Northern Michigan Waterfront Dining: 50+ Gorgeous Restaurants

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 | Cheboygan | Harbor Springs | Cross Village | Petoskey | Pellston | Walloon Lake | Bay Harbor | Charlevoix | Elk Rapids | Bellaire | Gaylord | Glen Arbor | Leland | Maple City | Omena | Traverse City | Frankfort | Elberta | Manistee | Ludington | Arcadia | Onekama | Cadillac
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 • $-$$ 471 STEPHAN BRIDGE RD., GRAYLING, 989-348-8462.
Glen Arbor
blu
Exquisite regional cuisine from chef Randy Chamberlain in an intimate setting on Sleeping Bear Bay. D • BAR • $$-$$$ LAKE ST., GLEN ARBOR, 231-334-2530.
The Manor on Glen Lake
Fine family dining in a renovated lakeside inn. LD • BAR • $-$$ 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.