Northern Michigan Waterfront Dining: 50+ Gorgeous Restaurants

By MyNorth/Traverse Magazine Staff on July 30, 2009
Tagged Food & Drink, Restaurants

Photo(s) by Taylor BrownBlu, Glen Arbor

Enjoy Northern Michigan waterfront dining at these restaurants serving bright-blue bay views and peaceful river scenes, from Mackinac Island to Traverse City and everywhere in between.

This article was updated in June 2020. Please check online or call ahead to view the restaurants’ updated hours or policies due to COVID-19.

Did we miss a restaurant? Shoot us a note at [email protected].

Click a town to jump down.

Mackinac Island

Carriage House at Hotel Iroquois

Old-World charm, piano bar. Regional menu: whitefish, filet mignon and seafood. BLD • BAR • $$$ 7260 MAIN ST., 906-847-3321

Chippewa Hotel

Centennial inn: Harborview Dining Room—with American cuisine. BLD • BAR • $$ The Pink Pony Bar & Grill—The island’s entertainment oasis—loud, bustling, with pastas and steaks. LD • BAR • $$ 7221 MAIN ST., 906-847-3341

Grand Hotel

The movie Somewhere in Time was filmed here. Boasts the world’s largest front porch. Enjoy views of the Straits of Mackinac from the Dining Room— BLD, Geranium Bar—B and Cupola Bar. ALL RESTAURANTS: BAR • $$-$$$ GRAND AVE., 906-847-3331.

Mary’s Bistro Draught House

Serving chicken pot pie, wood-grilled tuna, sirloin with horseradish sauce and grilled bananas. LD • BAR • $-$$ MAIN ST. AT STAR LINE DOCK. 906-847-9911

Mission Point Resort

Bistro on the Greens—LD • BAR • $ Chianti—house-made Italian pastas LD • BAR • $$ The Round Island Bar & Grill–Burgers and sandwiches LD • BAR • $ Boxwood Coffeeshop & Cafe—crafted coffees, from-scratch baked goods BLD • $$ MAIN ST., 906-847-3000.

Tea Room at Fort Mackinac

Refreshments with a view of the harbor and Straits of Mackinac. BL • BAR • $$ 906-847-3331.

Cheboygan

Eagle’s Nest Bar and Lounge

Hikers on Black Mountain love settling in post-walkabout for the glorious view of East Twin Lake and freshly prepared trout, perch, quail, lobster and homemade bread with honey-walnut butter. D • BAR $$-$$$ 10621 TWIN LAKES RD., CHEBOYGAN, 231-625-9322

Hack-Ma-Tack Inn

Classic 1894-era hunting and fishing lodge on the Cheboygan River near Mullett Lake specializes in steaks and seafood. Dock space and overnight slips. LD • BAR • $-$$$ 8131 BEEBE RD., CHEBOYGAN, 231-625-2919

Harbor Springs

Stafford’s Pier

Regional cuisine. Pointer Room—Fresh seafood. LD • BAR • $$ Dudley’s Deck—LD • BAR • $$ Chart Room—D • BAR • $$ 102 BAY ST., HARBOR SPRINGS, 526-6201.

Cross Village

Legs Inn

On a bluff above the Big Lake, Stanley Smolak created this fieldstone, timber and driftwood landmark more than 75 years ago. Polish and American specialties, tree-stump seats. Garden dining, entertainment. LD • BAR • $$ 6425 LAKE SHORE DR. (M-119), CROSS VILLAGE, 231-526-2281.

Petoskey

Stafford’s Bay View Inn

Gracious 1886 inn with big veranda, glorious gardens and bay view, American fare. Sun. brunch. BLD • SF • $$-$$$ 2011 WOODLAND, PETOSKEY, 231-347-2771.

Stafford’s Perry Hotel

Circa-1899 hotel with wraparound front porch and killer views of Little Traverse Bay. LD • BAR • $$–$$$ CORNER OF BAY & LEWIS, PETOSKEY, 231-347-4000.

