Michigan's Best Water View Spots for Summer Eats & Drinks!
Thanks for all the great recommendations! We’ve pulled together the ultimate list of Michigan’s best spots to eat and drink outdoors by the water. Whether you're craving a lakeside cocktail, a sunset dinner, or a casual lunch dockside, these summer favorites deliver great views and even better vibes.
🏖️ Southwest Michigan & Lakeshore
The BARge – Saugatuck
Floating right on Kalamazoo Lake, The BARge is casual waterfront fun at its best, ideal for sipping drinks and people-watching.
The Butler – Saugatuck
Known for unbeatable views and classic American fare, The Butler is perfect for lunch after exploring charming downtown Saugatuck.
The Southerner – Saugatuck
With front-row views of the Kalamazoo River and a menu full of Southern comfort classics, The Southerner is the go-to spot for fried chicken, biscuits, and bourbon cocktails.
Boatwerks – Holland
Offering beautiful waterfront dining on Lake Macatawa, Boatwerks is beloved for seafood, steaks, and sunset cocktails.
Captain Lou’s – South Haven
An iconic riverside hangout with cold beers, tasty bar food, and unbeatable boat-watching along the Black River.
Admiral Jack's Bar and Grill – South Haven
Relaxed, open-air dining spot famous for lively atmosphere, craft cocktails, and riverside charm.
The Stray Dog Bar & Grill – New Buffalo
Beloved for casual atmosphere, refreshing cocktails, and tasty American comfort food steps from Lake Michigan beaches.
🌅 West Michigan & Grand Rapids Area
The Deck – Muskegon
Toes-in-the-sand dining right on Lake Michigan, offering vibrant live music, fun atmosphere, and BBQ favorites.
Muskegon Brewing Company – Muskegon
Chill brewery vibe steps from Muskegon Lake—perfect for craft beer lovers enjoying a laid-back summer day.
Kirby House – Grand Haven
Historic building with rooftop dining overlooking bustling Grand Haven waterfront, known for casual bites and refreshing drinks.
Roses – East Grand Rapids
Picturesque location along Reed's Lake, perfect for waterfront brunches, lunches, and scenic dinners.
Blue Water Restaurant – Grand Rapids
Charming waterfront dining along Versluis Lake, offering a cozy atmosphere and comfort food favorites.
The Score – Grand Rapids
Fun, sandy-beach atmosphere right in the city—enjoy sports, great food, cold drinks, and waterside views.
🍒 Northwest Michigan & Traverse City Region
Apache Trout Grill – Traverse City
One of Traverse City’s favorite waterfront eateries offering seafood specialties and panoramic Grand Traverse Bay views.
West End Tavern – Traverse City
Casual tavern atmosphere right in downtown TC—grab drinks, bites, and enjoy the lively bay views.
The Cove – Leland
Located right at historic Fishtown, famous for the "Chubby Mary" cocktail and fresh whitefish overlooking Lake Michigan.
Knot Just a Bar – Omena
Relaxed Leelanau County hangout offering tasty eats and drinks paired with sweeping views of Grand Traverse Bay.
Blu – Glen Arbor
Upscale dining directly on Lake Michigan, Blu specializes in farm-to-table fare with spectacular sunsets.
Hop Lot Brewing – Suttons Bay
Brewery meets beer garden—sit outdoors amid bonfires, brews, and a relaxing Up North vibe.
Bayview Inn Bar and Grill – Acme
Friendly, casual spot just outside Traverse City—great for drinks and casual bites with gorgeous East Bay views.
Stormcloud Brewing Company – Frankfort
Quaint brewery near Lake Michigan shores known for its Belgian-style brews, pizzas, and relaxed beer garden.
🛳️ Mackinac Island & Northern Michigan
Pink Pony – Mackinac Island
Island icon with lively patio dining, great cocktails, and unbeatable harbor views.
Round Island Kitchen – Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island
Comfortable dining featuring fresh, locally inspired cuisine and serene waterfront vistas.
The Landing – Charlevoix
Relaxed and scenic dining along Lake Charlevoix, popular for burgers, seafood, and cocktails.
Vue Wine Bar – Charlevoix
Elegant but laid-back waterfront wine bar with panoramic harbor views and excellent local wines.
Harbor Haus Restaurant – Copper Harbor
Iconic UP dining experience offering fine seafood and unmatched Lake Superior views. Perfect for a special summer night out.
🌲 East Side and Inland Lakes
Golden Sands Bucket Bar – Mears
Relaxed golf course spot with drinks, casual eats, and scenic inland lake views—a hidden gem!
Clifford Lake Inn – Stanton
Historic lakeside inn offering waterfront dining, friendly atmosphere, and classic Michigan lake views.
H2O – Bay City
Modern, stylish eatery overlooking the Saginaw River, known for creative dishes and vibrant cocktails.
Freighters Eatery & Taproom – Port Huron
Comfortable waterfront restaurant, ideal for watching freighters pass through the St. Clair River.
