Lake Michigan offers a diverse range of dining options with stunning views of the lake. From casual waterfront eateries to upscale establishments, there are plenty of options for lakes touring enthusiasts to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Southwest Michigan
1. The Butler (Saugatuck)
- Address: 40 Butler St.
- Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (7 days a week)
- Offers: Burgers, seafood, steaks, and pizza with a casual upscale atmosphere and views of Lake Kalamazoo and Saugatuck’s boardwalk.
2. The Southerner (Saugatuck)
- Address: 880 Holland St.
- Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Fridays to Tuesdays), 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Wednesdays and Thursdays)
- Offers: Southern-inspired dishes like shrimp and grits, poor boys, and homemade biscuits with a view of the Kalamazoo River.
3. The Mermaid Waterfront Bar & Grill (Saugatuck)
- Address: 340 Water St.
- Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. (weather permitting)
- Offers: Seafood favorites like Alaskan halibut and the Mermaid roll, with outdoor seating overlooking the Kalamazoo River.
4. Plank’s Tavern on the Water (St. Joseph)
- Address: 800 Whitwam Drive (inside The Inn at Harbor Shores)
- Hours: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Mondays to Saturdays), 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Sundays)
- Offers: High-end dishes like crabcakes, mussels, and surf and turf, with views of the St. Joseph River.
5. RyeBelles Restaurant & Bar (St. Joseph)
- Address: 518 Broad St.
- Hours: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Mondays to Thursdays), noon – 9 p.m. (Fridays and Saturdays), 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Sundays)
- Offers: Rooftop views of Lake Michigan and a menu featuring starters like fried calamari and entrees like lake perch and filet mignon.
6. Clementine’s Too (St. Joseph)
- Address: 1235 Broad St.
- Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Tuesdays to Thursdays), 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Fridays and Saturdays), 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Sundays)
- Offers: A diverse menu with views of the St. Joseph River channel.
Other Recommendations
1. The Toasted Pickle (Grand Haven)
- Offers: Unique sandwiches, soups, and salads that can be packed for a day at the beach.
2. Fricano’s Pizza Tavern (Grand Haven)
- Offers: Classic Sicilian-style pizza with a limited topping selection and a historic atmosphere.
3. Crossroads Blueberry Market (Grand Haven)
- Offers: Fresh produce and baked goods, with a focus on Michigan blueberries.
4. FLAGSHIP Specialty Foods & Fish Market (Grand Haven)
- Offers: Fresh seafood and fish market with picnic tables overlooking the Red Arrow Highway.
5. Patellie’s (Harbor Country)
- Offers: East Coast-style pizza with fresh local ingredients, served from a walk-up window.
6. Barney’s (Harbor Country)
- Offers: Broasted chicken and a wide selection of craft beers, perfect for beach picnics.
7. Stop 50 Wood Fired Pizzeria (Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore)
- Offers: Wood-fired pizzas and seasonal dishes using local ingredients.
Lake Michigan Beach Park
1. Joe’s Friendly Tavern
2. Tiffany’s Cafe
3. Shipwreck Cafe
4. Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate
5. Little Finger eatery
These restaurants offer a mix of casual and upscale dining experiences, with a focus on local ingredients and stunning views of Lake Michigan. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, there are plenty of options for lakes touring enthusiasts to enjoy the best of what Lake Michigan has to offer.
Reference:
– The Butler
– The Southerner
– The Mermaid Waterfront Bar & Grill
– Plank’s Tavern on the Water
– RyeBelles Restaurant & Bar
– Clementine’s Too
– The Toasted Pickle
– Fricano’s Pizza Tavern
– Crossroads Blueberry Market
– FLAGSHIP Specialty Foods & Fish Market
– Patellie’s
– Barney’s
– Stop 50 Wood Fired Pizzeria