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

J. Paul's Dining Room @ The Kirby

4.7
4.7
347 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 347 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • 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

347 Reviews
  1. NicoleS

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love the historic charm. The food was delicious. Highly recommend.

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  2. Shirl

    Milwaukee

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Everyday prime rib was been consistently great…and love the Brie appetizer…..

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  3. FlanaMarie

    Columbus

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was wonderful! Service excellent! A memorable evening with close friends.

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  4. RH1965

    Austin

    61 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    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?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Excellent meal once again from drinks to appetizers to entree. The Brie appetizer was absolutely delicious. Server could have been a bit stronger, but nothing major. Will definitely be back!!

    Is this helpful?

  6. TomM

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Very good service delicious food nice atmosphere. Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  7. MargeD

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    The waitress was inattentive. The braised ribeye was beyond too salty. Pricing was too expensive, not a good value. The atmosphere is nice but do not plan to go there again.

    Is this helpful?

  8. PeterP

    New York Area

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every appetizer and entree were each excellent in a very attractive environment

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  9. Soarhi

    Chicago

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Quality of food superb. Service excellent. Atmosphere was perfect.

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  10. EvaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Ambiance was relaxing, the Service was Outstanding and the Prime Rib Dinner was Absolutley Delicious.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated my husband’s 60th birthday. Food was delicious and service attentive despite the Labor Day weekend rush. We will return.

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  12. Janet

    Chicago

    48 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We were very impressed with the food and service at J. Paul's on our first visit, and we can't wait to go back and try some of the other items on the menu. Food was delicious and beautifully presented, our waiter was friendly and efficient, and parking was available - which is a big plus in the Saugatuck/Douglas area during the high season! What more can you ask for!

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Really enjoyed! Will be back for a meal and so glad they take reservations.

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  14. Whoosie

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    A little bit of scrambling when we showed up for our reservation. We sat outside - it was lovely. It took our server about 10 minutes to acknowledge our presence (despite going right by our table half a dozen times). But after that service was good. The food was great- don’t miss the biscuits, duck and ravioli!

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  15. LesN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were a party of eight. The food and service were excellent. We appreciated the ability to carry on conversations in a quiet environment

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  16. RickiL

    Grand Rapids

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Food was excellent but the wait was too long to get it. A loud group was in the dining room which was unpleasant. Not a reflection on the establishment though.

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  17. Fred

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service in a wonderful restored Victorian home outside of the hubbub of downtown Saugatuck.The lamb meatballs are a must have appetizer. Great cocktails as well.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an outstanding experience. Beautiful back deck near a babbling pool with wonderful food and kind, attentive server.

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  19. MarcyB

    Detroit

    25 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great experience. Loved the atmosphere sitting on veranda. Very good food- 5 of us had different entrees - all delicious. Decent wine list. Despite busy night & seemingly being understaffed (most restaurants are tho!) good service. Would def. Go back again .

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  20. JenM

    Northern MI

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were staying at the Kirby Hotel and took a chance and ate dinner at J. Paul's. So glad we did, beautiful quaint setting sitting outside, the service was excellent, our waiter gave us honest suggestions. The food was amazing, we are all from Detroit and used to top notch restaurants and this was on par.

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  21. KathyG

    Grand Rapids

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a group of 8 outside on patio, in proximity to the beautiful pond and fountain. Table spacing was generous, so we did not feel crowded. Everyone enjoyed their meals. Food was well prepared with good presentation. Prices were maybe a bit high, but seems true everywhere these days. We would definitely go back, and highly recommend. Plus it was nice to be able to make reservations in advance.

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  22. DickW

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    With their new chef the food has become amazing and the service is great. We hightly recomend a visit.

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  23. KathleenF

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    We ate outside and the backyard has great ambience. The food was just so-so. Nothing to brag, I expected more for the price. The chandeliers in the hallway (near the restrooms) could use a dusting. Kind of distraction as it was just too dirty.

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  24. HeatherB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service were absolutely incredible. My husband and I both enjoyed the prime rib -we both said it was one of the best meals we’ve ever had and we dine out often. We live out of town but can’t wait to come back. We also stayed on the property and it was fabulous from beginning to end. Beautiful bed and breakfast - we will definitely be back.

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  25. LisaNoss

    Detroit

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Having resided in the area for nearly 3 years now, we had not tried The Kirby until this past weekend. WOW! The food, drinks, service and overall environment exceeded our expectations. I had the halibut; my significant other had the prime rib. Both were out of this world tasty. The drink menu of specialty drinks and the wine menu did not disappoint. Jeffery took care of us from start to finish and did an excellent job. We will be back again and again! 5 stars!

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  26. Globalguys

    Chicago

    95 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    95 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    If eating here, choose the back deck. The interior tables did not look bery inviting. The deck hoeever was marvelous. We even overlooked a small pond with fountain. The food was well prepared. We had the duck breast and halibut. The latter was a bit bland, and needed more acid. The duck and its sauce were delicious. We also had the ahi tuna appetizer, quite good. We did not try the prime rib, which is supposed to be amazing, or the recommended lamb meatball appetizer. The desserts were serviceable. One complaint was that when the mango sorbet was ordered, it came in its small plastic commercial tub. The bill came approximately $65 a person with 2 cocktails, 1 appetizer, the above mains, 2 desserts, tax snd tip.

