Travel: St. Joseph, MI (Food & Drink)

This post is the second on the town of St. Joseph, MI. As I noted in the previous post, “St. Joseph, MI (History)”, I went for business while Mrs. Present went to relax. St. Joseph is very nice town and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Obviously, the tourist season for beach towns on Lake Michigan’s shore is short. Fortunately, St. Joseph’s tourist area is small and easily walked. Most restaurants and shops located between Silver Beach, the St. Joseph River, Market and Court Streets. A horse drawn wagon and bicycles are available if you want a break from walking.

We stayed at the Boulevard Inn & Bistro, which stands on the bluff above Lake Michigan’s shore. Our room was nice and the staff was exceptional. Their dining recommendations were enthusiastic and accurate. They were well acquainted with all the local shops and restaurants. I find that this often not true. I recommend eating breakfast at the Bistro located just off the lobby.

Our favorite restaurant was Silver Harbor Brewing Company. Great food, a wide variety of beers and wines, great staff. Mrs. Present and I enjoyed our visit so much that I made a return visit with my coworkers several days later. Everyone raved about the food and drink. Over the two visits, meals ordered included Pastrami Ribs, Grilled Tenderloin, and Pan Seared Lake Trout. All are heartily recommended. Beers ordered included Kumbaya Brown Ale, Smoked Kumbaya Brown Ale, Sand Merchant Red Ale, So Heffen Good Hefeweizen, Sunshine Breakfast Stout, Deuces Wild Doppelbock. Again, all were exceptional.

We also ate at:

Buck Burgers and Brew- The Thornburger & the Stuffed Mexican

RyeBelles- Salads, burgers, and beer! On a roof, overlooking the lake.

Silver Beach Pizza- The Undertow & The Margherita

Cabana’s Ice Cream Parlor- So many choices!

Vivi’s Italian Garden (Unfortunately, no pictures)- The desserts were amazing. Good luck picking just one.

Schu’s Bar and Grill- Try Greenbush’s (local brewery) 400 Divine Rabbits, an agave wheat ale! (no pictures)

Kilwin’s Ice Cream Shop (No pictures)-  Great milkshakes!

Michigan is home to several excellent wineries. Two have tasting rooms in downtown St. Joseph. Lazy Ballerina produces many great products. We brought some home. Two ladies worked the shop the day we were there. They put together a great pairing tray of wines and chocolates. We did not slow down to take pictures until this happened…

Mrs. Present made a solo visit to the White Pine Winery Tasting Room. (No pictures) She was very impressed, especially with the Traminette. We brought more home.

If you have an opportunity, visit St. Joseph. You will only need a couple days in St. Joseph itself, but the greater area has many other points of interest. If you are interested, please check out the following sites:

http://www.stjoetoday.com/eat

http://www.stjoetoday.com/discover/wine-tasting-tours

http://www.stjoelighthouse.com/local-business-directory/lodging/

http://www.stjoetoday.com/discover/parks-beaches