Not every dinner needs to be a big night out. After a full beach day, sometimes you just want burgers, pizza and a table that can handle a little sand.
These casual places work for kids and grown ups alike. Here are the ones I would keep in your back pocket. No reservations stress, no fancy menus, just good food.
Why this blog? Hi, I'm Katie. My family and I run Mitten Rentals, and I have been hosting vacation rentals for more than ten years (Superhost since 2015). This is where I share the places I send our own guests along the West Michigan lakeshore.
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My Favorite Casual Family Dinners
1) Crust 54
Crust 54 in downtown Holland does Chicago style deep dish and thin crust, with gluten free options. We lived in Chicago before moving back to Michigan, so I have opinions about deep dish, and this one holds up.
The gluten free options make it easy for a group with mixed needs.
It is right downtown, so you can walk 8th Street before or after dinner.
2) Wally's Bar and Grill
Wally's Bar and Grill in Saugatuck has burgers and a bar that's always open. It has been a fixture since 1996.
It is the kind of place where nobody minds if the kids are a little loud.
It is a good stop after a day in Saugatuck when nobody wants to change out of their beach clothes.
3) The 50's Drive-In
The 50's Drive-In in South Haven is a classic drive in for burgers and shakes. It feels like a throwback, and kids think it is the coolest thing.
Get a shake. Trust me.
If you are staying near South Haven, this is an easy and fun dinner for the whole family.
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4) Marro's Italian Restaurant
Marro's Italian Restaurant in Saugatuck serves old school Italian and pizza. It is seasonal, so check that it is open before you go.
Big plates, easy to share.
It is a good pick for a family that likes to share a few things around the table.
5) Beechwood Grill
Beechwood Grill in Holland is a lodge style grill with wood fired steaks, burgers and a salad bar. The salad bar is a quiet win for picky eaters.
It works for a relaxed dinner when the group wants a little bit of everything.
If your group cannot agree on what to eat, this is the safe bet.
And every home has a grill for the nights you want to stay in. Burgers on the deck and an early bedtime is a perfectly good plan, too.
Come stay with us and mix in a few easy nights out.