The 15 best waterfront restaurants in Michigan, according to locals
The best waterfront restaurants in Michigan are the ones the locals love—here are the hidden gems we found, plus some beloved favorites.
My family knows that the surest and fastest way to make me happy is to take me to the water. Fortunately for me, living in Michigan offers plenty of opportunities to get near the water. And what better way to experience the beautiful water views that our state has than by combining the two best things in life: delicious Michigan restaurants and spectacular water views.
Sometimes, the most popular waterfront dining venue isn’t always where you’ll find the locals, which is telling if it’s the best food you’re after. If you prefer to go where the locals are, we did some digging, based on research, ratings, reviews, and our own experience, to create this list of the 15 best waterfront restaurants in Michigan. (And just a disclaimer: Sometimes, you need to just join the tourists because the view is worth it, so plan accordingly.)
1. Freshwater Tavern
- Address: 7146 P Rd, Gladstone, MI 49837
- Cost: $$-$$$ ($30-50)
- Average Google Star Rating: 4.8
Located just a few miles North of Escanaba, the Upper Peninsula’s Freshwater Tavern features such a stunning panoramic view of Lake Michigan that every seat in the house is a good one. Along with modern American food, all made from scratch, the restaurant serves up craft cocktails, local wines, and a dozen craft beers on tap, all brewed right in the Upper Peninsula.
As you might imagine for a waterfront restaurant, the seafood is spectacular at Freshwater. Choose from a wide variety of aquatic-inspired dishes, from Cajun shrimp and grits to blackened walleye tacos to an ahi tuna crunch bowl. Plan to visit on acoustic nights if you enjoy live music, and don’t forget to save room for dessert—the tiramisu is renowned as a sweet finish to a perfectly seasoned dinner.
2. The Deck BBQ & Beer
- Address: 1601 Beach Street, Muskegon, MI 49441
- Cost: $$
- Average Google Star Rating: 4.7
Muskegon’s only beachfront restaurant, located in Pere Marquette Park, provides expansive views of the sea and the park’s famous lighthouse. The entire theme of the restaurant is laid back, with beachgoers encouraged to come as they are and enjoy finger-licking barbecue. The Deck is pet-friendly with nightly live music and two tiers: The Upper Deck features full-service dining with seating, while the Below Deck is more relaxed with a seat-and-serve yourself model by ordering food from the takeout window or drinks directly from the bar.
The Deck does not accept reservations, but diners are limited to a 90-minute experience, so anyone hoping to visit the restaurant is encouraged to come anytime. You’ll also need to pay for parking at the Pere Marquette Park, which ranges from $10 on most weekdays and $15 on the weekends. (There’s free parking on Wednesdays!)
3. Boathouse Restaurant
- Address: 14039 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686
- Cost: $$$$
- Average Google Star Rating: 4.7
I have had the pleasure of dining here on an anniversary trip with my husband, and it was one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. The meals aren’t cheap (a salmon dinner entree will run you over $50 while an 8-ounce steak is $75), but the entire atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. Dining at the Old Mission Peninsula restaurant means being treated to a view of the West Grand Traverse Bay, and even strolling through the property to the cottage-inspired venue makes it feel like you’re on vacation.
Much of the produce is grown right on the owner’s farm, and the restaurant prides itself on farm-to-table service and high-quality ingredients. You’ll also find refined country fare such as pheasant pithivier and rabbit confit.
4. The Southerner
- Address: 880 Holland St, Saugatuck, MI 49453
- Cost: $$
- Average Google Star Rating: 4.6
Billed as “Appalachian roots in Michigan soil,” the Southerner in Saugatuck, Michigan, reflects chef and owner Matt Millar’s Appalachian heritage. Miller features family recipes passed down through generations with a menu inspired by the regional cooking traditions of the American South. Although Millar grew up in Michigan, his Appalachian grandmother taught him how to cook.
Locals and visitors alike proclaim the Southerner aptly has some of the best fried chicken in all of Michigan, with the specialty plate called “Nana’s Fried Chicken Dinner.” Hungry diners flock to the venue tucked along the banks of the Kalamazoo River for its combination of comfort food and a decidedly cool atmosphere. Along with the vibes and food, the restaurant is admired for its employment model—Miller ensures that all of his staff are paid a living wage with benefits, retirement, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
5. Rose’s
- Address: 550 Lakeside Dr SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
- Cost: $$
- Average Google Star Rating: 4.6
Rose’s gets top billing on our list for its fascinating history alone. The now-infamous restaurant got its start in 1901 as Rose’s Bathing Beach and Swimming School, part of the bygone days of splendor in East Grand Rapids. Back then, the beaches and local areas housed everything from burlesque shows to roller coasters to big-name entertainers like the Marx Brothers.
