D'Agostino's Navajo Bar & Grille
Harbor Country • Bridgman, Michigan
Family, Food & Tradition Since 1955
Benjamin “Mac” Magavern with the lions at the Navajo Trading Post and Zoo, Bridgman, Michigan.
Before D'Agostino's
The Navajo Trading Post and Zoo
Long before D'Agostino's, the Navajo was a destination in its own right. Located along old U.S. 12, one of the main routes bringing travelers from Illinois and Indiana into Southwest Michigan, the property included a roadside restaurant, gas station, cabins, the Navajo Trading Post and a zoo. Travelers could eat, refuel, stay the night and enjoy an attraction that became part of the journey itself.
The Navajo Trading Post was built as a replica of the oldest Navajo Trading Post west of the Mississippi. Benjamin "Mac" Magavern was a lion trainer, and his lions became one of the most memorable parts of the Navajo story. Families stopped to see the lions and other animals before continuing their journey along U.S. 12. Physical reminders of that early history remain on the property today, including the old brick-and-fieldstone chimney, stockade-style architecture, and a fireplace footer that still bears the date 1926.
From the Navajo Archives
Mac and the Lions
“See the Famous Movie Lions.”
That was part of the invitation travelers along U.S. 12 once received from the Navajo Trading Post and Zoo. Benjamin “Mac” Magavern was more than the owner of the roadside attraction. Period newspaper coverage described him as a hunter and trainer, while original Navajo advertising promoted a zoo of more than 30 animals and its “Famous Movie Lions.”
For travelers stopping to eat, refuel or spend the night, seeing trained lions in Bridgman, Michigan, made the Navajo an unforgettable part of their journey along U.S. 12.
FROM THE NAVAJO ARCHIVES
Baby Pumas at the Navajo
"Three Happy Cubs at Navajo Zoo"
Three puma kittens born at the Navajo became another attraction for families traveling U.S. 12 through Bridgman. Period newspaper coverage reported that the cubs were healthy and already drawing plenty of attention from visitors.
The same article described the Navajo Trading Post and Zoo as a popular stop for travelers, with native and exotic animals alongside its restaurant and Trading Post. The baby pumas were another chapter in a roadside destination that gave generations of families something unexpected to discover along their journey.
Original newspaper clipping documenting three puma kittens born at the Navajo Trading Post and Zoo in Bridgman.
A Family Tradition Since 1955
Dom and Lou, 1955
When Dom and Lou D'Agostino opened their restaurant in Bridgman, Michigan, in 1955, they began a new chapter at a location with a remarkable past. They kept the Navajo name, preserving that connection to the property's history as they built D'Agostino's Navajo.
Interstate 94 was not completed through the area until 1964. Before then, U.S. 12 carried travelers between Chicago and Detroit directly past the restaurant, and D'Agostino's became a familiar stop along the way as well as a gathering place for families throughout Southwest Michigan. When the interstate opened and highway traffic shifted, guests kept coming—and they still do today, finding their way to the Navajo just as travelers have for generations.
D'Agostino's also grew alongside one of Bridgman's greatest attractions — Weko Beach, located less than a mile from the restaurant. With its beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline and well-known campground, Weko has welcomed generations of families and visitors to Bridgman. The beach often fills to capacity on the finest summer days, while campers return year after year. For many beachgoers and campers, a visit to D'Agostino's became part of their Bridgman tradition.
The restaurant became especially known for its hand-cut steaks and prime rib. The dining room had the atmosphere of a classic supper club, with high-backed booths and a dance floor where live bands performed every weekend.
Dining at D'Agostino's was an experience. Waiters prepared Caesar salads tableside and served classic dishes such as tournedos of beef and Chateaubriand. Flaming desserts were prepared and presented right at the table, bringing excitement and elegance to an evening out.
Dom and Lou raised five sons, and each of them played an important role in the growth and development of the restaurant. Their son Nino was especially involved in its live entertainment. A talented musician, Nino played keyboard, sang, and helped put together many of the bands that performed in the dining room. The music he helped bring to the Navajo became an important part of its supper-club atmosphere and the memories guests made there.
Historical Archive
A Piece of Our History
An original D'Agostino's Navajo telephone directory advertisement from our early years.
This original telephone directory advertisement is a glimpse into D'Agostino's Navajo during its early years. Long before websites and social media, this is how local families found us. It reflects our long-standing tradition of serving hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and welcoming guests from across Southwest Michigan.
The Tradition Continues
Later, Dom and Lou’s son Dana and his wife, Joan, took their place at the heart of the family restaurant. For the past 37 years, they have carried the business forward — honoring its history while guiding it through a new generation.
From Dom and Lou, through their five sons, to Dana and Joan, D’Agostino’s Navajo remains what it has always been: a family restaurant welcoming other families.
Our Culinary Team
Where Tradition Meets Passion
At D’Agostino’s Navajo, our passion for great food has been part of our family tradition since 1955. Today, three talented chefs and a dedicated culinary team carry that tradition forward, combining generations of treasured family recipes with fresh ideas, creativity, and a genuine love for cooking.
From a beautifully prepared salad or handcrafted pizza to an elegant fine-dining entrée, every dish is prepared to order with skill, care, and pride. Our team honors the classics while embracing new culinary inspirations that keep our menu evolving.
