25 incredible waterfront restaurants in Michigan everyone should visit

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Jul 22, 2016 at 3:30 am

Whether you want your toes in the sand or a bird's eye view from a lakeside retreat, Michigan's waterfront restaurants are second to none. We've gathered our top 25 waterfront spots that are within driving distance of Detroit so you can make sure your summer dining is a sight to behold.

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Apache Trout Grill

13671 S. West Bayshore Dr., Traverse City; 231-947-7079; apachetroutgrill.com

The crew at Apache have more than 20 years of serving experience, so whether you're in the mood for steak or shrimp, they're here for you.

Photo via Facebook, Apache Trout Grill

Boatwerks Waterfront

216 Van Raalte Ave., Holland; 616-396-0600; boatwerksrestaurant.com

Boatwerks celebrated more than ten years of lakeside service and boasts indoor and outdoor seating with views of the water. The walls are lined with historic photos of the Lake Macatawa, Lake Michigan, and Holland areas, so you'll get a mini geography lesson while you dine.

Photo via Facebook, Boatwerks Waterfront

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Burke's Waterfront Restaurant

2403 Sunnyside Dr., Cadillac; 231-775-7555; burkeswaterfront.com

This family-owned joint used to be famous for sock hop with a '50s-style atmosphere, burgers, shakes, and fries. Now, the restaurant on Lake Cadillac reels in patrons with its down-home cooking and round-the-clock menu.

Photo via Facebook, Burke's Waterfront Restaurant

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LakeHouse

3029 Lakeshore Dr., St. Joseph; 269-982-8020; thelakehouserestaurant.com

With live music, this is one lakeside spot that knows how to have a good time. And since it's on the shores of Lake Michigan, you can count on jaw-dropping views of the sunset.

Photo via Facebook, LakeHouse Restaurant & Bar

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Bentwood Tavern

600 West Water St., New Buffalo; 866-238-2208; bentwoodtavern.com

Located within the Marina Grand Resort, this swanky spot has a rooftop bar you can enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor and Lake Michigan. The tavern serves up items that are a "sophisticated spin on comfort food," including gourmet wood-fired pizzas. Nom.

Photo via Facebook, Brentwood Tavern

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Boathouse Restaurant

14039 Peninsula Dr., Traverse City; 231-223-4030; boathouseonwestbay.com

Like the name suggests, Boathouse is nestled right on a dock that sees a lot of activity. The food is on the expensive side, but it's more than worth it, especially if you order one of their fish dishes.

Photo via Facebook, Boathouse Restaurant

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The Waterfront Restaurant

5713 Beech Ave., Coloma; 269-468-7777; waterfrontcoloma.com

The Waterfront Restaurant is the last remaining restaurant and bar on Paw Paw Lake and still proudly family-owned and -operated.

Photo via Facebook, The Waterfront Restaurant

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Su Casa

206 Center St., South Haven; 269-767-7493; sucasa-restaurante.com

This family-owned and operated South Haven spot serves up seafood staples with a bountiful selection of dishes inspired by Mexican culture. It'll have you feeling right at home.

Photo via Facebook, Su Casa

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Webber's Waterfront Restaurant

6339 Edgewater Dr., Erie; 734-723-7411; webbersrestaurant.com

If you're serious about seafood, give Webber's a try — they've got boozy beverages made for a day by the water.

Photo via Facebook, Webber's Waterfront Restaurant

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Blu 13671 S. West Bayshore Dr., Traverse City; 231-947-7079; glenarborblu.com Blu's chic menu will satisfy any foodie's quest for flavor, but it's real claim to fame is the sweeping view of Lake Michigan it offers. Photo via Facebook, Blu

Blu

13671 S. West Bayshore Dr., Traverse City; 231-947-7079; glenarborblu.com

Blu's chic menu will satisfy any foodie's quest for flavor, but it's real claim to fame is the sweeping view of Lake Michigan it offers.

Photo via Facebook, Blu

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The Lake House Waterfront Grille

730 Terrace Point Rd., Muskegon; 231-722-4461; thelakehousemi.com

Cool out at this laidback restaurant and watch the boats cruise past — it's right on a Muskegon marina.

Photo via Facebook, The Lakehouse Waterfront Grille

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Snug Harbor

730 Terrace Point Rd., Muskegon; 231-722-4461; facebook.com/snugharborgh

Snug Harbor is a waterside gem of Grand Haven. No trip to this area is complete without a visit to this place.

Photo via Facebook, Snug Harbor

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Noto's at the Bil-Mar

1223 S. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven; 616-842-5920; facebook.com/snugharborgh

This spot, formerly known as Bil-Mar, was recently remodeled and reopened as Noto's at the Bil-Mar.

Photo via Facebook, Noto's at the Bil-Mar

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Real Seafood Company

199 Uptown Dr., Bay City; 989-778-1500; realseafoodcoannarbor.com

Recently opened along Bay City's waterfront, Real Seafood Co. offers customers a modern atmosphere along with great food and scenic lake views.

Photo via Facebook, Real Seafood Company Bay City

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The Bay View InnStafford's Hospitality

2011 Woodland Ave., Petoskey; 231-347-2771; thebayviewinn.com

Try brunch at this old inn, where the beauty of the inside is matched by that of the view of Little Traverse Bay outside.

Photo via Facebook, Stafford's Hospitality

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Mermaid Bar & Grill

340 Water St., Saugatuck; 231-347-2771; mermaidofsaugatuck.com

Established in 1995, the Mermaid Bar & Grill is a staple of Saugatuck's resort culture, offering fine steaks and sandwiches.

Photo: viaYelp, user Peter M.

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Cafe Santé

One Water St., Boyne City; 231-582-8800; magnumhospitality.com/cafesante

With wood-fired pizzas, escargot, and pastas, the Boyne shores might as well be the Mediterranean.

Photo via Facebook, Cafe Santé

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The Riverside Inn

302 River St., Leland; 231-256-9971; theriverside-inn.com

The Riverside Inn is one of those quaint and beautiful restaurants that capture the spirit of northern Michigan so perfectly. Sip on some wine and enjoy fine dining at this quiet inn overlooking the Leland River.

Photo via Instagram, The Riverside Inn

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Thrasher's Bear Lake Tavern

360 Ruddiman Dr., Muskegon; 231-766-7932; bltmuskegon.com

This longtime Muskegon staple has stayed around for a reason. Great food, atmosphere, views, and history make this a must see.

Photo via Yelp, Bear Lake Tavern

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Barrel Back

4069 M-75, Walloon Lake; 231-535-6000; barrel-back.com

Nestled in the small Walloon Village, Barrel Back is a local favorite frequented by summer homeowners, and offers dine -in via boat with options to dock your vessel while eating looking over the serene Walloon Lake.

Photo via Google Maps

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