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  5. Saugatuck
J. Paul's Dining Room @ The Kirby, Douglas, MI

J. Paul's Dining Room @ The Kirby

4.8
4.8
383 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Set in an historic 19th century home called The Kirby House, J. Paul's Dining Room features a fresh, bright menu with something for everyone's taste. Open for dinner @5, we offer a Fresh Market Fish everyday along with several seafood dishes, chicken, pork, and steak. Our small plates are perfect for sharing with friends in our outdoor lounge. A unique and fun house cocktail menu, a finely curated whiskey selection, and the perfect wine for any meal are waiting for you right now at J. Paul's Dining Room @ the Kirby.

Make a reservation

2 people

8:00 PM


Booked 5 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (269) 857-5472
  • Payment options
    Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    LGBTQ+
  • Executive chef
    Christopher A LaBelle CEC
  • Catering
    We do not offer off-site catering, but do offer on-site catering for weddings, corporate events, parties, etc.
  • Private party facilities
    Weddings, family reunions, birthdays, business lunches, holiday parties. You name it, we can help throw a party for it! Our Dining Room can fit up to 40 people and our large back deck can seat over 100. For a small, semi-private event, we can partition off part of our dining room for up to 20 people. Whatever event you are looking to host, J. Paul's Dining Room and the Kirby Hotel is the premier choice in West Michigan.
  • Neighborhood
    Saugatuck
  • Cross street
    Blue Star
  • Parking details
    Bike parking available.
  • Public transit
    Interurban Bus
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 383 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Grand Rapids / Western Michigan

    Neighborhood gem

  • Grand Rapids / Western Michigan

    American

  • Grand Rapids

    Best Food

  • Grand Rapids

    Best Value

  • Grand Rapids

    Great for brunch

  • Grand Rapids

    Neighborhood gem

  • Grand Rapids

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Grand Rapids

    Great for scenic views

  • Grand Rapids

    American

383 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Jeff is an attentive server, the food and wine were delicious and served timely. The dining room has character and charm.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a group of 8 and had a fantastic experience! Food was phenomenal as was Kelly our server. Totally coming back again!!

    Is this helpful?

  3. LisaNoss

    Detroit

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have never had a disappointing experience or meal at J. Paul's Dining Room at The Kirby. The food is always excellent, the wine list is spectacular, and the service is outstanding. The atmosphere is inviting, yet eclectic, and just enjoyable. This has become one of our favorite places to dine year round in Douglas, Michigan. I had the scallops, while my dining partners feasted on the prime rib. This was after enjoying some of their appetizer fare. Everything was mouthwatering! Thank you for another amazing experience.

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  4. Shari

    Indiana

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This is a local restaurant for us and we've eaten there several times, the most recent of which was Thanksgiving. The traditional meal of turkey and stuffing was wonderful........the turkey was moist and cooked to perfection. Three other entrees were offered so the special menu was well rounded. As usual, the staff was friendly and attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant.

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  5. DanA

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent Thanksgiving dinner that tasted homemade, wonderful ambience and gracious and friendly staff.

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  6. ChrisE

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent Thanksgiving spread. Traditional turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and apple pie, but all done well. The vegetable risotto and prime rib were very nice alternatives and much enjoyed by our party. The location is quiet and quaint, the service is attentive and alert. All together, an fantastic way to enjoy the holiday and not have to do the prep or cleanup.

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  7. DanK

    Grand Rapids

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Phenomenal meal in such a beautiful serene setting. Server was absolutely wonderful. New tradition I believe.

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  8. DONB

    Grand Rapids

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was excellent. The prime rib was the best I have ever had. Just a wonderful dinner experience on Thanksgiving.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The noise level was low because I would consider this off season. The food was great. Our waiter Jeffery was great. We want to go back. I’d like to thank Greg and Shiela Kopplin for the recommendation.

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  10. StephenB

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    J Paul at that Kirby House is always consistently great. Chris , the chef and owner takes the time to insure the meals are always top notch. Thank You!

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  11. ReneeD

    Grand Rapids

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Kelly is a perfect waitress and the food was elite!

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food! Chef is talented and wait staff is fun and responsive.

    Is this helpful?

  13. MatthewC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    the chef and his wife/the manager and all the servers are super nice and friendly and informative. Great ambience. amazing food. highly recommend. the rooms are gorgeous too.

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  14. Michael

    Grand Rapids

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    Please make this a piano bar/restaurant. It would be much busier for a Saturday evening if you did so. There were only 2 other couples in the restaurant the whole time we were there which is unusual for a Saturday night. We could really use a piano bar/restaurant around here like we had when Zing was open.

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  15. JohnK

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you are seeking great food.

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  16. stacey

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a party of six and we all ordered different entrees. We tasted them all and each was outstanding. The atmosphere was cozy on a chilly fall night. We can’t wait to go back again.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Service was great and our server was friendly and energetic. Food was good. We sat at a single table “around the corner” from the main dining room. It was very quiet in the restaurant. Will come back to try some additional menu options.

