The Brick House

If you’re looking for a place with heart and energy in Benton Harbor, The Brick House is exactly what you need. This cozy bar and restaurant in Michigan, USA, is a true magnet for lovers of great food and classic rock. The venue prides itself on serving "good mood food" (good mood food), offering guests a laid-back atmosphere and impeccable service.

The main highlight of The Brick House is its unique theme, inspired by the legendary band Van Halen. The interior is decorated with music memorabilia, and the menu items reference the band's famous hits. Here, culinary skill meets rock concert aesthetics, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for every visitor.

The building is hard to miss thanks to the impressive mural on its facade, created by artist Eric Bradford. The depiction of Eddie Van Halen with angel wings has become a hallmark of the local arts district. High ratings confirm that the establishment is equally serious about using quality local ingredients and maintaining an authentic rocker spirit.

For your convenience, we have gathered the essential contact information for the venue in the table below. We recommend checking their Facebook page before visiting to learn about current special offers or live performances.

The first thing to do at The Brick House is order their legendary smash burger. The secret to its flavor lies in the cooking technique: a ball of meat is pressed onto a hot griddle to seal in all the juices, then served on a soft brioche bun with a signature secret sauce. For variety, the menu features "Unchained" chicken sandwiches, fresh salads made with local farm produce, and even unique items like panko-breaded eggplant steaks.

Be sure to take some time to explore the interior. The Brick House is almost a Van Halen museum: you can look at rare memorabilia and enjoy specially curated playlists that set a high-energy mood. Complement your meal with a glass of cold craft beer or classic favorites like PBR or Hamm’s, which perfectly match the venue's gritty style.

Before leaving, don't forget to head outside to see the Eddie Van Halen mural. This isn't just graffiti; it's a significant landmark of the Benton Harbor Arts District and a great backdrop for photos. The combination of excellent cuisine, a vibrant atmosphere, and street art makes a visit here a complete cultural experience.

The Brick House is located at 190 Territorial Rd, in the heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Reaching the venue from neighboring cities like South Haven or St. Joseph is most convenient by car via I-94—the trip takes between 10 and 20 minutes. Parking spaces for visitors are available near the restaurant.

If you prefer public transportation, keep in mind that options in this area are limited. The most comfortable way to get here is by calling a taxi or using Uber and Lyft. For those arriving from further away, the nearest major airports are in South Bend (about an hour's drive) and Kalamazoo (approximately 45 minutes).

For tourists already in the city center or relaxing by the shores of Lake Michigan, walking is a great option. The walk to The Brick House takes about 10–15 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the district's unique atmosphere and art objects along the way.

The story of The Brick House is the realization of a long-held dream by its owner, Kelly Reeves-Hayes. With over 30 years of experience in Southwest Michigan's top restaurants, Kelly decided to create a place where culinary expertise meets her main passion—music. The restaurant opened in a building that previously housed the Library Pub and Pauly’s Bar and Grill, breathing new life into these walls after an extensive renovation.

The establishment's concept is inextricably linked to the legendary rock band Van Halen. Kelly designed a menu where every dish is a tribute to the band's work. To perfect the recipe for her famous smash burgers, she learned from renowned regional masters, creating a product that quickly became a hallmark of the city.

A special place in the venue's history is held by the vibrant mural on its facade. The idea came from local artist Eric Bradford, who was so impressed by the atmosphere and menu that he offered to paint Eddie Van Halen with angel wings. This artwork not only decorated the restaurant but also became a significant landmark of the Arts District in Benton Harbor.

Tourists typically need 1 to 2 hours to visit The Brick House. This is plenty of time to enjoy a signature burger at a leisurely pace, explore the music artifacts inside, and take a few photos of the famous mural outside.

If you're planning a visit with a large group or want to catch the evening atmosphere with curated playlists, consider setting aside a bit more time. The cozy setting is perfect for long conversations over classic rock and local craft beer tastings.

The Brick House usually opens in the late afternoon on weekdays and is open from morning until late evening on weekends. The current schedule is as follows:

• Monday – Thursday: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
• Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Since hours may change on holidays or depending on the season, we recommend checking the restaurant's official website or their social media pages before visiting.

Its location in the heart of the creative district makes The Brick House an excellent starting point for a walk. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the region's history and enjoy various entertainment options—from historic parks to cozy waterfront breweries.