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Bentwood Tavern: Exceptional Lakeside Dining with Unforgettable Flavors in New Buffalo, MI

Bentwood Tavern in New Buffalo, MI, is a culinary gem where lakeside views meet vibrant, welcoming vibes. The menu dazzles with standout dishes like perfectly cooked flat iron steak fries, crispy yet fluffy fried chickpea bread with herby dressing, and the best burgers boasting toasted buns and fresh, house-made fries. Guests praise the attentive, knowledgeable service and the blend of comforting flavors with creative twists. The inviting outdoor patio, reminiscent of a ship’s lower deck, adds to the charm, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Bentwood Tavern effortlessly balances quality, atmosphere, and innovation—making it a must-visit for food lovers.

Bentwood Tavern at a glance

  • Address 600 W Water St, New Buffalo, MI 49117, United States
  • Phone +1 866-238-2208
  • Restaurant type American restaurant , Bar .
  • Popular for Lunch , Dinner , Solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Bentwood Tavern: Reviews & Ratings

leah
5

One of the best meals we’ve had in 2025! Carrissa was attentive and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu — we’ll definitely be requesting her again next time. The ambiance was vibrant, and every dish exceeded our expectations. The flat iron steak fries, deviled eggs, and chicken thighs were absolutely divine. But the standout was the special: a fried chickpea bread that completely blew us away! Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and topped with a bright, herby dressing — truly unforgettable. We can’t wait to come back and dine again soon!

Sy W
5

Amazing experience overall. I’m a very picker eater when it comes to burgers and I’d say this is the BEST burger I’ve had. The buns are toasted and give a crispy crunchy texture. Meat is cooked perfectly at medium and the sauce pairs nicely with it. Fries are so fresh and you can tell it’s made in house. My friends ordered the tacos and they also look amazing. Such beautiful view by the lake side. You can see the boats and jet skis sitting outside. So pretty and very friendly service. Nice vibe. Nice restroom with good quality napkins. That’s how I tell a restaurant or hotel actually cares about the quality they deliver. 10/10!!

Jerry The Pigeon And Mike L
5

I haven’t been to this place in a few years. It was always beautiful and I honestly did t think it could get much better. I was wrong. This place got AMAZING!!! From the interior, to the food, to the service… everything was beyond expectation. I loved my burger and the drink I had was a perfect blend of flavors. I’m going to stop babbling and just tell you to check it out for yourself. I give it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Randi Whitmer
5

Very nice restaurant with Hotel we stopped at. When we came in , no wait and was seating on their deck. Little breeze off lake and they offered a blanket for you. I would have loved to enjoy more but we had to leave early. Def have to stop by again!

L. Lindsey Ayot
5

Everything from the food to the atmosphere was 100% breathtaking. Beautiful views on the outdoor patio and even in the main restaurant that looked like the beautiful lower deck of a ship. The food was amazing and so was the service. I would go here every weekend if I could.

Mariah Bement
5

Everything about this restaurant is UPSCALE. The food was great, the atmosphere… charming, cozy, and romantic. The Service? FANTASTIC. Our server Chandler went above and beyond to make sure everything about our experience was perfect. The other servers were also very friendly and the overall morale in the restaurant between the staff was noticeably pleasant. We started with some drinks I had a delicious cocktail called the Hare’s Heart it was well balanced and unique. We had the deviled eggs and chicken thighs to start highly recommend them both. For dinner I had the Manistee River Rainbow Trout and my mom had the chicken pot pie. Both were delicious! For dessert we had a bread pudding which was incredible.

Claire O'Neal
5

This place is a hidden gem. Quaint outdoor patio on the marina, but inside was also very nice. Service was outstanding- our server Olivia was the best and made the experience even better with her recommendations. We ordered the wood-fired feta and olives as appetizers- absolutely delicious. For dinner, I had the pork chop and my husband ordered the half chicken. The pork chop was phenomenal. We will be back next time we visit New Buffalo!

Latrina Davis
5

All I can say is—oh wow! The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous, with a beautiful view of the marina. From the moment I walked in, every person I encountered before even getting to my table provided top-notch customer service. I originally stopped in because I saw grilled octopus mentioned in online reviews and was excited to try it. Unfortunately, it’s no longer on the menu, and I was initially a little bummed. But my server, Ruby, completely turned that around. She was knowledgeable, polite, and patient and eagerly sharing her recommendations with thoughtful and mouthwatering descriptions. I'm so happy I found this place and decided to stop. It’s definitely a go-to whenever I’m traveling from Chicago to visit my family nearby. The exceptional service, inviting atmosphere, skilled cooking, and the fresh, vibrant taste of everything I ordered truly place this restaurant at the top!

Location

  • Bentwood Tavern
    Bentwood Tavern
    600 W Water St, New Buffalo, MI 49117, United States Hotline: +1 866-238-2208

Nestled along the scenic shoreline of New Buffalo, Bentwood Tavern stands as a beacon of refined American dining. This lakeside gem effortlessly marries rustic charm with modern culinary craftsmanship, inviting guests to indulge in a menu rich with both classic and inventive flavors. From the very first bite, the thoughtfully curated selection reveals a deep respect for quality ingredients and bold taste profiles.

The Lobster Roll emerges as a star, boasting tender, succulent lobster enveloped in a delicate, toasted bun—a masterclass in balance and texture. Equally compelling is the Tavern Burger, praised for its perfectly cooked medium patty, crunchy toasted bun, and a distinctive house-made sauce that elevates each bite. The fresh-cut fries, unmistakably hand-crafted, provide a crisp contrast, embodying the kitchen’s attention to detail.

Diversifying the palate, the menu’s seafood offerings like Alaskan Halibut and Whitefish highlight local freshness, while the Fish & Chips pay homage to time-tested tavern classics. A standout discovery is the fried chickpea bread—crispy on the outside, soft inside, garnished with a vibrant herby dressing—delivering an unforgettable texture and flavor interplay that lingers beyond the meal.

The Tavern Caesar, Salmon Salad, and House Greens Salad introduce lighter options that maintain the restaurant’s commitment to freshness and bright, layered flavors. Meanwhile, unique dishes such as Octopus and Eggs in Purgatory showcase Bentwood Tavern’s culinary creativity, offering guests a sophisticated yet approachable exploration of American gastronomy.

What truly elevates the experience at Bentwood Tavern is the seamless blend of exquisite food with an inviting ambiance. Panoramic lake views, a gentle breeze on the outdoor deck, and attentive, knowledgeable service cultivate an atmosphere that is both vibrant and relaxing. Patrons find themselves not just eating, but savoring moments—whether accompanied by a crafted beer selection or a flawless cocktail.

Bentwood Tavern is more than a meal; it is a celebration of ingredients, setting, and skill that consistently exceeds expectations. Whether you’re drawn by the appeal of a perfectly assembled burger or the charm of the lakeside breeze, this establishment beckons with a promise of unforgettable dining that honors both tradition and innovation.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • Dine-in
    • Delivery
    • Takeaway
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards