J. Paul's Dining Room @ The Kirby

Sometimes you are lucky to find a place with a Chef that “get’s it”; this is that place. Food that speaks to your soul and staff that made us feel like we were friends coming over for dinner at their beautiful Victorian home. Start to finish, this is food to be dreamt about. Without a doubt the best Asparagus soup that I’ve ever had. So smooth and silky yet full of flavor. Our entrees were simply outstanding. But I can’t just focus on how good the food was, and it all was, I have to talk about what it takes to make a meal like this happen. Chef La Belle has a passion and it shows. Locally sourced, fresh ingredients, selected with care and presented in a way that elevates and respects the flavors. This is dining to be savored and enjoyed, with cocktails to be sipped and delight.

We were thrilled with our recent dining experience. After a previous unpleasant experience (with a previous chef), we were looking forward to another go at it. Chef LaBelle delivered the goods and the service was outstanding! We enjoyed the pulled shortrib & truffled mushroom raviolis, and the roasted pheasant. Both were outstanding in presentation and taste. It was a perfect winter evening in the cozy bar. As a local, we're thrilled to have J. Paul's Dining Room at the The Kirby House. Looking forward to going again!

Phenomenal food and Service. We had the Crab cakes for appetizers and aged prime rib with squash zucchini carrot medley and Yukon mashed potatoes for our entree. And a Neopolitan Cheesecake for dessert and I have to say it was the best I've had anywhere!

We had dinner at J Kirby tonite. There were 4 of us. We were greeted promptly and were seated right away with our reservation. The decor is very quaint and cozy. You can sit on the porch or inside. We ordered drinks that were excellent. The Strawberry Mojito was refreshing and delicious. The pomegranate old fashioned was excellent. For small plates we ordered the Bruschetta with goat cheese and the crab cake. Both were excellent. Our main course choices included: garden risotto full of Al dente vegetables. The pork tenderloin was excellent and the Duck was amazing as well. The chicken was great. We did not order any side dishes or salads as we had plenty of food. The presentation of the main course was perfection. Everyone enjoyed their entrees🥰 We also shared 2 desserts, the Flourless chocolate cake was divine and the cheesecake made in-house was delicious The staff was attentive and gracious. The price point was excellent and they have an ample size parking lot. Do not miss this gem for a romantic dinner for 2 or a gathering of friends.

Went here for my birthday and had an incredible meal. Ordered 2 apps (ravioli and pork belly) then for entrees our table had the salmon, duck and prime rib. Every single dish was delicious, we had attentive service and it was a cozy atmosphere. Will absolutely be returning next time we’re in Saugatuck!

We recently had a rehearsal dinner for 24 people at the Kirby. The drinks, food and service were very good. Chris, the chef and manager, was professional and well organized. All of our guests had an enjoyable evening.

Amazing wedding weekend at The Kirby! My son and daughter-in-law had their wedding and reception at the Kirby this past weekend. The venue, food, ambiance, EVERYTHING, was amazing. Every small detail was taken care of and Mindy, Kim and the entire staff were wonderful to work with. Everyone is still talking about what a fantastic event this was. Thank you to The Kirby for making wedding/reception dreams come true!

My husband and I took a weekend getaway at the Kirby House and we loved it. Mindy and the other employees were wonderful. We learned about the history of the house, had a complimentary wine and cheese tasting and enjoyed wonderful meals there. We loved it so much we are going back with our children for a family vacation. I can't wait to get back!

Sophia, our server, was fantastic!! Food was excellent! Highly recommend!

We knew that we wanted our small outdoor August 2nd wedding in Saugatuck/Douglas and we knew we had a lot of options for venues. The Kirby was the second place that we visited and after leaving we knew that was the place for us. "Sure, we'd be happy to do that!" "Whatever you want." That is the theme Mindy had for the entire planning process. She and the rest of the staff were so flexible and we never felt as though we were given any barriers. She made picking out the food and drink options so easy and we had the utmost confidence in their ability to deliver a fun, festive and memorable experience. As anticipated, the food was amazing. The rooms and accommodations were lovely and staying there was a terrific experience. We had an outdoor wedding in their quaint back yard and dinner on their massive deck under the huge outdoor umbrella. We knew that if the weather didn't cooperate that we could rely on their gorgeous and spacious front porch and indoor dining area. Looking back there isn't one thing that we would've changed about our experience at The Kirby. Mindy and Kym, the two main contacts at The Kirby, are two of the most decent people I have ever met. They and their staff delivered in every way. Thank you so much for making our wedding a beautiful experience, and we can't wait to come back for our anniversary!

