When you walk through the doors of Thistledown & Row, you’re stepping into more than just another restaurant. This women-owned establishment opened its doors on January 1st, 2025, bringing new life to a historic space on Days Avenue in downtown Buchanan. With its handcrafted ciders made from local Southwest Michigan apples, Michigan wines, and elevated American dining, this cidery and winery is quickly becoming a favorite spot for date nights, casual dinners, and weekend brunch gatherings.
Where History Meets Modern Flavor
The building itself tells a story worth hearing. Thistledown & Row occupies two connected structures on Days Avenue, with one half of the complex part of the Historic Redden Block, built in the late 19th century. After sitting in disrepair since the early 1990s, a local property group purchased and restored the space in 2022.
Buchanan Craft, the organization behind River Saint Joe Brewery, was approached to bring something special to this restored downtown location, and the result is a beautiful blend of historic architecture and contemporary dining.
The vision was clear from the start: create a place that celebrates locally sourced ingredients and Michigan-made beverages. Every dish served at Thistledown & Row is made from scratch, with an emphasis on produce from Flatwater Farms, the same farm that River Saint Joe calls home.
What Makes This Spot Special
The menu at Thistledown & Row features new American classics with creative reinterpretations that keep diners coming back. Whether you’re craving comfort food done right or looking to try something unexpected, the scratch-made approach means everything arrives fresh and thoughtfully prepared. The beverage selection shines with craft ciders pressed from regional apples, along with carefully selected Michigan wines that pair perfectly with each dish.
Located at 103 Days Avenue, the restaurant serves dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 4pm to 9pm, with brunch service on Sundays from 11am to 3pm. The space itself balances cozy and hip, making it an ideal setting whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying an evening out with friends. During warmer months, you can grab food and drinks from their takeout window and enjoy the annual Buchanan Common Concert Series just steps away in the downtown social district.
Supporting Local in Buchanan
What sets Thistledown & Row apart isn’t just the quality of its food and drinks, but also its commitment to thoughtfully sourced, locally grown ingredients. By partnering with nearby farms and producers, the restaurant directly supports the regional agricultural community while ensuring every plate showcases the best of Southwest Michigan. This farm-to-table approach means the menu can shift with the seasons, taking advantage of what’s fresh and available.
The opening of this restaurant, cidery, and winery has added another vibrant option to Buchanan’s growing food scene. For a small town, Buchanan punches above its weight when it comes to dining choices, and Thistledown & Row has quickly earned its place among the favorites. Support the heart of our community and discover more amazing local businesses that make our community special.
Your Next Visit Awaits
Ready to experience elevated dining in downtown Buchanan, Michigan? Thistledown & Row welcomes walk-ins, but you can also call ahead to reserve a table at (269) 409-8122. Whether you’re a local looking for your new regular spot or a visitor exploring what Buchanan restaurants have to offer, this farm-to-table restaurant with handcrafted beverages delivers an experience worth savoring.
Stop by for dinner this week or gather friends for Sunday brunch and taste why this scratch-made American cuisine spot is creating buzz throughout the area.
Sources: thistledownandrow.com, yelp.com, Thistledown & Row Facebook Page, Thistledown & Row Instagram Page
Header Image Source: thistledownandrow.com
