Coast 236 Restaurant & Bar

We celebrated our 20th Anniversary on this visit and there was a card on the table for us when we arrived. We sat on the beautiful patio and received exceptional service with wonderful recommendations for the best selections. You can tell the staff takes great pride in what they offer here! Our favorites were the halibut and fillet!

Came here for my girlfriend's birthday dinner and we were not disappointed! Their menu focuses on seasonal and local produce (which is awesome) so it changes frequently. We ended up getting the tuna crudo, baguette with mushrooms and a cream sauce, a morel risotto, and a salmon with potatoes and crispy brusell sprouts in a bearnaise sauce. The tuna crudo was delicious and had a wonderful balance of flavors and pop to get us started. I'm not a big mushroom or pasta guy, but I LOVED the morel risotto. The baguette with mushroom and cream sauce was also delicious (who doesn't love grilled bread covered in a cream sauce lol). We thought the salmon was the least remarkable, but it was still perfectly cooked and had a nice bearnaise to go with it. Only wish is that there were more crispy brusell sprouts! They were great. Service was also excellent. Highly recommend if you want a nice dinner in the area!

A really nice dining experience on a busy holiday weekend. I was seated promptly, staff was attentive, and food was on point from drinks and appetizers through dessert. Great plating, nice portions, and casually invention combinations. This town can get wicked busy on a weekend night at dinner time, and Coast 236 should be a consideration whenever you want to step in for a welcoming and cleanly designed environment, and for a tasty meal and drinks.

We had a wonderful experience at Coast! Highly recommend the tasting menu. Everything was delicious, especially the pork belly and halibut! The inside was very fancy, but the patio out back had a more laid back vibe. Beautiful space/garden.

We had the burrata cheese and asparagus appetizer, the lamb loin, and the chocolate cake dessert. All were delicious. Derek was our server and he was fabulous.

Jim was a wonderful waiter! He is very knowledgeable of the entire menu and was helpful pairing wine with our food. Our entrees were excellent! We will go again next time we are in town. Thank you!

We shared all of the appetizers. They were all great and we enjoyed the variety. Our waiter, Pedro, was great. Nice ambiance. Definitely recommend.

Went here for an anniversary dinner and it was a superb evening, priced accordingly. Everything was expertly prepared and presented beautifully. While I would certainly recommend any of the seafood on their menu, there were other options. The wine list was solid and made pairing easy. Their cocktails were also superb and the non-alcoholic drinks were equally impressive for those wanting a unique beverage without the baggage. The menu might seem small to some, but this allows them to serve what is in season and is most fresh. While I've only been the one time, I imagine their menu changes seasonally. They also offered a several course option with a accompanying wine pairing with each course. Truly a top notch spot for seafood and a great meal.

Visited on 10/2 with my wife for our 7th wedding anniversary. Was met by Executive Chef Rick Bower for our reservations. Space was a converted row house, clean and modern describe it best. Staff had all signed a anniversary card at the table, a personable touch that often gets overlooked today. Our server Pedro was great, we were never left wanting for anything. Ordered a seared foie gras starter, my first time indulging on such a delicacy. Everything was perfectly balanced, the shallot marmalade and pickled fennel were great compliments. For an entree I chose the pork belly. Perfectly grilled that absolutely melted in my mouth, Spanish chorizo gave a perfect addition of spices and added depth of flavor to the dish. A real gem in Saugatuck, enjoy a walk on the marina boardwalk after dinner!

Curtis & his team were incredible! Very charming restaurant, excellent service and lovely courtyard tables. My husband had salmon & said it was one of the best meals he’s ever had. I had the mushroom risotto, delish! If you are in Saugatuck, make a reservation & check this place out.!

If I could choose just one place in Saugatuck to dine, it is Coast 236, we absolutely loved this place! Fabulous garden option for outside dining, beautiful and delicious gourmet food and friendly, attentive service. I can't wait to return!

We had the 6 course meal and it was incredible. Each course was delicious and flavorful. Hard to pick a favorite when even the risotto is mindblowingly incredible. Very unique drinks but each one we had was delicious.

This restaurant is truly one of my best experiences ever. Every dish was perfectly made to the detail of presentation and the taste.

What a gem! Actually just randomly discovered while walking. Delicious food, amazing drinks and excellent service! Highly recommend.

Casual detail; nautical feel; attentive service; exquisite cuisine wonderfully prepared & presented.

The best dinner in saugatauck the food was incroyable and the patio so nice and romantic. Perfect place for a charming date

Our group had planned to dine elsewhere when a power outage in South Haven had us googling for another location for dinner. What luck that it led us to Coast 236! From the moment we walked in, the coastal decor washed away the stress of the change of plans and our server was AMAZING! I'm sorry I don't remember if his name (Jim/James/something like that) as he made the evening even more enjoyable with his attention to detail, ability to describe menu options, and overall good cheer. Our group of four has lots of questions about the chef's tasting menu and ala carte menu and he was wonderful in explaining everything. There were some really unusual offerings and we tried several. The mushroom toast appetizer was such a delight of flavor and textures! When it came to selecting wine our server brought us a splash of two to try so we could make the best decision for our palette. We each tried a different main course so we could sample the menu. Each main course offering was flavorful, cooked perfectly, and provide unique flavor profiles. Desserts were very good as well with the chocolate peanut mousse dessert winning the day! This restaurant is a must for those seeking an elevated dining experience, with excellent service, unique menu options, and was by far the best restaurant we have dined at in the area. We visit the area a few times a year from Indianapolis and Coast 236 will be on our list each time.