Eventually, the bathing beach shut down, and so did most of the surrounding businesses—except Rose’s. The original owner’s son continued Rose’s legacy as a marina and restaurant, which quickly became known for its hamburgers and popcorn. Today, the restaurant boasts a gorgeous lakeside view, a fun fusion of Mediterranean, Italian, and casual American eats, and a four-season deck.
6. Boatwerks Waterfront
- Address: 216 Van Raalte Ave., Holland, MI 49423
- Cost: $$
- Average Google Star Rating: 4.4
If shrimp tacos are your thing (as they are mine), you’re going to want to add Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant—Holland’s only waterfront dining destination—to your must-try list. Along with the New American fare the restaurant serves up, fans say the shrimp tacos are a local favorite. Located on the banks of Lake Macatawa, the recently overhauled patio is a gorgeous, light-filled venue with peaceful views of the lake and stunning sights all year round.
Enjoy live music on the patio during the summer months and watch boaters come in to enjoy a fresh meal before heading off to a sunset sail. (The restaurant also harbors tie-ins for boaters, so all are welcome.) One of the restaurant’s specialties is an extensive mocktail menu for those looking to enjoy a delicious drink sans the spirits.
7. The Landing
- Address: 10231 Ferry Rd, Charlevoix, MI 49720
- Cost: $
- Average Google Star Rating: 4.6
Those who know Charlevoix know its sparkling waters, and those who know the beauty of Lake Charlevoix will know The Landing, because it’s located well, practically in the water. The restaurant started by welcoming boaters to its wooden docks over 50 years ago and continued its open-arms tradition by welcoming new owners and lake locals, Preston Parish and Bob Berg, in 2013. The duo brought in new restaurant managers who have helped keep the history of the local favorite alive, while innovating with fresh new menu offerings.
Speaking of that fresh menu, you’ll find nothing but the freshest at The Landing. Think walleye and lake perch from the Great Lakes, lobster from Maine, blue crab from Maryland, salmon from Alaska, bigeye tuna from Hawaii, and shrimp from the Gulf. The restaurant also offers boaters cuisine—and drinks—to go.
“We looooove their to-go margaritas on our boat!” exclaims lake local Julie Moorehead, who owns The Champagne Chalet, a nearby waterfront rental property. “We get them as we boat out to Lake Michigan sunsets from the Champagne Chalet!”
8. River Crab Blue Water Inn
- Address: 1337 River Rd M-29, St Clair, MI 48079
- Cost: $$$
- Average Google Star Rating: 4.5
Picture this: you dock your boat at the St. Clair harbor, then hop aboard a complimentary shuttle that whisks you straight to an award-winning restaurant on the banks of the St. Clair River. That’s exactly what you’ll experience when you pay a visit to St. Clair’s River Crab Blue Water Inn.
The fine dining establishment also offers a casual atmosphere on the water’s edge. If you can, plan a visit during their renowned Copper River Salmon Season to get the most out of the freshest salmon dishes. We perused their menu to find out why the locals love it so much and could hardly get through the appetizers without wanting to order everything. I mean, a dynamite seafood bake packed with scallops, shrimp, and herb oil? A creamy blue slaw with hot and spicy shrimp? Or a baked ricotta drizzled with honey and pepper jelly? We’ll take two of everything, please.
9. The Cove
- Address: 111 W River St, Leland, MI 49654
- Cost: $-$$
- Average Google Star Rating: 4.5
Located above and below Leland Dam at the head of Historic Fishtown, The Cove overlooks Lake Michigan and Manitou Islands with a setting that’s almost straight off a postcard. (And incidentally, I used to have a postcard of Leland Fishtown, so it really is that picturesque.
The Cove’s menu features “up north” favorites with a focus on from-scratch recipes using local ingredients such as fresh Lake Michigan whitefish. The desserts are made in-house, so save room for treats like homemade cherry or key lime pie. Another unexpected treat? The house-made ginger beer that locals say makes the best Moscow Mules you’ll ever have. If you’re curious to check The Cove before making the drive to Leland, you can also check out the live Cove Cam, which features a bird’s eye view of Fishtown and the restaurant’s outdoor deck.
10. Pink Pony
- Address: 7221 Main St #103, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
- Cost: $$
- Average Google Star Rating: 4.5
The Pink Pony, located on the waterfront of the Chippewa Hotel near the ferry entrances, was named one of the top 10 outdoor restaurants in all of America, so you know it’s going to be on our list of the best waterfront restaurants in Michigan. The nautical-themed restaurant features pink touches to create a fun atmosphere, lively music, an upper deck, and a gift shop for shopping after your meal.
