Bentwood Tavern

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Address:
600 West Water Street
New Buffalo, MI 49117

Neighborhood:
New Buffalo

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Cuisine:
American

Price: $30 and under

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Bentwood Tavern Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.bentwoodtavern.com
Email: info@toasthotelgroup.com
Phone: (269) 469-1699
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday: 12:00pm - 10:00pm;
Saturday - Sunday: 10.00am - 10.00pm

Times are EST
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: American
Executive Chef: Jenny Drilon
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Private Party Facilities: Stylish event spaces with high ceilings and windows accommodate as many as 120 or as few as ten.
Private Party Contact: Alison VonEhr (269) 469-2027 x407

Getting there

Cross Street: Berrien
Parking: Street Parking
Parking Details: Easy on street and lot parking is free and close to the entrance. For boat parking, please call Oselka Marina at 269.469.2600 or City of New Buffalo marina at 269.469.1500.

A word from Bentwood Tavern

"...the area"s newest restaurant and, arguably, its best." --Chicago Tribune

Harbor Country's only waterfront restaurant, Bentwood Tavern features "artisan comfort cuisine" crafted by local icon, Chef Jenny Drilon. Bentwood's sophisticated spin on pub fare features gourmet pizzas fired… in a wood-burning oven, fresh seafood, Amish roasted chicken, steaks and chops. Everything is scratch made from only the highest quality, and whenever possible, locally grown ingredients. Eight craft brews on tap and a well-curated wine list are worthy complements to the fresh, savory menu.

Bentwood Tavern is open daily for dinner and drinks, lunch Friday-Sunday, and brunch from 10am-3pm Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor seating on the marina is open as long as weather permits.

Please be advised that the restaurant is operating on Eastern Standard Time. Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerFit for Foodies
Diners' Choice WinnerNeighborhood Gem

