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

J. Paul's Dining Room @ The Kirby

4.9
4.9
240 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

7:00 PM


Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • 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 240 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Grand Rapids / Western Michigan

    Best Value

  • Grand Rapids / Western Michigan

    American

  • Grand Rapids

    Best Overall

  • Grand Rapids

    Best Food

  • Grand Rapids

    Best Service

  • Grand Rapids

    Best Value

  • Grand Rapids

    Healthy

  • Grand Rapids

    Neighborhood gem

  • Grand Rapids

    Romantic

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  1. OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff was very welcoming. The food was very good. Jeff was very good at making recommendations and quick with service. Courtney was a very nice bar tender who helped make our drinks and give us good suggestions.
  2. JohnK

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food great service. It feels very comfortable. It's home away from home in a very sophisticated way.
  3. EricR

    Chicago

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We really enjoyed our dinner. We chose to order salads and apps to share among the three of us. Everything was really well prepared, perfectly seasoned, and the service was excellent. Cocktails were great also, and they even made one in our party a special mocktail, since they weren't drinking for Lent. We will definitely be back!
  4. BradH

    Grand Rapids

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Great dining experience! Will come again and recommend.
  5. ArtN

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a much better experience than our first visit. Food was excellent and service attentive but not overbearing. Wine list is terrific.
  6. DonatasD

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Finally we found a place to eat near South Haven with great food! Took us few years and many disappointments…
  7. michaelp

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The pheasant dish was outstanding. A very special menu offering that was well worth it.
  8. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had the cheese plate and Salmon. Chef Chris came out multiple times to talk to us. We had a great experience and will certainly be back again!
  9. JulieG

    Indiana

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We made a reservation for dinner for New Years Eve for 8 people. We wanted to change it to 10, and they were very accommodating and happy to do it. We had a private table in the bar area. The food, staff, atmosphere, and hospitality was top notch. This a must visit place when in the area!!
  10. AJSPKS

    Naples

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice warm environment and the food was excellent.
  11. Caroline

    Indiana

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had not even finished our meal and were already making plans to come back the next time we are in town. The short rib ravioli was incredible, as was my husband's duck and risotto. Our server was extremely sweet, and the dining room itself is really pretty and cozy. Thanks for a perfect NYE dinner!
  12. EricH

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience, Jeffrey was outstanding, food was great. Would definitely recommend.
  13. JamesD

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Chris is an excellent chef. Service was great. Very accommodating as we brought our own wine and they charged a nominal corkage fee. Our out of town guests had a great experience.
  14. AnnieH

    St. Louis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chef Chris is so particular and thoughtful with his menu, and it shows. We literally feel like honored guests coming to dinner in his home. Chef Chris comes out to chat when he can, Coutney is welcoming, the food was phenomenal, definitely will be a regular place we go as locals
  15. SteveH

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Truly outstanding service and food. The duck was the best I have ever had. Jeffrey made it feel as if he was welcoming us to his home as old friends. The Kirby is back! Highly recommend this short drive from GR.
  16. EvelynD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was excellent. The chef came out and introduced himself. Both he and the server were extremely friendly. We will be going back!
  17. LisaA

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing as always! There were new items on the menu. Three of us had the duck and loved it. The salmon was outstanding as was the pork. Highly recommend the flourless chocolate cake! Service was impeccable!
  18. eichs

    New York Area

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Enjoyed our dinner and Jeffrey was excellent serving our needs that evening. We were in Michigan visiting family and were looking for an early dinner, found it and enjoyed all our meals. Great find in a very interesting building. Thanks Jeffrey!
  19. KScattergood

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    My husband and I showed up very early for our dinner and the staff was incredibly accommodating and kind about it. They worked us in and even gave us the best table in the house next to the window. The food was delicious and the cocktails enjoyable. I love that it is inside an old historic home....but....I was not as impressed with the decor. It really could be something special, but it's an odd mix of modern and period. I like the chairs and some of the art, but it seemed hodge podge and not well thought out. A bit messy. I am a huge historic home lover (and Michigan Realtor), so my passion for these old homes and how they are decorated may be a bit more critical. Mixing modern and historic is difficult to pull off, and this was a bit of a miss. Don't let that stop you though! Go! Enjoy the wonderful food and service. You won't regret it.
  20. DennisJ

    Grand Rapids

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    First time there and the service was great. I had Prime Rib which was prepared nicely but was not quire as tender as I had hoped. Being Thabksgiving I should have gone with the turkey meal looking back. Jeffery was our server and he was great.
  21. DavidW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great venue, lovely restored 1890's home. Very enjoyable dinner with good food and environment, what more could you ask for.
  22. AnnieH

