Reserve now:
Bentwood TavernReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
Grand Rapids / Western Michigan Restaurant Reviews >
Southwest Michigan Restaurant Reviews >
New Buffalo Restaurant Reviews >
American Restaurant Reviews
Bentwood Tavern Reviews List
Bentwood Tavern
"...the area"s newest restaurant and, arguably, its best." --Chicago Tribune
Harbor Country's only waterfront restaurant, Bentwood Tavern features "artisan comfort cuisine" crafted by local icon, Chef Jenny Drilon. Bentwood's sophisticated spin on pub fare features gourmet pizzas fired in a wood-burning oven, fresh seafood, Amish roasted chicken, steaks and chops. Everything is scratch made from only the highest quality, and whenever possible, locally grown ingredients. Eight craft brews on tap and a well-curated wine list are worthy complements to the fresh, savory menu.
Bentwood Tavern is open daily for dinner and drinks, lunch Friday-Sunday, and brunch from 10am-3pm Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor seating on the marina is open as long as weather permits.
Please be advised that the restaurant is operating on Eastern Standard Time.
See more Bentwood Tavern details
Harbor Country's only waterfront restaurant, Bentwood Tavern features "artisan comfort cuisine" crafted by local icon, Chef Jenny Drilon. Bentwood's sophisticated spin on pub fare features gourmet pizzas fired in a wood-burning oven, fresh seafood, Amish roasted chicken, steaks and chops. Everything is scratch made from only the highest quality, and whenever possible, locally grown ingredients. Eight craft brews on tap and a well-curated wine list are worthy complements to the fresh, savory menu.
Bentwood Tavern is open daily for dinner and drinks, lunch Friday-Sunday, and brunch from 10am-3pm Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor seating on the marina is open as long as weather permits.
Please be advised that the restaurant is operating on Eastern Standard Time.
89 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 89 reviews
5 stars
(47)
4 stars
(32)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- scenic view(41)
- great for outdoor dining(40)
- fit for foodies(37)
- neighborhood gem(35)
- great for lunch(22)
- special occasion(20)
Bentwood Tavern Reviews List
Review 1 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Dining Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is our favorite restaurant. We've been a fan of chef Jenny Drilon's for many years. The food is always fresh, inventive, perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. The dining room is attractive and comfortable. There is a small outdoor dining area that looks over a harbor. This is pleasant, but it would be nice if the owner's would invest a little money for some colorful plantings. The wine list isn't huge, but has some wonderful choices. Besides seafood, meat and poultry entrees, the pizzas are spectacular - right out of a wood burning oven.
I recommend this restaurant highly"
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
brentwood tavern
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Grdat service, beautiful view, great food ,reasonable prices"
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A great night out !
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food is always fantastic !!! You can enjoy a burger , pizza , or a fantastic steak or fish dinner . Beautiful views of marina !! Great wait staff and one of the best consistent dinner places around ."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful every time!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I like to go different seasons and enjoy the menu that reflects it the seasonal changes and cuisine."
Dined on 3/26/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not the usual experience
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This restaurant is usually exceptional. And I am wiling to pay the price for the food. Friday night the food was very average. Three of us ordered meals and all three of us were underwhelmed. The only part of the meal that stood out was dessert. And normally we are too full for that option! We had the rhubarb cobbler and a chocolate stout cake that was amazing."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good food. Our waitress was pleasant but a little slow to take our order and slow in coming back with the order. She indicated that there was a delay in the kitchen area but we saw others who had arrived after us receive their orders. While this was Mother's Day and a full crowd, there seemed to be adequate wait staff and adequate food preparation staff. We will be back because the food is great and service usually very good."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
recommended!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our family searched for a good Mother's Day meeting spot to accommodate members from northern Chicago and Mid-Michigan. We found the Bentwood through an internet search of the highly rated restaurants in the New Buffalo area. The Bentwood provided us with a beautiful and tasteful environment for excellent food and drinks. We will return!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Yum!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was fantastic. The only complaint was the noise level (very noisy), but the total experience outweighed this one small negative."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: scenic view, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great get away. One hour away from Chicago. Worth the drive."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, great for lunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Bentwood worth the trip
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was outstanding and the waiter was attentive and knowledgable. We enjoyed our dining experience and look forward to returning. Definitely worth a trip to New Buffalo!"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Overrated!
