Anytime the executive chef is serving food and bussing tables, it reflects a sense of ownership and leadership that you do not always see in restaurants. The food was exceptional. Everything on the 9-course tasting was next level. Perfectly timed courses allowed me to take my time enjoying the food, which means I did not eat too fast and felt full but not stuffed when I left. Notable plates were the risotto, tartar, Australian beef tenderloin, and pot de crème. Amazing wine list and great by-the-glass selection. Awesome service by Derek. Do not eat here first during your visit to Saugatuk or you will be disappointed by anywhere else in the area! read more

My friends and I visited Saugatuck for a bachelorette party, and this restaurant ended up on our schedule after a couple of people in our group made a reservation without checking with everyone first. Once we all looked at the menu ahead of time, including the people who made the reservation, we all quickly realized it was much more upscale and limited than what most of us were looking for. Seriously, this place is for sophisticated eaters, and it is not right for everyone. Ya know, it's right for those people who like to spend hundreds of dollars not to get full and then like to gloat about how fancy their palette is because they ate at a gourmet restaurant. We all saw the movie "The Menu", right? We tried calling to cancel our reservation, but were told that cancellations within 24 hours require a $20 per person fee, which would have totaled over $200 for our group. Because of that, we decided to eat elsewhere beforehand and came here mostly for drinks or dessert; only a few people in our group ordered food. While the dishes looked beautiful and high quality, the portions were quite small for the price and felt too specific for my personal taste. I understand the concept of quality over quantity and the blending of flavors perfectly meshing together, but this menu just was not our group's vibe. There were also only a handful of very specific entree options to choose from. They do have a six-course meal option for $110 a person or a nine-course meal option for $160 a person, with wine pairings being optional for $60 more a person, but I was not about to spend $200 for dinner, nor did I want to sample every meal option they had available. I ended up just ordering the sorbet, and it was delicious. When we arrived, we were seated in a private area near the front window at a long table, which was nice in theory, but the space was extremely hot. It was uncomfortable enough that several of us commented on it throughout the night. Our waitress was professional, although it felt a bit awkward since most of us were not ordering full meals. I can understand how that may not have been ideal for a large group from a service standpoint because she was probably expecting a huge bill and, consequently, a huge tip from our party. Overall, I am sure the food is excellent for those who enjoy a more refined and curated dining experience. It just was not the right fit for our group or for me personally, and I would not choose to return on my own. I hope everyone who chooses to come here loves the food and enjoys the experience. read more

Coast 236 Restaurant & Bar - Sorbet - Italian Near Me - Saugatuck, Michigan

An unforgettable meal! We did the 6 course tasting menu and added the whipped ricotta dessert since all the dessert options sounded so good. Our favorites were the corn risotto, tenderloin, and pot de creme. Well worth the splurge to cap off our weekend getaway! read more

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Let me tell you about what was supposed to be my birthday dinner celebration. This was not only the worst dining experience I have ever had, but it also represents a complete breach of expectations for what was promised and charged. We purchased the tasting menu with wine pairings, expecting a fine dining experience. What we received was unacceptable on every level: 1. Underserved Wine Pairings - All six glasses were clearly under poured. At this price point, proper pours are a basic expectation. 2. Miserable Portion Sizes - The food served was so minimal that each of us left hungry. If purchased a la carte, the same spend would have provided three to four times more food. Never before have I paid over $100 for a tasting menu and had to stop for fast food afterward. 3. Shocking Management Conduct - This was the most insulting part of the experience. When we requested to speak with the manager, she deliberately stood behind glass doors doing nothing for 10 minutes before approaching us (We could see her from our table).When she finally did, she treated us with outright disrespect: First suggesting we purchase more food to solve the issue. Then offering to remove only two cheap salads from the bill. Finally returning with a meager discount that was presented with a dismissive, condescending attitude. She even had the audacity to "apologize" by saying it was standard protocol to tell patrons at ordering time that the tasting menu portion sizes are drastically reduced(If we had been told this ahead of time we could have possibly avoided this whole experience). She repeatedly told us her "hands were tied" and that "nothing could be done" to make our experience right. The entire interaction felt like haggling with a used car salesman, not resolving a legitimate customer complaint at a "high-end" establishment. 4. Breach of Fine Dining Expectations - Beyond the food and service failures, the ambiance was far below fine dining standards: low-grade furniture, no tablecloths, cramped seating, and the inability to have a private conversation. This was supposed to be a special occasion. Instead, it was an outright embarrassment, a waste of money, and the only time in my life I have felt compelled to file a dispute with American Express. I was charged for an experience that the restaurant failed to deliver in every way, despite being given multiple opportunities to make it right. read more

