With its charming, small-town atmosphere and direct access to Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is a popular beach destination for city dwellers seeking a relaxing getaway. Though visitors come to be near the Lake Michigan shore, I suggest you venture beyond the beach to these seven locally-loved places to eat and drink in Saugatuck and Douglas, Michigan.
Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate partner links. When you click on one of these links and reserve your Saugatuck accommodations, I may earn a small commission. Also, some of the meals and drinks featured in this post were comped. Thank you to EatDrinkSDF for hosting me in June 2018 for a foodie-approved weekend getaway!
Where To Eat In Saugatuck And Douglas
Want to eat and drink where the locals do in Saugatuck and Douglas? Well, I’ve done the research for you. The following seven restaurants and bars have been taste tested and approved by this West Michigan-based foodie.
Explore the map below to find where to eat in Saugatuck!
GROW
It seems only appropriate to start this list where you should begin your day in Saugatuck. Specializing in brunch, GROW’s menu features a variety of sweet and savory breakfast dishes and a handful of salads and sandwiches. I must say you really can’t go wrong with any of the “batter” options. I’ve tried all three of these sweet breakfast dishes — carrot cake pancakes, Belgian waffle with maple butter and jam, and blueberry and lemon French toast. All three were so incredibly delicious I don’t think I could choose a favorite. If you prefer savory breakfast options, the avocado toast and breakfast panzanella would be my suggestions. But, don’t just take my word for it. Go try GROW for yourself!
COVID-19 Update: GROW is offering a limited menu of family-style, to-go meals for curbside pickup. Brunch for two or four diners is available for curbside pickup from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday and Sunday. The Mexican dinner of build-your-own tacos and side dishes also feeds two or four, and it is available from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. You can place your order online, including pre-orders for a scheduled pick-up time.
GROW is located at 302 Culver Street in Saugatuck.
Uncommon Coffee Roasters
Need your morning cup of joe or a mid-day latte while you browse the downtown shops? Uncommon Coffee Roasters is the place to go. This downtown Saugatuck coffee shop serves high-quality coffee roasted in house, espresso drinks, and a selection of baked goods. Both classic and unique, the espresso-based beverages are created with house-made syrups. This summer I tried the iced lavender latte, which was quite refreshing. You’re likely to find Uncommon’s coffee served at other restaurants around town, and it has even been used in a craft beer brewed by Saugatuck Brewing Company!
COVID-19 Update: Uncommon Coffee Roasters remains open for to-go orders from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. You can place your order inside the cafe, at the walk-up window, or by using the Joe Coffee app.
Uncommon Coffee Roasters is located at 127 Hoffman Street in Saugatuck.
Farmhouse Deli & Pantry
Farmhouse Deli & Pantry has been called the best deli in West Michigan, and I’d say rightfully so. Each of the deli’s sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts feature local ingredients and are “crafted with love.” Farmhouse Deli also serves freshly-made juices, cleansing hot shots, Equal Exchanges’ organic coffee and cold brew, and a variety of espresso and tea drinks.
I highly recommend the Muffeletta sandwich of smoked ham, fennel salami, spicy sopressata, olives, greens, Gouda, and lemon mayonnaise on a Dutch crunch roll. So yummy! Not a meat eater? The menu also features a couple vegan options, including a hummus veggie wrap and vegan Bahn Mi. For the kiddos, Farmhouse offers organic peanut butter and strawberry jam, white cheddar grilled cheese, and turkey with cheddar and mayo sandwiches on challah bread.
While you can eat your sandwiches on the picnic tables outside, I’d take them to nearby Oval Beach. The Farmhouse pantry is stocked with high-quality and local foods and drinks to round out your picnic lunch.
COVID-19 Update: The Farmhouse Deli & Pantry is offering a limited menu of to-go food and grocery items for pickups on Monday and Friday afternoons. Offerings will change from week to week, so follow the deli’s Facebook page for weekly menus and other updates. The deli is also planning a special Easter menu. You can place your order online or email info@thefarmhousedeli.com.
Farmhouse Deli & Pantry is located at 100 Blue Star Highway in Douglas.
Red Dock Cafe
Located on a dock in Kalamazoo Lake, Red Dock Cafe offers dockside service, waterfront views, cold drinks, and a laid-back Key West-like atmosphere until sunset. “When the sun goes down, you leave town” states a chalkboard behind the bar, so the Red Dock is definitely your day-drinking spot on a hot summer afternoon. Stop by for the boozy rum punch, and don’t forget to bring cash!
Red Dock Cafe is located at 219 N Union Street in Douglas.
Saugatuck Brewing Company
Craft beer drinkers, Saugatuck Brewing Company needs to be on your itinerary. One of my favorite Michigan-made beers is their Blueberry Maple Stout. Just imagine all the flavors of blueberry pancakes in a pint glass! You also can’t go wrong with SBC’s classics. The Oval Beach Blonde goes down easy in summer. In fall and winter, reach for the slightly smoky Bonfire Brown or the creamy Neapolitan Milk Stout.
As for food, the brewery dishes up tasty pub fare, including salads, soups, sandwiches, and burgers. While dining on the patio this summer, I enjoyed the Southwestern Club of marinated chicken breast topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and a chipotle aioli on a spent grain roll. I paired my meal with the tart and funky Cotton Mouth Quencher (Peach).