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been wanting to go to the Bentwood Tavern for years!. We finally decided to make a night of it and we ordered a feature item "special of the night" pork and cheese fajitas. They had three TINY pieces of pork mixed in the melted cheese. This item was terrible and ordered by 3 of our 6 guests. An other guest ordered the fish and chips the fish was OVER cooked, tough and very disappointing as well. The martinis were over priced and missed the mark of creative the restaurant was hopeful for. I don't mind playing top dollar for a tasty, creative, liquor loaded cocktail but their martinis were none of that, just expensive! The appetizers were ok desserts were fair."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food here is consistently good, service friendly, great cocktails."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fresh and unique
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The rainbow trout fish special was fresh and cooked perfectly. The plate was almost licked clean! Salads were tasty and healthy. Could have used someone pumpkin seeds on the beet salad to make it more crunchy. The wine and beer were great, tried new ones. Clean and bright atmosphere and very attentive service. Will be returning soon I hope!"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious Dining on the Lake
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We so enjoy this lakeside restaurant. Everything about it is welcoming. Dress up or down, small or large table, it's a fun time with the best menu, lots of healthy and scrumptious choices."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Much smaller than I anticipated,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Much smaller than I anticipated, and when we arrived (5:00pm) there was nobody else around. But by 8pm the place we crowded and the ambiance was much better. It was too cold to eat outdoors, which would improve the experience dramatically (outdoor area overlooks a harbor). Bar had excellent beers on tap. Food was very good."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service was very slow, but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was very slow, but food still very good!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Too much cheese in their dishes.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Too much cheese in their dishes."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was our first time (all
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our first time (all 4 of us) we really enjoyed the place and the food!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2008
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Beachy Brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great brunch option in stylish setting right on the harbor."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2003
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, scenic view, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Very disappointing
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have been here several times, but won't return anytime soon. The food was good, but we were rushed in and out in one hour. If I had wanted
fast food, I would have gone to McDonald's or Redamak's!"
fast food, I would have gone to McDonald's or Redamak's!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Love the food and the service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love the food and the service was great....you can't beat the view"
Dined on 03/26/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food at ridiculous prices
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good food at ridiculous prices -- definitely caters to the Illinois and Boating crowd. Really crazy on the weekends in the summer -- I'd suggest going during the week. Wish they had a more extensive wine by the glass menu, too.
Our last visit we did our reservation through Open Table (which I use fairly often and without incident). We arrived for our 8:30 reservation, were told that our reservation was at 8:00 and we'd have to wait with the others who didn't have reservations. Fortunately, I had my cell phone with the confirmation email on it and showed the hostess. She said "We've had some trouble with Open Table" which surprised me. We had to wait a bit, but not terribly long and did get seated."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and service as
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food and service as always. The fish and chips are to die for. Wonderfull atmosphere and friendly staff. From start to finish a great experience."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfect! Delicious and wonderful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Perfect! Delicious and wonderful service."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We just love brentwood. We
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We just love brentwood. We continue to tell all of our friends. Food is excellencent, great wine list. Friendly helpful servers. Can,t say enough!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 27 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Felt Forced to Dine and Dash
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is our favorite restaurant in Harbor Country, but our last visit was not good. We went in for their Sea Bass special ($34) and while the food was excellent, we were definitely very rushed. After we received our cocktails we gave our server our appetizer and entree orders. We had not even finished our appetizer when our entrees arrived. We hadn't even ordered wine. A man came over and took our wine order and another server brought it over. No sooner had we finished our entree when our plates were cleared and we were being asked about coffee and dessert. At this point we had been at the restaurant only 1/2 hour. I told our server I was upset over being rushed. We had our whole $150 meal in in less than an hour."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 28 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Favorite restaurant in New Buffalo. Love the food and view!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 29 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Experience was very good celebratin
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Experience was very good celebrating two birthdays reservation at 6:00pm very busy a lot of people and the dining room was loud but over all meal and service was outstanding.
Thank you
Tim Tubbs
574-485-1847 Cell"
574-485-1847 Cell"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 30 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Find in New Buffalo, MI
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As usual "The" place to eat in New Buffalo, MI. The food is innovative and wonderful; the service first rate. On summer week-ends, advance reservations are key to getting in."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 31 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Harbor Country Must for Foodies
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Perennial favorite in Harbor country since Jenny Smith (formerly of Jenny's) came back to town. Actually, probably the best in the area - on par with the best of the Chicago scene. The regular menu is pretty great, but pay special attention to the specials. They are usually outstanding - Asian sea bass or hoisin-glazed lamb chops!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 32 for Bentwood Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Super!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Even in bad Winter weather we do not mind driving 1 hour for a great dining experience.
The Sea Bass is always delicious and the mussels as appetizer were cooked perfect.
Profiteroles as a sweet ending - with coffee ice cream of course."
The Sea Bass is always delicious and the mussels as appetizer were cooked perfect.
Profiteroles as a sweet ending - with coffee ice cream of course."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Bentwood Tavern
Based on the average of (57) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
8 out of 9 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic