takes these fresh ingredients and creates dishes that feel familiar yet creative.  People rave about their breakfast and brunch options.  The “Twice Baked Potato” Bird’s Nest Hash Skillet and Peach Hazelnut Muffins are crowd favorites.  The restaurant caters to everyone’s needs with options for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.

Pennyroyal Cafe Pricing

The restaurant’s daily schedule offers different dining experiences.  Brunch runs from 8am-4pm, cocktail hour from 4pm-5pm and dinner from 5pm-9pm.  They welcome guests Thursday through Sunday from 8am-9pm.  Monday and Wednesday hours are shorter (8am-3pm), and they take Tuesdays off.  While menu prices aren’t shown online, guests can expect moderate pricing that reflects the quality of their locally-sourced ingredients.

Pennyroyal Cafe Location and Ambiance

You’ll find Pennyroyal at 3319 Blue Star Highway in Saugatuck.  The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating.  Inside, guests enjoy an intimate cafe with a casual open kitchen setting.  The outdoor space makes this place special among Saugatuck Michigan’s restaurants.  Guests eat in a beautiful garden surrounded by woodland and native plants.  Their master gardener and farmer, Ryan Beck, takes care of the grounds.  Patio heaters keep outdoor diners warm during cold weather, and evening meals feel magical under string lights.  The seasonal outdoor bar serves creative cocktails.  The place gets busy, especially during brunch.  While you can book dinner tables ahead, brunch works on first-come basis.  Expect some wait time during peak hours.

Coast 236 Restaurant & Bar

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Coast 236 Restaurant & Bar improves Saugatuck’s dining scene with sophisticated coastal-inspired fare.  This elegant establishment stands out as a culinary destination and has built a stellar reputation with a 4.9/5 rating from over 1,300 diners.

Coast 236 Specialties

The talented chefs at Coast 236 create contemporary American cuisine with subtle French influences.  They focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients from local and global sources.  The restaurant’s highlight includes impressive six and nine-course tasting menus with optional wine pairings that showcase the chef’s creative talents.  Diners rave about these tasting experiences and the perfect wine pairings.  The à la carte menu features popular dishes like sweet corn risotto, perfectly prepared scallops, and trout that guests describe as “delicious”.  The restaurant’s expertise shines through its seafood preparation, which reflects its coastal inspiration.

Coast 236 Pricing

The restaurant sits firmly in the premium dining category, with prices starting at USD 50.00 per person.  These prices reflect the restaurant’s dedication to quality and service.  New visitors will find the experience matches fine dining spots in Chicago or New York.  The cost brings value through carefully crafted dishes, expert service, and an upscale atmosphere you rarely find in small tourist towns.

Coast 236 Location and Ambiance

The restaurant welcomes guests at 236 Culver Street in downtown Saugatuck.  Diners describe the space as “elegant yet comfortable”.  The sophisticated interior design creates an intimate setting perfect for special occasions.  The restaurant’s charming outdoor garden seating adds to the dining experience in warm weather.  Coast 236 serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, closing earlier at 9:00 pm on Sundays.  The restaurant stays closed Mondays and Tuesdays.  Tables for 1-6 guests can be booked through OpenTable and making reservations is highly recommended.

Pizza Mambo

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Pizza lovers will find a hidden gem in Saugatuck at Pizza Mambo.  This local favorite makes authentic hand-tossed pizzas with quality ingredients.  Their commitment to craftsmanship and fresh ingredients keeps customers coming back.

Pizza Mambo Specialties

Pizza Mambo takes pride in making their own ingredients that are the foundations of their amazing pizzas.  They make pizza dough fresh daily and create their signature marinara sauce in-house.  Their special cheese blend combines mozzarella and provolone to create the perfect melt and flavor.  The menu shows off creative specialty pizzas like Rustico (bianca sauce, roasted garlic, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, spinach, pizza cheese, dotted with marinara) and El Supremo (marinara sauce, Italian sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, black olives, pizza cheese).  Customers love their thin, crispy crust that gives just the right texture.  The menu also has breadsticks, buffalo wings, and fresh salads.