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Food was great, scallops were cooked perfectly! Service was a little slow, a table that was sat next to us and after us consistently was waited on before us... that would be the only slight issue however. Great wine too! read more

Coast 236 Restaurant & Bar - SEARED SCALLOP - Italian Near Me - Saugatuck, Michigan

My sister wanted to take me out for my birthday and we were on a waitlist for this place. The timing couldn't have been more perfect because they had availability if we could be there in 10 minutes and we were! We had a very nice intimate dinner. Our waitress was patient, very friendly and helpful. Everyone else had an à la cart entrée, but I had the six course. I did see an option for a nine course didn't think that I had the stomach space for all of that. I am sure it would've been incredible though. My six course included the tuna Crudo, pickled ramp and mushroom risotto, Australian beef tartare, seared scallops, beef tenderloin & Perigord truffle, and coconut crème brûlée. Each item I had was so flavorful and well balanced. The bite of my niece's salmon had the sweetness of the fish mixed with the tart rhubarb, asparagus and sauce was spectacular. The scallops and pancetta was perfectly cooked. This had to be one of the best ways I've had pancetta ever. The texture and taste was on point. We had all the desserts on their menu and there was no bad choice. I love crème brûlée and when you put it with coconut, I mean it's just genius. There were so many surprises with the whipped ricotta with the strawberries from the chef's garden, sorbet, and the pot de creme with peanuts. I had no idea a place like this could exist in southwest Michigan. My mom's lamb so juicy. Let me say that the tenderloin was phenomenal. I had it as a part of my six course, but my dad has it as an entrée. We enjoyed our meal so much that my dad wanted to meet Chef Rick. Our waitress naturally obliged and brought him over. My dad told him the story of him being a taste tester for weddings and events in his hometown in Cambodia and he thought that this place was a 10+ and let him know what a fantastic job he had done. I couldn't agree more. Chef Rick was so humble and so appreciative. My dad asked for a couple of business cards so that he could pass them along to his friends, and I have no problems highly recommending this place. I would love to surprise my parents with an anniversary dinner party here. The whole experience was just incredible from start to finish. I mean it made for a memorable birthday and the fact that my family enjoyed it so much made it that much more meaningful. read more

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By no means a regular but every time I'm there I enjoy my meal. A bit pricey but Service is excellent and there's nothing wrong with having a wonderful meal in a quiet, not crowded environment I recommend this restaurant read more

Please ignore all negative reviews about Coast 236 of previous diners. First of all this is not a typical restaurant for meat and potatoes eaters. Please go elsewhere. This is a sophisticated restaurant meant for the sophisticated diner. Yes it sounds snobbish, but unless you really understand food and appreciate the creativity of the chef, dine elsewhere. From start to finish the service and food was outstanding. We did the 9 course tasting menu. Every morsel of food that touches your palate is of exquisite quality. The meshing of flavors and textures are beyond. Chef Bower is an amazing chef and very humble at the same time. This is Saugatuck's Big City fine dining restaurant tucked away for the experienced gourmond. read more

We came in on a Saturday night with friends and chose the 9-course tasting menu to celebrate. Patrick was a wonderful server--attentive without being overbearing, friendly, funny, and very knowledgeable about the menu. The chef, Rick, came out to speak with us briefly, which made the experience even more special. Each dish was beautifully executed, with timing that felt seamless from course to course. You can see the French Laundry influence in the precision and creativity of the plates. It was a fantastic meal shared with great friends, and overall an exceptional experience. We don't get to Saugatuck often, but I would absolutely return. read more

We had the tappa style 7 course meal with wine pairings that were excellent! Really a unique variety of recipes to try. We enjoyed the meal server and the ambiance immensely! Just a super evening out! One note: it's a rather hard place to find, you could walk by and think it's not open. read more

One of the best meals of my life. Not kidding. Hands down. Have traveled all over Europe and still one of the best!! Transcendent. Try the tasting menu!! read more

We love Coast 236! We came here after we got engaged last year and loved their food so much, we recently came back. Nice homey atmosphere and the food is absolutely delicious. All the food was incredible, but the Scallops took the trophy. Service was professional, quick, and attentive. We got crème brûlée, but it wasn't for us. The lamp lollipops were tasty, but expensive for 3 tiny lamb ribs read more

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We like coming to Coast in the off season. It seems less frenetic and more relaxing without the tourists. The service seems to be a bit better too. Coast has some pretty good cocktails. And the food is excellent. When the weather is nice, the outside area is nice. In the cooler months, and especially in winter, it's nice and cozy inside. read more