Clearly, the Pink Pony is popular with tourists, but the reasonable pricing, delicious food, and unparalleled views make it a local favorite as well. “The Pink Pony in the Chippewa is the quintessential porch on the water restaurant and good food,” described one enthusiastic diner.
11. JP’s Waterfront
- Address: 13200 Middle Gibraltar Rd, Gibraltar, MI 48173
- Cost: $-$$
- Average Google Star Rating: 4.4
Dubbed a “hidden gem” by those who discover it, JP’s Waterfront offers a lively atmosphere and weekend entertainment such as live music and game nights. One diner noted that this may not be the restaurant for you if you’re looking for a very quiet dinner out.
This is the restaurant for you, however, if you want a spacious outdoor patio that goes out over the water and boasts views up and down the river, or if you happen to be really craving fried mushrooms, coconut shrimp, or nachos, some of the fan favorites. There’s also a popular $10 lunch menu that offers weekly specials such as a spicy chicken and waffle sandwich. Also, peep their innovative and delicious dessert menu that features sweet treats like a s’mores lava cake, Banaffi Mouse or maple sweet potato cheese cake, or a double-decker cannoli chocolate cake. Yum!
12. The Lake House Waterfront Grille
- Address: 730 Terrace Point Dr, Muskegon, MI 49440
- Cost: $$-$$$
- Average Google Star Rating: 4.3
The Lake House’s tagline of “a deck, a dock, and one heck of a bar” pretty much describes exactly what you’ll get when you dine at the waterfront grille, featuring al fresco patio dining and an outdoor lounge. While the restaurant hosts plenty of fancy events, like corporate dinners and weddings, it’s also well known to the locals for being welcoming and unassuming.
The menu is simple and fresh, with entrees such as locally caught perch and whitefish. “Superb perch and white fish dinners with fresh fruit Creme Brulee to follow,” described one Google review diner. “Fun cocktails and wine selection. Great place for a sunset dinner.”
13. Mike’s on the Water
- Address: 24600 Jefferson Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48080
- Cost: $
- Average Google Star Rating: 4.3
Locals and visitors say that the lively atmosphere, views, and music make dining at Mikes on the Water feel like you’re in a tropical Caribbean destination instead of the thumb of Michigan. It’s no accident that Mike’s evokes a tropical theme—owner Mike LeFevre spent a lot of his time in the Florida Keys before taking the plunge into opening the restaurant.
Unlike the Caribbean, which enjoys year-round dining opportunities, Mike’s is a rooftop deck, so it’s only open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During the warm weather months, boaters can dock in the boat wells and all diners can enjoy the outdoor patio and covered bar stand. You’ll find go-to favorites like seafood, burgers, fish tacos, and Mike’s favorite, fried perch.
14. The WindJammer Restaurant Bar and Grill
- Address: 7420 Huron Ave, Lexington, MI 48450
- Cost: $$-$$$
- Average Google Star Rating: 4.1
Our family loves the small beach town of Lexington, and whenever we can, we stop in at the WindJammer because the views are unparalleled. The patio is gorgeous and you can see into the Lexington State Harbor and gaze into the endless waters of Lake Huron. Boaters can pull right up, or if you’re in town, enjoy a stroll down the hill to the restaurant.
The restaurant has many innovative offerings, like an all-you-can-eat weekend brunch with sushi and a carving station, wine tastings, a full sushi chef and bar, and a new wood-fired pizza oven. The WindJammer’s head chef, Mike Csizmadia, even studied to become one of the few Certified Italian Pizzaiolos in Michigan. (My son just ordered the pizza, so I can confirm that it is delicious—the crust is that perfect mix of chewy and crunchy that pizza aficionados can appreciate.) The food may be tasty, but for me, the main event is always the water—and the walk on the famous Lexington pier after your meal.
15. The Waterfront Wyandotte
- Address: 507 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte, MI 48192
- Cost: $-$$
- Average Google Star Rating: 4.0
Located right on the Detroit River, the Waterfront Wyandotte was voted the best outdoor dining in 2024 by the Metro Detroit Community Awards, and for good reason: It offers a lively ambiance with beautiful views and an eclectic yet casual environment. You’ll find live entertainment on the weekends (including a full summer concert series) and a generous kids-eat-free menu for young diners under the age of 12.
The prices are reasonable, especially for waterfront dining, and feature options such as a cod sandwich for $15 (sadly, fries are extra) or fish and chips for $19.
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