The Blackbird Waterhouse

Great BBQ, fried chicken , and onion rings. No gluten is used in the fryers and so many options. Very tasty food, friendly and knowledgeable servers and cute spot with indoor and outdoor spaces.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Great food and experience. Was comfortable and no issues. Ask about desserts!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Very pleased I found this place! Even my husband who is not GF was impressed! Had sweet & spicy shrimp for an appetizer. Then the buttermilk fried chicken. My husband had the special which was a steak with a truffle topping. And they have 2 GF desserts to choose from. I have the blueberry lemon layer cake. All our food was phenomenal!!!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Very good food and many GF options.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Wow! 98% of the restaurant is gf. The place is packed full of people who most likely don't know it's gf, just that it's good. This is gf food done right. We had truffle fries, hot chicken sandwich, brisket tacos, a coffee pots de creme, and a brownie sundae. Service was great. Everyone was friendly. I wish I could go every day!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for takeout

I am a sensitive celiac and I didn’t get sick. The server was very helpful and told me that they didn’t use any flour in the kitchen. The food was great. Especially the brussel sprout appetizer!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The restaurant was excellent. I loved being able to order basically anything on the menu. Easy gf for kids too. Would go here again in a heartbeat and really could since there was such a wide variety of food we could eat! Could order appetizers, full meals, fries, and multiple desserts.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

We were so happy to find The Blackbird Waterhouse. It was an excellent experience from start to finish! We had the Bruschetta with gf baguette. I had a half Blackbird salad- it was generous! Braised short ribs with French green beans and mashed potatoes were delicious! My daughter had the Blackbird Street tacos and they were not only delicious- they were beautiful! My granddaughter had the grilled cheese in gf bread with fries and she thoroughly enjoyed. We got desserts to go- strawberry shortcake and triple berry cheesecake. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish Service was excellent. The strawberry shortcake was to die for! We’ll try the cheesecake tomorrow.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

*AMAZING!!*. Everything on the menu is gluten free (with the exception of some bread and buns). Onion rings, Mac and cheese, cornbread, crab cakes and desserts....oh, the deserts!!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

So many options! They do not use flour in the kitchen. Very good food and service!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The resaurant is mostly (I'd say 98%) gluten free, they do offer patrons the options for buns gf or g on the burger, but there is absolutely no wheat flour in the kitchen. The dessert options were delicious! 3 out of the 4 were gf and the gluten one they purchase elsewhere so no worries of cc in the kitchen.

Kat (our server) was super nice and informative on the gf options and protocols.

Trip (one of the owners I believe) shared a heartwarming conversation with me about the loving people, like us celiacs, that travel through the establishment.

Dedicated fryer too. Had calamari, blackbird burgers cocktail, and carrot cake oh and wings wings

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good with other allergies

We saw the great reviews so had to check it out for ourselves. We chose this restaurant for a birthday celebration and were met with very nice folks, a beautiful atmosphere, and food that tickled our taste buds! We were both quite pleased with everything. I got the taco salad…yum; and my husband ordered the short ribs. The flavors were amazing! Dessert was the strawberry shortcake, so beautifully plated, light and fluffy; and a warmed blueberry cake with ice cream. The owner of this fine restaurant checked with us, and made us very welcomed. The Blackbird Waterhouse was the highlight of all the restaurants we experienced on this trip.

