Downtown Saugatuck Butler & Water St
Charming downtown Saugatuck with historic Butler Street shops and scenic Water Street waterfront dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Downtown Saugatuck Butler & Water St
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Charming downtown Saugatuck with historic Butler Street shops and scenic Water Street waterfront dining.
"The outdoor seating is a treat with nice views of the lake and boats."
🎯 Park Smart
Parking can be tricky. Arrive early or consider walking from nearby areas.
🚶♀️ Stroll & Explore
The best way to see downtown is on foot. Wear comfortable shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Butler Street Boutiques & Galleries
Butler Street
Explore charming shops, unique art galleries, and local boutiques lining the historic street. Find treasures and souvenirs.
Water Street Waterfront Dining
Water Street
Savor delicious meals with picturesque views of boats and the harbor. Enjoy fresh catches and local flavors.
Rainbow Crosswalk
Intersection of Butler Street and Water Street
A vibrant symbol of Saugatuck's inclusive spirit, perfect for a photo op and to embrace the town's welcoming atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Charm of Butler & Water Street
Saugatuck: A Welcoming Haven
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Park Smart
Parking can be tricky. Arrive early or consider walking from nearby areas.
🚶♀️ Stroll & Explore
The best way to see downtown is on foot. Wear comfortable shoes!
🌈 Embrace Inclusivity
Saugatuck is known for its welcoming atmosphere, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.
🍽️ Reservations Recommended
For popular restaurants, especially on weekends, consider making reservations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Park Smart
Parking can be tricky. Arrive early or consider walking from nearby areas.
🚶♀️ Stroll & Explore
The best way to see downtown is on foot. Wear comfortable shoes!
🌈 Embrace Inclusivity
Saugatuck is known for its welcoming atmosphere, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.
🍽️ Reservations Recommended
For popular restaurants, especially on weekends, consider making reservations.
🍦 Sweet Treats
Don't miss out on local ice cream shops and unique treats.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners have mixed experiences, with some praising the scenic waterfront views and delicious appetizers like pretzel bites, while others report issues with food quality and service attentiveness. The outdoor seating is consistently highlighted as a major draw, offering beautiful harbor vistas.
"My partner and I came to this place over the weekend, while visiting the area and after reading many raving reviews. If the party is not large, you cannot make reservations on Open Table. Since we were a small party of two, we walked in and gave them our name. They put us in the system, said the wait would be an hour to an hour and thirty minutes. I was mind blown by the hostess time estimate because they called us within an hour and seven minutes. The place reminds me of Krusty Krab in SpongeBob, it’s wooden paneling and dark décor. The service was okay, I wish our waiter would have been a tiny bit more attentive. You cannot tell me you’re that busy to have runners deliver the food and to check up on the table every so often (before @ me, he was not that busy and the place was not that busy).
As for Appetizer, we had crab stuffed mushrooms, they were watery with a great amount of cheese on top. I would have opted-in for a breadcrumb top rather than cheese. My partner has to finish the App.
For Entrée, I had the Horseradish Peppercorn Burger, it was very flavorful and cooked as recommended – medium. The side, sweet potatoes, were so stale and overcooked, it seemed like they were out all day and the cooks refried them. (again, do not @ me, I worked at Arby’s back in my prime, so I know a stale, overcooked, recooked fry). My partner had the Southwestern Salad with grilled “over seasoned” chicken and missing black beans with a grand amount of red onion.
Overall, no, I did not like this place and would not recommend this place to anyone visiting the area. I wish the company all the best in their success."
Daniella Lucaj
"We came for lunch on a weekday and sat in the lower outdoor area. Our food was very good, our server was helpful and friendly, and looking out at boats on a sunny day was sublime. Prices are competitive given the location and type of restaurant.
Only two downsides, music had us having to repeat ourselves quite a bit because of the volume. And while appetizers came quickly, our meals took over half an hour."
David Bouwkamp
"The outdoor seating of the restaurant is a treat. You get a nice view of the lake and some of the cool boats and yachts.
The food tastes great as well and even better when paired with the scenery. The pretzel bites appetizers were warm and soft and served with cheese and honey mustard. The fish and chips were nice and hot out of the fryer as well. The pretzel burger was gigantic in size and very tasty and paired with some truffle french fries.
I would visit this place whenever I visited saugatuck because of the nice views of the outdoor seating and great food to enjoy it with."
Frank Chanthala
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Downtown Saugatuck is accessible by car. It's approximately a 2-hour drive from Chicago and a 3-hour drive from Detroit. Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season, so arriving early or considering public transport options if available from nearby cities is advised.
While direct public transportation to Saugatuck can be limited, regional bus services might connect to nearby larger towns, from where you could arrange local transport. It's best to check current schedules for services like Amtrak or intercity bus lines that may serve the West Michigan area.
Downtown Saugatuck is very walkable, with Butler Street and Water Street being the main hubs. Many visitors prefer to park their car and explore the shops, restaurants, and waterfront on foot.
Specific park and ride lots directly serving downtown Saugatuck are not widely advertised. However, some accommodations or public lots on the outskirts might offer longer-term parking, allowing you to walk or use a local shuttle if available.