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  18. Happy

    Chicago

    161 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    161 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a wonderful restaurant. We had 545 reservations, arriving at 530 and were seated promptly. We ordered old fashioneds which were delicious and strong. We then had two appetizers, crab cakes and brie in a flaky crust, Both had wonderful sauces and were large orders. We then had soup and salad. We took home half the salad. Our entrees were 12 oz prime rib, medium rare and rib eye. The meat as cooked as ordered and not fatty yet tasty and easy to cut. we finished with the pumpkin spice cheese cake. Overall the food was outstanding. the ordered were large and we took home lots of food. While we did not order wine the wine list looked extensive and reasonably priced. I highly recommend this place and will return when I next visit the area.

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  19. Jake

    Pittsburgh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We were told by multiple locals that the J. Paul was one of the best places to eat around Saugatuck and we were not disappointed! We went in off season and there were only a few tables filled up, and the restaurant had a cozy, quiet vibe! We started with a pomegranate mule and a beer, and shared the Baked Brie en Croute served with crackers and topped by a raspberry red wine reduction, the lamb meatballs which were so flavorful, and my husband got the crab cakes which he loved. We shared their chicken special as an entree, which was herby and tender! Will definitely be back our next vacation for more!

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Everything in general was very good EXCEPT where they seated us. Very tight!!! Waiters bumped us passing behind me and on my right. Not a comfortable seating for enjoying a very fine meal.

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  21. StevenA

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very nicely laid out restaurant, great food and drinks list and very tasty food with every course.

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  22. JohnK

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dinner was excellent as usual. It's my favorite in southwest Michigan.

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  23. TMD045

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    A well prepared meal using fresh seasonal ingredients.

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  24. JoshR

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Omg! I can’t give this place enough stars! We stayed the weekend at the Kirby and ate at the restaurant for the first time and we will be coming back every year!! The staff is amazing! The food! Omg the food! It was THE best food I’ve ever ate!

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  25. LisaNoss

    Detroit

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Courtney, Chris, and Jeffrey always make the experience a great one. The group goes out of their way to make you feel welcome, ensuring that your expectations are met, and the service is top notch. We love dining at J. Paul's.

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  26. Michael

    Grand Rapids

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Great historic place to dine whether with a large group or an intimate dinner for 2 people. The service was outstanding and the cocktails were fairly priced with a good pour. I highly recommend this restaurant and encourage you to try it.

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  27. Snarklet

    Chicago

    48 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a very nice time. The food was very good and the service was attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  28. Soxdoc

    Chicago

    79 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    79 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Terrific find in a tourist town. Excellent food service and ambience in an inn. Nice wine selection, moderately priced along with mixed drinks.

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Prime Rib was hands down the best I've had! Service was great and the atmosphere is relaxing.

    Is this helpful?

  30. JonH

    Grand Rapids

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our meal was wonderful...especially the duck! Great service from Kelly. Except for the very weak coffee, everything was perfect...

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this place. Best in Saugatuck and Douglas. Highly recommend the prime rib

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Berlin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent food in a relaxed atmosphere. Great service.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The prime rib was delicious! Every time I have eaten at J.Pauls the food has been excellent, Chris the chef puts his all into every meal, expect to spend time here as every meal is prepared by the chef and is well worth the wait! Also all the deserts are made by Kira and are decedent! If you love to enjoy time with someone or friends and enjoy great food this is your spot!!

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  34. JohnK

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    J Paul's is a wonderful experience. It is like going to your best fss as milt meal. The staff and chef are the best that I have experienced. You will love it.

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  35. ReneeD

    Grand Rapids

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best restaurant in town! Kelly is an awesome server 😊

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  36. VLH5

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another great dinner, enjoy all our dining experiences there.

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  37. NicoleS

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love the historic charm. The food was delicious. Highly recommend.

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  38. Shirl

    Milwaukee

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Everyday prime rib was been consistently great…and love the Brie appetizer…..

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  39. FlanaMarie

    Columbus

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was wonderful! Service excellent! A memorable evening with close friends.

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  40. RH1965

    Austin

    62 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    62 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a fabulous experience. J. Paul’s has a wonderful setting along with excellent food served by caring staff. We had a party of six for dinner and everyone loved their meals. The ribeye ravioli and halibut were particular favorites. The lemon blueberry cake was the perfect dessert. Definitely recommend this awesome dining establishment when you are in Saugatuck/Douglas.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

J. Paul's Dining Room @ The Kirby is rated 4.8 stars by 383 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

8:00 PM


Booked 5 times today
Google Map for J. Paul's Dining Room @ The Kirby

294 W Center St, Douglas, MI 49406

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Blue Star
  • Neighborhood
    Saugatuck
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Contemporary American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Bike parking available.
  • Public transit
    Interurban Bus
  • Payment options
    Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    LGBTQ+
  • Executive chef
    Christopher A LaBelle CEC
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (269) 857-5472
  • Catering
    We do not offer off-site catering, but do offer on-site catering for weddings, corporate events, parties, etc.
  • Private party facilities
    Weddings, family reunions, birthdays, business lunches, holiday parties. You name it, we can help throw a party for it! Our Dining Room can fit up to 40 people and our large back deck can seat over 100. For a small, semi-private event, we can partition off part of our dining room for up to 20 people. Whatever event you are looking to host, J. Paul's Dining Room and the Kirby Hotel is the premier choice in West Michigan.
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