We’ve travelled the world and have never experienced or enjoyed better food, service or a better atmosphere than that provided at J. Paul’s courtesy of Jeffrey and Chef Chris. The crab cakes were scrumptious and made us feel like we were actually in Maryland and having the best crab the world has to offer. The salads had the perfect combination of crunch, flavor and zest that would make even salad-phobes have a change of heart. And, finally, the short rib ravioli and the prime rib were some of the umami featuring, flavor-bursting and savory dishes you’ll find anywhere. Oh, and the drinks are to die for. So, as you can see, and likely almost taste, whether you’re near or far, this picturesque, historic, classic and delicious food featuring establishment is *well* worth the trip!

My husband and I had both our wedding ceremony and reception at The Kirby and it was everything we dreamed of! Chris and his wife were both extremely kind and accommodating to all of our wishes. The food was EXCELLENT. Best prime rib we’ve ever had! We can’t wait to come back!

What a fabulous experience. Courtney, and the entire staff were welcoming and great. The check in, and out process were flawless, and I will 100 percent start here again. If you're in town and want a good stay... stay here! Till next time!!

What a great find!! My husband and I decided sorta last minute to visit Saugatuck. I was looking for hotels and they were crazy expensive. I ran across The Kirby Hotel and it was very reasonably priced and close to Saugatuck. When we pulled up it was so quaint and welcoming! The rooms were clean and cozy The staff was extremely friendly and loved learning of the Hotels history. Already told some friends about this lovely Hotel.

I had a nice stay as a solo female traveler. I stayed in the Lady Bird Johnson room and it was bigger than anticipated, with a Queen sized bed and multiple chairs/small couch. The rooms were clean and quiet. The hotel was walking distance from downtown Douglas, Saugatuck, and Douglas Beach. The owner was very nice and made a very nice breakfast both days of my stay.

My girlfriend and I had an incredible experience at The Kirby Hotel & J Paul's Diner. The crab cakes were hands down the best we've ever had! The flavors were exquisite and the texture was perfect. Not only was the food exceptional, but the hotel itself was fantastic. The rooms were clean and comfortable, providing a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. The staff went above and beyond to ensure we had a pleasant stay, and the location couldn't have been better. We were just a short distance away from both the town and the beach, making it convenient for us to explore and enjoy our time. The owner of The Kirby Hotel is truly a gem. He was friendly, welcoming, and made us feel like part of the family. We were so impressed with his hospitality that we've already decided to start booking for next time! We can't wait for the party and know it will be an unforgettable experience with him leading the way. If you're looking for a remarkable dining experience and a wonderful place to stay, we highly recommend The Kirby Hotel and J Paul's Diner. You won't be disappointed! 🦀🎉

What an absolute delight! We couldn’t have been happier with our stays. (Yes multiple!) My wife and I were married here at the Kirby this fall and in the year prior we made multiple trips into town to plan everything and we always stayed here. Chris and Courtney could not be more wonderful or more lovely. They bend over backward for their guests to be sure that everyone is taken care of and beyond happy. My wife and I wish we could just move up here and live at the Kirby full time! Their food at the restaurant downstairs is top notch. Breakfast is perfect. Their bar selection is amazing, Courtney is a cocktail genius. The rooms are always spotless and so comfortable. The property is quiet but close enough to get to everything easy. It’s also a very short drive, or maybe even a walk if you’d like, to water views. We could not recommend the Kirby more! It is absolutely our choice when we come into town! We can’t wait for our next trip up!

Room was great, spacious and cozy. Comfortable bed. Good location. Felt like we were staying as a guest in someone’s house, it was a unique experience. Owner and chef Chris was a very genuine and nice guy, you can tell he’s passionate and works hard in his craft. Food was awesome, would definitely eat/stay here again!

