The Terrace At 221 Main — Restaurant in Saint Joseph

Top Notch on the Roof Top The Terrace at 221 Main is roof-top restaurant on Main Street in St. Joseph. 221 Main Restaurant & Cocktail House is a separate restaurant on the ground level owned by the same family. The Terrace menu specializes in “small plates,” typically created to be shared. We shared seven different dishes, and that’s part of the experience...to try new things. One of my favorites was the Cacio E Pepe, literally “cheese and pepper.” The Chef creates a nest with spaghettini pasta, which is peppered with black pepper. The nest cradles an egg yolk and the dish is showered with fresh Parmesan cheese. As instructed, we broke the yolk and mixed all the ingredients together. Such simple ingredients create a rich delicacy. Another plate showcased grilled octopus swimming in white bean hummus and za’atar seasoning, which is a blend of Middle Eastern herbs. Octopus I’ve had in the past was very rubbery, but this was tender, yet remained firm. The grilled flesh and savory hummus play together nicely. The presentation of each plate is superb. I felt like I was photographing at a fine art exhibit. None was as stunning as the dish with lobster as the medium, it was almost too beautiful to eat. The lobster meat was extracted and combined with coconut, lime, cilantro, bell pepper, radish, and kumquat slices. It tasted like the lobster ran naked through a garden and a grove, gathering fresh flavors before jumping back in his shell. It was so fresh, and the look and taste were both stunning. The Terrace has a multi-level dining room that is upscale, yet comfortable. Large glass walls reveal the outdoor seating area that is open in-season. The rooftop deck is anchored by a gorgeous corner fireplace that adds ambiance year around. Its bar is stocked with the largest selection of whiskeys in Southwest Michigan. Their wine selection consists of highly-rated wines from around with world. The menu is comprised of “Starters” at $8 each, “Small Plates” ranging from $10-$16, and “Entrées” from $13-$31. I was surprised to see a hamburger on the menu, until I tasted it. The Double Beef Burger pays homage to the classic fast-food burger. The crowning glory of this burger is the “comeback sauce.” This sauce, similar to a Louisiana remoulade, will make any burger fan want to come back. The final entrée we shared was Scallops and Pork Belly resting in a creamy pad of cauliflower puree and natural jus. Both the scallops and the pork belly were so tender and perfectly prepared. I really enjoyed the carb-friendly cauliflower puree. When in St. Joseph Michigan, this has to be one...

Very upset that I requested a table for 2 tonight, 9/16. They took my name and number and told me it would be a 45min wait, when I seen tables were empty outside, I asked for one of those and the host told me ok. I never heard from them!!! Now if all the tables only needed to be cleaned, why would it be a 45min wait? And why didn’t we get a call for the next available table? I thought I only dealt with race down south but in Michigan??? Never in a million years but I see it still exist!!! I took my money else were! Thanks...

Hands down the BEST steak we have ever had! We took our daughter there for her birthday dinner and we all ordered either filet, NY strip, Rib eye and surf and turf. Not a single complaint. I made the mistake, didnt pay attention that the terrace is 21 and up, but the ambience downstairs was just so nice. Also, their Bradshaw martini was so delicious! Our server was also the sweetest ever! My apologies, I can't remember her name. If you are in St. Joe's and looking for a great steak place, you have to stop...