Saugatuck Bars and Brews: A Tour of Local Favorites

Raise a glass to adventure. From locally brewed favorites to creative craft cocktails, the Saugatuck area is brimming with flavor, and there’s no better way to enjoy it all than with a beer or cocktail tour. Whether you’re traveling with a group or planning your own tasting route, here’s how to sip your way through Saugatuck safely, stylishly, and deliciously.

Coastal Tours: Beer & Cocktail Experiences

Coastal Tours offers group-friendly van and bus tours for up to 14 people, perfect for corporate groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or couples looking to explore local favorites without the hassle of driving. Their Beer & Cocktails Tour includes stops at:

Saugatuck Brewing Company

2948 Blue Star Hwy, Douglas, MI 49406

As one of the area’s original craft breweries, Saugatuck Brewing Company has earned its place as a local favorite. Their flagship Oval Beach Blonde is a must-try, but the rotating tap list offers something for every palate, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. Settle in for a full meal in the laid-back taproom, or bring out your inner kid in the arcade room. The atmosphere is relaxed, the staff is friendly, and there’s always something new to sample.

Three Blondes Brewing

1875 Phoenix Street Suite B South Haven, MI 49090

Three Blondes Brewing brings a fun, local energy to the craft beer scene. Founded by three sisters, this brewery is known for its wide selection of flavorful beers and its menu of satisfying comfort food.

Harbor Light Brewing

516 Phoenix St, South Haven, MI 49090

The charming, historic building of Harbor Light Brewing blends old-school character with small-batch flair. Their beer and cider lineup changes with the seasons and always showcases local ingredients when possible. There’s no food on-site, so bring your own snacks or grab something from a nearby eatery before settling in for a flight.

The Cottage at Wicks Park

121 Mary St, Saugatuck, MI 49453

The Cottage is one of those places you’ll want to keep to yourself but won’t be able to stop talking about. This intimate bar leans into its moody, romantic atmosphere with soft lighting, beautifully crafted cocktails, and just the right amount of seating. Visits here are capped at six people, so it’s ideal for date nights, small groups, or anyone who prefers their cocktails with a side of quiet conversation. The drinks are seasonal, inventive, and thoughtfully prepared. Light bites round out the experience.

Borrowed Time

22 E Center St, Douglas, MI 49406

Known for its artful cocktails and curated wine list, Borrowed Time combines a refined drink menu with a relaxed, inviting vibe. On sunny days, grab a seat on the patio and enjoy the lush greenery, twinkle lights, and plenty of comfortable seating. The menu leans toward seasonal and creative, with flavors that change just often enough to keep locals coming back.

Untapped Sights and Tours: Custom Private Routes

Prefer a more tailored experience? Untapped Sights and Tours will work with you to create a customized itinerary of wineries, breweries, and cider mills across West Michigan based on your group’s interests. These private tours are ideal for birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette parties, or a laid-back day with friends. Choose a 4-hour daytime tour with up to three stops, or opt for a 3.5-hour evening tour with two locations to allow more time to relax and enjoy. All tours are conducted on a 14-passenger bus, and pickup and drop-off can be arranged directly from your Saugatuck Hotel.

Sip and Sail with Star of Saugatuck II

For a memorable mix of river cruising and craft tasting, hop aboard the Star of Saugatuck II, an authentic sternwheel paddle boat docked along the Kalamazoo River. In addition to daily tours, the Star of Saugatuck also hosts themed cruises throughout the year. Popular events include Beer on the Boat, where you can sample selections from featured breweries while taking in the views, and Bourbon on the Boat, a guided tasting of four distinctive bourbons from New Holland Spirits.

New dates are added regularly, so be sure to check the Star of Saugatuck cruise schedule to plan your visit.

Plan Your Own Tasting Tour

If you’re the self-guided type, chart your own path through some of the best Saugatuck bars, breweries, and cocktail lounges. Enjoy these local favorites along the way:

Saugatuck:

• Lady Bird – 149 Griffith St
• The Southerner – 880 Holland St
• The Barge – 528 Water St
• The Cottage at Wicks – 121 Mary St
• Wicks Park Bar & Grille – 449 Water St
• The Mitten Brewing Company - 329 Water St
• Phil’s Bar & Grille – 215 Butler St
• Sand Bar Saloon - 141 Butler St
• The Butler – 40 Butler St
• Duck Alley – 220 Culver St
• Coast 236 – 236 Culver St

Douglas:

• The Red Dock Café – 219 N Union St
• Borrowed Time – 22 E Center St
• Everyday People Café – 11 W Center St
• Saugatuck Brewing Company – 2948 Blue Star Hwy

Designate a driver, order a rideshare, or skip the car altogether with the Saugatuck Interurban Transit. For just $1 per ride, this affordable local transit system will take you anywhere in the Saugatuck/Douglas area and even as far as Fennville.

Prefer Wine Over Whiskey?

If your ideal drink comes from the vine instead of the barrel, you’re in luck. Saugatuck is just as inviting for wine lovers. From scenic vineyards to thoughtfully curated tasting rooms, the region offers plenty of wine tasting rooms and vineyard tours for those who prefer a glass of wine over a pint of beer.

Raise a Glass to Your Getaway

No matter how you explore it, by bus, boat, or barstool, Saugatuck’s drink scene is full of flavor, fun, and local character. Plan your stay now, and we’ll have dessert waiting after your final toast of the evening.

Cheers!