Set in thr sleepy little village of Mattawan in a tiny little place is Bird Dog. An unassuming name in an unassuming place, BUT TRUST ME...YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. Once u walk in the whole experience starts to take place. The smells bowl you over and your senses start to overwhelm you with pleasure. The food...where do I even start? Your taste buds just don't know what to do because the experience is unlike most anything you've ever had. I cant say that I've had everything on the menu, but I'm certainly going to try it all.if I have the opportunity! Get a cocktail too...its worth it! read more

Finally got to Bird Dog! So happy! Food was truly awesome- you can tell they really love food. Service was very friendly and prompt. The space is bright, clean, hip. It is on the smaller side so it could feel crowded quickly. The loud arena rock music was a miss though- it made it difficult to talk with my hubby. I am sure it was motivating to the staff but really needs to be changed. I will be going back soon because I need another tasty chopped salad! Hubby loved the salmon, saying that the potatoes were some of the very best he's tasted. Go Bird Dog! We are fans! read more

Bird Dog - French 75!!!!! - Bars Near Me - Mattawan, Michigan

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So glad we came across this "hidden gem". It's off the beaten path from Portage/Kzoo, but well worth the 18min drive. The restaurant itself is quaint. There's limited seating, which makes it feel more like a cafe. This is the perfect place for a special date or anniversary dinner! The food was excellent! We decided upon the CAB Steak on a bed of fresh mushrooms & sliced potatoes! This was tender and delicious! We also had Brussel sprouts and a burger w/ fries. All of which were very tasty as well! The quality and freshness of the food was bar none! There were many drink options to choose from! Several brews, and mixed drinks! We ordered a blueberry lemon martini and that was very yummy! I'd highly recommend you check out this restaurant if you love delicious steak, and fresh, homemade food! read more

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Another great meal! Love their consistency. Opted for a sweet meal this time and ordered their French toast... it was heavenly! Made with brioche, it had the right crust on the outside and soft inside. Served with fresh berries and a lemon curd. Husband ordered the chicken and waffles...peanut butter waffle with a chili oil drizzle. He was happy with it. read more

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Delicious food. Wonderful service. Perfect setting. Highly recommend. Probably not good for families with very young kiddos. read more

Like a lot of hunting dogs, Bird Dog has a bit of a mixed pedigree. It has 6-7 tables inside, all facing a bar where patrons can drink and watch television, along with a deck with 4 tables and shady umbrellas. The drinks and beer menu are deep, a lot longer than you'll see in comparable places. The music is 70s classic rock ("Carry On My Wayward Son" and other Rush/Kansas/Led Zep tunes of the era were what we heard) blasted on speakers both inside and out. And yet...the menu has a selection--and pricing--that puts it in competition with places like Four Roses in Plainwell. We had a double burger and lobster roll with a side of green beans and 1 drink: $62. Get the fries! All of our food was good and we left clean plates in our wake, but we did discuss the items we didn't order due to their prices. The menu offers multiple types of fish (trout, halibut) and various steaks (filet mignon and beyond) that were all priced higher than what we ate. The menu changes seasonally and we agreed we liked what we ate and were interested to see how the menu might change in months ahead. Here's the but: usually--not always--when people go out for fine dining, they get soft music and the bar is off to one side. For the prices here, you might think you're getting fine dining, but if you eat at Bird Dog, you'll get television and rocker music to go with your filet mignon. Like I said, Bird Dog is a mixed pedigree kind of hound. read more

Unique and delicious menu items. Cocktails are something to look forward to. Always something different to eat that never disappoints. Good ambience too. Been several times and never disappointed read more

A bit pricey but the food is amazing. It would be nice to see some changes in the menu once in a while though. The place is small and always packed. I do not mind setting in front of the kitchen at the bar though. Watching all of those people function and all the good food coming off the grill is interesting to watch. read more

Lamb burger and rosemary fries! Quick service. Now I'm just typing words to meet yelp's annoying minimum digits for a review

