Restaurants

Enjoy an array of classic steakhouse fare, served in this elegant and relaxed restaurant. The pan-seared foie gras with caramelized apples or the blue lump crab cakes make sensational starters. Specialty entrée dishes include the old-fashioned bone-in ribeye steak and the grilled gorgonzola encrusted “porterhouse” pork chops. The steamed crab legs served with drawn butter is a mouth-watering seafood choice. The house burger is prepared with secret blend of choice cuts; the ribeye steak sandwich is topped with cheddar and arugula pesto.  Finish with white chocolate cheesecake and a cup of coffee. Reservations suggested.

This restaurant is a fan-favorite serving the authentic taste of Italy. Traditional appetizers include mussels in white wine as well as all of your favorite Italian entrees like lasagna, chicken parmesan, carbonara, and a selection of seafood dishes. If it is pizza you crave, be sure to try our favorite: Maria’s Supreme. They house a large selection of root beers too! Save room for dessert; the gelato and cannoli are delicious.

This family-owned Mexican restaurant is one of our favorites. Located right downtown, you can also enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine on their sundeck with a view of the Black River. They feature an extensive selection of quality tequilas, Mexican and locally crafted beers, as well a unique selection of margaritas and pina coladas.

This is a well-known and a popular casual family dining destination in South Haven. Set in the old Citizen’s Bank, they are known for their bar, their perch, and their onion rings…the best we’ve ever had. Try the famous “Matilda’s Cheese Dip,” made with fontina and parmesan cheeses baked with artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and baby spinach…it’s just marvelous. If you like casual American classics done right, Clementine’s should be on your list.

527 is known for its juicy burgers, sandwiches, and crispy fried chicken. You can belly up to the bar and nibble on fried green tomatoes, portabellas, or the roasted garlic with goat cheese and apple compote. The Monster burger is a work of art; imagine a ½ pound burger placed between two grilled cheese sandwiches topped with bacon, onion jam, and BBQ sauce.

BRT’s is a fun establishment. Watch a sporting event, enjoy some friendly competition at the pool table, or throw darts. They host a regular lineup of live music, and you can stop in on Saturday for Comedy Night (reservations are a must). Grab a beer and munch on some wings, fried shrimp, and the southwestern tenderloin tips. Main course favorites are the fish and chips, chicken tacos, ribs, and burgers.

This casual café serves soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and desserts. Enjoy the patio in nice weather.

Phoenix on Broadway is a breakfast and lunch restaurant. Breakfast at the Carriage House at the Harbor is a must, but stop by Phoenix on Broadway for lunch. They serve American fare, homemade soups, vegetarian, gluten-free items, and offer a full-service bar.

New Park Gastropub is “A purveyor of fine dines and good times.” South Haven’s newest restaurant features a fusion inspired menu, craft cocktails and wine, smoked meats, house sauces, and 20 beer taps. Top off your meal with a sweet treat. New Park Gastropub in South Haven has the largest outdoor patio seating in downtown and is only a short walk from the lake.

“Dog Gone Great All-Beef Dogs” are served here! Walk from the Inn, town, or Lake Michigan and pick from their menu or construct your own by choosing toppings. Vegan options are available.

Los Ranchos boasts traditional Mexican Fare. It features an extensive menu – start with nachos, then pick fajitas or carne asada… don’t forget to end with flan or banana chimichanga. This dining spot specializes in margaritas and 17 different tequila choices. 

The Lodge is known for its scratch-made pub grub. They have extensive appetizers – when was the last time you saw deviled eggs on a menu? Enjoy genuine broasted chicken, smash burgers, salads,… ice cold beer, and craft cocktails.

Venezia serves only original Italian recipes – specializing in thin-crust pizza. It is just a short walk up Kalamazoo Street from Lake Michigan. This spot is perfect for lunch or dinner on the beach. Venezia has been a part of downtown South Haven for almost 30 years.

The Social House is a casual pub for all social gatherings, offering homemade New-American fare, craft beer, made-to-order spirit-free cocktails, sangria, wine… Sundays feature the largest Bloody Mary Bar in the around, as well as Mimosa Flights.

Truly authentic Mexican food is prepared at this small restaurant owned and frequented by Mexicans. Peruse the menu, place you order at the counter, and help yourself to a beverage. Enjoy the music waiting for until they bring your delicious fare. They are known for their taco dinners and the flan is amazing.

This is a popular dining and drinking spot. Lou’s was voted #5 waterfront bar in all of Michigan and is adored by locals. Centrally located right on the Black River under the famous drawbridge, you can grab a table with a water view or head to the inside bar. Either way, Captain Lou’s screams fun. Famous for their perch baskets, signature cocktails, and cold bottles of Michigan brews, there is no better place to sit back, relax, and watch the boats go by!

Sitting on the Black River, traditional eats are served in an untraditional setting: a moored riverboat. Their open-air patio (partially covered) and bar are big draws. The menu is extensive, but they are best known for their shrimp tacos, N’awlins Boil, and burgers. My favorite libation is SHIT, which stands for South Haven Ice Tea – don’t drink more than one if you are walking back to the Inn!

