Top 10 Restaurants in Saugatuck - our favorite Family Friendly Restaurants
After coming to the area for many years, we’ve tried a lot of Saugatuck restaurants. These are the places we keep coming back to — our favorite spots for family dinners, casual takeout, pizza, cocktails, and a special night out - These are our Top 10 restaurants in Saugatuck, MI
This post is meant to address just the best restaurants in Saugatuck, MI. The post on Douglas restaurants is coming soon! For a more comprehensive guide to Saugatuck, including essentials, activities, shopping, and even rainy day activities, be sure to check out our guide of Things to do in Saugatuck.
While we really enjoy cooking at our homes, sometimes the home chef (me) needs a break and we either get take-out or go out as a family to enjoy a meal. You can learn more about us here.
We have grouped the restaurants into a “nice dinner” category and a “casual” category. Both groups are great for the right occasion. These Saugatuck restaurants offer excellent food, and consistent service, based on our experience.
Also keep in mind, there are many other great restaurants in Saugatuck, these just happen to be our favorites.
Best restaurants in Saugatuck for a nice dinner
• Bowdie's Chophouse This is a very nice steakhouse, and one of our favorite restaurants in Saugatuck. Bowdie’s reminds me of some of my favorite steakhouses in Chicago. They use prime beef for their cooked to order steaks. They also have an excellent wedge salad, and side dishes for sharing - our favorites are the truffle fries and lobster mac & cheese. Excellent service, with superb cocktails, and a strong wine list. One “off menu” item we enjoy are the beignets, ask for them and most often they can accomodate. One of the few restaurants that can be reserved on OpenTable. 230 Culver St Saugatuck, MI (269) 455-5481.
• Marro’s Italian Restaurant is a family owned restaurant that has been open since 1971. As the name would imply, they specialize in Italian food. Open from around Memorial Day to around Labor Day, and great for take-out. Menu includes great pastas, pizzas, garlic bread, classic desserts – something for everyone, with an extensive family-style take out menu. Very family friendly. Can get very busy during peak months, so plan to arrive on the early side. 147 Water St, Saugatuck, MI (269) 857-4248
• Coast 236 offers a locally sourced, contemporary seasonal menu. This restaurant is known for their seafood such as grilled oysters, halibut, all wonderfully prepared. Top it off with craft cocktails, and great service. Patio seating is available. They offer several private and semi-private dining areas, indoors and outdoors, great for larger groups. This one, especially for the tasting menu options, is not as good for families - we tend to go there mainly just adults. Call ahead or use OpenTable for a reservation. 236 Culver Street, Saugatuck, MI (269) 455-5112
Best restaurants in Saugatuck for a casual dinner
• Phil’s Bar & Grille is a casual restaurant, open year around; great for the entire family. They offer nice cocktails and have limited patio seating. We like the ribs, chicken, salads, and beer on tap. There is something for everyone, especially for the kiddos. This place can get very busy during peak months. For carry-out, you can order by phone, and unless they are super busy they will accommodate. You can also request for them to put the name of someone you want to celebrate (or embarrass) on their billboard for a special event! 215 Butler Street Saugatuck, MI (269) 857-1555
Planning more than dinner?
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• Wicks Park is a casual restaurant, open seasonally, well into the fall. They have excellent fish tacos, crispy chicken salad, and pizzas. This is our kids’ favorite restaurant. Be sure to get the seasonal Oberon beer on tap. Usually not too busy if Phil’s or Marro’s line is too long. This place turns into a bar with live music on weekends. 449 Water Street Saugatuck, MI (269) 857-2888
• The Southerner is tucked along the water and is one of our favorite places for fried chicken, homemade biscuits with honey butter, and cabbage coleslaw. Kids love this place. They have a surprisingly strong select bourbon list at reasonable prices, including some hard to find bourbons. Go for the deck seating with water views. 880 Holland Street Saugatuck, MI (269) 857-3555
• Duck Alleyis a relative newcomer to the Saugatuck restaurant scene. They source many of their food ingredients and drinks from local farms nearby. Their menu includes some interesting choices such as duck liver mousse, a lobster and shrimp roll, and lamb ragu. 220 Culver street, Saugatuck, MI 269 455-5216
• Scooter's Cafe & Pizzeria is a popular locally-owned place, open year around. One of the features that set this pizza place apart is a strong variety of other items, such as chicken wings, pizza, cheesy bread, sandwiches, salads, but the BLT and margarita pizzas are a favorite. We really like this place for take out. 322 Culver Street, Saugatuck, MI (269)857-1041
• The Grilled Cheese Shack As the name would imply, their specialty is grilled cheese sandwiches. Great value, creative sandwiches… Build your own grilled cheese or choose from their specialty sandwich melts, such as Cheddar Turkey or the Herb Goat Cheese Melt. Great for a quick bite, service is usually pretty quick. 505 Water St, Saugatuck, MI Saugatuck, MI (269) 543-7700
• The Mitten Brewing Company Originally based in Grand Rapids, this outpost in Saugatuck opened more recently. Offers indoor or outdoor seating. Their menu includes a pizza flight, and a craft beer flight (a great combination). Several locals consider this the best pizza in town. They also offer starters, sandwiches and a kids menu. 329 Water St, Saugatuck, MI 49453
Learn more about Saugatuck Vacation Rentals:
Saugatuck Modern Farmhouse 6 Bedroom, 4.5 Bath | Sleeps 16 | 4,500 SF
Douglas Modern Villa 6 Bedroom, 4.5 Bath | Sleeps 15 | 4,000 SF