Coast 236 Restaurant & Bar - Italian Near Me - Saugatuck, Michigan

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We recently dined at Coast 236 and left extremely disappointed. We spent over $150 per person, yet still had to get a second dinner elsewhere afterward just to feel full. The manager was extremely rude and unhelpful throughout the experience. At no point were we informed that the tasting menu portions would be drastically smaller than regular entrées--something that should have been explained upfront as standard procedure. When we raised our concerns at the end of the meal, the way the situation was handled felt more like negotiating at a used car dealership than dining at a fine restaurant. They went back and forth with us and ultimately offered only 20% off select items--not even the full bill. Even after the so-called "discount," we still spent over $600 and left hungry. The only positive was our server, who was very kind but unfortunately caught in the middle of a poorly managed establishment. We ended up tipping him out of pity because it was clear the issues came from management, not him. Overall, a very disappointing and overpriced experience. read more

We tried this place to experience a variety of items at one sitting. They have 6 or 9 course tasting options and each have slightly different menu options. They also have à la cart, where you can order a single item for a meal. Being the first time we were there, the tasting courses seemed like a good way to go, so we could experience a wider range of options. It is on the pricey side for an every day meal, but I will say that the food was very well prepared, presented and filled with delicious combinations of flavors. I will say that you should ask about things being raw as they have a lot of dishes that are. So if you are not into raw, they are very easy to work with to get the right thing in front of you. The service was excellent and our waiter was AMAZING! He was very accommodating and made us feel very welcome. His attention and patience with us while we determined what we wanted was very much appreciated. The other staff and chef were very accommodating and we appreciated every moment. The ambiance was nice, modern and clean. They have seating both inside and outside. We chose inside after attempting an outside seating but the wind and cold made us think otherwise. Place has a very relaxing atmosphere and the staff work hard to make you feel comfortable. It might not be an every night place to eat, but it's definitely worth it for special occasions. read more

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Excellent spot for elevated seafood appetizers and entrees. Jim was our server. Extremely attentive and friendly. read more

A wonderful restaurant with a Hamptons like feel in the midwest. The food was extremly fresh and well crafted- I had the tuna and pork belly for a starter and main, respectfully. The tuna was the star but both were delicious! The restaurant is very cute and well decorated. We sat on the patio which felt like a well-manicured garden. The service was spectacular. Our waiter was very friendly and prompt despite having numerous large parties he was catering to as well. I highly recommend this restaurant if looking for a more "high-end" experience while in Saugatuck. read more

What a welcome discovery! We ate outside and loved everything about our meal and ambiance. Generous portions and unusual flavors. Attentive servers. Attention to details. Will be back often! Worth the splurge for a high quality dining experience. Tuna appetizer was so good - could order 2 for a main meal. Special mentions: Kahlua coffee crème brûlée and blood orange sorbet. So so good read more

Evan was a wonderfully knowledgeable and attentive server. Ambiance very chill and peaceful. Food, exceptionally savory. read more

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Very impressive. My wife and I just brought my mom here this evening and it was incredible. We had the shishitos as an appetizer, and then we all shared a whole bunch of fish... the halibut, scallops, and salmon. Everything was incredible. The scallops with Foie gras was my favorite, then the halibut, and the salmon came in third but was still good. The service was amazing as were the drinks. I had Jamaican Smoke which was awesome, and we had a very nice bottle of Chardonnay. We sat out on the back patio which is beautiful, and somehow not buggy at all in the middle June in the evening. I can't wait to go back again soon to try more dishes. read more

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Food was great. Our server was very knowledgeable of the menu. The ambiance is great. However, if you go to Coast 236 you want to sit in the rear of the restaurant, preferably on the patio. Despite making our reservations well in advance, we were told the restaurant was full and we'd have to sit in the front of the restaurant in what amounts to the kiddie / overflow tables. No other guests joined us at the crappy tables, so I assume this treatment was only for us. Disappointing. read more

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Best fine dining in town. Halibut and scallops are never fail and impressive. The attention to detail and quality are unmatched. Nothing is a disappointment. read more

Lovely outdoor dining. Beautiful plates. Very elegant presentation. The salmon was delicious as was the dessert. Leave room for it. I loved the whipped ricotta with rhubarb compote and crushed biscoff-style cookies. Heavenly. read more

Coast 236 Restaurant & Bar - Faroe Island Salmon - Italian Near Me - Saugatuck, Michigan