Diner Reviews

"Food was great a great variety of dishes. Service was good but restaurant is small and the noise level high not a good choice for a romantic dinner. Has a great view if there for summer and can eat outside."
Dined on 2/28/2014
"This was our third time dining at Bentwood and they have delivered every time. Food is outstanding and the staff is impeccable. My husband and I have dined alone and with guests and the atmosphere is good for both. We look so forward to our dinners here, it's a must when we stay at Marina Grand."
Dined on 2/16/2014
"With several good places to eat in the area that we have visited in the past and having never dined here before it was hard to take a chance on a new place, but we are really glad that we did. We started with some beers from a local micro-brewery and some pretzel bits with aged cheddar cheese. It was a great start and then I enjoyed a fish and chips meal, and my Valentine ordered a scallops with grapefruit butter and rice meal. We both nibbled a little off of each others plate so that we could each try out both dishes and were equally impressed with both entrees. They were both excellent. We would recommend the Bentwood Tavern to anyone as a great place to enjoy a meal, and are looking forward to coming back and dining here again."
Dined on 2/13/2014
"Every detail surpasses expectation. Jenny and her staff knock it out of the park every time. Jay Fox"
Dined on 1/18/2014
"Bentwood is always our go to when we know it has to be good. They put out dishes that are dependably delish. Waitstaff is always friendly, and the restaurant is creative in drawing in diners in the off season, which us locals benefit from. Sushi Thursday, Sea Bass Social, and the daily special keep Bentwood fresh and new. We rarely resort to regular menu items, but they are never disappointing."
Dined on 1/3/2014
"We went on New Years Eve of all nights and were pleasantly surprised. We had eaten there before but one never knows on a holiday what to expect. The food was very good - the sea bass always great. The beet salad was wonderful. The tuna tartare was fresh. The waiter attentive. We were all very happy with the dinner and as it was NYE it was even better."
Dined on 12/31/2013
"Bentwood is a favorite with both visitors and the locals. Good food, great ambience, nice, small bar, and the music is always up to date but not too loud. Our family are regulars there. The Servers are always pleasant, competent, and efficient. It's good to make a reservation ahead of time."
Dined on 12/31/2013
"Ended the year with another great Dinner at Bentwood. Exceptional service especially given the pressures of a holiday crowd. After years coming here I finally tried the sea bass. Why I have been missing this for years? Exceptional! Looking forward to more great meals at Bentwood."
Dined on 12/31/2013
"Had dinner here for New Years eve. They sat us right on time for our reservation and we were given plenty of time to enjoy our dinner, drinks and desserts which cost us a little over $100.00."
Dined on 12/31/2013
"This was my fourth time at this place and everything time I am hoping ThIS time I will be amazed by the food. I was not. My husband got surf and turf and the lobster was extremely tough. The steak was fine. I got salmon and it was fine, but nothing that lived up to fine dining. We got crab cake appetizers, and they were mushy. I realize we are in Southwest MI and not on the east coast , but I had hoped they would be more flavorful. We also got the tuna appetizer and the flat bread with cheese. Both were very good. There were three couples and we spent $150 a piece. My friend loves the martini's here, always gets the cosmos!"
Dined on 12/31/2013
"It has been awhile since we were at Bentwood. Everything was great on Monday night. The reservation was promptly honored, the food selection wide and interesting, preparation great, service excellent and cheerful. Can't ask for anything more."
Dined on 12/30/2013
"We love going here for the busy but not too busy and loud setting right on Lake Michigan. The food is delicious and nice sized servings. In the daytime there is a wonderful view of the harbor."
Dined on 11/29/2013
"This was my first time at Bentwood, and I came to celebrate my partner's birthday. I enjoyed the atmosphere and setting. The egg roll and onion dip appetizers were phenomenal. The fish and chips were a sturdy main meal, but not much different from any other restaurant. There were many problems with our server including 1) having to ask multiple times for bread and drinks (never did get bread) 2) not remembering who ordered what dish and asking multiple times what items were ordered 3) ordering us a second round of alcoholic beverages that we did not want and 4) a not-so-positive attitude but I believe she was tired. I live about 30 minutes from Bentwood, and I am not sure I would drive back for just an average dining experience."
Dined on 11/26/2013
"The food was fair - interesting choices and we appreciated that many of the items are seasonal and/or local. The server was knowledgeable. The beef tenderloin was nice - well seasoned and the port shallot sauce was nice. The broccolini was completely bland - maybe to complement the richness in the tenderloin and the twice-baked potato? However - some seasoning is necessary (salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil). The pork loin was overly sweet - the maple syrup was a bit cloying and heavy. The entire dish was too sweet with the mashed butternut squash. There was no contrast to the dish - just sweetness. The Brussels sprouts were fine but could have used more caramelization. Brunch was fantastic - especially the frittata."
Dined on 11/15/2013
"We missed Sea Bass Friday but the food, service and ambience still made the dining experience worthwhile!"
Dined on 11/8/2013
"Really great spot to have a great meal, in a very comfortable and energetic room."
Dined on 11/1/2013
"My husband and I have been here before and always enjoyed the food."
Dined on 10/25/2013
"Arrived 1 hr late of our reservations due to traffic coming from Chicago. Was happy to see a lot of people were still dining and drinking. Seems like a place where a lot of people come to enjoy a Friday night."
Dined on 10/19/2013
"The Bentwood Tavern has an ope airy feel and the view of the harbor is nice. The menu is limited, but three is a nice selection of beers and wines. Our meals were good, but not great."
Dined on 10/19/2013
"We love this place and in particular SeaBass weekend."
