Review The Southerner - Saugatuck

The food was very good. We were able to sit on the deck to view the water. Reasonable prices as well. Our waitress wasn't very friendly & seemed annoyed when taking our order. I don't recommend asking any questions about items on the menu. At one point she even slammed her foot down.

We visited this place to enjoy some drinks with friends. Although it was our first visit, our friends were familiar with the servers and bartenders. The maple old-fashioned cocktail was truly delicious, and their selection of bourbons and whiskeys was impressive. As we started feeling a bit hungry, we decided to try the side of grits, which turned out to be equally fantastic. We're eagerly looking forward to returning for a full dining experience and trying out their main dishes.

This was a excellent choice. We googled it on the way back from the UP and hit the jackpot. It’s on the water, the outside may be a bit like a roadside diner look, but the inside is clean, customer service is great and the food is top notch. They were also willing to make any menu changes we asked. Great job.

10/10 recommend. I’ve been here a few times and each time I go, I fall deeper and deeper in love with the food. I had the Catfish Robert this past time and I about died and went to heaven, then I had the biscuit and for sure thought I saw the pearly gates through my eye lids. 😍. Can’t get enough and will be returning!

8 of us came for linner, 2ish. Fabulous family style dinner. Chicken, catfish, french fries, coke slaw, biscuits were perfect. And a specialty afternoon 🍸 rounded out the meal. Service was actually the best part. Thank you!

Breath taking food and exceptional service, we felt very welcome. The fried chicken was the best I've ever had. This will definitely be a regular spot for us when we visit Saugatuck, MI

I love the Southerner. It's an amazing home cooking style place with hearty helpings. It is simply satisfying to dine here. Beautiful location on the river and a great dining room and bar. The biscuits and pepper jam are a must try item!

Where do I even begin. The food is amazing!! The fried chicken was so tasty, all the sides were great, including cole slaw, corn salad, and my god the biscuit. It is the best biscuit I've ever had, hands down. It comes with honey butter and it just melts in your mouth. Service is friendly and helpful. Nice outdoor patio areas too.

Worth the wait! We got there before they opened and waited in line for around 20 minutes to get in the door. This is a lovely, quirky place and Anna was absolutely perfect as our server/bartender. Great cocktails with unique twists made for a wonderful pre-meal experience, and the hot-pepper jelly appetizers paired so well with the drinks. Our party ordered everything from burgers to shrimp & grits, to the traditional chicken biscuit sandwich and the salad with honey-butter-dipped chicken tenders. There were a lot of happy-eating expressions during this meal, and we totally understood why this place is on the top of the must-visit list when you're in Saugatuck! Loved it!

Authentic southern cooking. Took my friend from SC who's family was in the restaurant business there. She loved the food (high praise) as did I. You will not be disappointed. Just discovered and have been there twice in one week. Love!

I went here for a friend's birthday and it was amazing!!! The food is great, the servers are nice, and it's a really pleasant atmosphere in and outside:D

The fried chicken was so good! The meat is juicy and flavorful and the skin is nice and crispy. The Mac and cheese was also amazing and so were the sides. The only complaint I have about is that it’s too popular! 🤣 be prepared to wait for a table or for takeout at dinner time because they don’t take reservations

Quaint ranch style building on the water. I think it's the Kalamazoo river. Great service, great but limited food options and fun ambience. The chicken was breaded just right, not overly coated. We split one dinner and some sides. My wife's only gripe was there's no desert on the menu.

This is by far the best fried chicken I have ever had. The seasoning and breading are absolutely spot on. The sides are good as well. I do know the grits needed something. If you want to be seated you need to get there at 10:45 and wait till they open the doors or you will be waiting in a long line.

I tend to write lengthy reviews, but there is no reason to do for The Southerner. The food here is excellent, the prices are fair and the cocktails are top-notch. Service is friendly and efficient. Be prepared to wait-this place can get quite popular during the summer months.

Awesome friend chicken and biscuit. Peaceful and pretty outdoor setting on the back patio. Got the piedmont which was a bit more of a wet dip with chillies and sweet tomatoes. Super tender and moist. Perfectly cooked. Really good but thinking the Nashville hot might be the way to go. Fries were kinda meh.

This was the coolest place I have been to in a long time. the southerner is highly recommended by me and I’m sure anyone who ever step foot in the door! hospitality was top-notch, food was even better and drinks were supreme. If you’re within 30 minutes of the southerner I do highly recommend the drive! everything we had was great; shrimp and grits, collard greens, corn salad and a Nashville hot chicken sandwich that would put your grandmother to shame 😘