One of the best perks of dining at the Saugatuck Brewing Co. pub is getting to taste their uniquely flavored beers, and if you are offered anything barrel aged, your answer should be nothing other than “YES, PLEASE.”
COVID-19 Update: Saugatuck Brewing Company is offering to-go food and beer from noon to 7 p.m. daily. To order and pre-pay by credit card, call 269-857-7222, ext. 1.
The Saugatuck Brewing Company pub is located at 2948 Blue Star Highway in Douglas.
Borrowed Time
This fabulous wine bar in Douglas is such a hidden gem and my new favorite spot in Saugatuck/Douglas. The drink menu features an extensive array of Michigan-made craft beers and ciders — several of which are hyperlocal. While much of the beer is locally sourced, the wines come mostly from boutique wineries in the world’s top wine regions. At Borrowed Time, pair your glass of vino or a pint with a cheese and charcuterie board, bruschetta, or a dish to share. I’m dying to try the baked brie and bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts with a Scotch maple glaze. Yum, right?
COVID-19 Update: Borrowed Time is offering contact-free carry out and delivery of beer, cider, wine, and food from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. You can view the menu and order online, or call 269-455-5256.
Borrowed Time is located at 22 East Center Street in Douglas.
J. Paul’s Restaurant & Wine Lounge at The Kirby
To wrap up this list of where to eat in Saugatuck, I’ve saved the swankiest for last. If you are in the mood to wine and dine, J. Paul’s Restaurant & Wine Lounge at The Kirby is the place for you.
Located on the main level of a Victorian-era home that now houses a boutique hotel, the dining room is an intimate setting. With dim candle lighting and a beautiful wrap-around porch outside, it’s quite a romantic atmosphere for your couple’s getaway.
Beyond the romantic atmosphere, I loved the wine selection. Sommelier Mindy has curated a fabulous wine list that pairs well with the refined seasonal menu. During my hosted meal, Mindy selected a flight of rosé wines that enhanced each delicious course. For any wine lover, dining at J. Paul’s Restaurant & Wine Lounge is a must when visiting Saugatuck.
J. Paul’s Restaurant & Wine Lounge is located at The Kirby, 294 West Center Street in Douglas.
You can also stay at The Kirby!
Planning to visit Saugatuck?
Living less than an hour’s drive from Saugatuck, most of my visits have been day trips from Grand Rapids. Between the beaches, shops, and dining, there is never a shortage of things to do on day trip to Saugatuck.
However, this past summer I finally stayed for a weekend getaway hosted at the Amble Inn, a rustic yet cozy bed and breakfast just south of Douglas in Fennville. In fact, the B&B is just a minute’s drive down Blue Star Highway from Saugatuck Brewing Company. I recommend staying at the Amble Inn for the delicious homemade breakfast and charming patio space outside my room.
More Saugatuck Accommodations
Staying at a bed and breakfast is part of the charming small-town experience when visiting Saugatuck, Douglas, and nearby Fennville. Besides the Amble Inn, I’m sharing a few other accommodations in Saugatuck, Douglas, and Fennville to consider booking for your trip.
Where to Stay in Saugatuck
- Belvedere Inn & Restaurant
- Hidden Garden Cottages & Suites
- The Hotel Saugatuck
- Judson Heath Colonial Inn
- Twin Oaks Inn
- Wickwood Inn
Where to Stay in Douglas
Where to Stay in Fennville
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Where would you eat in Saugatuck, Michigan?
Have you been to Saugatuck or Douglas? If you have a favorite restaurant from this area, please share it with my other readers by leaving a comment below.
Next time stop in at j Petter Gallery and wine bar!!! Right on bluestar by the bridge…
I would love to do that, Kim!
This all looks awesome, but those sandwiches from Farmhouse Deli are definitely calling my name! 🙂
OK, first reaction was how on earth doe sone pronounce Saugatuck lol? But looks like the food there is awesome, the sandwich shot got my stromach rumbling, as did the avocado toast!
That avocado toast sounds so good. I haven’t ever seen that served anywhere. I’ll start with that, please! Farmhouse Deli’s sandwiches also look scrumptious! Ha-ha — can you tell I’m in the mood for bread?!
I’ll admit, I didn’t even know where Saugatuck was before but it’s certainly on my foodie radar now! You had me with the avocado toast. I want to eat EVERYTHING! 😉
That avocado toast was pure deliciousness, but there is plenty more to eat and drink in and near Saugatuck. I’m glad it’s now on your foodie radar! If you ever come up to Grand Rapids, it’s a great day-trip destination. 😉
Smashed Avo on toast is very Australian lol. I always like trying the local beers where ever we are so the brewing company would be a hit with me. I am always amused when places serve crisps with food and not french fries lol
You’re right, avo toast is a very Aussie dish indeed, but it is all the rage in the US now, too! As a craft beer drinker, Saugatuck Brewing Company would definitely be a good fit for you. It’s funny what details people notice about food, and like you said, it definitely is less common to be served chips, as call them in the states. At the brewery, I think you have the option to upgrade your order for a different side dish such as French fries. Either way, salty food goes well with beer!