Culinary Arts
Dining in Saugatuck/Douglas is a study in choices. True to its nature of offering diversity for every aspect of a visitor's stay, the Saugatuck/Douglas area serves up a veritable buffet of dining establishments.
Upscale dining reflected in both their settings and their menus is available at some Saugatuck/Douglas area restaurants. The Dining Room at Clearbrook features excellent continental cuisine in a classic Scottish Golf Club setting with beautiful views of their fairway and herb and flower gardens. They also offer more casual dining year 'round in their Grill Room overlooking the first tee. Casual dining in a lovely Gatsby-era atmosphere is offered by Ravine's Golf Club at their course-side restaurant in Arnie's Cottage overlooking breathtaking fairways. Exquisite American contemporary cuisine is the fare at the Belvedere Inn and Restaurant which offers sophisticated dining prepared by European chef/owner Shaun Glenn in an elegantly restored mansion. Restaurant Toulouse in Saugatuck specializes in continental as well as American contemporary cuisine with intimate outdoor dining and live music in season.
Looking for casual dining with a touch of flair? Coral Gables overlooks the Saugatuck harbor and features authentic American food, a deck, multilevel verandas, several lively bars, entertainment, a dance club and live comedy at their prime waterfront location. Nearby, The Butler, a longtime favorite with the locals, famous for its Big Burgers and awesome shimp Bloody Mary's, also offers prime ribs, steaks, seafood, cocktails, great music outdoors in season and a wonderful view of Saugatuck Harbor.
If you are looking for a "joint that rocks" visit The White House Bistro and Capitol Lounge; bring your appetite, your sense of humor and your dancing shoes - you'll need them all! Phil's Bar and Grill is our local "Cheers". An upscale tavern with a bistro touch - try the lamb lollipops or broasted chicken. For Chicago-style hot dogs and gyros stop in at "the friendliest bar in town" and shoot a game of pool - The Sand Bar Saloon. For "gourmet eats and treats", check out Yum! Yum! Café, Gelateria & Luncheonette, an intimate European-style café in downtown Douglas - "tucked away, but not far away". And for the sports enthusiast, Spectator's Bar & Grill serves up great food while televising sports events on 25 TV's around the premises and offers Keno, pull tabs and live dance music on the veranda in season.
The Saugatuck area has a colorful bouquet of ethnic cuisine. Chequers recreates the feel of a traditional English pub complete with fireplace and fabulous imported beers, wines and ales - try the fish 'n' chips. Famous for their thin crust pizza, Marro's not only dishes up the finest fare sunny Italy has to offer, but also provides one of the hottest dance floors in town. A hidden gem tucked away on the waterfront, The Elbo Room specializes a variety of imaginative creations. Known mostly to locals, they prepare great breakfasts, lunches and dinners - and they deliver!
In downtown Saugatuck, ever popular Pumpernickel's specializes in hearty breakfasts in cast iron frying pans and NYC deli-style sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, giant cinnamon rolls and casual dinners with live music in season. For a light breakfast, go where so many locals gather for delicious home-baked goods and outstanding lattes and coffees, Uncommon Grounds. Or if your craving for sweets should get the better of you, there's Kilwins Chocolates in two nearby locations on Butler Street, where great slabs of fudge get carved into bite-sized morsels right before your eyes - not to mention their other candies and a vast assortment of ice creams.
On Blue Star Highway in Douglas you'll find the Saugatuck Brewing Company in its newly-refurbished location alongside the Blue Star Antiques Pavilion. Here you can savor the latest home-brewed beers and freshly-made sandwiches, brew your own, or just take a tour - live entertainment in season.
On Center Street in downtown Douglas, The Wild Dog Grille features steaks, fresh seafood and pasta in a premiere setting. Be sure to try their crabcakes! Practically right across the street in a convivial galleria, Everyday People Café serves a creative menu of "eclectic-comfort food" with suggested wine pairings. The atmosphere is casual, hip and a real favorite with locals too. And at the other end of Center Street a block east of Blue Star the newly-refurbished Lakeview Lanes Bowling Lounge and Grill is the area's first "bowling alley martini bar" - try the hamburgers they're great!
Most restaurants are suited for families with children, but Crane's Pie Pantry is well known for its orchard-fresh pies, apple cider and home-cooked, child-pleasing meals. And don't forget to stop by Cookies on Call to pick up fresh batches of the finest gourmet baked goods this side of "Frannyland"! Try their artisan breads as well!
No resort community would be complete without its soda fountain and Saugatuck
Drug Co. has preserved the tradition of old-fashioned hand-creamed sodas
and phosphates for 84 years - featured in the New York Times - a must-see!
Photography by Felicia Fairchild - All Rights Reserved