Rise & Shine On The Art Coast®
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day—and around here, we take that to heart. Whether you’re fueling up for a beach day, gallery stroll, or dune hike, the Art Coast offers no shortage of inviting cafés, charming diners, and unique, chef-driven breakfast spots to help you start your morning right. From gourmet coffee drinks and scratch-made pastries to hearty hashes and classic omelets, there’s something for every kind of morning person.
If life has no meaning without first savoring a good cup of joe, head over to Uncommon Coffee Roasters in Saugatuck or Respite Cappuccino Court in Douglas, where you’ll find expertly roasted beans and seasonal blends for your morning caffeine fix. Or stop by Biggby Coffee in Saugatuck for a delicious latte or iced coffee on the go.
If a classic sit-down breakfast is calling your name, head to Ida Red’s, a Saugatuck legend and local favorite since 1986. Known for generous portions and a warm, homey atmosphere, Ida Red’s makes comfort food the star. Here, you’ll want to try their Corncakes or one of their many signature breakfast scrambles. Expect a line during peak season, and please note that this establishment only accepts cash.
Pennyroyal Café & Provisions in Saugatuck is a farm-to-table gem that celebrates local ingredients and seasonal flavors with standouts like their famous Michigan Blueberry Pancakes and delicate Smoked Trout Crêpe. Pumpernickels offers tasty breakfast classics in a charming setting. Don’t miss their flavorful and filling Corned Beef Hash paired with a bold Bloody Mary as a start to a day of downtown exploring. Just around the corner, MALU serves up elevated American brunch favorites alongside Uncommon Coffee Roasters’ exceptional coffee. Try their Berry Streusel Waffle or Crab Eggs Benedict for a fresh take on classic breakfast fare.
If you’re drawn to places with a little extra character, we’ve got you covered. In Fennville, Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant & Winery serves breakfast all day in a 150-year-old barn situated on the family’s fruit farm. With warm cinnamon rolls, Apple Butter French Toast, and their signature fresh cider donuts, it’s the kind of cozy, nostalgic spot that invites you to relax and stay a while. For a more whimsical start to the day, Basecamp Coffee & Waffles dishes out sweet and savory waffles from an adorable camper trailer. Enjoy your meal outdoors at a picnic table or grab it to go.
For diner-style comfort food, head to Blue Goose Café in Fennville or Vicki’s Family Diner in Douglas. Blue Goose is a laid-back, no-fuss local hangout serving hearty omelets and skillet breakfasts that hit the spot every time. Vicki’s offers satisfying meals like chicken-fried steak and eggs, and a variety of breakfast scrambles, all delivered with a generous side of small-town hospitality.
Prefer something with a little more flair than your average eggs and toast? Check out Root Café in Fennville or happystance in Douglas. Root Café is known for its bold fusion of global flavors and creative twists—don’t miss the Breakfast Empanadas & Scramble or the Hippie Hash, a colorful veggie-packed dish that’s as hearty as it is delicious. Meanwhile, happystance lives up to its name as the happiest brunch spot in Douglas, with chef-driven favorites like Breakfast Nachos and scratch-made Biscuits & Gravy served in a welcoming, family- and dog-friendly space.
Blue Star Barns Coffee & Bikes is a must-visit for anyone looking to pair breakfast with a bit of outdoor adventure. Serving up quality coffee and locally sourced baked goods, Blue Star Barns also offers bike rentals so you can grab a quick bite before exploring the area on two wheels.
Other breakfast joints perfect for those on the go include The Farmhouse Deli & Pantry, where you can grab a delicious Rosemary Ham and Egg Croissant or Avocado Toast and a freshly pressed juice for a refreshing start to your day. Boardwalk Deli & Ice Cream powers mornings with fruit smoothies, “super fit bowls,” and satisfying handhelds, while Chicken Scratch Farm & Bakery in Fennville turns out flaky pastries, flavorful frittatas, and hearty breakfast sandwiches made fresh daily.
No matter how you do mornings, the Art Coast serves up plenty of delicious ways to start the day.