Autumn Eats in Southwest Michigan

I grew up in St. Joseph, and I was lucky to be surrounded by so many delicious restaurants. I love visiting so I can indulge in my favorite spots from my childhood. Autumn is the best season to visit Michigan, and I just spent a weekend in the area soaking up the crisp autumn air and fall fresh flavors.

One of my favorite restaurants in Benton Harbor is the Mason Jar Cafe, and their pumpkin pancakes autumn special is the perfect filling breakfast on a chilly morning. I love how these pancakes taste with their savory breakfast potatoes. I don’t drink coffee, but I do love their chai latte.

Bit of Swiss is the best bakery in Stevensville, and they make cute, autumn cookies. They were delicious, but the croissant was even better.

Silver Beach Pizza is must for dinner in St. Joseph. They have some of the best pizzas I’ve ever had with the Harvest Pizza and The Palladium being my two favorites. The Harvest Pizza is oil-based with brown sugar, kale, butternut squash, gouda, mozzarella, and I order it without the bacon. It pairs perfectly with Cheryl’s Salad, which is filled with fresh apples, red onions, tomatoes, walnuts, and blue cheese. The Palladium has mozzarella, Colby jack, provolone, and parmesan, and it is the best cheese pizza I’ve ever had. Visiting this restaurant during autumn is much nicer than the summer months because the wait is much shorter.

Hanging out on the patio of RyeBelles is always a great way to spend an autumn day. The beet salad contains mixed greens, pickled beets, grilled red onion, roasted sunflower seeds, and goat cheese and always tastes to fresh. Their artichoke spinach dip is comfort food heaven.

Chan’s Garden is one of my favorite restaurants in downtown St. Joseph, and I love their vegetable fried rice. I’ve never found another Chinese restaurant that’s as good as Chan’s. Their vegetarian egg rolls are amazing as well.

Tim’s Too in downtown St. Joe is delicious as well. Use their buffet to choose your noodles, veggies, protein, and sauces and then the employees cook it for you. It’s so fun to pick out everything I want in my bowl! The spring rolls were crispy, and the bread is amazing as always.

Mark III’s Vegan Cali Burger with sweet potato fries is the ultimate combo. I always come to this grill so hungry and leave full and satisfied.

Make sure to visit these spots on your next getaway to southwest Michigan. Visit this area in the autumn for less crowds, cooler temperatures, and amazing fall foliage.