Update August 2025- Another fabulous dinner here! We look forward to coming here on our last night in town. It never disappoints. We shared the Caesar to start, then I had the halibut and my husband had the corn risotto with scallops. It was all perfect. The drinks are fab too! ------------------- Coast is a great choice if you want fine dining without stuffiness. We stopped in once for cocktails only because we wanted a proper drink. Excellent cocktails and a nice bar. Bartenders were awesome. We even had a surprise me cocktail which was innovative and wonderful. We also had dinner on the patio one night. The tasting menu is the perfect way to enjoy many things on the menu without committing to huge portions.

Our recent experience at Coast 236 was simply excellent in every way, starting with our server Evan, who was just the right mix of pleasant, professional, and attentive. Four of us sat in the front window to enjoy the Christmas lights and town ambience, and it was perfect. All of our starters and entrees were delicious, and we all said we'd be back soon to try one of the tasting menus which look amazing. We were also pleased that the general atmosphere in the restaurant has shifted dramatically with the change to warmer, dimmer lighting. Nice Job!

What a fabulous evening of spectacular food, wonderful service & welcoming atmosphere!! Executive Chef Rick & team have created an excellent menu, incredible layers of flavor & texture!! We chose the tasting menu and loved it!! Our server, Jim, is simply the best....professional, knowledgeable & fun!! We highly recommend Coast 236!

We ordered every dish, and everyone had a different favorite. Speaks volumes to the diversity and quality. No misses, it was all incredible, filling, and we would happily come back for another great dinner.

I can't say enough about the tasting menu.. this was our first time here and we were not disappointed. The Chef did a phenomenal job of creating an experience with a great wine tasting pairing. Our server, Evan K, was great, as he was both knowledgeable and attentive. It was truly a Michelin experience without the price tag of one.

We had an overnight in Saugatuck and found Coast 236 online. The menu looked intriguing so we placed a to go order (we brought our little dog with us so we wanted to go back to our digs and eat with her. Otherwise I would have loved to eat at the restaurant.). I walked in to pick up the order and Chef said hello to me as he was cooking away. I’m not accustomed to that and was pleasantly surprised. Just getting the food which was ready to go, the two staff people I spoke to, well I felt so welcomed, it was nice. We both got the halibut dish and treated ourselves to splitting a ricotta dessert. Anxiously awaiting the first bites, we went back and opened the bag and then the boxes and wow! Such beautiful food! The flavors were just so perfect and unexpected! I think there was fig and foix gras and of course the amazing halibut! Every bite was truly a gastronomic frontier! So amazing! And beautiful! And then for our dessert, I was not quite certain of what it would look like, I heard the ricotta whipped and pieces of cannoli wrap and pistachios. I knew we had to have it when she said what it was but seeing and tasting is believing and this did not disappoint! A bit of heaven - truly! So smooth in flavor with just the right touch of sweetness and again, the flavors were like best friends and played so extremely well together! This meal was completely unexpected and so very enjoyed! It was the finest dining experience I may have had. I can’t wait for the treat of eating there again!

Tonight was our first experience at this restaurant and wow.. what an experience! My husband and I got the nine-course tasting menu and paired wine tasting. Each plate was unique and the wines were nicely matched with the food. The service was excellent, and the restaurant and patio had a trendy and romantic ambiance. We will certainly return!

The nine-course tasting menu is a wonderful experience. The food is excellent and unique, service was top notch. Could not recommend it more highly.

Our waiter, Jim, took excellent care of us. We each did the 9-course tasting menu and the portions were very good. We were both VERY full by the end, but able to enjoy every course and still fit in a little desert. Some surprising but excellent wine pairings to boot. Will be back. Our stand-out faves were the mushroom risotto, steak tartare, tuna crudo, and tenderloin, but everything slapped.

Wonderful experience for our 49 wedding Anniversary. Food incredible service was top over the top. Such attention to detail. We asked for and inside seat only to find that it was a bit noisy with a table of four, asked to go outside and it was a dream. Even met Andy learning to walk , it was so fun to engage with the little one . A Great celebration!!! Paris on our 50 th

We love this place! The food is amazing, the service is phenomenal and easy reservations keep us from having to stand in the street waiting for a table. My husband had the scallop dish which he raved about and I had the mushroom risotto and added a tenderloin. Oh my! So good! Smashing! ❤️

We had the most delightful time on Saturday night for dinner. There were 6 of us and we all had the 9-course tasting menu. I have not had a tasting menu as memorable as this one; each dish was very intentional with layered complexity that was delicious and impressive. I also appreciate their flexibility - everyone in the group is not required to partake in the tasting menu, which is rare to find. Patrick was our server and provided an impeccable experience. He was attentive, friendly, and very knowledgeable about the menu. Chef Rick even stopped by which was lovely. I will absolutely be back!

Wow! After a fail in Chicago at a restaurant I won’t mention, Coast 236 truly reminded us of the beauty that exists when you put your heart into your work. The simple fact that they permit guests at the same table to do the tasting menu while some might choose not to is basically telling you right from the beginning that you are in a business that cares about your visit. Our server assured us that if we chose that route, the courses would be “timed as best as possible”(if ya know, ya know)….as we considered that as an option, we decided to do a family style meal. Group of 7 so we ordered everything on the menu, and per Patrick’s recommendation, two of some. I considered going through the dishes but I simply can’t …all bangers!! That being said….the foie w/ plum was crazy good and the scallops came straight from Heaven. The dessert list covers all bases…the obligatory chocolate, the savory, and the sweet. Well done 236! Thank you Chef, Patrick, FOH, and BOH….that was EXCEPTIONAL!!

We had the most delicious anniversary dinner. We decided to go ala carte instead of choosing the tasting menu. We both had the Ciopinno and it was amazing. Evan, our server was delightful! 10 out of 10 recommended Catch 236!

We tried the tasting menu with wine pairings at Coast 236 on Valentine's and had an incredible experience.

The food is delicious and unique. Our lamb chops are out of this world and the tuna credo was melt in your mouth tasty. Our server, Jim, was the best waiter I have ever encountered. It was a special night for us and he went out of his way to make sure we felt special. We were a party of four and every one of us would highly recommend this restaurant.

We ordered the 6 pair tasting menu. Portion size is so small, but food was memorable. We really enjoyed the halibut with the potatoes and risotto!

Atmosphere and initial impression at the door was a turn-off, but the food quality was EXCELLENT. We arrived at about 8 pm on Wed, July 5th, and the hostess greeted us. We said 2 for dinner (we are locals & live about 2 blocks away). She asked if we had a reservation, which I thought was strange because 50% of the tables were open. She said reservation only. I looked and saw the entire bar was open, not a single patron eating at the bar. She was turning us away, so I asked, "Can we eat at the bar?" She said she needed to ask first & it seemed like our business was not wanted. We were allowed to eat at the bar. We ordered Martini's and 2 entrées. The drinks were small but adequate. The food arrived within 15 minutes, and the salmon was perfectly done! The Halibut was amazing as well. We dined at the bar for about 1 hour total. Im not sure that I ever saw any of the staff smile or show some animation of any sort. I would say the food prices are moderate to moderately high, so I would expect more friendly interaction from start to finish. All the tables that were open when we came in were still open an hour later. Like I said earlier, we are locals, and I didn't feel welcome at all. The atmosphere is very quiet and all the furnishings and walls are white and devoid of color. I will give it another try soon and report back. The food was amazing, but everything else must step up a couple of notches. Remember, as a local guide, we pay for our meals & dining experience, so I will always give an honest, unbiased opinion. Stay tuned for more updates on this restaurant.

The atmosphere is a little sterile, but the food is very good. The Saganaki (flaming cheese) is a neat show and tastes good. I had the walleye for my entree and the flavor was great on everything. They made zoodles taste good. My only complaint was that the fish was a little boney, but I think that's more the variety of fish than the preparation of it.

It's off season cold out on a Friday at 5:30 appetizers were ok drinks took along time to come food took about 30 minutes after ordering. MY salmon was way over cooked potatoes under cooked I honestly would not go back ! Very expensive small limited menu!

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.

I want to start with the positives: The food, wine pairings and cocktails were excellent. We ordered the six course with wine pairings, as well as a burrata and cocktails to start. Everything was tasty and well done. The issues started before we arrived. I called early I the day and asked if they had availability at a time, and if not, would it be okay to sit at the bar. I was told no availability but absolutely YES to bar seating (first come first serve). We arrive and the host yes she'll check the patio for walk ins. Unfortunately, the patio is full. So I said no problem we'll head to the bar. Then the host says no, you can't do that - there's no seating at the bar! Mind you, my wife and I are staring at 3 open seats at the bar. So I asked what was going on with those seats, and the host said we can only seat 1 group at the bar at a time, tha bartender makes drinks for the whole restaraunt'. I pointed out that I had been told one thing over the phone and we were sat eventually. But the entire meal, we did not feel welcome (while spending nearly $300 for a tasting menu and a couple extras). I'm still flabbergasted why a high-end restaurant would have bar seats they didnt want guests in! The bartender was a professional: knowledgeable, efficient. Cherry on top - half the restaurant was open the entire meal. 2-tops behind us were open our entire meal. Their foyer was open the entire meal as well. I hate leaving a bad review - I feel like I have to after our experience at the door and beyond.

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. SCAM!