Pellston

Dam Site Inn

With views of the Maple River, this classic family dining establishment offers a bit of everything plus all-you-can-eat chicken dinners. D • BAR • $$-$$$ 6705 WOODLAND RD., PELLSTON, 231-539-8851.

Douglas Lake Bar & Steakhouse

Up North ambiance, two fireplaces and a view of the lake pair with big steaks, whitefish, ribs and lamb. D • BAR • SF • $$$ 7314 DOUGLAS LAKE RD., PELLSTON, 231-539-8588.

Walloon Lake

Barrel Back Restaurant

Specializes in slow-roasted meats, pizzas, Great Lakes fish and seasonal favorites. Indoor or outdoor seating and views of the lake. BLD • BAR • $$ 4069 M-75, WALLOON LAKE, 231-535-6000

Walloon Lake Inn

Chef David Beier’s exceptional culinary skills play out in a century-old pine-paneled lakeside lodge. Find inspirational cuisine from France, Asia and the Mediterranean. D • BAR • $$-$$$ 4178 WEST ST., WALLOON LAKE VILLAGE, 231-535-2999

Bay Harbor

Knot Just a Bar

Contemporary sports and oyster bar perched on the Bay Harbor marina. LD • BAR • $-$$ 840 FRONT ST., BAY HARBOR, 231-439-2770

The Inn at Bay Harbor Sagamore’s Dining Room

Nouveau Victorian inn with glorious Lake Michigan views and sophisticated gourmet fare. Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. Live music on weekends. South American Grille and Wine Bar—Enjoy casual fare, a game of chess or a cocktail in this intimate leather-and-mahogany lounge. Live music on weekends. BLD • BAR • $$-$$$ THE INN AT BAY HARBOR, 3600 VILLAGE HARBOR DR., BAY HARBOR, 231-439-4000

Charlevoix

The Landing

Come by boat or car and watch the Ironton Ferry motor back and forth while you enjoy this lakeside favorite. LD • $, $$ • BAR • 10231 FERRY RD., CHARLEVOIX, 231.547.9063

Stafford’s Weathervane

Local fish, seafood and regional cuisine in a Hobbit-style Earl Young stone structure with massive fireplace overlooking the Pine River Channel. LD • BAR • $$ 106 PINE RIVER LN., CHARLEVOIX, 231.547.4311.

Elk Rapids

Cellar 152

Gourmet meals offered to-go or eat-in, plus a wine bar. Not directly on the water, but the back deck has a beautiful view of the harbor. LD • BAR • $, $$ 152 RIVER ST., ELK RAPIDS, 231.264.9000

Riverwalk Grill & Tap Room

Craft beer, seafood and grill fare, plus a waterside deck overlooking Elk Lake. LD • $, $$ • BAR • 106 AMES ST., ELK RAPIDS, 231.264.0377

Bellaire

Dockside

Pull up by boat or car and enjoy custom ground burgers, beer, and summertime sunsets on Torch Lake. LD • BAR • $-$$ 6340 OLD TORCH LAKE DR., BELLAIRE, 231-377-7777.

Shanty Creek Resort

Lakeview—Regional cuisine, view of Lake Bellaire. BLD Ivan’s Mountainside Grill—Schuss Village. Pub food. BLD Weiskopf’s Grill—in the Lodge at Cedar River. BLD The River Bistro—chic appetizers and sandwiches, specialty sides, fresh-fruit cocktails, in a sophisticated setting that overlooks the golf course. D • BAR • $$ 1 SHANTY CREEK RD. (M-88), BELLAIRE, 800-678-4111.

Gaylord

Michaywé Inn the Woods

Casual, Up Northy, with a lake view, steaks and seafood. LD • BAR • $–$$ 1535 OPAL LAKE RD., MICHAYWÉ, 989-939-8800.

Gate’s AuSable Lodge

The Hungry Fisherman offers home-cooked meals with a river view. Excellent trout, perch, homemade hash browns and apple dumplings. BLD • SF • $-$$ 471 STEPHAN BRIDGE RD., GRAYLING, 989-348-8462.

