The Brick House — Restaurant in Benton Harbor

I don’t write reviews often, but after visiting The Brick House in Benton Harbor, I felt compelled to share my experience. This place completely exceeded every expectation I had—from the moment I walked in to the moment I left, it was nothing short of phenomenal.

Let me start with the staff. The level of hospitality here is honestly rare these days. Every person I interacted with was warm, welcoming, and genuinely attentive. You can tell that the team truly cares about the experience of their guests. It didn’t matter whether it was a server, bartender, or someone behind the counter—they all had that kind of energy that made you feel like a regular, even if it’s your first visit. The service was fast, professional, and filled with a level of kindness that’s hard to come by.

What impressed me even more was how incredibly busy the place was when I visited. It was packed wall-to-wall—clearly a popular spot—and yet, the staff didn’t miss a beat. They moved with confidence, kept things flowing, and somehow maintained top-tier service with barely any wait time. It was honestly impressive to watch. You could tell they were prepared, well-organized, and working as a team. I’ve been to places half as busy that felt like a disaster; Brick House handled the rush with absolute ease.

Now, let’s talk about the food—because wow. If you’re a fan of bold, flavorful, expertly crafted meals, you’re going to fall in love here. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked and smelled incredible, and what I ordered tasted even better. But the real standout? The "Unchained" burger.

Let me be absolutely clear: the Unchained crispy chicken sandwich is, hands down, the BEST crispy chicken sandwich I have ever had in my life. I’m not exaggerating. It’s in a league of its own.

First off, the chicken itself was massive, cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. You could tell it was high-quality chicken, not some frozen patty. The seasoning on the breading was flavorful and bold without overpowering the natural flavor of the meat. Then you get to the toppings… it was the perfect mix of savory, tangy, and just the right amount of heat and crunch. The sauce? Addictive. I don’t know what kind of magic they’re working in that kitchen, but I was genuinely blown away. It’s the kind of sandwich you think about days later. Honestly, I’m still thinking about it.

The rest of the menu is no slouch either—solid drink selection, great appetizers, and a vibe that hits the sweet spot between upscale and laid-back. Whether you're going in for a quick bite, a casual dinner with friends, or even a date night, this place delivers.

In short, The Brick House in Benton Harbor is a must-visit. Even when they’re slammed, the service is top-notch, the food is fast and fresh, and the energy is electric. Stellar staff, amazing food, and an unforgettable crispy chicken sandwich that earns its name: Unchained. I’ll definitely be back—probably sooner...

The Brick House, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, is a fun pub in the heart of the downtown Arts District, serving up top shelf meals and cocktails.

Perusing the menu, I noticed all the sandwiches were named after Van Halen song titles. The fun meal names continued with the kids’ menu which includes “I Don’t Know,” “I Don’t Want That,” and “I’m Not Hungry.”

We began with a Lillian Board, named after the owner’s late grandmother. It’s The Brick House version of a charcuterie board but features Michigan-made Polish sausage… a tribute to Grandma Lillian’s Polish heritage. The sausage is sliced and seared, then served with spicy mustard, a side of house-made pimento cheese, toasted bread, and cornichon pickles. The sausage is not smoked like some polish sausage, allowing you to taste the savory flavors of garlic and what I think is marjoram. I had never had homemade pimento cheese spread, and it was fantastic. I would take a tub home with me if they sold it like that.

Next up from the appetizer section were the best frickin’ fried pickles I’ve ever had, which are cleverly called Frickles! They come sliced, breaded and flash fried. Unlike most fried pickles, these maintain a nice crisp crunch. The seasoning is on point with some fresh cracked pepper zip, and the Brick Sauce served for dipping is outstanding. You’ll find this secret sauce in several of the Brick House signature dishes.

The Atomic Punk is an elevated grilled ham and cheese sandwich. The buttery, creamy taste of Brie cheese brings the other ingredients together, which includes fresh spinach, honey mustard and get this…apple slices! Who comes up with concoctions like this? The sweet and crunch of the apple slices are certainly unique and delightfully contrasts the saltiness of the ham.

We sampled a couple cocktail creations too. The In a Van Down by the River cocktail was a huge hit for all of us. It’s grapefruit vodka with fresh lime, soda and a jalapeño slice. The jalapeño is very subtle with only a trace of heat, however the longer it steeps, the more the spice kicks in.

Lastly, I smashed my face into the Smash Burger prepped with American cheese, pickles, grilled onion, and more Brick Sauce. The perfectly steamed brioche bun could barely contain it all. Benton Harbor has some pretty amazing burger joints, and everybody seems to have a strong opinion, but there is definitely a new contender in the Benton Harbor burger debate. The fries are natural-cut, leaving the skins which lend an earthy, savory flavor that I enjoy...you know, fries that actually taste like potatoes.

My wife wants to come back and next time order the Unchained crispy chicken sandwich. The pickled jalapenos and Brick Sauce-infused slaw sounds yummy.

Oh, and make sure to save room for Judy’s...

From my point of view. From the moment you walk through the doors of The Brick House, you know you’re in for something special. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, this place just gets it right—every single time.

Let’s talk burgers first—because wow. These aren’t just any burgers; they are absolutely next level. Perfectly cooked, juicy, flavorful, and made with care. Every bite reminds you why The Brick House has become a go-to spot for food lovers in the area. The menu offers something for everyone, and you can tell they use quality ingredients and real passion in the kitchen.

But what truly sets this place apart is the people.

The Owner, Kelly is the heart and soul of The Brick House. Her kindness and welcoming spirit radiate through every corner of the restaurant. She takes pride in creating a space that’s not only about great food, but also about community. You can tell she treats her team like family, and that energy pours into the customer experience.

Behind the bar, you’ve got an A-team of rockstars: Cali, Mo, Bekah, Ashley, oh and I CANNOT forget my favorite bartender who just finished training, Coby!!Whether you’re ordering a craft cocktail or just your go-to drink, they make it with skill, style, and a genuine smile. They know how to connect with customers and make you feel seen and valued. Honestly, it’s rare to find a bar staff this consistent and cool under pressure.

And the servers? Miya, Lettie, and Coby are phenomenal. Friendly, attentive, and always on their game. They bring the perfect balance of professionalism and warmth to your dining experience. Every table is treated with care and respect, and you never feel rushed or overlooked.

The atmosphere at The Brick House is the kind of cozy and fun you just can’t fake. Whether you’re out with friends, on a casual date night, or grabbing a solo bite at the bar, it always feels like the right place to be.

I truly can’t recommend this place enough. Great food, amazing drinks, and an unforgettable team of people who genuinely care about what they do. If you haven’t been to The Brick House yet, you’re missing out—big time.

Go once, and you’ll be hooked. 100% recommend The...