Best meal during our 4 day stay in Saugatuck. What we ate: Michigan sweet corn risotto was perfectly 'summer' and delicious. Only thing that would have made it better is some protein added in like shrimp. Scallops were perfectly cooked and the right amount of food for me. I probably eat less than the average diner and we did not order an appetizer or dessert. A nicely curated wine list and cocktail menu. If you want to be seated outside, ask to be seated out back for more privacy/shade. Would return to dine here again. read more

Service is amazing, impeccable. Cannot be bested in all of Saugatuck for service quality, from our experience. Others do very well, this is awesome. Kennedy is great, engaging and friendly, great smile, many thanks to her for a beautiful dining experience! Now that we have that figured out... the mushroom risotto is stupid, it's so good. It's unfair to other risottos, frankly. And the piece of halibut with caponata is spectacular - truly, the potatoes are so good, they are sublime and the fish is perfectly done. Hats off to the chef and kitchen staff!! Don't miss this one. read more

We are back on our annual visit to the Saugatuck area and had such a good experience last year we dined here again. I had the Scallops and my partner had the Salmon. Both very tasty and prepared perfectly. We even had Evan wait on us again, the same as last year! We chose the Bread pudding for dessert - very good. This restaurant is "2" good to pass up. Get in and give it a try. read more

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My mom had the gin cocktail and said it probably was the best cocktail she's ever had! We shared the lamb lollipops (made it 4) and had the salmon and halibut for dinner. There were flavor pops in both of our main entrees which gave a great mix to the dish. For the salmon, the pancetta was a great addition. Our waiter (I believe his name was Jim?) was awesome and very attentive! The ambiance outside was spacious and beautiful with the flowers. Def a treat for a special occasion when you're in town. read more

Wonderful dinner on the back patio with a friend. Creative food and drinks that were delicious. Will be back.

This is one of the best restaurants in Saugatuck. Their menu rotates seasonally and always tastes fresh and delicious. They have a beautiful backyard patio that is perfect for a romantic dinner in the summer. And in the winter months, their indoor dining space is beautiful and welcoming. If you're looking for a spectacular dining experience, this is a must! read more

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Awesome meal! They sure didn't disappoint. Food was awesome. Service was awesome. This place is managed really well. Impeccably really. Drinks were awesome. My friend and I had a very memorable meal. Saugatuck is an sleepy little beach town. read more

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Our dinner at Coast 236 was incredible. The staff was kind and accommodating. My wife didn't want dessert and they allowed us to sub in a bottle of wine. When we reserved our table I requested a table with a lot of light, a pet peave of my wife, and they accommodated us. The ambiance of the restaurant was pleasant and they took great care to make sure sound was controlled with wall and ceiling buffers. We both ordered the price fix menu. The pork belly blew both of us away. Additionally the carbonated pear dessert was unique and very impressive. Overall this was one of our favorite meals we've had in a long time. read more

I love tasting menus so I did the 6 course tasting menu and thought the food was great. The issue was the portions which were much smaller than other tasting menus I've tried. Each course was 2-3 bites and we were quite hungry at the end of the meal which we did not expect for $110. They should increase portion sizes or offer "fillers" like a bread and cheese course. The biggest course by far was dessert which was very good. I would recommend the wine pairing. I did see the table next to us ordered just entrees and they looked to be a normal size so maybe just skip the tasting menu. Server was great. read more

Came here for an anniversary dinner. The staff was kind enough to give us a congratulations card when we sat down. We opted for a patio seat, which was a little warm on a summer night but cooled as the evening progressed. We opted for the tasting dinner with wine pairing and we were not disappointed. The pork belly was delicious and the beef tenderloin was so tender. Each wine pairing was better than the previous. The desserts were huge portions. Their wine by the bottle list looked interesting and affordable- I want to come back just for that! read more

I will preface this review by saying that the food was excellent. Flavors and combinations on point. Zero issues with the back of house. Where the problem lies is in the value proposition. Wife and I came for our anniversary and it wasn't our first time there but this trip we decided we wanted to try a bit of everything and get the nine course tasting menu with the wine pairing. We like good food and weren't afraid of the pricing just expected to walk away feeling like we'd had a special meal. Instead we experienced wine pours hitting the table a solid 5-8 minutes at times prior to the course being served. A tasting menu is obviously going to have small portions but the point where the meal lost me was when the salad was presented and was roughly 3 romaine leaves and a crouton. Execution of the food was divine. Execution of the nine course tasting menu was abysmal. For a 500 dollar sunk cost+tip the diner should feel special and as though they've had an experience. We left feeling as though we'd been taken. Cannot recommend. read more