Glen Arbor

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Exquisite regional cuisine from chef Randy Chamberlain in an intimate setting on Sleeping Bear Bay. D • BAR • $$-$$$ LAKE ST., GLEN ARBOR, 231-334-2530.

The Manor on Glen Lake

Fine family dining in a renovated lakeside inn. LD • BAR • $-$$ 7345 W. GLENMERE ROAD, GLEN LAKE AT THE NARROWS, 231-334-0150.

Riverfront Pizza

Eat pesto or shrimp Alfredo pizza on the banks of the river. Or grab a Thai salad or fresh wrap from the deli. LD • $ 6281 WESTERN AVE., GLEN ARBOR, 231-334-3876.

Leland

The Bluebird

A mainstay for locals and boaters since 1927. Specialties: cinnamon rolls, whitefish, seafood, steak, pasta, creative ethnic feasts during the off-season. Sun. brunch. LD • BAR • SF • $$ 102 E. RIVER ST., LELAND, 231-256-9081.

The Cove

Great deck with casual menu overlooking the river in Fishtown. Upscale dining inside. Open May–Oct. LD • BAR • $$ 111 RIVER ST., LELAND, 232-256-9834.

Riverside Inn

Come by boat or land to dine on creative dishes made with seasonal local ingredients in this handsome 100-year-old spot with a relaxing river vista. Award-winning Sun. brunch. D • BAR • SF • $$-$$$ 302 E. RIVER ST., LELAND, 231-256-9971.

Maple City

Little Traverse Inn

Refined cuisine in a beautifully renovated, century-old farmhouse on Little Traverse Lake. D • BAR • $$-$$$ 149 E. HARBOR HWY., M-22, MAPLE CITY, 231-228-5060.

Omena

Knot Just a Bar

Fish and burgers in a modern, beachy pub perched over pretty Omena Bay. LD • BAR • $-$$ 5019 BAY SHORE DR. (M-22), OMENA, 231-386-7393.

Traverse City

Apache Trout Grill

Rough-hewn eatery affords a great bay view along with ribs, steak, pasta and salad. LD • BAR • $$ 13671 S. WEST BAY SHORE DR., TRAVERSE CITY, 947-7079.

Boathouse Restaurant

Casually elegant spot with nautical-rustic decor, fireplace, fabulous view and great steaks, seafood, large local wine selection. Sunday brunch. D • BAR • $$-$$$ 14039 PENINSULA DR., TRAVERSE CITY, 231-223-4030.

Firefly

A dazzling small-plate menu, sushi, steaks and burgs at a sophisticated hotspot on the river. LD • BAR • $-$$ 310 S. CASS ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 932-1310.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Aerie—16TH-floor panorama of East Bay and regional fine dining. Music on weekends. D • BAR • $$-$$$ Sweetwater American Bistro—BLD • SF • $$ The Clubhouse Grille—open seasonally, with steaks, chops and fish. D • BAR • $$ U.S. 31 N., ACME 534-6000.

Mission Table at Bowers Harbor Inn

Fine regional cuisine in a romantic, wood-paneled former lumber baron’s bayfront mansion with an extensive wine list, herb garden and wine-producing vineyards. D • BAR • SF • $$$ 13512 PENINSULA DR., TRAVERSE CITY, 231-223-4222.

West Bay Beach Resort

The Bistro— Offering Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, our Continental American fusion cuisine features fresh and locally sourced meats and produce. BLD • BAR • $$$ The Patio—Beachside dining and entertainment. LD • BAR • $$$ 615 EAST FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 231-947-3700.

