We’re back open for 2025!

Wed - Fri | 4pm - 8:30pm

Sat + Sun | 11am - 8:30pm

Mon + Tue | Closed

MENUS

ABOUT

650 Water Street

Downtown Saugatuck

(Next to the Star of Saugatuck)

Wed, Thu + Fri

4pm-8:30pm

SAT + SUN

11am-8:30pm

Mon + Tue

Closed

Friendly, Chef-y, Booze-y, Fast-y

Lindsay + Alec Payleitner opened SaugaTaco in Summer 2024.

From 2016-2023, the couple owned and operated GROW Café + Bistro—also in downtown Saugatuck.

Lindsay helms the kitchen. Alec does other stuff.

They live year-round in the woods, in Fennville with their two rescue dogs, Spencer + Gordon. (and their new working cat, Giles)

CONTACT

Or send us a note directly!

FAQs

General

  • We are located at 650 Water Street on the north side of historic downtown Saugatuck—the hub of all things waterfront.

    We’re directly next to the public boat launch (at Water St. and Spear St.) and the iconic Star of Saugatuck—a double decker authentic sternwheeler paddleboat. Take the vessel on a cruise down the Kalamazoo river, past the lost city of Singapore and into the mouth of Lake Michigan.

    Two blocks south is Wicks Park, downtown Saugatuck’s premier green space and certainly worthy of a (taco) picnic. Here you’ll find the country’s last working chain ferry to take you across the river to Mount Baldhead and the road to Oval Beach.

    Other water-centric fun just a few doors north—Retro Boat Rentals offers refurbished 60s-style speed boats, donut boats, pontoons and more for you to rent and drive for a few hours.

    With speedy service and take out always available, SaugaTaco is a perfect fit for your vacation agenda. Bring carryout to the park, grab an early dinner after a long day at the beach, or relax with a cocktail before your sunset cruise. Celebrate our waterfront whether you’re staying a week or just playing tourist for the day.

  • We do not ask for any extra ‘tips’. And we mean it. What you see as the price…is the price.

    • NO automatic 15-20% service charge.

    • NO “it’s always appreciated, but never required”

    • NO dreaded tip flip forcing you to pick a percentage under watchful eyes.

    We want our guests to feel comfortable and confident knowing that our staff is cared for appropriately on our end. It’s not your job to do mental gymnastics figuring what staff needs to get by.

    Check out THIS article from Grand Rapid’s Revue Magazine (page 32) by one of our owner/operators.

  • Yes! We understand dogs are family, and they are definitely welcome to dine with you on our patio. Let us know at the counter that you have a furry friend joining and we’ll make sure you have a water bowl and a treat.

    One caveat: we do NOT allow dogs inside (unless it’s a registered service animal). So, if you’re dining solo on a pup-date, or just ordering carryout, grab a seat outside and order online. Within the ordering platform, leave a note to let us know that’s the case, and we’ll bring everything out to you!

  • A wife (chef) and husband team that, 10 years ago, transplanted from the Chicago restaurant scene to the Saugatuck one. Click HERE for our ‘about’ page.

  • In late 2023, we stood outside our soon-to-be riverfront location on the northern end of historic downtown Saugatuck. Silently, from across Water street, we stared at the vacant building, and took it all in. The iconic Star of Saugatuck riverboat to the right. Charter fishing docks to the left. A distant vision of the Mount Baldhead tower looking over us. This WAS vacation.

    That concept—vacation—inspired the story we’d tell inside: an Austin food truck meets a Key West fish shack, grabs a chef and a liquor license, and sets up shop in an interactive restaurant space. Welcome to SaugaTaco.

    We hope you’ll enjoy this vacation vibe regardless of if you’re an actual vacationer, a second-homer, a west Michigan day-tripper, or a local taking full advantage of your hometown!

Service

  • Absolutely. Saugatuck is a vacation town, and SaugaTaco is a vacation joint—and that means families. We always want parents to feel perfectly comfortable bringing their entire crew.

    We’re equipped with:

    • High chairs

    • A kid’s menu with smaller, simpler portions

    • Coloring sheets and crayons

    • FREE custom postcards to write ‘Wish You Were Here!’ notes to grandma, friends, and neighbors

    • FREE veggie temporary tattoos from Tater Tats for any kiddo to don

  • Definitely. SaugaTaco is a big open space with lots of moveable tables. Have at it!

  • Please…linger! Whether you’re playing catch up with old friends, taking a break from the day’s activities, or watching a game, experience SaugaTaco at your own pace. You aren’t taking up a server’s ‘section’. You aren’t keeping a reservation from sitting down. Order what you want, when you want. Have another round of margaritas. Grab a piece of pie after dinner. Take your time. You’re in Saugatuck, after all.

  • Somehow, asking for separate checks at most restaurants feels both intrusive and necessary. You don’t have to think twice about it at SaugaTaco. With our counter-service model, you’ll pay for what you order and without hesitation, the next guest does the same! We’ll give you your drinks immediately and bring the food to your table as soon as it’s ready.

FOOD / DRINK

  • Yes. We have a full liquor license including: cocktails, beer, and wine; social district (walkin’ around drinks); and takeout.

    Housemade, four-ingredient margaritas are at the top of a fun cocktail list with all chef-made mixers. We also have beer (local craft AND cheap $3 American lagers), Michigan wine, and BOOZY SLUSHIES! Fun summer slushy flavors for the kids that are incredibly spike-able for the adults.

    Check out our full drink list on our menu page HERE.

  • It’s a chef-owned AND chef-operated spot. The food is beautiful and craveable. Fancy food truck style tacos (and some classics), handmade empanadas, seafood dumplings, the best nachos ever, chips and dips, and not-just-an-after-thought entree salads.

    And yes, we’ve got lots for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free guests. Click HERE for our ‘menu’ page.

  • Always. Tofu tacos with mango and golden goddess dressing, BBQ jackfruit tacos, a daily veg taco with harissa, hummus and chips, various sides including: tomato cucumber salad, house slaw, black beans and harissa rice. We’re definitely happy to point you in the right direction—just ask at the counter!

  • Yes. We always have corn tortillas available. Our chips are also corn. Most of our tacos, dips, and salads are already gluten free. Unfortunately, because of cross contamination concerns, we are unable to safely accommodate severe gluten allergies—including celiac. Our counter staff can always help answer any specific questions!

  • Oh yeah. Whimsical daily pie (and sometimes cake) selections—all made in-house, while supplies last. Examples of what you might find: key lime with a ginger snap crust, Dr. Pepper tres leches cake, banana cream with vanilla wafers and Ritz cracker crust, s’mores pie.