Pizza Mambo Pricing

Pizza Mambo’s prices fit different appetites and budgets with various size options.  You can get specialty pizzas in small 10″ ($17.00), medium 12″ ($20.00), large 16″ ($25.00) and gluten-free 10″ ($20.00).  Custom pizza lovers can start with cheese-only bases at $11.00 (small), $14.00 (medium) and $17.00 (large). Extra toppings cost between $1.50-$3.50 based on size and type.  The menu also features house-made breadsticks ($9.00) and buffalo wings ($13.00).

Pizza Mambo Location and Ambiance

You’ll find Pizza Mambo at 10½ Blue Star Highway in Douglas.  This casual spot focuses on takeout orders.  A few small tables inside and two picnic tables outside let customers eat at the restaurant.  They’re open Wednesday through Sunday from 4:00-9:00 pm, and delivery starts at 5:30 pm.  The restaurant stays closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.  Place your order early because this place gets busy during tourist season.

Cheesy pizza puns.

The BARge

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The BARge stands as one of Saugatuck’s most unique waterfront dining spots along the Kalamazoo River.  This multi-level restaurant operates behind the Ship-N-Shore Hotel in downtown Saugatuck.  Diners enjoy spectacular views while savoring innovative dishes that draw both locals and tourists alike.

The BARge Specialties

Creative American cuisine shines at The BARge, with fresh seafood and comfort classics taking center stage.  Their Ahi tuna poke ($22.00) has become a customer favorite.  The dish features fresh tuna on avocado spread with Asian sesame dressing, served atop house-made wonton chips.  The menu includes popular starters like Southwest chicken egg rolls ($17.00) packed with chicken, fire-roasted corn, black beans and colby-jack cheese.  Sandwich lovers rave about the Grouper Reuben ($26.00) – a South Florida twist that combines Atlantic grouper, Swiss cheese, house-made coleslaw and Thousand Island dressing on marbled rye.  Burger options range from The Original ($18.00) to the A-1 Pepper Jack ($22.00), which comes loaded with bacon and crispy fried onion strings.

The BARge Pricing

Quality meets value at The BARge with reasonable prices.  Burgers and sandwiches cost between $17.00 and $26.00, each served with fries.  Guests can upgrade to truffle fries for an extra $3.00.  The menu features main dishes like Alaskan salmon ($26.00) and a 10-ounce prime rib dinner after 4 p.m. at market prices.  Pizza enthusiasts can choose from various options priced at $19.00-$21.00, including Hawaiian and Margherita styles.  The bar serves specialty cocktails such as the jalapeño watermelon margarita for $13.00.

The BARge Location and Ambiance

The restaurant’s prime riverside location sets it apart from other downtown Saugatuck establishments.  A unique rooftop open bar provides stunning views of the Kalamazoo River and Mount Baldhead Park.  The space adapts well for different occasions – romantic dinners, large events and wedding celebrations.  The BARge welcomes guests seasonally from Saint Patrick’s Day through Thanksgiving weekend.  Hours run Monday through Thursday (11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.), Friday and Saturday (11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.) and Sunday (11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.).  General Manager Ryan Brown has led operations since the restaurant’s opening six years ago.  He describes it as “Saugatuck’s ultimate waterfront dining experience”.

Ida Red’s Cottage

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Ida Red’s Cottage sits tucked away in Saugatuck’s charming streets, drawing food enthusiasts with its homestyle breakfast and lunch in a cozy, cottage-style setting.  The restaurant stands out as a local favorite thanks to its consistently delicious comfort food and warm atmosphere.

Ida Red’s Specialties

Quality ingredients and careful preparation make Ida Red’s breakfast classics truly special.  Their signature Corned Beef Hash combines house-made corned beef with potatoes and eggs cooked just how you want them.  The Belgian Waffles come with the perfect balance – crispy on the outside yet soft inside and they often feature seasonal Michigan berries.  The lunch menu’s star, the Reuben Sandwich, brings together house-corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut on perfectly grilled rye bread.  The Harvest Salad gives health-conscious guests a fresh option that mixes crisp greens, dried cherries, blue cheese and candied walnuts.

