Fork Yeah! Where to Eat Around Saugatuck/Douglas
Staying at The Dunes and looking for the perfect bite? Sure, you could scroll Yelp, but why would you, when you’ve got the real inside scoop right here? These are the restaurants we go to time and time again, the true locals’ favorites. While we think the entire restaurant scene in this area slaps, these are what we consider the standouts for when hunger hits:
Published October 22, 2025 • By The Dunes Resort
Salt of The Earth
Dinner Favorites
Okay, hear us out: yes, it’s a golf club restaurant. But this place is one of the best-kept secrets in town. Everything here is house-made, from the complimentary bread basket (which literally starts out as a sack of flour each morning) to entrees that are simply to die for. Add in sweeping views of gardens, tree-lined greens, and seasonal patio dining, and you’ve got yourself one of those “if you know, you know” hidden gems.
Laid-back, cozy, and always delicious—this is where we go for creative food that feels a little indulgent but not overly pretentious. Located in Douglas, EPC (as us locals like to call it) makes every guest feel like a long-time friend.
Our go-to spot for fun Asian food. The space has a moody, high-drama vibe, the cocktails are on point, and the menu goes all in with delicious Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, and Japanese dishes.
If “dinner and drinks with a view” is your thing, The BARge delivers in spades. Open seasonally (spring through Thanksgiving), this place is all about the best river views, an easygoing energy, and good casual eats that pair perfectly with a cocktail in hand.
Ask any local where they like to end up after a long day, and odds are they’ll say Phil’s. You might stroll in expecting the usual bar food, but the menu’s got range—way more than you’d guess. And the best part? The check comes with animal crackers, which somehow make the perfect cocktail chaser (don’t ask us why).
Bowdie’s is where you need to go when you want to splurge a little—or a lot. This upscale steakhouse (which, in our opinion, rivals those of the major metropolitan areas) doesn’t mess around: perfectly cooked cuts of beef, indulgent sides like lobster mac & cheese, and a wine list that makes it hard to pick just one glass.
Just down the road in Fennville, El Jaripeo is the kind of place you go to when you want no-fuss, all-delicious Mexican food that hits every time. And trust us—it deserves your attention beyond Taco Tuesday.
This Fennville charmer is a short drive from Saugatuck, but totally worth it. Cozy, rustic vibes and food that tastes like it came straight from the farm (because it did). Their artisan bread alone has a devoted fan club, and the seasonal menu is always full of delicious surprises.
Everyday People Café
Singapore Room
Breakfast Spots
We think brunch should be fun, and happystance nails it. Their chef-driven menu is straight-up delicious and playful, and the vibe here is so upbeat that it’s been dubbed the happiest brunch spot in Douglas. Roll in hungry and leave smiling.
Had one too many last night? (We’ve all been there.) Vicki’s is the cure. Here you’ll find friendly service and huge servings that will fill you up without breaking the bank. Sometimes all you just need is eggs, bacon, and a pile of hash browns to make everything right with the world again. This is that place.
After a night of dancing at The Dunes, you’re gonna need fuel, and this cute little diner delivers with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. Huge portions of hearty classics will keep you going all day (or at least until happy hour).
The chef here is award-winning (yes, as in Food Network’s Chopped kind of award-winning), and the menu is farm-to-table magic from start to finish. Everything feels fresh and seasonal, without being fussy. And the blueberry pancakes? Babe, these will ruin every other stack for you — they’re that good.
Happystance Dinette
Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions
Pizza & Delivery
If pizza is your love language, Back Alley’s got you. You can build your own pie with more toppings than you’ll know what to do with, or go straight for their specialty pizzas, with over 24 different kinds (yes, you read that right!) and not a dud in the bunch.
Craft beer and pizza under one roof? Yes, please. This newest addition to the area features New Haven-style pizza, which is thin, crispy, and perfectly charred.
A local go-to for good reason, this is hand-tossed, stone-oven perfection. Want to get creative? Their topping list is stacked, so you can build your own masterpiece or just stick with one of their classics, which are straight-up irresistible.
Take-Out & To-Go
Sandwiches piled high and beyond fresh salads—it’s our top pick for packing a beach picnic or grabbing something fast before heading out on a hiking adventure. And their baked goods? Dangerous but worth it.
Part specialty shop, part take-out haven, Isabel’s is the place to pick up everything from grab-and-go meals to artisanal cheeses and wine. Perfect for a lazy night in-room feast or a spread to share with friends.
Hungry yet?
Noble Twist Taphouse
Farmhouse Deli & Pantry
Book your stay with us and let your getaway begin.