West End Tavern

Whether you prefer an elegant dining experience or a casual drink on the patio, West End Tavern has it. LD • BAR • $$ 12719 S WEST BAY SHORE DR., TRAVERSE CITY, 231-943-2922

Frankfort

Birch & Maple

Fresh fare, friendly folks and fabulous views of Betise Lake. BLD • $$ • BAR • 727 MAIN ST., FRANKFORT, 231.399.0399

The Fusion

Asian delights like fiery curries and lettuce wraps (plus creative cocktails) served in a serene atmosphere on Frankfort’s main drag. BLD • $–$$ 300 MAIN ST., FRANKFORT, 231.352.4114.

Rock’s Landing

Fine dining on the shore of Crystal Lake. The menu features Michigan farms and ranches, as well as sustainable seafood from around the globe. D • $$ • BAR • 1577 CRYSTAL DR., FRANKFORT, 231.399.0158

Elberta

The Cabbage Shed

A rambling produce warehouse from the late 1800s is home to serene views, great suds, and superb eats like seared scallops, rack of lamb and Ritzcrusted walleye. D • $-$$ 198 FRANKFORT AVE., ELBERTA, 352-9843.

Mayfair Tavern

At the crook of Betsie Bay, find a classic fisherman’s bar with herbed, pan-fried perch and walleye, wet burritos, liver and onions, 8 rotating taps. LD • BAR • $-$$ 515 FRANKFORT AVE., ELBERTA, 352-9136.

Manistee

Blue Fish Kitchen & Bar

New American cuisine, traditional fare and vegan/vegetarian options alongside the Manistee River. LD • BAR • $$, $$$ • 312 RIVER ST., MANISTEE

River Street Station

Cheers-esque, smoky burger-and ribs joint with a summer deck that affords an up-close view of the freighter action along the Manistee River. BLD • BAR • $-$$ 350 RIVER ST., MANISTEE

Taco ‘Bout It Mexican Fusion

Flour and corn tortillas are made in-house every day, along with special seasoning blends, guacamole, salsa, sour cream and more. Waterfront views of the Manistee Channel. LD • BAR • $ • 344 RIVER ST., MANISTEE

Ludington

Jamesport Brewing Company

While not directly on the water, the large back patio has beautiful views of Pere Marquette Lake and the marinas. LD • BAR • $, $$ • 410 S. JAMES ST., LUDINGTON

P.M. Steamers

Located across from the city marina in Ludington, where anyone can enjoy a view of the boats entering and leaving the harbor. Dining is available either indoors or out. Dinner, cocktails and kid’s menu available. D • BAR • $$ • 502 W. LOOMIS ST., MANISTEE

Arcadia

Arcadia Bluffs

The view of Lake Michigan’s the thing here, and the wine list is long. Get a spot on the deck, grab a glass and take it all in. Clubhouse dining room and deck. LD • BAR • SF• $$$ Sunset Grill—Casual dining. L • BAR • $ 14710 NORTHWOOD HWY., ARCADIA, 800-494-8666 OR 889-3001.

Onekama

The Glenwood

Casual dining, almond-battered shrimp and bleu cheese filet mignon, homemade desserts from Chris and Donna Short. Screen porch with water view. Gourmet lunch and Sunday brunch Memorial Day through Labor Day. LD • BAR • $–$$ 4604 MAIN ST., ONEKAMA, 889-3734.

Portage Point Historic Inn

Built by the same folks who did Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel. Four-course dining in the off-season, themed buffets in summer, Sun. brunch and ethnic specials on Portage Lake. BL (Jun.–Aug.) • D • BAR • SF • $$ 8513 PORTAGE POINT RD., ONEKAMA, 889-4222.

Cadillac

Lakeside Charlie’s

A fine deck on Lake Mitchell. The hunt club–style restaurant features burgers, aged beef, fish and wild game. LD • BAR • $$ 301 S. LAKE MITCHELL, CADILLAC, 775-5332.

Evergreen Resort

Passage North Grill—Stellar water and woods views plus American fare, Sun. brunch and sandwiches. BLD • BAR • $$ Curly’s Up North Bar & Grill—Casual bar food in a snug knotty-pine setting. Live entertainment. LD • BAR • $$ 7880 MACKINAW TRAIL, CADILLAC, 775-9947.