Ida Red’s Pricing

The restaurant’s prices stay available for regular visits.  Most breakfast items cost between $8-15 and egg dishes hover around $11.  Lunch options like sandwiches and salads range from $10-14, each served with house-made chips or a side salad.  House specialties might cost a bit more but remain reasonable compared to other downtown Saugatuck spots.  The generous portions often leave enough food to take home.

Ida Red’s Location and Ambiance

The restaurant’s historic cottage on Butler Street captures Saugatuck’s small-town magic perfectly.  Inside, wooden tables and vintage chairs create a homey feel, while local artwork and historical photographs line the walls.  Guests can enjoy their meals on an intimate outdoor patio surrounded by flowers during summer months.  The doors open daily from 7am to 2pm for breakfast and lunch service only.  Summer weekend visitors should come early since this cozy spot fills up fast with tourists and loyal locals alike.

Douglas Root Beer Barrel

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The Douglas Root Beer Barrel stands as a nostalgic icon among restaurants near Saugatuck.  Its distinctive barrel-shaped structure and classic American refreshments take visitors back in time.  Originally built in the 1950s, this beloved landmark went through extensive restoration after sitting unused for decades.

Root Beer Barrel Specialties

Simple yet satisfying American classics dominate the menu.  Sprecher’s Root Beer flows fresh from the tap and customers love it as floats with hard-scooped ice cream.  The menu features Angus Beef Hotdogs & Brats with creative variations.  The Chicago Dog comes loaded with mustard, relish, onions and pickle spear, while the Coney Dog brings the heat with spicy chili.  Customers can pair their meals with potato salad, coleslaw, mac & cheese or potato chips.

Root Beer Barrel Pricing

Beach-goers will find the barrel’s prices easy on their wallet.  The restaurant’s history shows foot-longs once cost just 50 cents.  Today’s meals average around USD 19.00, which beats most downtown Saugatuck restaurant prices.

Root Beer Barrel Location and Ambiance

The barrel welcomes guests at 455 West Center Street in Douglas.  Douglas Park Beach sits just blocks away, and Oval Beach is less than two miles from this spot.  Visitors can stop by any day between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m.  This charming roadside spot provides outdoor seating and complete ADA-compliant facilities with proper entrance and parking.

Best Jeddah restaurants.

Saugatuck Brewing Company

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Saugatuck Brewing Company stands as the area’s oldest craft brewery, combining exceptional food with house-made beers.  Their distinctive dining experience attracts both beer enthusiasts and foodies.  This 18-year old beloved establishment has become the life-blood of the local food scene.

Saugatuck Brewing Specialties

Creative twists define the brewery’s pub fare menu.  Guests love starting with SBC Chicken Wings ($12.00) and Kung Pao Cauliflower ($13.00).  The SBC Double Smash Burger ($16.00) with American cheese and secret sauce remains a customer favorite.  Beer-battered Alaskan Pollock stars in their SBC Fish & Chips ($16.00).  The brewery’s signature beers include Oval Beach Blonde, Neapolitan Milk Stout, and Rainbow Rodeo IPA.  Their latest brew—Lake Street Light—helps support lake sturgeon conservation through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Saugatuck Brewing Pricing

The menu maintains reasonable prices throughout.  Appetizer prices start at $8.00 for Parmesan Fries and reach $13.00 for items like Fried Pickles.  Customers can enjoy salads from $12.00-$15.00, while sandwiches and burgers cost between $14.00-$17.00.  Kids’ meals range from $6.00-$7.00 and include a choice of fries, chips or apple slices.

Saugatuck Brewing Location and Ambiance

The brewery’s home at 2948 Blue Star Highway in Douglas features two distinct tasting spaces.  Guests can choose between the Pub’s 16 taps, hard cider, and wine, or the Barrel Room’s relaxed atmosphere with shuffleboard, pinball and darts.  The large outdoor patio offers full service during warm weather.  Michigan’s only brewery-based Brew On Premise program lets guests craft their own beer with expert guidance.  The brewery welcomes visitors from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 am to 9:00 pm on weekends.

