Outdoor Dining Guide: Al Fresco Restaurants in Saugatuck

In the waning days of the 1800s, Saugatuck, Michigan was swept up in an international fervor celebrating artists of all stripes. That movement seeded Saugatuck as a cultural destination, a place where people from across the Midwest could come and celebrate music, art and nature’s beauty.

That same artistic spirit thrives even today. It is evident in the unique shops, art galleries, and amazing dining options that continue to bring visitors to town each summer. And what better way to enjoy the full artistic Saugatuck experience than dining Al Fresco? In fact, Saugatuck’s outdoor dining scene is as much a part of coming to Michigan’s Art Coast as the harbor, the galleries, and staying at our Saugatuck bed and breakfast.

Why Choose Al Fresco Dining in Saugatuck?

Firstly, it’s just nice, right? Sitting in the evening breezes of a vibrant Saugatuck summer, what could be more pleasant and charming than to take in a delicious meal while absorbing all the ambiance that has brought guests to the area for more than 100 years? Fresh air. Scenic views. A relaxed ambiance on or near the waterfront. It’s why you come to Saugatuck in the first place.

There are thousands of tourist destinations across the Midwest. You could choose any of them, but the reason Saugatuck stands out year after year its long history as a regional favorite of culture and lifestyle. You come to Saugatuck to be part of Saugatuck, even if it’s for a short time. Dining Al Fresco is part of the Saugatuck tapestry.

Top Al Fresco Restaurants in Saugatuck

Saugatuck's outdoor restaurants offer something for every palate and occasion. From the iconic Butler, with 60 years of tradition to Pumpernickels on historic Butler Street, there’s something suited for everyone’s tastes!

The Butler

40 Butler St, Saugatuck, MI 49453

For 60 years, The Butler has been serving the people of Saugatuck with a causal waterfront and outdoor dining. The menu is unpretentious, and the experience can’t be beaten. Appetizers include peel-and-eat shrimp and whipped goat cheese. The main courses include the Famous Butler Burger – made with grilled black forest ham, American cheese, lettuce, and mayonnaise on a sesame seed bun – as well as a variety of handhelds, pizzas, and platters.

Wicks Park Bar & Grille

449 Water St, Saugatuck, MI 49453

Looking for the perfect spot to grab a little lunch in the shade and enjoy a view of the water? Wicks Park Bar & Grille is just the spot. The deep-fried walleye offers some local flavor, or you can go with more universal options like burgers, pizza or ribs. Stop by for a midafternoon break, or take your time to enjoy a full-course lunch or dinner.

Pumpernickels

202 Butler St, Saugatuck, MI 49453

Located on historic Butler Street, Pumpernickels offers a modern take on a restaurant and bar with outdoor seating overlooking the Butler Street shops. Offering brunch fare from 9 a.m. to 2-ish, the dinner menu is a variety of fish, handhelds and pasta. From crab cakes to airline chicken, Pumpernickels has a little something for everyone.

Scooters Café

322 Culver St, Saugatuck, MI 49453

With a view of Lake Kalamazoo across scenic Coghlin Park, Scooters offers one of the better outdoor dining views in Saugatuck. With pizza, and wraps.

The Boardwalk Deli and Ice Cream

311 Water St, Saugatuck, MI 49453

Not every Al Fresco meal needs to be fancy. The Board Walk only has a handful of outdoor seating options, a few stools along a bar and a handful of benches that are better for waiting than eating. But there are few things finer than sitting outside on a fine summer evening enjoying an ice cream. If you want more, the Boardwalk offers pizzas and pastas as well as a variety of sandwiches and wraps but the real delight is enjoying a refreshing summer treat.

Romantic Evening Dining

Imagine a twilight-lit evening in Saugatuck, where every corner reveals a new, intimate alfresco dining experience waiting to be discovered. Whether you seek a cozy nook tucked away from the bustling streets or a scenic spot overlooking the tranquil waters, Saugatuck invites you to embark on a romantic journey through its hidden gems of outdoor dining.

Bowdies Chop House

230 Culver St, Saugatuck, MI 49453

Dining in a gated courtyard on a tree-lined street in historic Saugatuck, Bowdies has the feel of dining with elegant cuisine at a summer neighborhood soiree. Surrounded by quaint homes and shops, a pleasant summer evening meal at Bowdies is something both luxurious and familiar. Billed as a Sinatra-era chophouse, Bowdies’ mission was to bring a great steakhouse to Western Michigan. The menu features steakhouse classics like exquisite shrimp cocktail and perfectly seared scallops. In addition to a must-try variety of steaks, Bowdies offers a variety of lighter fare like Faroe Island Salmon or roast chicken.

The Mitten Brewing Company

527 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

You don’t need fancy food for a romantic night out. Located in the heart of Saugatuck’s outdoor dining scene on Water Avenue, The Mitten is a full-service restaurant and taproom with a wraparound deck, picnic tables and a fire pit. Located in a historic firehouse, this vintage baseball-themed establishment is famous for its pizza and beer. Their gourmet pizzas come in vegan and gluten-free options as well.

Coast 236

236 Culver St, Saugatuck, MI 49453

Al Fresco dining at Coast 236 is available only seasonally, but, when possible, the combination of the outdoor patio and the unique tasting menu makes for a date-night experience that stands out. Driven by chefs with a mission to provide only the best, the menu at Coast 236 changes with the tide – see what we did there? The restaurant offers a six or nine-course tasting menu – filled with perfect but small bites. The more traditional dining menu is only really more traditional in that it has larger plates.

A summer visit to Saugatuck isn’t complete without an Al Fresco dining experience or two. The weather is typically perfect, and dining outdoors allows you to soak up the full Saugatuck experience in a way that dining indoors simply cannot. Book your stay at our Michigan bed and breakfast and start planning your visit today.