Saugatuck is approximately a 2-hour drive from Chicago, making it a popular weekend getaway destination for city dwellers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the downtown area itself. It's a public space with shops, restaurants, and galleries that you can explore freely.
Shop and restaurant hours in downtown Saugatuck can vary, especially by season. Most businesses are open daily during the summer, with reduced hours in the off-season. It's best to check individual business websites or call ahead for specific hours.
There are no entrance fees for the downtown area. However, you will need to pay for parking, which can be metered or in designated lots.
For popular restaurants, especially on weekends, reservations are highly recommended. Some establishments may use reservation platforms like OpenTable, while others might take reservations directly over the phone.
No, walking around Butler Street is free. It's a public street lined with businesses and attractions for everyone to enjoy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss exploring the unique boutiques and art galleries on Butler Street, enjoying waterfront dining on Water Street, and taking a photo at the iconic rainbow crosswalk. The charming architecture and harbor views are also highlights.
Saugatuck offers a diverse range of shops, including art galleries, clothing boutiques, gift shops, bookstores, and specialty stores selling local crafts and artisanal goods.
Saugatuck is celebrated as a very inclusive and welcoming town, with a strong LGBTQ+ presence and history. You'll find a friendly atmosphere throughout downtown and in many establishments. +2
The vibe is charming, artsy, and laid-back. It's a picturesque lakeside town with a lively downtown area that attracts visitors looking for a relaxing getaway with plenty of character.
Absolutely! Saugatuck is a popular spot for bachelorette parties, offering a mix of shopping, dining, wineries, and a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular spots include The Butler for American fare with harbor views, and various eateries along Water Street offering fresh catches and local flavors. Many reviewers praise the pretzel bites and fish and chips.
While specific vegan/vegetarian menus can vary, many restaurants offer salads and customizable dishes. It's advisable to check menus online or inquire with the restaurant directly about their plant-based options.
Look for fresh lake fish like Walleye, enjoy local wines and ciders, and don't miss out on artisanal sandwiches and baked goods from local delis and bakeries.
Yes, burgers are a popular item. The pretzel burger and horseradish peppercorn burger have been mentioned positively by diners.
Prices can range from casual to moderately expensive, depending on the restaurant. Waterfront dining and establishments in prime locations may be on the higher end.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the charm of Butler Street's historic buildings, the scenic waterfront views along Water Street, the vibrant rainbow crosswalk, and the boats docked in the harbor.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the town's picturesque scenery. Midday can be bright, but the waterfront offers shade.
Look for the unique architecture of historic homes, the colorful boats in the harbor, and the vibrant street art or murals that might pop up. The inclusive atmosphere also offers unique cultural photo moments.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for street photography and landscapes. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive lake views, and a prime lens is good for low-light dining shots.
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission from the shop owner or gallery curator before taking extensive photos, especially if it's for commercial use.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a visit to a local ice cream shop for a sweet treat, a classic family vacation indulgence. While the focus is on shopping and dining, the general ambiance of the town is relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to navigate with children. Nearby beaches also offer opportunities for family fun in the sun.
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Travelers
Explore the shops and restaurants on Butler and Water Streets, knowing you're in a town that celebrates diversity. Saugatuck also hosts various LGBTQ+-focused events and has specific accommodations and gathering spots that cater to the community, making it an ideal destination for queer travelers.
couples
Consider visiting a local winery or cidery for a relaxed afternoon tasting, or simply enjoy the beautiful lake Michigan sunsets nearby. The town's intimate feel and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal spot for couples seeking a peaceful yet engaging escape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Inclusive Spirit of Saugatuck
This inclusivity is visible in various aspects of Saugatuck, from its community events to its local businesses. The town actively embraces diversity, creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and celebrated. This welcoming spirit is a significant draw for many travelers seeking a destination that values acceptance and community.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, you'll likely experience the warmth and openness that Saugatuck is known for. It's a place where people can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging, making it a truly special destination.
Culinary Delights on Water Street
Reviewers often highlight specific dishes that are worth trying. The pretzel bites appetizer, described as warm and soft, is a popular choice, often served with cheese and honey mustard. For main courses, the fish and chips are frequently praised for being hot and fresh, while burgers, like the pretzel burger or horseradish peppercorn burger, are noted for their flavor and generous size.
Beyond the classic American fare, Saugatuck's dining scene also offers unique flavors. Some establishments feature pizzas with creative toppings, and desserts like peach cobbler cheesecake and flourless chocolate torte have received rave reviews. The street corn bruschetta, with its blend of sweet and savory flavors, is another standout dish that showcases the culinary creativity found in Saugatuck.
Shopping and Artistry on Butler Street
The art scene in Saugatuck is particularly noteworthy. Numerous galleries showcase the work of local and regional artists, featuring a variety of mediums including paintings, sculptures, pottery, and photography. Whether you're an art aficionado or simply appreciate creative expression, Butler Street provides a rich cultural experience.
Beyond the art, you'll find specialty shops offering everything from gourmet foods and local wines to home decor and unique gifts. Many of these businesses are locally owned, adding to the authentic charm of the street. Keep an eye out for seasonal pop-ups and new arrivals, as the offerings can change, ensuring a fresh discovery with each visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit