Restaurants

Taste your way through South Haven

Many of our favorite vacation memories include the delicious local food we sampled. In fact, one of Heather’s favorite things to do is “taste her way through a new city!”

These are some of our favorites, but we’re still exploring too, so we may add more in the future! In the summer, be sure to make a reservation because this town gets busy.

Lunch and dinner restaurants

  • Clementines

    Old time saloon-style restaurant that’s one of the most talked about restaurants in Southwest Michigan. The menu boasts a wide variety of American classics.

  • Taste

    A tapas-style restaurant featuring delicious small plates so you can sample a variety of food at every meal. Their menu features classics from around the world.

  • Captain Lou's

    Voted the #5 waterfront bar in Michigan, Captain Lou’s is famous for their perch baskets, signature cocktails and beers, and outdoor seating on the Black River. Check out their menu! Jim recommends the Perch Basket served Cajun style.

    *Closed in the winter

  • The Idler Riverboat and Dockside

    Have you ever dined on a floating restaurant? Originally built in 1897, this riverboat now is home to the most unique restaurant in South Haven. Check out their menu filled with a shrimp boil, whitefish dip, and lobster roll!

  • Three Blondes Brewery

    Three sisters from South Haven opened their doors in 2018, offering an extensive craft beer menu and delicious, filling food like burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas.

  • Tello Italian Bistro

    Tello offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere suitable for any kind of get-together. Their authentic, yet contemporary Italian menu offers fresh ingredients from local farmers and an extensive wine list.

  • Kitchen 527

    Need a burger fix? How about fried chicken? Or maybe you want a BBBBLT… yes you read that right. 8 PIECES OF BACON! If you’re going to splurge, you may as well make it count! Check out their menu here!

  • The Southerner

    If you feel like taking a little drive up to Saugatuck, you will find the best southern food in the north! The Southerner is a quaint little restaurant with a delicious menu!

Ice cream and sweets

  • Sherman's Dairy Bar

    Look for the iconic blue cow to know you’ve stumbled on Southwest Michigan’s best ice cream! Make sure to try some of their Michigan specials on the menu, like Mackinac Island Fudge and Sherman Tracks.

  • Kilwin's

    Kilwins is a quality confectioner, whose menu features handmade chocolates, Mackinac Island-style fudge, and original recipe ice cream. Watch them make waffle cones, caramel corn, and candy apples in front of you!

  • The Blueberry Store

    South Haven is the blueberry capital, so don’t miss a chance to check out everything this quaint store has to offer, from jellies and sauces to sausages and sodas. You can even order online!

Breakfast spots and cafes

  • Bunde's Bakery

    Enjoy hand-crafted artisan pastries baked in the European tradition. Their menu includes coffee cakes, danishes, sticky buns, scones, breads, and Starbucks coffee.

  • Golden Brown Bakery

    Enjoy old-fashioned, freshly baked goodness in this 80-seat cafe overlooking the Lake Michigan waterfront. They even ship much of their menu if you find you’re missing it when you get home.

  • Cafe Julia's

    Coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Yummy goodness! If you’re looking for fresh and tasty treats, you will find it here! We highly recommend grabbing something to go and head to the beach for a picnic! Check out their menu here!

  • Phoenix Street Cafe

    Some of the yummiest breakfast and lunch options in town—with both gluten free and vegan options! Might we recommend the Gyro Omelet? Explore their menu so you know what to grab.