Marro’s Italian Restaurant

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Marro’s Italian Restaurant stands as one of the oldest establishments in Saugatuck’s dining scene.  The restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, family-friendly environment.  This beloved eatery has become a local favorite for comfort food and attracts visitors trying restaurants in downtown Saugatuck.

Marro’s Specialties

The restaurant’s menu celebrates traditional Italian favorites prepared with love.  Their homemade pasta dishes include classics like fettuccine alfredo and linguine with clam sauce.  The signature pizzas showcase hand-tossed crusts with both classic and creative topping combinations.  Chicken Parmesan remains the customer favorite and comes with perfectly al dente pasta. Italian varietals dominate their wine selection and pair well with their flavorful dishes.

Marro’s Pricing

Marro’s offers reasonable prices that suit family dining.  Appetizers cost between $8-12, while pasta dishes range from $16-22.  Wood-fired pizzas start at $14 for simple cheese and specialty options cost $20-24.  The restaurant offers children’s portions at lower prices, which makes it a budget-friendly choice among Saugatuck’s best family restaurants.

Marro’s Location and Ambiance

The restaurant sits on Butler Street in downtown Saugatuck’s heart.  This charming historic building features exposed brick walls and soft lighting.  White linens adorn intimate tables in the main dining room, while a separate bar area welcomes casual diners.  Italian-inspired artwork and photographs of Italy create an authentic atmosphere.  The small patio provides outdoor seating during summer months.  Guests should make reservations, especially on weekends when Saugatuck’s waterfront and downtown restaurants get busy.

Bowdies Chophouse

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Bowdies Chophouse brings Manhattan-caliber dining to downtown Saugatuck.  This fine dining gem at 230 Culver Street serves USDA prime dry-aged steaks in an atmosphere of rustic elegance.  The restaurant’s meticulous focus on quality has earned it a spot among Saugatuck’s best dining destinations.

Bowdies Chophouse Specialties

The menu celebrates exceptional cuts of beef that are carefully sourced and prepared.  The Filet Mignon ($60.00) comes as a “soft marble, melt in your mouth 10oz” cut.  The show-stopping Tomahawk ($110.00) features a massive 36oz bone-in ribeye that’s perfect to share.  The kitchen shows its culinary expertise beyond steaks with appetizers like Escargot ($16.00) in garlic herb butter and Bone Marrow ($19.00) served with citrus salt and toasted baguette.  The shareable sides include Au Gratin Potatoes ($13.00) and Lobster Mac ($31.00).

Bowdies Chophouse Pricing

The premium dining experience reflects in the prices, with main cuts starting at $58.00 for the Kansas City steak and reaching $135.00 for the magnificent 40oz Porterhouse.  Guests can boost their meal with add-ons like lobster tail ($23.00) or house-aged Worcestershire sauce ($5.00).  The restaurant doesn’t allow children under 12 because of its intimate size and bar proximity.

Bowdies Chophouse Location and Ambiance

The sophisticated interior creates beautiful contrasts with rustic woodgrain and leather that go together with elegant white linens and refined tableware.  The owners opened Bowdies to fill Saugatuck’s need for a great steakhouse.  The restaurant now offers indoor and outdoor seating options with private dining space for up to 14 guests.  This downtown Saugatuck gem brings big-city steakhouse quality to small-town Michigan, and reservations are recommended.

Chicago puns.

Isabel’s Market & Eatery

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Isabel’s Market & Eatery brings together the best of a gourmet food market and cafe-style dining.  This gem among Saugatuck Michigan’s restaurants offers a fresh take on dining that delivers quality and flavor with every bite.

Isabel’s Market Specialties

The market boasts an impressive array of artisanal foods and prepared dishes that put Michigan’s local products front and center.  The menu changes with the seasons and features ingredients from nearby farms and producers.  You’ll find specialty cheeses, charcuterie, fresh-baked goods, and ready-to-go meals.  The market’s shelves are stocked with carefully chosen pantry items like small-batch sauces, local honey and craft beverages that showcase the region’s best.

Isabel’s Market Pricing

Isabel’s market-style approach works well for different budgets.  Cafe items cost between $9-16, which makes it more available than many of Saugatuck’s upscale downtown restaurants.  The market offers everything from everyday basics to premium specialty items.  You can craft your own experience here – pick up ingredients to cook at home or grab a casual meal without committing to a full-service restaurant visit.

