Where to Brunch in Saugatuck (And Where We Actually Go)
Saugatuck and the surrounding lakeshore communities are bursting with standout breakfast and brunch spots. Which is wonderful until you’re trying to decide where to go.
Rather than compiling a generic list of every place that serves eggs and coffee, we’re sharing our personal favorites. These are the spots we choose when we have a rare morning off and want someone else to do the cooking.
From beloved local staples to off-the-beaten-path gems (perfect when summer crowds peak), these tried-and-true Saugatuck restaurants consistently deliver.
Pennyroyal
2 minute drive from The Hotel Saugatuck | Not walkable
Pennyroyal feels both elevated and inviting, beautifully designed without being fussy. The outdoor patio is one of the most sought-after seats in town during the warmer months.
Expect freshly prepared pastries, seasonally inspired cocktails (yes, even at breakfast), and a menu centered around locally sourced ingredients that showcase the bounty of West Michigan farms.
If you have dietary restrictions (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free etc), this is often our first recommendation. Thoughtful, inclusive, and consistently excellent.
Happystance
2 minute drive or 15-minute walk (we recommend walking) | Downtown Douglas
Located in the heart of downtown Douglas, Happystance is a hip dinette with a personality all its own. The menu is as creative as the decor.
If the weather is cooperating, we suggest walking. The route over the bridge offers beautiful water views and leads you into Douglas, Saugatuck's slightly quieter, effortlessly cooler sister town. It’s charming, friendly, and perfect for a slow morning stroll past historic homes and local shops.
Brunch is more the vibe here. It’s a great option if you’re traveling with someone who doesn't gravitate towards traditional breakfast fare.
The Southerner
4 minute drive | Not walkable
Uncomplicated but elevated.
The Southerner channels the feeling of a cool grandmother's house somewhere in the rural southeast, eclectic Southern design with a modern twist.
Brunch begins at 11 a,m and it’s one of the hottest tables in town. Reservations are recommended (and appreciated; they’re one of the few spots that accept them).
Our order? A grapefruit mimosa and the chicken, egg, and biscuit sandwich. Always.
Malu
8 minute walk | Downtown Saugatuck
Located in the heart of downtown, Malu offers outdoor seating that makes it perfect for people watching during the peak season.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 am on the weekends and 8 am on the weekdays, making it a convenient early option. The menu delivers a fresh take on brunch classics, familiar favorites with a bit of refinement.
What Not Inn
8 minute drive | Fennville
When the energy of Saugatuck and Douglas feels a little too lively in the height of summer, we head to Fennville.
The What Not Inn is a no-fuss local favorite, with good food, generous portions, and genuinely kind people. It’s a relaxed, welcoming, and refreshingly unpretentious.
It also makes the perfect starting point for a day exploring Fennville. Just across the street is a charming farmstand, and nearby are standout stops like Modales Wines and Crane’s Pie Pantry.