The best part for me was that 98% of the items on the menu were gluten free. The fryers never have flour in them, they use gf coatings. If I heard right, the owners wife has celiac, so they are very knowledgeable.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I am very sensitive and did not have a reaction. The waiter we had was very knowledgeable about celiac and took it very seriously. The owner also has celiac which made me feel safe too. I had the blackbird burger and my husband got the macaroni and cheese. Super tasty and I think it’s the best GF bun I’ve ever had. Will definitely be going back!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

More gf options than you can imagine - like pretty much the entire menu. I had great tacos, my husband had the baked mushroom Mac and does not have Celiac and he loved it.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

One of the best GF experiences I’ve had! The owner has Celiac, so he reassured me immediately upon our arrival that stringent safety measures are in place, dedicated fryer, nearly everything on menu is GF, and there is no wheat flour on the premises. The food and craft cocktails were FANTASTIC. (My two companions are not GF and they loved their entrees, too.) We were staying in South Haven and drove 25 minutes to visit this place. Worth it!!! Next time I’m driving through Michigan, I’ll be back.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for keto
• Good for kids
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

Every single thing on the menu, with the exception of the chocolate cake, is either gluten free or can be prepared gluten free. The owner has celiac, and the staff were exceptionally knowledgeable. The food was fantastic, and the staff were friendly. We loved every single thing about it. Highly recommend the blue cheese crostini appetizer.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Everything was incredible! The owner has celiac and everything on the menu can be made gluten free. We had wings, pasta, fries, and dessert during our visit and I did not feel sick afterwards. A hidden gem!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for takeout

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Everything was excellent!! Several options and most of the menu is gluten free! The waitress was very informative and helpful!! We had appetizers and the street tacos, so good and no issues (super sensitive Celiac).

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

My husband is celiac. We have eaten here several times and he hasn't gotten sick. Almost everything on their menu can be made gluten free.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Gluten-free items are marked but other items can be made gf if requested. The staff was knowledgeable. The portions are on the small side, but the flavors are unforgettable. The crab cakes are exquisite. My husband had the steak and shrimp and thought it was excellent (and he's a tough critic of red meat). The ambiance in the front two rooms is quiet and romantic. The back room is more appropriate for families and larger parties, so it can be quite loud. Overall, if you're in town, even within an hour drive, it's most definitely worth your time.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Very good food and knew ingredients for special concerns (corn and gluten allergy). Even had GF beer options.

Thanks so much for safe GF options for my kiddos! The burger and chicken fingers were devoured and no sick bellies afterward! I was told the owner is gluten intolerant and the chef has celiac so it made us feel at ease for them. Thank you Blackbird!!!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Delicious food! This is an awesome spot. We stopped by on our way from Michigan to Indiana to have a safe spot for our daughter (with celiac) to eat lunch. Almost all of the food is GF and all is prepared safely. They said that the owner and executive chef both have celiac. We all had GF food and everything was delicious (mac n cheese, chicken tenders, hot ham and cheese, and fries). We will definitely be making a special trip for dinner!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Incredible food, coctails, and service! Separate prep area in the kitchen for GF. We've eaten here twice and it's fantastic. We learned today the owner has Celiac. Most menu items are GF and everything can be made GF. They even have a dessert tray of GF deserts. It's easy to make reservations through Open Table. Don't miss this restaurant if your in the area. GF dining nirvana - I'm extremely grateful for this wonderful restaurant.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Wonderful food and they’re super safe! Owner has celiac and they take it very seriously. Almost everything on the menu c an be gluten free.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The food is amazing! Almost everything can be made GF!

EVERYTHING ON THE MENU IS GLUTEN FREE. Soft pretzels (with a gf beer cheese dipping sauce), truffle fries, poutine, Mac and cheese, short rib raviolis, all of the desserts.....it was incredible food and all gluten free. It felt unbelievable to order anything I wanted, including things I haven’t eaten in years, off the main menu. I cannot stress how delicious it was. (The owner has anaphylactic celiac so this is her baby. Super safe.)

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The menu is 99% gluten free plus you can have gluten free bread and croutons substituted at no cost. SUPER tasty food and desserts. Made fresh and with a lot of flavor. BEST ravioli I’ve ever had. Two of the waitresses I talked to were celiac and very aware of gluten issues and made sure to notify the kitchen even though the menu was already mostly gluten free. The owner has gluten issues and has made sure the restaurant is very safe for celiac and gluten intolerances. I had no reactions. Recommend this place 100%!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes