Butch's Dry Dock

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Quarter-Century at the Helm

For over 25 years, Butch TerHaar has guided Butch's Dry Dock through the intersection of serious food and serious wine in downtown Holland, Michigan. What began as one person's commitment to pairing great American cooking with an exceptional drinks program has grown into something genuinely rare: one of fewer than 800 restaurants worldwide to hold Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence — and one of only ten in the entire state of Michigan to claim that distinction.

Food and Wine as a Single Idea

The philosophy here isn't wine as an afterthought. At Butch's Dry Dock, the wine, spirits, and beer list is the backbone around which the seasonal menu is built. Every dish comes with beverage pairing in mind, making this one of the more thoughtful American dining experiences in West Michigan. The menu rotates with the seasons, so what's on the plate reflects what's at its best — a discipline that keeps regulars coming back and rewards first-time visitors with something current and considered.

The Room and the Occasion

The dining space is expansive without feeling impersonal, suited equally to a quiet dinner for two or a larger celebration. Private parties and banqueting rooms make it a practical choice for events, while the bar and happy hour — daily from 4 to 6 pm — offer a lower-key entry point for those who want to explore the drinks list before committing to a full dinner. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for evening service Monday through Saturday.

Butch's Dry Dock sits at 44 East Eighth Street in the heart of Holland, a straightforward address for a restaurant that has quietly earned its place among the best American tables in Michigan.