Where are Southwest Michigan's social districts?
St. Joseph | Benton Harbor | Stevensville | Bridgman | Buchanan | Niles | Watervliet
What is a social district?
A social district is a specific area where alcoholic beverages in designated containers from participating businesses are allowed to be carried and consumed on the street. Signage defines the area.
How do social districts work?
- Everyone is welcome, but you must be 21 years or older to drink. Only those 21 years or older can purchase and consume an alcoholic beverage in the social district.
- Purchase foods and drinks at participating businesses. Think of our social districts as one big outdoor food court. If you are on a waitlist for a table to open at one of our restaurants, purchase a drink and take it outside to enjoy in the social district. Or use the social district as your gathering space. Send everyone in your group off to grab their food and beverage choices, then reconvene outdoors within the social district.
- Look for signs on the sidewalk designating the district boundaries. Participating businesses will have signage on their doors or windows and serve alcoholic beverages in special social district plastic cups.
- Finish your drink before you leave the social district. You cannot take social district alcoholic beverages outside of the designated area. Before you visit, check the specific boundaries on the city maps below. For instance, in St. Joseph, you cannot cross Main Street with your drink even though the social district is on both sides of the road. Main Street is not included in the boundaries because we want you to be safe while having a good time!
- Enjoy your drinks outside! Alcoholic beverages purchased at one establishment can not be taken into any other establishment. Lucky for you, we have a fun, outdoor atmosphere where you can enjoy your food and drinks while window shopping. If you see something you like, whether it's a cool piece of art, a tempting toy or a must-have shirt, finish your food and drink before going inside.
- When you finish the last drop, toss the cup in our trash cans. Social district cups are not reusable. If you’d like a souvenir glass or growler, just ask the drinking establishment! Several businesses sell swag.
- Leave your drinks at home; we have plenty here. You may not bring outside alcoholic beverages into the common areas.
- Drink responsibly and have fun!
Social District Maps
The following maps show each location’s social district outlined in blue.
Participating businesses are marked with red stars.
St. Joseph
Hours: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week
Participating businesses
- 221 Main Restaurant and Cocktail House
- Baroda Founders Tasting Room
- Bistro on the Boulevard
- The Buck Burgers & Brew
- Lazy Ballerina Winery
- Schu's Grill & Bar
- Silver Beach Pizza
- Silver Harbor Brewing Company
- St. Joe Community Taproom
- Tim's Too
- White Pine Winery
Benton Harbor
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Participating Businesses
- Anemel*
- Benton Tavern*
- The Brick House*
- Houndstooth*
- The Livery*
- Mason Jar Cafe*
- Pipestone Indoor Country Club*
* Establishment has not yet been approved by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for a Social District License.
Stevensville
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., 7 days a week
Participating Businesses
* Establishment has not yet been approved by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for a Social District License.
Bridgman
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week
Participating businesses
Buchanan
Hours: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week
Participating Businesses
- Cafe Italiano at the Sweet Shop*
- Lehman’s Orchard Brewery & Farmhouse*
- McCoy Creek Tavern*
- Thistledown & Row*
* Establishment has not yet been approved by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for a Social District License.
Niles
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week
Participating Businesses
Watervliet
Hours: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday to Sunday
Participating Businesses
Get ready to stay
Finding a place to stay with the amenities and rates you want is easier than ever in Southwest Michigan. Several hotels are within walking distance of our social districts and all are within a short drive. If you are planning to bring a group of family or friends, let us know and we can reach out to area hotels, restaurants, entertainment sites and services, then provide you with choices that will enhance your plans and fit your budget. Get started here with our Group Planner.
There are also hours of fun opportunities to fill your stay and some of the easiest ways to discover them is by exploring our self-guided itineraries. Locals who know the best spots to visit, things to do and places to eat have curated suggestions throughout the year. Get ready for a good time!