Our experienced chefs also take pride in mentoring young cooks, sharing their knowledge and passion for the culinary arts. Over the years, we’ve watched many talented people begin their culinary journeys at the Navajo and carry those skills into kitchens beyond our own.
Rooted in Tradition. Inspired by Passion.
More Than a Restaurant
A Place to Grow
That same spirit of mentorship extends throughout the Navajo. From our bartenders and servers to our hosts and bussers, generations of young people have learned the value of hard work, teamwork, responsibility, and hospitality.
We’re proud to be part of their journey, knowing the skills and friendships developed here will stay with them wherever life takes them — whether in hospitality or another career entirely.
The Tradition Continues — Through the People Who Make It Possible.
Carrying On the Tradition
Dana & Joan D’Agostino
Later, Dom and Lou’s son Dana and his wife, Joan, carried the family restaurant into its next generation. For nearly four decades, they have built on what Dom and Lou began—preserving its traditions while continuing to grow and evolve D’Agostino’s Navajo.
A Personal Reflection
Throughout my years in the restaurant business, my education, experiences, and the people I’ve met have shaped my love for the culinary profession. I’ve been fortunate to develop lasting friendships and professional relationships with chefs around the world, innovative kitchen equipment developers, and the many talented local chefs, cooks, restaurateurs, and hospitality professionals who have helped make our area such a remarkable dining destination. We share a common passion for great food and genuine hospitality.
But my greatest education began right here, working alongside my family. My dad, Dom, my mom, Lou, and my older brother, Don Jr., helped shape my early years. My brother Nino, who is blind, entertained our dine-and-dance guests for years playing keyboards with different bands. My twin brother, Dean, worked behind our always-busy bar, while my younger brother, Doug, was maître d’ of the dining room. Aunts, uncles, and cousins were always there to lend a hand. Friends came to work, made new friends, and formed friendships that have lasted a lifetime.
But none of this journey would have been the same without my wife, Joan. She wasn't born into the restaurant business — she married into it and gave it her heart and soul. She's worked every job in this restaurant, stood beside me through the challenges and successes, and has always given me the support I've needed.
Joan's brother Joe and sister Ann have also been an important part of our story. After retiring early from their own careers, they continued helping our family business, generously sharing their time, dedication, and support for more than 20 years. Their contributions have meant more to us than words can express.
Some of my greatest rewards have come from the wonderful families who have trusted us with their most cherished celebrations — birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and countless special occasions. Being part of those memories, often across generations, is something I will always treasure.
I'm proud of my profession, grateful for the family and friendships that have shared this journey, and truly blessed to carry on the tradition that began in 1955.
Dana D'Agostino
The Next Generation
Toni Marie D’Agostino
The D’Agostino family tradition continues with Dana and Joan’s daughter, Toni Marie, who practically grew up in the restaurant.
Her earliest lessons in hospitality began when she was just six or seven years old. Dana and Toni would make cinnamon rolls from the restaurant’s homemade pizza dough, mixing up the sweet cinnamon-sugar topping together. Then little Toni would proudly make her way through the dining room, handing out their freshly made treats to guests. Even at that young age, she was already learning what the Navajo has always been about — making people feel welcome.
Like her father before her, Toni began working in the family business as a teenager. Both worked hard at the Navajo to earn the money for their very first cars. Starting in the salad department, Toni learned the restaurant business from the ground up.
Today, you’ll still find Toni behind the bar or serving guests, but her responsibilities extend far beyond the dining room. She coordinates employee schedules, oversees front-of-house operations, manages beer and wine ordering, and organizes the restaurant’s private parties and catering events. Beyond the restaurant, Toni Marie serves on the Bridgman City Council and enjoys giving back to the community she loves.
From a little girl handing out cinnamon rolls to a leader helping guide the family business into its next generation, Toni Marie embodies the hospitality, dedication, and family values that have defined D’Agostino’s Navajo since 1955.
Three Generations. One Family Tradition. Since 1955.
The Heart of Our Tradition
Family
Our family has always been at the heart of the Navajo. Dana and Joan’s son, Andrew, grew up helping in the restaurant and today serves as a Senior Reactor Operator at the Cook Nuclear Plant. Andrew and his wife, Lena, along with their children, remain an important part of our family story.
One of our favorite traditions is making pizza dough together. For the past couple of years, Toni Marie has worked alongside Dana preparing the dough, often joined by her boyfriend, Nate, who runs a business piloting large commercial vessels on the Great Lakes. Joan lends a hand, too.
Every once in a while, Andrew, Lena, and the grandchildren join in, turning an ordinary day of making pizza dough into a family gathering filled with laughter, flour, and memories.
These moments remind us what the Navajo has always been about — family, working together, and passing our traditions from one generation to the next.
The Tradition Continues — One Generation at a Time.
Southwest Michigan
Harbor Country's Table
D'Agostino's Navajo sits at the heart of Harbor Country — the stretch of Southwest Michigan shoreline that draws visitors from Chicago, Indiana, and beyond each summer.
For locals and returning guests alike, a meal at D'Agostino's has become part of the Harbor Country experience — as familiar as the dunes, the beach, and the lake itself.
Come See Us
Reservations welcome. Walk-ins always appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you to the Navajo.