Very small place with fantastic food. We were driving back to Chicago from Michigan and wanted to grab some food (not fast food) so my son found this on our way. What a fantastic find. Food and service were amazing. We had the oysters, fried green tomatoes, lobster rolls and steak with shrimp. Everything came out hot, fresh and delicious. It is like a Chicago restaurant/food without the Chicago prices. If we are ever in the area again we will definitely stop here. Drinks were great too. They do only make one dessert a day but we didn't have it. My boys opted for ice cream across the street. read more

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The food was pretty tasty! The service was also good. There was not wait when we walked in (6pm on a Saturday), but we just missed the lines. read more

Bird Dog - Kung pow cauliflower - Bars Near Me - Mattawan, Michigan

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We stopped here on a whim- seemed cool. Guy over phone said he had kid options. Anyways. Came here , sat down to eat. Went to bathroom- clean. Sat down, flies everywhere. Menu was limited. Decided to order a grilled cheese and fries to go. $13 later- tiny SUPER buttery grilled cheese , cheese didn't taste like cheddar- guy told me it was prior to ordering. It wasn't good. Tossed it. Kids just ate fries. Husband bit (and spit out) the grilled cheese. Moral of the story- manager? He got a star because he was nice and friendly and a star for the fries since my kids were starving and only ate those. Spent $14 on a handful of fries. Kinda annoyed. read more

Bird Dog - $13.40 grilled cheese and fries. Yuck - Bars Near Me - Mattawan, Michigan

Our 10 year anniversary was during Covid, in November, and we had not eaten inside a restaurant since March. We didn't take the trip we had planned, but we're able to send our kiddos to their grandparents house and had a weekend alone. The igloos at Bird Dog just opened and we got in the car and headed over (wearing our largest winter coats possible!). They said it could be an hour or more for a wait as there were only 3 igloos so we ordered a bourbon and stood on the porch as close to a heating lamp as we could. It probably took a little more than an hour but finally our igloo was ready and we headed in. Each igloo has a space heater, a table for 6 comfortably, and was zipped closed. There were venting window we could have opened if wanted. I'm assuming the entire table was cleaned properly between uses. The staff was nothing but great! My husband wanted wings and asked how they were and she honestly told us they were good, but were just wings. I appreciate that as it helps make our decision!! We ordered crab cakes, venison tartare, the fried cauliflower, and a filet to share. I also had a dirty martini during dinner. Everything came out cooked perfectly and hot! It was a while since I'd had hot food!! The server would come into the igloo (masked), put our food down, then leave. I felt very safe being in there with only my husband. I also felt like the staff checked on us a few times. I was slightly worried we'd be forgotten out there but nope! I realize this review is a lot more my experience than food. Well let me tell you, in the 10 years I've been in the Kalamazoo area, this was the best meal I've had! Seriously, go to Bird Dog! The prices are well deserved, splurge, indulge, treat yourself once in a while. It's been over a month since we went and I can still remember the taste of the venison tartare!!! Pretty sure now they're only taking reservations for the igloos, so call ahead! read more

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I just read all of the health code violations for Bird Dog. In a word....not good. I will be skipping this place until they get a couple of clean inspections completed. It's a shame read more

Absolutely delicious! We went for brunch and it was definitely busy but we sat right at the bar, no wait. My boyfriend got the biscuits and gravy and he said it might be the best biscuits and gravy he'd ever had, it had pork shoulder and I tried it, it was good, had a Smokey flavor. I got the chilaquiles and omg, holy crap, sooooo good, and a huge plate of it. I was able to have the other half for a big lunch. We shared the Dutch baby, also really lovely and light and sweet and just plain yummy. We love it here, every time we come it's amazing, food is top notch, service is great, and it's a really beautiful little cozy spot. read more

Bird Dog - Chilaquiles 5 - Bars Near Me - Mattawan, Michigan

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Food is solid, the service is super friendly. And can not tell you enough about the firecracker cauliflower. The atmosphere is okay. Really tight on the indeed, but have a large outside seating section. Not a fan that there The no reservations, but I get it, they are always packed and for good reason. The food and service are spot on. read more

Firecracker Califlower is a must. Everything on the menu is amazing. Today I went with traditional eggs, bacon and sour dough toast. The cheesey potatoes are perfection. Bloody Marys are solid. Last time I had the French fries with a recommended side of aioli and it was YUM. The vibe is a quaint, high end diner. Be prepared to wait when they're busy, which is often. The male waiter is phenomenal. read more

I've been to bird dog twice. Their dinner menu is delicious, but the brunch menu is where it is at!! In fall they have a specialty Moscow mule with apple cider that is delicious and the raspberry mimosa at brunch is also good. (The bathroom wallpaper is fun too) read more

This is the second time dining here at Bird Dog. We've visited many times in the past but this is the first time we lucked out and got seating. The venue is small, seats six parties and the bar top counter seats as many singles, or side-by-sides. The vibe is Jimmy Buffet Lost Shaker Of Salt meets Middle Class Chardonnay. The prices on the menu are a little high, but the food quality is excellent. The winner tonight was the Firecracker Cauliflower. That was a shocking awesomeness. The Mexican Street Corn is very good, it has a froot-loopian sweetness which is very subtle and very welcome. The Brussels Sprouts are good, but not the best we've had. A solid second-place. The lobster roll was good, and the burger was quite good as well. The chips and fries kinda stole the show, at least for me. The shop itself dominates the bar area, which is fine since it matches the vibe. The kitchen prep area is shockingly small for the speed and quality, so they are performing some open-air-cucina-wizardry there. I'm shocked and impressed. The only dings here are the noise level, the flat surfaces make the joint a din of reflected speech noise. The airflow is perhaps a little lean, diners next to me were fanning themselves. Then the flies. Every place has to contend with flies, but in late summer the flies start being more aggressive. My only real advice and only singular critique is pest management. I don't know how a restaurant with open doors and food could control this problem, but if there is any room for improvement it would be in some sort of trap/lure cleverness. Overall Bird Dog was worth the money, even if the prices are a little hot for my usual taste. This is a wonderful date night spot, and if you are looking for a taste sensation without blowing out your calorie budget, those firecracker cauliflowers are worth every damn red penny you'll spend on them. There's gold in them thar plates. :) read more

Bravo on the Sea Bass! It is a pricey entree((over $50) but very well done. Congrats to Bird Dog for keeping the quality out front.

Bird Dog offers consistently delicious, beautifully-presented food. This is the best restaurant around if you ask me - and if you're reading this, I guess you kind of are. I love the steelhead trout and the firecracker cauliflower and I almost never pass up sharing dessert with my husband. Their wine selection is very nice, as is the bourbon selection. The cocktails look tempting. We tried brunch for the first time today and it was very good. We're 100% going to keep returning. read more

Bird Dog - Little Jerry Goes to India - Bars Near Me - Mattawan, Michigan

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We liked it and the food was good. My husband is in a wheelchair and we barely made it to a table. Place is really small and can get really loud. It was good but can't say the cost was worth it. I wish there was more variety of foods. Tried it, enjoyed it, can't say that it is worth going back. Doubt we will. read more

Went for lunch, our first time at the Dog and the bank. The place looks great, the staff was very nice and were able to sit down immediately. Our family had the Rueben, the smash burger and the steak sandwich. All three were very good, I liked the homemade chips, but the others really liked the fries. The Rueben, and the smash burger were really good, but the best meal of the day was easily the steak sandwich. VERY good. Had a sangria and it was also very good. One note, we were there for lunch, my son had seen reviews on the calamari, but not on the lunch menu, when we asked the waitress she said it was a dinner item, but they could make it - we declined but appreciated the customer service. Can't say enough, fantastic experience and we will be heading back soon when we want a good meal. read more

Hidden gem: Great food and service -Friendly staff -creative menu with good ingredients -worth the trip read more

This place was so nice. The food was amazing. The firecracker cauliflower and the herbed fries were actually mindblowing. The trout and pasta were also nice. The raspberry mule got great reviews too. Definitely stop here if you're in the area. read more