Permanently moored, Admiral Jack’s is a floating bar and restaurant that revolves around a tiki bar. It offers a sweeping water view of the South Haven harbor and our boating community. Enjoy one of their signature fresh fruit rum runners or a bite to eat on the barge deck. The menu offers many seafood selections and much more! A great place to unwind, relax, and watch the boats pass by.

Located in historic Old Harbor Village, this brewpub offers unique hand crafted beer and cocktails, as well as a full food menu and outside seating. This South Haven microbrewery also offers some truly unique tastes in the form of ciders, Shandies, ales, and more. One of their more popular hand-crafted brews is the “Smells Like Cream Spirit,” a traditional cream ale with hints of caramel and vanilla.

This family-owned brewery was started by three sisters and offers a casual dining atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Three Blondes Brewing has thirteen choices on its tap list. They serve up quality inspired craft brews alongside ciders, wines, and creative pub fare including pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches, and shareable plates.

This small countryside brewery is a favorite of ours. Located about 15 minutes north of South Haven, in Fennville, they rotate 12 or so taps in addition to other bottled beers. Although known for their beer and simple appetizer/charcuterie menu, they also have a variety of food trucks (BBQ, Greek, crepes, tacos) on the weekends. Definitely a cool vibe here. Sitting on the patio sipping one of their mainstay brews while looking out at the surrounding farm is totally enjoyable.

In 1916, Grandpa Sherman started delivering milk from house to house in a horse-drawn carriage. In the 50’s, one of his grandsons started making ice cream the old fashion way and the same recipe is used today. A trip to Sherman’s is a must…don’t worry, the line moves fast. Word of advice, 1 scoop is the equivalent to over 2 scoops.

Need sweets?…head to Cookies on Call. Try the deliciously decadent cookies and desserts. After the first bite, you can tell they are made from scratch with only premium ingredients.

Kilwin’s quality confectionary features hand-made chocolates, fudge, caramel corns, and brittles made right in the store, as well as waffle cones and caramel apples.

This is a full-service bakery established in 1938 serving breakfast and lunch.

Salt of the Earth was featured on the “Food Network Channel” and is about 20 minutes from the Inn. The chef works with local growers to provide a high-quality, scratch-cooked dining experience. It includes wood-fired pizzas and an extensive beer and wine list. Sunday evening concerts are a tradition here. Enjoy traditional music performers. Reservations are a must. When we send guests to Salt of the Earth, we know they will get great service and an amazing meal.  We love the brussel sprouts roasted with bacon and balsamic vinegar. Finish the evening with the chocolate cake with sea salt frosting or their delicious S’more dessert with homemade marshmallow! Reservations suggested.

Root Café is both a store and a restaurant. The back patio offers a gazebo and a fire pit. Grab a glass of wine and enjoy their eclectic menu…sandwiches on house-made bread, samosas, bibimbap, salads, soups, flatbread pizzas, and more. Make sure you have time to peruse the store. The owner also owns Khnemu, a pottery studio in Fennville, so lots of great pottery, sculptures, paintings, jewelry for sale.

Craving pie or cider donuts? This is the place to go. We order 10 pies for our annual family reunion and usually have to make a second trip. They offer snacks and lunch. But dessert is our favorite. You can order flights of wine and cider – the apple cherry hard cider won the top award at this year’s World Cider Awards in London.

Everyday People has an eclectic menu and an extensive wine list. Ask about “Bubbles and Bites”….who doesn’t love endless champagne?  We love this restaurant and so do our guests. Reservations suggested.

“Sophisticated, casual, stylish & always first rate.”  The Chicago Tribune

This eating establishment offers casual inside and outside dining.  Try gazpacho or General Tso’s Caulilini for an appetizer. Nice selections on the menu are steak pommes frites, wasabi salmon, gourmet grilled cheese, and the wild dog burger. Their sweet potato tots get rave reviews.

This intimate and award-winning restaurant serves a bone-in filet that is exceptional: tender, flavorful, satisfying.  Paired with garlic spinach and au gratin potatoes, you might think you’re dining in New York. The platter of beignets is a popular dessert option. Reservations suggested.

This is one of our favorite places to dine or just have a drink at the fun bar in Saugatuck. Start with the chicken gumbo soup followed by the lobster salad, or enjoy the ribs slow roasted in Guinness. Their signature dish is broasted chicken with potato wedges. Phil’s has extensive gluten free choices. Outdoor seating is available at this extremely popular spot.

Coast is an upscale restaurant with outdoor seating. We can vouch for the pan-seared scallops with sweet corn-lime coulis, blistered tomato and asparagus, as well as the Berkshire pork chop with miso mashed potatoes and crispy brussel sprouts. Coast also offers a full bar with craft cocktails and an extensive wine list. Reservations suggested.

The menu here has something for everyone. Sip on a variety of specialty cocktails while you wait for your entrée…fresh fish, steaks, and more. Be sure to try the crab cake benedict or the crab cake small plate.

This dockside eatery has patio seating and overlooks the Kalamazoo River. It is a family-owned, full-service restaurant serving fresh fish and other favorites.