Absolutely delicious. Service was top-notch and both my husband and I ordered the salmon, which was cooked perfectly. As the salmon was also part of the tasting menu, I looked at what wine was paired with it and just ordered a glass to go with my meal - it was awesome. And the creme brûlée was an outstanding way to finish the meal. We sat on the patio outside as this was our first visit and I wasn't familiar with the restaurant. But had I known their dining room was so beautiful, I definitely would have asked to be seated there instead. read more

This is a review for the tasting menu. There's a chance this review is a five if I come here, get the risotto, another entree, a few drinks and leave with a $100 bill. While I think the tasting menu is mostly great, I will say this is maybe the first one I've done in which I left and wasn't overly full and/or feeling a little buzzed. That said, I think $80 for the food is reasonable and you get a lot of different flavors. If you don't like black truffle (why?) probably don't do this. The salmon and trout, especially back-to-back, is maybe not great diversification. I think making the wine pairing $20 would make more sense, maybe taking the overall total to $100. I think it came out to four 2 oz. wine pours with a low-end red to finish, and then maybe 1 oz. of sparkling riesling? The pairings were great and all but $4 per ounce seems like a lot. The thought with $40 is that you're getting close to a full bottle's worth from a $40 bottle of wine because it's not like the restaurant is losing money on smaller pours, especially since the pairings don't change. If this was my first tasting menu I maybe would've written this differently, but it's kind of hard not to compare when you've had others. There are some places where the tasting menu is the best option no matter what, but for Coast 236, I'll probably just get an entree on next visit. read more

Coast 236 Restaurant & Bar - Beef tenderloin. - Italian Near Me - Saugatuck, Michigan

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Here's the thing. The food overall was not bad. But when I say not bad, I emphasize, not bad. The overall experience, was subpar to say the least, especially at the price point. For reference, myself and the others I dined with, all got the tasting menu with the wine pairing. Each of our wine glasses, all 6, were all slightly under poured. Wasn't by much, but just enough that each of us looked at the glasses and had the thought. Then, each dish, ere frankly of miserable portions. If you were to add the cost of each a la carte option, in comparison to the tasting menu, you'd get 3-4x the food, for only $40 or so more. Never have I ever spent over $100 on a tasting menu, yet left the restaurant looking for a fast food joint to finish my night at. I confronted the manager about this experience, who told us "we sell 20 of these per day without complaint", wouldn't make eye contact, and overall had a strange attitude about the situation, she at first offered us 15% off, which we just considered unacceptable, came back with 20% and a sour attitude. I felt as though I was haggling a used car salesman. Overall, this was simply the worst experience I've ever had for the cost. I give 2 stars instead of 1 because our waiter was very understanding and the wine that was served, while being under poured, was well paired. Go to bowdies or kirbies instead. You'll spend less, have higher quality food and drinks, and leave full. Another side note, this place has low quality ikea furniture to dine with, no table clothes, and a subpar ambiance because it's so tight with the seating you can hear everyone's conversations. I will never dine here again, and will also be charging back the tab with Amex. Go ANYWHERE except here. If you've ever tasted any kind of fine dining in your life, you WILL be wildly disappointed. read more

This was an event. A chill to the bone was immediately cured with this inviting bright venue with a cozy fire and an engaging staff. We close the 5 course meal with the wine pairing. We started with tuna, enjoyed tenderloin, lobster and bread pudding just for a few. The staff paced the meal perfectly. read more

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This little tucked away place in Saugatuck is perfection. Bright, airy, white, but cozy and soothing, too. We had a drink at the bar first and Patrick the bartender was so friendly and inviting. I had a beet infused Cosmo which was extremely unique and tasted delicious. Patrick was kind enough to give my husband a sip of some fancy Irish whiskey and talk about bourbons and scotches for moments on end. Then we were seated, our server Kennedy was great . She was very attentive and friendly and she made a great French 75 which I rarely get at restaurants because they don't know how to make them. I tried the elk because I've never had elk before; it was so tender and delicious it had a unique flavoring but tasted like a really really good steak. My partner had the salmon and he loved it. The sauce was so flavorful and made the whole dish taste amazing. We had bread pudding for dessert which could not have been cooked better. Overall the entire evening was pleasant, the music was quiet, we were not rushed and I would totally eat there again. Not for the faint of heart, price wise, but if you are looking for a great place to eat in Saugatuck this is the place. Reservations strongly recommended! We could not get in on Saturday night we had to go on Sunday night. read more

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Had an amazing dinner here earlier this month. Everyone loved the crudo and burrata appetizers, and we had scallops, pork belly and risotto for entrees. Everyone left happy! Nice cocktails and an interesting wine list from diverse places. 10/10 no notes! read more