Isabel’s Market Location and Ambiance

Just outside the main tourist area, Isabel’s welcomes you into a bright, spacious setting that blends modern and rustic elements beautifully.  The space features both communal tables and cozy corners that promote conversation and private dining.  The retail displays merge naturally with dining areas, which creates an energetic atmosphere where you can browse while your food is prepared or soak in the market’s lively vibe.

Waverly Stone Gastropub

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Waverly Stone Gastropub adds a fresh twist to Holland’s dining scene with its globally-inspired dishes.  The restaurant sits in a historic building that celebrates the area’s rich architectural heritage.  Since 2018, this father-son venture has connected Holland’s history with modern dining through their carefully prepared dishes.

Waverly Stone Specialties

American cuisine meets Mediterranean flavors on their diverse menu.  The Smoked Salmon ($16.50) stands out with Bay of Fundy salmon, sour cream and capers.  Their Housemade Kofta Meatballs ($16.50) come with a delicious roasted red pepper Alfredo sauce.  Guests love the Kofta Smash ($17.00), which combines a seasoned lamb and beef patty with goat cheese and tzatziki.  The kitchen’s talent shines through fresh fish dishes like Stuffed Rainbow Trout ($27.00) and Hot Honey Glazed Salmon ($27.50).

Waverly Stone Pricing

Appetizers cost between $12.50 and $16.50, while handhelds and gyros run $16.00-$17.00.  Fresh fish dishes range from $23.50 to $27.50, and pasta options cost $17.50 to $25.50.  Sweet treats like Cherry Ganache Tart and Limoncello Cheese Cake are available at $7.00 each.

Waverly Stone Location and Ambiance

The restaurant welcomes guests at 20 W 8th Street in downtown Holland.  Its historic building showcases beautiful tin ceilings and warm wooden floors.  Diners can choose between two indoor areas or enjoy their meal on the dog-friendly patio beneath tall Sycamore trees.  The restaurant serves guests Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM but remains closed on Sundays.  Calling (616) 392-5888 is recommended to secure a table.

Everyday People Cafe

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The New York Times and other publications praise Everyday People Cafe, a gem in Douglas that serves contemporary American cuisine.  This award-winning restaurant stands out among Saugatuck Michigan’s dining spots.

Everyday People Cafe Specialties

The dinner menu shines with elegant small plates that showcase Beef Carpaccio with shaved raw tenderloin and Greek Meatballs with cucumber-feta sauce.  Food lovers flock to taste the Drunken Shrimp Sambuca served with puff pastry.  The premium Chilean Sea Bass ($48) comes perfectly prepared with miso-sake marinade.  Lunch brings comfort food classics like the EPC Burger ($15) crafted from local ground chuck, sirloin and brisket.  Breakfast favorites shine through dishes like their house-made Corned Beef Hash & Eggs ($12).

Everyday People Cafe Pricing

Lunch prices stay reasonable at $10-21 and most entrees cost less than $15.  The dinner menu steps up with small plates at $15-17.  Main courses range from $24 for vegetarian risotto to $48 for premium seafood and beef dishes.  Wine enthusiasts can enjoy house bubbles at $6 per glass or $30 per bottle.

Everyday People Cafe Location and Ambiance

The restaurant’s home at 11 Center Street in Douglas welcomes guests with a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.  Fresh, locally-farmed produce enhances this stylish yet approachable dining spot’s charm.

Niagara Falls puns.

The Butler

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The Butler, a beloved Saugatuck restaurant since 1961, sits in a historic building that’s 131 years old.  This waterfront gem has managed to keep its stellar reputation by serving delicious American cuisine to both locals and tourists.

The Butler Specialties

American classics dominate the menu, with seafood and burgers taking center stage.  The Famous Butler Burger ($17) stands out as their signature dish, featuring grilled black forest ham, American cheese, lettuce and mayonnaise.  Seafood lovers flock to the Lobster & Shrimp Roll ($22) with its tangy lemon-chive aioli and the Lake Perch ($26) paired with house-made tartar sauce.  Creative pizza options like the Pickle & Prosciutto ($18) surprise diners with their dill pickle cream cheese spread.

The Butler Pricing

Diners can enjoy main courses ranging from $16 for a Classic Burger to $29 for premium seafood dishes like Caribbean Salmon.  Burgers and specialty sandwiches cost between $16-$17.  Birthday celebrants receive half-price entrées up to $20, while active firefighters and police officers enjoy a 25% discount.

The Butler Location and Ambiance

The restaurant welcomes guests at 40 Butler Street in downtown Saugatuck.  Diners enjoy breathtaking views of Kalamazoo Lake harbor and the Saugatuck boardwalk.  A spacious two-story, open-air patio accommodates 250 guests.  The kitchen serves food from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM during weekdays, staying open until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Comparison Table

Enjoy Restaurants in Saugatuck

Saugatuck packs a mighty punch as a food lover’s paradise.  The town’s dining scene rivals bigger cities with an amazing mix of restaurants.  You’ll find everything from high-end spots like Coast 236 and Bowdies Chophouse to local favorites such as Pizza Mambo and Douglas Root Beer Barrel.  This charming Michigan town has something to match every taste and budget.

Local agriculture enriches the menus at restaurants throughout town.  Pennyroyal Cafe takes pride in its farm-to-table concept and grows most ingredients at their nearby farm.  The Southerner puts a Michigan twist on traditional Southern dishes that keeps diners coming back.

The restaurant scene gets even better with waterfront dining options.  The BARge serves up creative American dishes with beautiful Kalamazoo River views.  The Butler’s two-story patio offers breathtaking harbor views that complement its decades-old legacy.

This small town’s food scene is wonderfully diverse.  You can enjoy authentic Italian food at Marro’s, try Mediterranean-American fusion at Waverly Stone Gastropub, or savor Southern comfort food at The Southerner.  The best part? These restaurants are just minutes apart.

Saugatuck’s restaurants fit every budget perfectly.  Pizza Mambo and Douglas Root Beer Barrel serve great meals under $20.  Special occasions call for premium steaks at Bowdies Chophouse or a memorable tasting menu at Coast 236.

Summer brings the biggest crowds to Saugatuck’s restaurants without doubt. Many places like Everyday People Cafe and Saugatuck Brewing Company stay open year-round and maintain their high standards whatever the season.

Saugatuck offers something special for everyone.  You can enjoy a romantic waterfront dinner, have a family meal after beach time, or grab a great coffee with fresh pastries.  The town’s exceptional dining scene and its concentration of culinary talent make it a must-visit spot on any food lover’s Michigan trip in 2025.

FAQs

Q1. What are some of the best restaurants in Saugatuck according to locals?
Some highly recommended restaurants in Saugatuck include The Southerner for Southern comfort food, Coast 236 for upscale dining, Pennyroyal Cafe for farm-to-table cuisine, Bowdies Chophouse for premium steaks and Everyday People Cafe for contemporary American fare.

Q2. Are there any waterfront dining options in Saugatuck?
Yes, Saugatuck offers several waterfront dining options.  The BARge provides stunning views of the Kalamazoo River, while The Butler offers panoramic vistas of Kalamazoo Lake harbor from its two-story patio.

Q3. What types of cuisine can I find in Saugatuck restaurants?
Saugatuck boasts a diverse culinary scene, offering everything from classic American and Italian to Southern, Mediterranean, and farm-to-table cuisine.  You can find seafood, steakhouses, pizzerias, gastropubs and even craft breweries with food menus.

Q4. Are there any budget-friendly dining options in Saugatuck?
Yes, Saugatuck has dining options for various budgets.  Casual spots like Pizza Mambo and Douglas Root Beer Barrel offer satisfying meals under $20, while Isabel’s Market & Eatery provides affordable cafe-style dining options.

Q5. Do Saugatuck restaurants require reservations?
While not all restaurants require reservations, it’s recommended for popular establishments, especially during peak tourist season.  Upscale restaurants like Coast 236 and Bowdies Chophouse strongly encourage reservations to ensure availability.