Whether you’re meeting up with a colleague or enjoying an hour to yourself, going out to lunch provides a great excuse to take a break from the daily grind and support local restaurants in Berrien County. In this third installment of our five-part series celebrating Restaurant Month in Berrien County, we have the scoop on where to go for burgers, pizza, salads and soup.
The Buck Burgers & Brew
Our Restaurant Month lunch special is brought to you by The Buck Burgers & Brew in downtown St. Joseph, a local hang-out known for their craft beers and gourmet pub fare. Their famous Buck Burgers are made with beef ground fresh daily at their sister company, State Street Meats, and cooked to order with a bevy of irresistible toppings. Check out the Mac Attack Burger topped with bacon and macaroni and cheese or the Thornburger with bacon, cream cheese, raspberry-jalapeno jam and a fried egg. But it’s not just about the burgers, as this upscale eatery with a relaxed environment offers a wide selection of sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads all made from locally grown and fresh ingredients. It’s a go-to lunch spot for the local crowd and the perfect choice for a Wednesday business lunch or a Saturday stop before hitting the beach. And with 74 draft tap handles, the largest selection in Southwest Michigan, there’s something for everyone at The Buck.
Zoup!
Sometimes, you just need a good bowl of soup. And, with a mission to make “Good, Really Good” soup and broth, Zoup Eatery in St. Joseph has you covered. Choose from Curry Thai Chicken, Lobster Bisque, Overstuffed Bell Pepper, Rustic Vegetable Bean, and many other varieties of deliciousness in a bowl. With grain bowls, broth bowls, salads, and mac and cheese also available, Zoup is a crowd pleaser for any lunch occasion.
Mikey’s Drive-In
If you’re looking for a good burger and fries served with a milkshake and a sprinkle of nostalgia, check out Mikey’s Drive-In located in Bridgman. Take a step back in time with car-hop service and delicious malts made to order as you enjoy a lunch break relaxing in your own vehicle. After a long winter, Mikey’s invites you to roll down the window and enjoy the fresh air and springtime sun while you munch. Ask for a Slush Puppy with your Chicago Style Hot Dog or finish strong with a Hot Fudge Sundae.
Baguette de France
If you’re a native to Southwest Michigan, you’ve probably spent your lunch hour at Baguette de France once or twice (a week). This sandwich shop offers premium European sandwiches in two locations in Southwest Michigan – Berrien Springs and St. Joseph. With warm baguettes filled with delectable combinations of meat, cheese, veggies, and sauce, it’s a popular spot to dine-in during the noon hour or order ahead and bring back lunch for your entire department. You can’t go wrong with selections like the Bourbon Chicken or Hawaiian, and order an extra side of garlic sauce and you can thank me later. They even offer a large menu of vegetarian baguettes and freshly made salads. And don’t forget to add a toffee cookie or chocolate pastry for a sweet treat back at the office.
Main Street Burgers Pizza and Ice Cream
Just in time for Restaurant Month, Main Street Burgers Pizza and Ice Cream is now open for the season in Eau Claire. Stop by on your lunch break for a turkey club sandwich and a caramel apple shake. Or, if you’re trying to keep it light, ask for one of their Wildberry Smoothies. Catering to all two and four legged friends, order a pizza for you and a pup cup for your furry friend.
But wait, there’s more! For additional lunch spots in Berrien County, check out our full Chamber member directory of food and beverage locations at SMRChamber.com and map out your plan to eat local for Restaurant Month!
About the Writer: Stacey Martin is a local author and freelance writer with a passion for promoting Southwest Michigan. Find more of her writing at staceymartinwrites.com. She is the author of We Grow Kids Here and New Girl at Church, and the creator and host of “The Folks Back Home” podcast.
This article – and your next lunch! – are “brought to you by” The Buck Burgers & Brew in downtown St. Joseph. The Buck is the “go-to hangout for craft beer and gourmet pub fare in Southwest Michigan.” Serving mouth-watering burgers plus salads, sandwiches, and a rotating list of local Brews on tap. Stop in today!