We had quick get away from Columbus, Ohio and this was the best and sweetest find for us. We spent three nights with The Kirby and Cortney and Chris treated us like royalty, they go above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable and cared for. So grateful for these hard working wonderful people who care so much about guests and diners and everyone in-between!! Such a sweet experience AND their free breakfast is amazing!!!

This is the best place to stay in Douglas and Saugatuck. You can easily drive to South Haven, Holland, Saugatuck, Fenview, etc from The Kirby. You are within walking distance to downtown Douglas. Our room was clean and very comfortable. The breakfast drastically exceeded my expectations. The dinner was one of the best meals I have ever had. But what truly takes this place from great to exceptional is Courtney and Chris. They made us feel so welcome, had great recommendations on what to check out during our trip, and I truly just enjoyed talking with them. It was fascinating to learn about the history of the house and the town from them. If you looking for somewhere to stay in Michigan, this is a phenomenal choice.

I was overall very impressed with this little bed and breakfast! Rooms were very clean and updated while still having a lovely historic charm. It was a unique experience staying upstairs while there was a bustling restaurant below. The included breakfast in the morning was good, and the staff was very pleasant and explained some history of the building. I would definitely stay again and the price was a great value for the quality!

We had our wedding at the Kirby and could not be happier with our experience. It was the perfect, intimate setting for our small gathering. Chris and Courtney were engaged and responsive to ensure that everything went smoothly and were so helpful throughout. Highly recommended!

This past April my husband and I had our wedding ceremony and dinner at the Kirby Hotel. Mindy and her staff were wonderful and made sure everything was great. The inside of the Kirby was so elegant and perfect for our small wedding of 14 guest. The food was exceptional! Everything tasted great and it really made our wedding dinner feel special. We are so happy with our stay at The Kirby and with how they handled our wedding. I would definitely recommend this place to couple's!

Chris was a friendly and accommodating host. We came down for a day trip and had dinner at J Paul’s, everything was delicious and the service was great. Breakfast served by Chris was great as well. Fantastic trip all around.

Sue and I stayed Thursday to Saturday Labor Day weekend. Our stay was exceptional. The Kirby experience included a nice, clean room, a cool porch and large deck in the rear with huge umbrellas. We enjoyed drinks on both. Very relaxing. Our dining was excellent. The filet minion was the best...super tender, with a nicely charred exterior. Chef Labelle and Courtney provided very attentive service. The wine and drinks were right on. Top shelf everything, steeped in the character that only a classic historic bnb offers. We'll be back.

We very much enjoyed our stay at the Kirby. The place is charming, cozy and clean and the service was above and beyond. Chris was helpful, kind, great conversation and his coffee and breakfast hit the spot each morning. Perfect location and excellent food and drinks built into the experience.

Me and my wife Sarah got married here and to say Chris did everything in the world to make it perfect would be an understatement. From organizing our cake for us, to emailing me back at 10 pm a week before because I forgot something! Chris, and the whole staff at the Kirby were amazing. The prime rib he prepared for us was perfect, and the service behind the bar was immaculate! 10/10 highly recommend for your special day, anniversary, or just nice dinner!

Thank you to Manager/Chef Chris LaBelle and his staff for the overwhelmingly successful rehearsal dinner he did for our son’s wedding on June 16, 2023. All the plannning had to be done by email and phone, and it was just perfect! The food was delicious, the service excellent, and the entire venue delightful! The Kirby Hotel also hosted the groom’s sister and her family (including two children) in their master suite. If you are planning an event in Saugatuck/Douglas, you should absolutely call The Kirby Hotel and J. Paul’s Dining Room first!

My husband brought me here for my birthday 🎂! We had such an amazing time. Chris & Courtney are fabulous hosts. The food is well-prepared, perfectly spiced, and generous portions. Service is just right; nearby but not annoying. It feels like your table is the only one in the elegant dinning room. And the rooms are unique and comfortable; added benefit: after "that second glass of wine at the bar" I just had to crawl up the beautiful staircase! I can't say enough about this little bit of paradise!

An excellent place to stay! The owner and staff are warm and welcoming, and the rooms are spotless and well-appointed. The restaurant is truly a gem—every dish is crafted with care, full of flavor, and showcases the chef’s talent. They take allergy accommodations very seriously, and since everything is made from scratch, you can feel confident dining safely. Breakfast and dinner were both phenomenal. A wonderful experience all around.