Bird Dog - Herbed fries - Bars Near Me - Mattawan, Michigan

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I'm from Chicago and have been to the best restaurants but Birddog stands above many of the best. The chef and staff are seriously solid. Really love everyone here equally. Had the scallops here tonight while wife had the Parmesan crusted bone-in strip steak. Both were amazing which is not amazing for here because they always amaze! Birddog always impresses and kudos to you guys in the kitchen who tirelessly create the most amazing fare ! Your excellent efforts every time impress us. Thank you ! Thank you! And lastly I will say that the appetizer crab cake had so much crab in it that it was mind blowing! Thank you for everything you do. Love!! read more

Best chicken Samich, yes Samich I ever ate! Bang Bang Cauliflower is to die for! Place is small but go after normal hours like do lunch at 1:30 instead of noon and you'll have no problem getting in and eating this yummy food. read more

Stopped by Bird Dog on the way home from Kalamazoo for a last minute dinner. This place is amazing. Super friendly & energetic owner/chef & staff. We had the firecracker cauliflower & blackened scallops with parsnip crema, sweet potato purée & pomegranate reduction for starters. We had the long bone pork chop with candied fennel & cider mostarda & the sliced filet mignon with Parmesan risotto & Cabernet reduction. We ended our meal with a Bird Dog double burger with aged cheddar & aioli on brioche with House-made chips. We'll definitely be back for more. read more

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We got there at 10 right when they open on Sunday. We started off with drinks which were pleasing to the eye and just strong enough. The service was very nice and kind and can't forget quick! Food came out super fast and was also very good definitely well seasoned. I also like that you can see the kitchen and you can smell all the yummy foods! Would go again read more

Bird Dog - Bars Near Me - Mattawan, Michigan

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Amazing omelette, friendly service, and the most unique bathroom wallpaper that I've ever seen - I'm still laughing about it! A great little spot to visit if you're driving through Michigan. read more

Can't go wrong. Food is simply awesome. Worth the 70 min drive from our house anytime for this culinary treat. read more

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Bird dog's vegetable bowl with goat's cheese was fabulous! I added chicken which wasn't necessary but it came with a generous portion. I had leftovers for another meal. Broccolini, cooked carrots, green beans, seasoned rice, beets and nuts with complimentary flavors to die for! My husband ate the huge fried chicken sandwich with herb fries (well worth the $1 upgrade for fries). I highly recommend this restaurant. Last year we brought our small dog but weren't allowed to eat outside with her. That's my only complaint. read more

Mattawan is fast becoming a mecca for exciting restaurants. What a transformation of the small building that once housed Garden Griddle. The dining area is small - I believe I counted maybe 22-24 people could sit at the tables that are on the south facing wall. The bar is about as long at the building and another 12 or so can sit and watch the kitchen go to work on their meals. We came on a Thursday evening around 7:30pm and was able to get a table. I liked the vibe of the restaurant and the waitress was very nice and kept tabs on everyone who was sitting at the tables. I ordered a Bird Dog Old Fashioned and it was very good. For my meal, I chose the Long Bone Pork Chop, which is prepared with candied fennel and cider mostarda. My test for any new restaurant is how good their pork chops are and this was prepared perfectly. D had the their burger special which was called the Beasts Burger. It was made with wagyu ground beef, venison, buffalo, and one other type of meat. Plus it had this amazing bacon jam spread on the buns. He said it was delicious. We shared a plate of roasted Brussels sprouts. We really enjoyed our first experience at Bird Dog Cafe and will be back. read more

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Awesome place!!!! Just go. Great old fashioned and food. Happy hour specials are awesome - great selection of food and drinks. read more

Bird Dog - Chicken sandwich. Fried green tomatoes w burrata and red tomato topping. - Bars Near Me - Mattawan, Michigan

Great burgers! Service was fast I ordered take out because the place was packed with happy customers.