    St. Louis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chef Chris does an outstanding and thoughtful job, caring for each dish with proper temperature and technique. The menu changes enough to keep it fresh, the atmosphere is cozy for couples as well as groups, service is personal and conscientious. You won't feel like "just another table", you will feel like you are among old friends even if it is your first time. Looking forward to our return.
  23. Bruce

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We were very pleased with our experience and will go again. We all had the prime-rib special and the cut was not fatty and cook as requested. The beet salad was excellent.
  24. gastrozircon

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2022

    overall3food5service5ambience3
    Although our party enjoyed the food greatly, the price/value ratio was wanting. We enjoyed the experience, but we’re unlikely to return. Our party of four racked up a bill over $200 before gratuity. With all of the other options available to us, it was a one-time experience.
  25. JimD

    Chicago

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food, nice wine list and wonderful service. First time here and it will not be the last.
  26. KerryC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Outstanding meal and great service. We will definitely be back
  27. LocalGal

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service are outstanding. In summer months, the back porch setting with the water fountain is beautiful and relaxing.
  28. WandaN

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful old atmosphere , nice unique choices for dinner. Forgotten gem, a must if you are visiting Douglas or Saugatuck.
  29. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday celebration
  30. Nano

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    We were delighted with our meal and the attentive service at the Kirby. The delicious, complex flavors of the entre were unexpected! The wine selection was great and we hear they have delicious creative cocktails, too. We hope to make The Kirby a regular destination.
  31. DougZ

    Chicago

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The crab cakes were the we’ve had. The dining room is beautiful. I had the duck and my wife had the pork Marsala. Both were excellent. Great experience! We’ll be back
  32. jamesp

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food. Friendly staff. Ultra accommodating. Highly recommend.
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always exceptional food. The menu is thoughtful and every dish is well-prepared. The service is warm and understated. The setting is lovely whether indoors or outside. Highly recommend this special place.

    J. Paul's Dining Room @ The KirbyResponded on November 1, 2022Thank you so much for the lovely review! Our staff works very hard to make every experience a happy one! We appreciate your continued support. Kirby Staff

  34. KateD

    Caribbean

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The whole experience was fantastic! The service was prompt even though the restaurant was busy, and the food was creative and tasty! The chef even walked around and chatted with guests, which was a nice touch. This is now one of our favorite places to enjoy a meal and a cocktail!

    J. Paul's Dining Room @ The KirbyResponded on November 1, 2022Thank you so much for your kind review! We are glad to hear you enjoyed your evening and hope to see you again soon! Kirby Staff

  35. TomM

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service. Unfortunately we had a group of 4 seated next to us who were VERY loud which disrupted an otherwise pleasant evening.
  36. jabela

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    We have been dining at J. Paul's on our yearly visits to Saugatuck. This year the front of house was understaffed and the food, while still good, was not on par as years previous.
  37. GeminaP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everyone was happy with their choices. Highly recommend The Kirby House.
  38. JamesF

    Exclusive

    10 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2022

    overall3food3service1ambience3
    Limited menu was disappointing. Service poor. Our server poorly trailed. Our finished plates sat even after saying we were finished and paying the bill. Asked to pay at the table while server watched us choose tip amount of gratuity. Would not go back or recommend.
  39. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We traveled to The Kirby to spend a couple days golfing. Loved the restaurant so much we ate there both days! Outstanding! The first night had duck with an Herb de Provence seasoning the first night served with risotto. Decadent! Had the filet with a Demi glaze wine reduction served on a bed of mashed. Fabulous! Would put that filet up against any steak house restaurant near home any day! And to top it all off, breakfast is available to guests that stay at the Bed & Breakfast! Chris and Courtney didn’t miss a beat. Took care of our every needs. Even went so far as to order a power cord for my husbands Cpap machine on Amazon that was accidentally forgotten. Several GREAT courses nearby by the way. Diamond Springs, Creekside, Beaches, The Ravines, and if u don’t mind the drive, The American Dunes are all nearby. I’m sure I missed a couple but that’s enough to keep you busy for a few days! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed ☺️
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Quiet, clean and cozy! Great dinner & amazing dessert of mint chocolate cake. Made on site by one of their own servers! She was great as well. Will definitely be back when we visit Saugatuck again.

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 4.9 stars by 240 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


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

  • 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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