Rob Robinson recently vacationed in Saugatuck, Michigan with his family. Much to the delight of his wife, Rob agreed to occasionally interrupt his vacation to take notes and pictures for a series of profiles for the Party Café. Today’s profile is on Phil’s Bar & Grille Restaurant located at 215 Butler Street, Saugatuck, Michigan.
Phil’s Bar & Grille is located discreetly on the main strip of Saugatuck known as Butler Street. I say discreetly, because, despite the large, old-fashioned movie marquee atop its entrance, it doesn’t stand out, at least not as a restaurant. In fact, the first time I went looking for Phil’s, I walked right by it.
Walk inside Phil’s and it’s a different story. You’re immediately greeted with a warm atmosphere and rather cozy place. A small outdoor patio is available if the weather permits, and the whole feel is inviting. The tables are limited, and Phil’s fills up early, so keep that in mind when you visit.
The food at Phil’s is much more than your typical bar fare. Phil’s turns bar food up a notch. Actually they turn it up a couple of notches. Then they look around the place for more notches and turn those up as well. Then they walk outside the building and up the street in the search for more notches.
The food reminds me of something some of the better chefs on shows like Top Chef and others would cook if they had a competition inside a bar. Almost every sandwich or meal has an element or two that successfully turns the ordinary into something special. On top of that, the menu is pretty diverse for a “bar & grille”.
Phil’s serves burgers, lake perch, salads, and filets. In addition, they also serve dishes like sake seared scallops, tasso pizza, duck, adobo rubbed ahi tuna, lobster cobb salad, scallop pad thai and more. And, they’re not just on the menu because the chef is feeling impulsive. They’re there because they’re awesome.
While we haven’t tried everything on the menu, everything we have tried has been delicious. In our handful of visits over the years, my wife and I have tried the portabella mushroom sandwich, the scallop pad thai, the beef tenderloin sandwich, the kid’s grilled cheese (hey, I get all leftovers) and a few other things. All have been wonderful.
We especially love the decadence of the Gorgonzola Ale Dip. Rich and delicious, filled with cherries, cream cheese, pecans, and served with tasty lawash chips, it is really tasty. It’s the kind of thing that I’ll randomly crave weeks or months later. In fact, I think I’m craving it now.
So, if you should find yourself in Saugatuck, I urge you to stop by Phil’s Bar & Grille. Be sure to tell them “Rob” sent you. And if, after mentioning my name, they look at you with a blank stare and a curious look, just ignore that and order the ale dip and an Oberon.
Rob Robinson is the COO and resident sports expert of DiscountPartySupplies.com. While relatively easy going, he hates bad drivers and commuting in the Michigan snow. When he’s not working, he spends his days planning vacations and birthday parties for his family.