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  27. Time2dime

    Chicago

    94 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    94 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything from the beginning to end of our dining experience was top notch. We were seated outside on one of the levels of their beautiful patio in their gardens. Magnificent!!! Can imagine having a wedding there, the setting is just stunning. The drinks were imaginative and tasted as fresh as the garden we were delisting in. The same with the food, my kudos go out to the creative chef. Our host was wonderful! This was a family reunion and was hosting people from out of state and was pleasantly pleased that I had chosen this restaurant to have our family dinner! Thank you!

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  28. jenh

    Denver

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    I love the balance of the fine dining menu and artsy/ casual vibes with 80s music and fun relaxed staff. The food is outstanding, reasonably priced and the bar is beautiful and full of historic charm. Surprises await you if you appreciate style and taste.

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dinner for six was outstanding. Such a sweet find in Saugatuck/Douglas. We will return.

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  30. Kdiff

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Again and again we have a wonderful evening with outstanding service, food and dessert. They never disappoint!

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  31. Artesian

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    J. Paul's is still to some extent a gem that should be better known. The food is consistently excellent due to the excellent chef and an inventive but accessible menu that does not try to be all things to all people. The venue truly feels like a dining room of a small hotel, but elegantly updated. This is casual fine dining. Everyone we have introduced to the restaurant has been impressed by the quality of the quality of the food. Great cocktails and wine selection as well.

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  32. BrianD

    Detroit

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Met some friends here for an outstanding meal and great ambiance. We had never eaten here before, but saw the good reviews, and this is one of very few restaurants in the area that still takes reservations. Service was prompt and efficient. The food was outstanding. My wife had the braised short rib and ravioli. She said the ravioli was excellent, though the short rib was a bit rich for her taste. I had the Prime Rib, which was literally the best I have ever had. We will definitely be back.

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  33. MarthaS

    Atlanta Metro

    5 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    We had a party of 10 and we were refused sercice without any explanation. Service was horrible, slow and had true lack of professionalism. We think that our secured reservation for 8:00pm was that reason as they didn’t want to keep the kitchen open any longer. We flew from atlanta Georgia that day and had not eaten a meal. They were just horrible!. I mean who does that?

    J. Paul's Dining Room @ The KirbyResponded on July 21, 2023

    We refused alcohol service to some of the group because of clear intoxication ( upon arrival). Only after they stumbled obviously and we gave them water ( of which one could not get out of the front door). After ordering your entrees you told the server she was out of line for not overserving. Asked to cancel your food 1 hour before the kitchen closed. Then proceeded to tell us you were walking to another B&B and it did not matter how much was served and they were all fraternity brothers.

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  34. JeffreyH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous spot!!! 🌈 owned and operated! Two great meals in the same week!!!

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food in an intimate setting.

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  36. ElinorW

    St. Louis

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first time at the Kirby and we loved it! The food was exceptional and our waitress was very competent and personable. The only issue we had was the price. Too pricey for retirees though maybe okay for a special occasion.

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  37. Scotsman

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exceptional experience overall! I mistakenly booked a reservation in OT for July 18th and not for the 20th when we arrived, stayed and dined at this charming B&B. Regardless the hostess accommodated us with a warm smile. The food was excellent! Blue Crab Cakes, Pork, Prime Rib and blueberry cheesecake all fantastic and flavorful. The customers around us raved about it and provided unsolicited suggestions before we ordered. The bartender was also friendly and knowledgeable. This little Inn exceeded my expectations, which as a hospitality executive is not always easy to do. Chris the Chef is a true talent, and the manager Courtney was absolutely charming. The whole team went out of there way to provide great service with a smile. The only downside, which still didn’t manage to dampen our experience, was an obnoxious table of ten who I believe came from a golf outing and embarrassed themselves with their loud rude behavior to the server, who did the right thing by cutting them off of alcohol. With no regard to the other guests or the establishment one woman in particular made an absolute fool of herself and owes them all an apology. Breakfast the next morning was equally good. The waffles (think churros) was sweet and perfectly paired with savory sausage patties. Being fairly new to the Midwest from California I was thrilled to discover the Kirby and J Paul’s restaurant and can’t wait to come back. Thank you all for exceeding our expectations!

    1 person found this helpful

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We went for an anniversary dinner and it did not disappoint! We enjoyed the crab cake appetizer and split a Caesar salad. The duck was delicious (skin was rendered till it was crispy) and my husband enjoyed the prime rib. We will be happy to return!

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    I wasn’t even able to eat. I walked in and waited at the host stand for 10 minutes. I could hear staff laughing and carrying on and no one came out to greet me. This was a bad experience.

    1 person found this helpful

  40. JamesD

    Chicago

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Chef LaBelle did not disappoint once again. He visited our table as one of the entree's sold out and proceeded to make an excellent alternative vegetable risotto. The Halibut with crispy sweet potato risotto and green pea puree was simply outstanding. And, of course, the craft cocktails and wine menu were on point. We enjoyed an excellent Châteauneuf du Pape.

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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 4.7 stars by 347 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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