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RATINGS
Food
Service
Value

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PRICE RANGE
€7 - €32
CUISINES
American, Wine Bar
Special Diets
Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
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Reviews (73)
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Traveler rating
48
14
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Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile

we visited on recommendation of a local—-even though she had never been there! She was right, our dinner was wonderful! Smoked whitefish(?) asparagus chowder was to die for!! Pork chop entree was excellent, the duck juicy with a delicious sauce. We were there early, so...the dining room was fairly empty, but we could then enjoy the beautiful woodwork, fireplace and artwork. Definitely a fine dining addition to the neighborhood.More

Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed June 17, 2023

We went to get a drink and maybe dinner. When we got there we had to wait for the bar to finish setting up and taking other drinks while we stood there. We decided to look at a menu and thought it would be nice...to eat there. It was 5 pm and only 4 tables were full. We were told that we could not eat until 7:30 pm. We got our drinks and my husband had a Bloody Mary. His celery stalk was grossly wilted. When we were ready to leave, I took my empty glass with me to go and pay. A waitress stopped me to ask if I wanted another drink and I said no. She walked away and I took my glass and paid. I will never go back.More

Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed May 26, 2023 via mobile

I can’t believe no one rated this restaurant since last fall. We had eight people for cocktails and dinner this evening and it was perfect. Dining near the bar with a table for eight, great service from our server..drinks were excellent from choices from white...and red wine, to specialty drinks such as cucumber giblets. Dinner were prime rib, roasted duck, a vegan salad and halibut….as reported as excellent. Great Caesar salads as other starters were good. Try it….from our most recent experience you won’t be disappointed…..and they take reservations….More

Date of visit: May 2023
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Reviewed October 26, 2022 via mobile

The most wonderful meal I’ve ever been served in this area. All of our appetizers and entrées were so delicious. The delicacy of the seasonings and presentation of the food was so lovely. The chef came out to greet us and it was obvious that...the personality of the owners was influencing the staff because everyone was so fun and polite. This was gourmet food.More

Date of visit: September 2022
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Reviewed August 29, 2022

We had friends in town and decided to try J Paul's as we had never been there before. We had an early reservation and were seated at a nice table on the back deck. We brought bug spray along, per another review, but never used...it, nor felt a single bug that night. The service was very attentive all night long. We had an appetizer (goat cheese bruschetta), two salads, four entrees' (filet, 2 primer ribs and risotto) and many drinks. They were all very good (some drinks better than others). Everyone was quite satisfied. When the bill came I handed the server an AmEx card to pay the $300 bill. She politely said they did not take AmEx (not many nice restaurants don't take AmEx) . No problem, I handed her my Visa card. She takes it and we complete the transaction with their new Clover POS device right at the table. After she leaves, I look at the receipt and realize there is a 3.5% credit card "convenience" fee on there. We eat out a lot and always pay with credit cards. I had never seen this at a restaurant before, but more importantly was never told about it by the server (although I didn't have $300 + tip on me regardless). I realize that credit cards charge a fee, but if 80% of your clientele uses credit, please just roll it into the price of your services. And if you're going to charge such a fee, why not take AmEx? I know it was only $10, but that is not how nice dining establishments should operate. Hopefully J Paul's will see this and handle it differently going forward.More

Date of visit: August 2022
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Reviewed July 17, 2022 via mobile

We sat outside with a view of the pond and fountain. We shared crab cakes, mushroom rague, cheese platter. All were very nice. We also tried the watermelon mojito and a few other cocktails which were great. It took a bit of time to receive...our mains but they were all good.- especially those sweet potato truffle fries. The only suggestion is to bring bug spray if you plan to sit outside.More

Date of visit: July 2022
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Reviewed August 20, 2021

Food and service were FANTASTIC!! Beautiful outdoor seating. Great menu. Desserts also were great!! Friendly staff and chef made u feel special.

