The Smith family from Chicago, Ill. built the house in 1892. It was used by the Smiths as a summer home. Mr. Smith jumped from a building in Chicago in the stockmarket crash of 1929 and his widow sold the property to Otis Colby in the early 1930's. The Colby family operated a used car lot to the north of the house, the famity also operated a produce stand across the street on the lakeside for many years. The house was best known as the Colby Mansion.

  The Colbys celebrated their 50th anniversary in this house in 1957. The estate was purchased from the Colby's in the early 90's and opened as a restaurant on Labor Day weekend in 1993. Much of the house has been restored to its original character, with the only additions being a portion of the kitchen area and the enclosed porch off the lounge. As with many old homes with colorful histories, we have been told many stories about the house from our customers. One story according to a book about ghosts of the Midwest is that a ghost inhabits our basement. This was real news to us, but the customer that told us assured us it was a friendly ghost, perhaps that explains why we have never seen him.

For years the restaurant was known as the Mansion Grille. Today it is El Cozumel - a mexican eating experience! On behalf of the entire El Cozumel Staff, welcome and enjoy your dining experience.

Address:      3029 Lake Shore Drive, St. Jospeh View Map 

Phone:         (269) 982-8020

Hours:      Daily 11AM - 9PM