Dinner was excellent - staff were great! It was very busy- so we sat at the bar and had a drink well we waited- which meant we got to watch the chefs cook and chat it up with the owner- it was entertaining- Only warning music is rock and roll. Just up our alley - may not be yours Wendy was our waitress - very prompt and attentive. We started with mushroom toast - which was my favorite appetizer. Creamy crunchy mushroom goodness. Chicken wings- as great - just the right amount of sauce not swimming in it. Hubby had Steelhead Trout - I am not a fan of fish normal - loved it - wasn't too fishy , coating was delicious , fish want dry. Mac and Cheese - smooth blend of cheese - creamy goodness Cheese potato - just like home cooking - perfect Herb fries - perfect blend of seasoning 8oz steak cooked perfect and delicious as well We will be back read more

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I've been daydreaming about dining here ever since they opened they opened, and finally had the opportunity to visit this week and it exceeded my extremely high expectations. I did expect a big wait for a table, But we arrived before 5 on a Thursday evening and were able to score a table right away. I also expected it to be pricier than it was. I went with two riends to celebrate my birthday and we shared two appetizers, two entrees, and a nice bottle of wine and the bill was just over $100. Considering how incredible the food was, this definitely felt like a bargain as so many places are raising prices and lowering portion sizes these days due to pandemic-related cost increases. Zero corners were cut here. The lobster roll, while difficult to cut into thirds and split three ways, was absolutely incredible and probably the star of the show. Even the homemade fries that accompanied it were spectacular come on and I'm not much of a French fry gal. Extremely crispy and altogether herby (we thought thyme, kosher salt and garlic were among the flavors we tasted), they made a great accompaniment to the incredible flavor and textures of the lobster roll. Also spectacular was the Brussels sprouts salad. I thought I would never find a Brussels sprout dish that dazzled more than the the appetizer at Cooper's hawk winery, but I found it here. Shredded sprouts are generously coated with a divine honey lime a vinegarette and sunflower seeds, and then topped with paper-thin slices of pear topped with fluffily grated parmesan. Phenomenal!! The Firecracker Cauliflower was also perfectly prepared and wonderfully accompanied by a sweet and tangy sauce. It's full of flavor but not of heat so don't let the word "firecracker" scare you from trying it. The parmesan crusted trout in buerre blanc sauce absolutely tasted like something you'd have at a cute bistro in Paris (and the sauce was plate-lickingly tasty). We loved the charm of the patio and are excited to come back in the winter when they puthey put igloos outside. The inside is definitely tightly packed but offers a great vista of the chefs preparing these incredible meals. read more

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I've heard amazing things about this place. I've only went once and can't wait to go a million more times already! Note that they do NOT take reservations, there are not very many seats so they fill up quickly and often have a wait. If you have time, be patient and wait to be seated and served because you will not be disappointed. We were lucky enough to enjoy brunch and I think it's the best brush I've ever eaten, or at least the best in a very long time. I ordered the Chicken and Waffle and it was amazing. The chicken was juicy and super crispy. The waffle was really big and fluffy on the inside. The dish was Nashville Hot Chicken on a Peanut butter waffle. There wasn't peanut butter ON the waffle but mixed in the batter. I should mention that it wasn't really really hot like most Nashville Hot chicken is. If you only tolerate slightly spicy food you should be able to eat it. My husband ordered the Shrimp and Grit Benedict. The dish starts with grits on the plate with 5 marinated shrimp (tails on) served next to 2 crispy fried grit cakes with 2 poached eggs and an Etouffee Hollandaise on top. He loved it! We also ordered the Dutch Baby Pancake for dessert. It was very good. The lemon curd on top was very lemony which was fantastic and then was served with fresh local berries on top. They also offer cocktails which were impressive. We had a raspberry sangria, a Michelada and a pour of bourbon of course. Everything that I could see being served looked like I needed it. Someone ordered the Little Jerry Goes to Nashville (Chicken Sandwich) and it was HUGE! The french fries are fresh cut, crispy and tossed in house seasoning. Their homemade chips were made with sweet potatoes. Do yourself a favor, go here for brunch, lunch or dinner! read more

Surprised to find this cute bistro in Mattawan. Both chicken sandwiches were good but the hand cut fries were so old and cold. Like they were fried hours before, then seasoned and gobbed onto the plate. I'm talking hard and so nasty. It did look like the cooks were very casual about their work. At these prices y'all, Try Harder! read more

What a gem. Amazing food. Great atmosphere. They will take reservations for big parties, but other than that you're on your own. If you don't do the cauliflower appetizer I question your humanity. read more

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