We only have one regret!! We should have planed to stay long! The room was so nice and comfortable! Super friendly staff! We enjoyed having a drink at the bar ! The breakfast was so good and they gave us options! Location was perfect for us! Thank you! We will be back!

This is a beautiful little bed & breakfast within walking distance of nearly everything. We stayed in the Anne Boleyn room, it was clean and comfortable. The detached bathroom with the high tub on a step up was the only issue. Folks with any sort of mobility issue may find the tub difficult to navigate. There is also a lack of places to put your shower needs, so it was awkward to reach out of the shower to the ledge. With that being said...the staff was AMAZING! We had everything we needed, delicious breakfasts, ice and water available at all times, coffee and tea in the morning. The rooms were stocked with local maps and brochures and the staff recommended places to go and things to do. We would stay here again for sure if we return to the area. We actually had our weekend plans cancelled on us and as we were packing up to leave, Courtney and Chris came up to let us know that there had been a cancellation and that we could continue our stay if we wished. We had been having a hard time finding a hotel to accommodate us since it's the busy season in Saugatuck, but this worked out so well. Finally, the restaurant...it is pricy, but if you can swing it, so very worth it. There is no rushing, we ordered each element of our experience at our desired time, and the food is delicious. We actually ate dinner there twice and each meal was fantastic. We did not have the prime rib, though it was recommended to us by multiple people, but the ravioli, scallops, pork tenderloin and chicken dishes were all so delicious. The deserts were just the perfect touch for the end of the meal...try the cheesecake, you won't be disappointed.

This is the second time my boyfriend and I have stayed at The Kirby. Like last time, we were beyond pleased with our stay! We made sure to stay in a room that has a connected bathroom inside this time, but even if you book the room with the bathroom outside of the room, it’s still private and just outside the door! The hotel itself has a very cool history and it’s beautiful on the inside and out. The service here is 10/10. The included breakfast is delicious and the restaurant that’s open in the evening has great options as well! We always make sure to eat at the restaurant at least once during our stay because it’s so yummy, but it’s close enough to downtown Saugatuck that there are plenty of options with just a short drive! Chris and Courtney are super friendly and hardworking, they really go out of their way to make this hotel exceptional.

Overall fantastic. Really short drive to everything we wanted to see, the included breakfast was stellar, the owner is very fun and nice, and everything looked clean. The bathroom being separated from the room is a little awkward, but it wasn't a big deal all together.

Was greeted warmly. Kindness abounded from all staff. Relaxing atmosphere. Food was excellent. Bed was very comfortable. Gardens are beautiful. Fresh ice water during the day and hot coffee ready in the morning. Location is perfect for biking to the beach on Lake Michigan. Easy access to Saugatuck for shopping and theater. I will be returning again and again.

We came here for dinner and for the appetizer, we had the Oysters Rockefeller and the Maryland Crab Cakes. The crab cakes were good but wasn’t that excited about the Oysters Rockefeller as it just wasn’t as good as others I’ve tried. For the main course, I had the seared duck and my date had the Fennel Seared Scallops. My date loved his dish. I absolutely LOVED the seared duck. I honestly haven’t had it better… I’m still thinking about how amazing it was! Perfect in every way (chef’s kiss). For dessert, we had the cheesecake and it was perfect in taste and texture. The customer service was also excellent. We will definitely be coming back.

A must see stop in this fantastic town. Nice atmosphere good service reasonably priced. Top notch.

Came here for dinner. Food was very good but waited over an hour for our dinner. the price to size ratio was way too high. I was still hungry after food and appetizers.

We didn’t love our dinner here seated inside. Strange lighting made the vibes feel off. Food was just ok. Chicken was over cooked, while the duck was pretty good. Both were pretty soaked in sauce. Service was good. Our server was very kind and attentive.

This review pertains to the restaurant, not the hotel. I ate here last year and had one of the best meals in my life. This year, we went back, and my brother and I both ordered the scallops and risotto. It was good, but the portions were tiny! These are not expensive ingredients. If I set aside the time to go to a restaurant and spend $38 on a plate of food, the expectation is that I leave satisfied. I'm talking about reasonable portions, not "American sized" meals.