Kankakee Grille

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Comfort Food Done Right, With a Wine List to Match

Kankakee Grille sits inside Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan, and it earns its place on this list through something that often gets overlooked in a casino setting: a genuinely serious wine program. Wine Spectator recognized it with a Best of Award of Excellence in 2024 — a distinction that reflects both the depth of the list and the care taken in curating it.

The food stays true to its American roots while adding a modern edge. Hearth-baked pizzas, soups, salads, and hometown favorites form the backbone of the menu, alongside weekly features that give regulars a reason to return. Monday brings a Surf & Turf pairing — a 4 oz lobster tail with a 5 oz filet — alongside half-price select wines by the bottle, a combination that quietly signals the kitchen's range. Thursday is Burger Night, Friday date night comes with 20% off appetizers and a dollar off select wines by the glass, and Sunday delivers a half-rack of baby back ribs alongside select draft beers.

An Atmosphere Built Around More Than a Meal

Kankakee Grille doubles as a live entertainment venue, with bands performing each weekend through its Kankakee Live series. Outdoor seating is available, and the space accommodates private parties — with a 20% gratuity applied to groups of six or more. On Silver Creek Event Center concert nights, a streamlined show-night menu keeps service moving without sacrificing the experience.

The bar program runs deep, with a large selection of craft beers and specialty cocktails rounding out an American dining experience that punches well above its surroundings.