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Good Eats Around West Michigan

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Experience the culinary delights of West Michigan. From delicious freshly baked pies to mouthwatering slow-roasted BBQ, and refreshing craft brews to refined French cuisine, there’s something to please every palate. Whether you’re dining in or opting for takeout, West Michigan offers a diverse array of culinary experiences. Here are some standout establishments to explore and satisfy your appetite.

South West Michigan Region

River Saint Joe in Buchanan is a farm-to-table establishment. Inspired by the vegetables grown on their 180-acre farm, their menu uses farm-fresh produce and organic ingredients. Bring the whole family along and try the kid’s menu and non-alcoholic beverage offerings. Kids are always welcome in the brewery taproom.

Saugatuck/Douglas offers a surprisingly sophisticated and inspired culinary experience to please any palate. Burger lovers won’t miss out on the famous Butler Burger from The Butler restaurant—part of the quintessential Saugatuck experience. Another must-visit restaurant is Salt of the Earth, a rustic American eatery and bakery that fully leverages the bounty of local farms and orchards to create sumptuous entrees, wood oven-fired pizzas, and legendary artisan bread. Be sure to stop at Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant & Winery to indulge in their one-of-a-kind Pie Flight. For other can’t-miss culinary spots, click here.

 

Lulu Cadieux is a magical place housed in a restored 100-year-old former fruit market located in Saugatuck. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and sculptures, you may imagine yourself transported to a charming French farm.  You will want to immediately explore their light-filled kitchen and chef’s garden, where they offer Cooking Classes taught by their French chef.  Hands-on classes are designed for small groups (2-8 people). Soufflés, chicken cordon bleu, paella, and fish en papillote are just some of the dishes to choose from. Check out their website to schedule your private class. 

New Park Gastropub brings a creative and exciting new cuisine to downtown South Haven. They have the largest outdoor patio and is only a few minutes’ walk to the beaches. Craft cocktails, smoked meats, boozy Sunday brunches, house sauces, and 20 beer taps make New Park Gastropub a must-see in South Haven.

Bay Pointe Bar & Grille in Shelbyville is an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant. Aptly named for its lakefront location with panoramic island and garden views, Bay Pointe’s Executive Chef impresses guests with house-made, locally sourced cuisine to satisfy the most seasoned palate. Bay Pointe Bar & Grille is a true culinary gem that will delight your senses with a fresh, seasonal menu, extensive wine selection, handcrafted cocktails, and exceptional personalized service. 

Visit Allegan Event on Sundays to enjoy the BBQ Beer Garden, featuring live music on the patio and weekly barbecue specials such as pulled pork & chicken sandwiches, brisket, beans, mac ‘n cheese, coleslaw, and other tasty treats. Enjoy drink specials such as our Bomb Pop, available as a mocktail and cocktail, and other refreshing drink specials and adult beverages.

The Classic Roast Prime Rib has been a staple at Schuler’s Restaurant in Marshall for years.  Prime rib is a large roast that is difficult to prepare well, and most people don’t do it at home anymore. For its prime rib, Schuler’s selects the best possible meat. Schuler’s uses special seasonings and slow-roasts to control the quality. The “end cut” of the roast, which is popular with some guests, is available if the timing is right.

Enjoy a casual fine dining café at Four Roses Cafe in Plainwell. The menu changes daily and will be determined by what is available daily in local markets. Four Roses Café strives to use local farmers and vendors whenever possible and emphasizes fresh, sustainable products. Four Roses supports Michigan breweries, distilleries, and wineries with 12 rotating taps, all Michigan craft beers, and featuring local wines and ciders.

Brewed on the fresh coast of Lake Michigan, Silver Harbor Brewing Company is proud to call the mitten home. They are serving award-winning beer throughout Michigan and in their St Joseph taproom. Learn more about their brews here.

Kalamazoo has an array of restaurants for all types of foodies. Be sure to visit Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, Michigan’s oldest brewery and first microbrew pub.

Visit Journeyman in Three Oaks for lunch or dinner. Come munch on some delicious, locally sourced food and enjoy one of their signature cocktails. They focus on the details in all their food and drinks and are sure the difference won’t be lost on you. Try their bourbon mash pizza for Journeyman Distillery’s spin on an old favorite.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Maple Row Sugarhouse. Come maple season, when the weather conditions are just right, the sugarhouse harvests sap from local maple trees in Southwest Michigan. Visit the Annual Maple Festival occurring yearly in March to enjoy pancakes, world-class maple syrup, and other foodie delights. 

Home to many locally owned and operated diners, restaurants, and pubs, Coldwater Country is the place to grab a delicious quick breakfast, a destination restaurant, or a gourmet dinner. Visit their website for their top picks for places to eat.

Experience a culinary journey in downtown Lansing, with stunning views of the Grand River. The food hall offers diverse cuisines to satisfy every taste bud, from exotic flavors to classic favorites. Join us for a delightful meal and drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.

Vineyard 2121 in Benton Harbor has different food specials every weekend, ranging from burgers to salmon to Italian. Check their Facebook page for updates every week.

Find more delicious options in Southern West Michigan

Central West Michigan Region

Visit Jamesport Brewing Co, in Ludington, a brewpub specializing in crafting its beer onsite. Chef creations are featured weekly, including Flight Nights, Mexican cuisine, and comfort foods. Be sure to try the spicy cheese curds to start your meal. 

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a get-together with friends, or a family feast, the dining in Holland will suit your tastes and fit your budget. This charming city offers a delectable mix of dining options, ranging from quaint cafes serving freshly brewed artisanal coffee and delicious pastries, such as Bowermans on 8th, to upscale eateries dishing out locally sourced farm-to-table delights. Visitors can savor the rich flavors of tapas or Bibimbap, enjoy the catch of the day on a lakeside patio, or sample authentic Hispanic cuisine in locations scattered throughout the city. 

Hearthstone Bistro is “A hidden gem” amongst the hustle and bustle of downtown Muskegon—a perfect spot to celebrate with your loved ones or enjoy a romantic date night. Experience the dimly lit indoor ambiance or take advantage of their beautiful outdoor garden terrace seating in the summer months. They offer an exquisite menu to satisfy any inner foodie. Check out their menu here.

From a casual bite at the Grand Coney to waterfront dining at Snug Harbor, the Grand Haven area is filled with a variety of your favorite cuisines. Local dining in the Grand Haven area is a thriving community that offers classic favorites like the Village Baker’s Bavarian delicacies or Turk’s Tavern’s classic American dishes, as well as experimental gems like Paisley Pig Gastropub’s Crispy Duck & Waffles or the Toasted Pickle, Get Pickled Grilled Cheese. Any palette will be satisfied dining in Grand Haven.

Hudsonville Winery and Pike 51 in Hudsonville are known for their delicious wines and brews, but they also have a food menu full of wraps, salads, burgers, and south-of-the-border flavors.

Located on the Westside of Grand Rapids, Harmony Brewing Company at Harmony Hall has crafted a menu and atmosphere with German beer hall influences. Brewing small batches of well-balanced beer, their food menu features options like house-made sausages, a variety of sandwiches, and multiple choices of loaded fries.

Interested in more tasty eats in Central Michigan? Check out these delectable foodie restaurants. 

North West Michigan & Upper Peninsula Region

From family-friendly and casual to fine dining, Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire has what you crave. With stunning sunsets, award-winning steaks, pasta, and homemade desserts, The Lakeview Restaurant offers simple, local, social dining. Conveniently located in the Great Room of The Lakeview Hotel lobby, the CoffeeBAR proudly serves Starbucks coffees, including espresso, cappuccino, frappuccino, and many other hot and cold beverages—fresh house-made breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and lunch items round out the menu. 

Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms near Suttons Bay is steeped in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Don’t miss the Salad Nicoise with seared tuna or a wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza with the freshest toppings.  Come for special Raclette dinners, charcuterie classes, and more. 

Back again this year from March 23rd to April 20th is a winter tasting and food experience that runs throughout Antrim and Charlevoix Counties. Twelve businesses have joined forces to create a uniquely themed small bite food tasting with a 2 oz wine pour, a tasting pour of cider/beer, or a sample cocktail. This trail runs once a month throughout the winter of 2024 on the designated dates from 12-6 PM. Each location can offer extended hours, so please check with them if you’d like to visit outside the 12-6 time frame. It is $12 per person at each location. Some spots include BluDot Farm and Vineyard, Lost Cellars, WaterFire Vineyards, and Short’s Brewing Company. Menus for each weekend will be posted a few weeks ahead.

In the Keweenaw, dining options are as diverse as the landscape. From cozy diners to restaurants nestled on the shores of Lake Superior, visitors can kick back and enjoy local favorites like Lake Superior whitefish or the coveted pasty. Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is the perfect spot where one is not in a hurry but rather wants to enjoy the atmosphere of the Lodge, and the company one is with.  Whether craving comfort food or fresh catches, there’s something for every palate in the Keweenaw. 

Marquette has some fantastic local dining options for visitors to savor. Established initially as a candy shop in 1896, Donckers is now a fun, family-friendly restaurant with delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options and sweets galore. With almost four decades of serving, The Portside Inn is a casual pub-style eatery with a maritime vibe, offering a delightful combination of seafood, burgers, and salads. For fried fish, craft beer, and other classic American dishes, look no further than the historic and local favorite, the Vierling. The local cocktail lounge and pizza parlor, Vangos, takes pride in crafting their dough and sauce from scratch, ensuring that only the finest ingredients are used for their Greek delicacies.

Stop into Cadillac for lunch or dinner by the lake. They have several Lakes Cadillac & Mitchell waterfront dining options from Dockside Inn to Cheryl’s Landing. Are you in the mood for a delicious breakfast? Dine at the After 26 Depot Cafe for classic favorites like Chicken & Waffles or a Build Your Omelet. Venture over to Evergreen Resort for some great eats. Stop by Curly’s Bar & Grill for a pub-style menu, local craft beers, and flexible seating. Passage North is our fine dining restaurant, boasting golf course views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Outdoor seating is available as well.  For more great Cadillac dining options, click here. 

 

The Hotel Iroquois on Michigan’s breathtaking Mackinac Island is a treasured family getaway. Their Carriage House restaurant delights guests with waterfront views and classic American cuisine with the freshest seasonal ingredients. Another great spot to check out is the Pink Pony inside the Chippewa Hotel. Serving a wide variety of cocktails, it is famous for its whitefish dip and burger. Relaxed, low-key, and offering stellar lake views, it’s a great place to cool your heels after an afternoon spent discovering this charming island.

The Fort Mackinac Tea Room, run by the Grand Hotel, features the best dining view in Michigan, overlooking Mackinac Island, the Straits of Mackinac, and the Mackinac Bridge. Try the Smoked Chicken Sandwich or Quinoa, Corn, & Avocado Salad, or indulge with a delicious milkshake. 

Experience Michigan’s culinary excellence at the Rusted Spoke Brewing Company in Mackinaw City. Enjoy award-winning BBQ, savory chili, prime rib, and fresh seafood. With 20 craft beers, a full bar, and inviting outdoor seating, every visit is a flavorful adventure.

A quality meal is guaranteed when true local ingredients and a passion for food drive your standards. Walloon Lake Inn guarantees such a unique experience and remarkable food. At the Walloon Lake Inn, we bring what matters to the table.

Another great restaurant in Walloon Lake is Barrel Back Restaurant, which has something for everyone, as well as great indoor and outdoor seating with views of one of the most beautiful lakes in Michigan. Our menu consists of simple foods prepared carefully in our unique kitchen. Our kitchen is unique because we have a wood-fired pizza oven, a wood-fired grill, and a wood-fired rotisserie smoker. 

Hotel Frankfort & Restaurant is centered on Frankfort’s historic Main Street. Just two blocks from one of the most picturesque beaches of Lake Michigan sits the historic Hotel Frankfort. Our 88-year-old boutique hotel boasts. Whether a romantic dinner or a home-cooked breakfast, our top-notch restaurant staff is waiting to exceed your expectations. Our craft cocktails, robust local beer selections, and extensive wine list are second to none.

Boone’s Long Lake Inn in Traverse City serves legendary steaks, seafood, and prime rib, making them a northern Michigan landmark. The rustic decor provides a comfortable and casual atmosphere that enhances services, quality, and large portions. 

Located in the heart of downtown Traverse City, the Tasting Room offers an upscale evening within a beautiful setting.  Discover exquisite cuisine, fine wines, and artisanal cocktails in an inviting ambiance, perfect for intimate dinners, celebrations, and corporate events.

Maybe you’re feeling a planked whitefish from the Terrace Inn’s 1911 Restaurant? Or how about your pick of cuisine from The Back Lot beer garden in downtown Petoskey – fish & chips, wood-fired pizza, a lamb cheeseburger street taco, gourmet grilled cheese, or even a Mediterranean gyro? Foodie delights hide around every corner. For more food & drink options in the Petoskey area, click here.

Check out this great list of mouth-watering places to try in North West Michigan and Upper Peninsula.

Across West Michigan:

Discover a variety of dining experiences across Grand Rapids and Lakeshore:

 

 

With fresh, scratch-made food, extensive drink lists, and inviting atmospheres, our restaurants cater to every occasion. Explore our diverse menus and enjoy the best patios in West Michigan for outdoor dining. Visit RedWaterRestaurantGroup.com for more information.