Dined on 10/5/2013
"Thai inspired Chilean Sea Bass and a nice bottle of Chardonay make for a great meal."
Dined on 10/5/2013
"I waited since May to finally get a table for the Sea Bass weekend. I was not disappointed outstanding taste and presentation. Learning the hard way, now I have a calendar reminder 2 weeks before 1st weekend of the month to make our reservation. This is a must destination the 1st weekend of every month!"
Dined on 10/5/2013
"The Bentwood Tavern is the best restaurant in Harbor Country and would be rated Very Excellent anywhere. Jenny's preparations are wonderful, inventive, delicious. We had the Thai sea bass, which is a monthly event. This is a marvelous plate of flavors. But every dish at The Bentwood is good. The setting on the New Buffalo Marina is breathtaking. When weather permits, there is a lovely open-air terrace. The bar inside is great, too. The staff is professional and gracious."
Dined on 10/5/2013
"Our service was wonderful and our meal quite good. The bread was delicious. The tuna tartar was excellent. The whitefish was very good but not outstanding."
Dined on 10/4/2013
"We had dinner with some close friends. We eat at Bentwood Tavern often for such an occasion because we all start from different cities and Bentwood is a great location for all of us. Our service was outstanding and the food was excellent. Sometimes it does get a little noisy but that is fine."
Dined on 9/28/2013
"This restaurant is absolutely amazing from top to bottom! Great food, great atmosphere and great service!!! I started with the wedge salad and couldn't get enough of the dressing!! Than I had the filet. It was cooked to perfection! I am from Chicago and have had steaks at all the "great" steak houses. This (surprisingly) surpassed them all!!! Didn't have dessert. Hotel has 24 hours Ben and Jerry's so totally took advantage of that! Will definitely be back!"
Dined on 9/9/2013
"This restaurant is on a harbor in Lake Michigan. We stopped in on a Sunday night after using the Open Table mobile app to make a reservation. We were seated immediately and our server was there within less than two minutes. She took our drink order, reviewed the specials and returned with drinks and took our order. The food arrived quickly and was very, very good for all of our party of four. We had an inside table oevrlooking the water and the view was beautiful. Can't wait to return."
Dined on 9/23/2013
"they made the attempt to seat us at the worst seat in the house, farthest from any view, right next to the cooking area...when my husband complained, we were then told that we could wait 25-35 minutes for a seat by the window and also gave us a hard time about a compromised seating next to a wall in a booth, but with some view, because that was "reserved for parties of four" even though a couple was in one of the booths and three were empty. When my husband questioned why this couple was seated there and they were refusing us, she said that the man yelled at her and we were finally seated near them when my husband stated he would do the same....their was nothing done to compensate this ie, a drink or dessert on the house....!!!"
Dined on 9/22/2013
"We had the wood fired Frittata at Sunday Brunch which was delicious. The ciabatta accompanying the iron skillet Frittata was outstanding. However, the touted a special Bloody Mary with rim salt and blue cheese stuffed olives and ours had neither. Disappointing."
Dined on 9/22/2013
"2nd time at Bentwood; food is great. Loved the English fish and chips. Very casual and relaxed though noise level was distressing to 2 people in our party. Service was excellent."
Dined on 9/22/2013
"wait staff and bartenders were excellent-great service and very nice and helpful people. Menu was ok. Room was ok-view and outdoor area was very nice."
Dined on 9/21/2013
"Enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, good recommendations from the waitress. Food was tasty as always and the waitress took special care to pack dessert to go!"
Dined on 9/6/2013
"We try to get there every first weekend of the month for the seabass - it's that delicious! Also, I suggest you try the Crab Tostadas"
Dined on 9/8/2013
"This was a nice place to sit during the day by the marina. In the evening eating inside dud get noisy on a weekend."
Dined on 8/26/2013
"The restaurant was right on the harbor which was nice- but was a hotel. We had reservations and did not have to wait. The food was not great- I had the benchwood pizza and my boyfriend had the ribs. Thought it would be more romantic but there were alot of kids around, even at 9:00pm. Do not think I would go back."
Dined on 9/1/2013
"Nice waterfront dining. One if the few dog-friendly places in NW Michigan."
Dined on 9/1/2013
"I have been to Bentwood Tavern several times and have never been disappointed. Bentwood is great for having a few drinks in the bar area or for enjoying an evening over a meal. There are several fun martinis to try and a decent wine list. I've tried several entrees and all of been very good, especially the scallops. The restaurant can be noisy however so I suggest going on an off night. I do wish the owners would cater to the 40's and over crowd and install a few strategically placed acoustic tiles!"
Dined on 8/27/2013
"We were able to sit outside for brunch with 4 adults and a toddler. He loved looking at the boats and ate all of his pancake bites so we couldn't ask for a better place :) This is becoming a regular Sunday brunch place for us when we are up at our beach house!"
Dined on 8/25/2013
"Bentwood Tavern is a "go to" place for us with area friends and out of town guests. It has a very friendly vibe. The atmosphere is casual and the food is top of the line, a nice combination for outdoor types. In the two most important aspects, food and service, Bentwood Tavern stands out. Sometimes I wish they would dim the lights a little sooner at night as it does have a "kitcheny" feel; but so what, we always have a great time. (We do go "ahhh" when the lights go down a bit.) Energetic is a good word for the noise level, but conversations at table can be conducted easily. (It would be much quieter if it were not so popular!) My husband swears by the wedge salad and beef tenderloin. He would walk miles for both."
Dined on 8/26/2013
"We're only in the area on weekends, but we still try to get to this place at least once or twice a month."
Dined on 8/24/2013

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