Date of visit: August 2021
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Reviewed August 2, 2021

We have been dining in and around Douglas for several years on our visits, and we have our "go -to" places, of course - Marros / Everyday People Cafe, but we decided to try out J Pauls Dining Room @ The Kirby on this trip....We are very happy we made that decision. Our food - presentation, quantity and quality - was superb. The Chef - Toph (Christopher) has recently taken over the business, and if our meal was any indication, this location will prosper. They are just getting started, so they do not have a large staff as of yet, but it's in a great location, and a very cool establishment. As I said, from the appetizers (Thai Shrimp - outstanding) fresh takes on classic salads, and tremendous entrees, we were more than pleased. We highly recommend!More

Date of visit: July 2021
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Reviewed July 19, 2021 via mobile

I want to thank the entire staff of The Kirby for a delightful lunch yesterday. The food was fantastic and everyone was gracious and made the day special for us.

Date of visit: July 2021
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Reviewed January 12, 2020

When the new manager stepped up to our table to ask if this was our first time, we told him that we have been very steady customers. He then proceeded to tell us that he was re-imiaging the place with a new concept to designed...to attract a younger more eclectic clientele. Somehow we felt that this did not include senior citizens. That was our last visit.More

Date of visit: February 2019
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Reviewed June 28, 2019 via mobile

Myself and my girlfriends went out of our way to make sure we had a reservation at this place after reading good reviews. After experiencing the worst customer service I have ever had at a restaurant by the waitress who was rude, not accommodating, and...unable to answer basic questions we chose to to leave due to her attitude. The manager to top it off after knowing the service we experienced did very minimal to course correct. Being in the service industry myself I would never recommend this place to anyone and will not return.More

Date of visit: June 2019
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Reviewed June 10, 2019

I will start with the fact that we love Saugatuck-Douglas-Fennville area. I live here part time and am proud of almost everything that comes out of this incredibly creative and welcoming community. We have not had a chance to visit J. Paul's Dining Room at...the Kirby yet and it was our first time. I really don't want to be critical but ... The decor lacks, There is a nice deck but it feels a little deprived of personality, especially for a $$$$ restaurant. We came here on a Saturday, had nowhere to go and were completely relaxed and ready to be wowed. The place was empty, maybe three tables were occupied. We asked for wine, not a fancy cocktail. How long does it take to pour a glass of wine? Certainly not 25 minutes, right?. We decided to leave and not risk any frustration. No anger, just disappointment. There are plenty of great options around so we chose one and had a blast. I cannot say anything about the food but the steak on the menu was $55 - charging this much requires the restaurant to step up. To add to the tragicomedy of the 45 minutes spent at the Kirby's, the chef came to chat with us and shared way TMI, including the fact that he was stuck there until Monday. Reading some of the other reviews, it appears that the food might be good. Maybe then, they need a new manager (ASAP). As for us, we will not be coming back.More

Date of visit: June 2019
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Reviewed May 30, 2019

We dined at J. Paul's Dining room at The Kirby during our brief stay in the area. This was our first time at this dining establishment. It was a busy weekend for the area (Memorial Day Weekend), but surprisingly, the restaurant was not crowded at...all. I am not sure why that was the case, though. The B&B/Restaurant is located in the corner of Blue Star Highway and Center Street. Parking was very ample. We had a reservation for a 7 PM seating, and was seated immediately upon arrival. The entire building is a well-maintained old house with some funky modern-ish updates. It was attractively decorated, but we thought the dining chairs were not as comfortable as we hoped. Service was friendly, but it was clear that the restaurant was rather understaffed, despite it was the big start of the tourism season. Our meal was well-prepared and we enjoyed it. Service was rather slow, however.More

Date of visit: May 2019
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Reviewed December 1, 2018 via mobile

Went for dinner and had a fantastic experience! The best short ribs I have ever had. The lamb chops were killer as well. The service was top notch & the meal was served at a perfect pace to be really enjoyable.

Date of visit: December 2018
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Reviewed October 2, 2018

Great service, food was spot on, the wine selection great and Chef/Owner came to table and described the Amaro Tasting to all of us, nice touch. Would definitely recommend the restaurant and I will stay at the property the next time I am in town.

Date of visit: September 2018
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mtrafman
January 11, 2017|
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Response from mtrafman | Property representative |
Yes, ahi tuna poke, crab cakes, smoked whitefish crostini, crispy skin salmon and local lake trout.
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THE KIRBY, Douglas - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about The Kirby

The Kirby is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 4