Ideal Place - Carta

Houndstooth

➤ 132 Pipestone StMI 49022, Benton Harbor, United States

Carta • Wine • Coffee • American • Ice Cream

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"This is a cool restaurant that has interesting, well prepared cuisine. And I love that they're making it work in downtown Benton Harbor, where there aren't many thriving businesses. If you go, it's best to make reservations. My very favorites were the crispy potatoes, the sunflower burata, the bbq carrots, and the lime mole brownie. The duds were the noodles, the blackbean chicken, and the slow steak. And as much as I was looking forward to the milk bread, the flavors of the bread and garlic and onions didn't work for me. The service was very good and they were eager to work with any diet restrictions in the group. The food wasn't quite as satisfying as I hoped it would be. It was too salty for the group I was with. The steak was particularly salty. I think half my group left feeling like we'd had an interesting adventure for dinner but we were still a bit hungry, and the other half didn't love the adventure."

Clifford's Coffee Canal

➤ 619 W Main St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022, United States

Carta • Vegan • Coffee • Mexican • Vegetarian Friendly

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"A strong contender for my fave café in the USA. It's located in a brick fortress, which looks ancient but was built from scratch a decade ago along a blind canal that branches from the nearby St. Joseph's River. Dining here is a multi sensory experience: on a bright summer day the main patio along the canal is lustrous as a Renoir painting: full of vibrant flowers and plasticine succulents. Grab a seat at one of the umbrella shaded tables and watch the masts of the boats bobbing in the marina next door. This is an ideal place to bring your summer beach read or a print edition of the Sunday Times and linger over a lap bowl of coffee and a hearty portion of oatmeal. Or try a power smoothie or one of their many interesting entrees. Prices are a little steep for a coffee spot, and yes service as a few gripers have pointed out in low ball reviews can be slow. But this is a summer bohemian hangout where, for a single Andy Jackson, you can enjoy a solid meal while immersing yourself in a magical setting. Think of it as breakfast crossed with a day retreat. Err, make that a half day retreat since Cliffords shuts promptly at 1 pm. That's about my only complaint about the place. Otherwise it's radiant."

Plank's Tavern

➤ 800 Whitwam Drive Saint Joseph, MI 49085, United States

Carta • Bars • Asiatic • American • Fast Food

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"The atmosphere was beautiful... gorgeous restaurant and venue. Roland was very helpful, kind and informative (he just happened to be in the lobby and was kind enough to give us some information . The food was not great for the price. My husband ordered a filet... it was over cooked (he ordered medium rare we asked for fries as an extra but they didn't come until the end of our meal. I ordred a smash burger that was overdone. The brussel sprouts were the best I've ever had!!! The restaurant was gorgeous, but the food was disappointing (total bill $244.63 we won't go back to the restaurant for dinner but would probably eat at the tavern or the dockside because of the atmosphere. Enjoy the facility... just wouldn't recommend the Plank restaurant (other than the brussel sprouts!"

Lapita

➤ 2019 Niles Rd, 49085, Saint Joseph, United States

Carta • Casual • Asiatic • American • Mediterranean

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"This is the best restaurant in Saint Joseph. I promise you will not be disappointed with the food you eat here. My family loves to get the La Pita Mixed Shawarma as it comes with very generous portion sizes and a variety of delicious foods. They are always fresh, delicious, and give wonderful customer service. Please be aware that google has not let them update their menus even after multiple attempts so prices have raised from what is seen online. But it is very much worth every dollar spent! In a town that's filled with chain restaurants that leave you feeling sluggish after eating, it is so refreshing to have an original restaurant offering a variety of dishes that leave you feeling full and filled with clean energy after eating! If you've never had Mediterranean food and are curious, La Pita is where you should go! Start with the lentil soup, it's my favorite."

Bistro on the Boulevard - Saint Joseph

➤ 521 LAKE BOULEVARD St. Joseph, MI 49085, 49085-1285, Saint Joseph, United States

Carta • French • Asiatic • American • Fast Food

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"We shared the cauliflower appetizer which was amazing. The portion was too big for 2 people! We always share the miso frito which is seafood delicately lightly breaded and fried. Just delightful food with attentive but not hovering staff."