A Local's Guide to the Best Waterfront Restaurants Around Lake St. Clair

One of the best parts about living in Macomb County is that you don't have to travel far to enjoy dinner with an incredible view. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch on the patio, a special date night, or a place to watch the sunset over the water, Lake St. Clair has plenty of great options.

Here are some of my favorite waterfront restaurants around the area.

🍽️ Fin's Eatery & Spirits – New Baltimore

A local favorite just steps from the waterfront, Fin's is known for its rooftop patio, great atmosphere, and menu that has something for everyone.

🍴 Must Try: Baby Back Ribs or one of their seafood specials.

Quick Facts

• 💲 Price: $$ ($15–30)

• 🌅 Best For: Sunset dinners

• 🌞 Outdoor Patio: Yes

• 📅 Reservations: Recommended on weekends

🌴 On The Bay – New Baltimore

If you're looking for a tropical vibe close to home, On The Bay delivers. With waterfront seating, great cocktails, and weekend brunch, it's the perfect place to relax on a summer afternoon.

🍴 Must Try: Lobster Roll and a frozen cocktail.

Quick Facts

• 💲 Price: $$ ($15–30)

• 🌅 Best For: Date nights & brunch

• 🌞 Outdoor Patio: Yes

🚤 Mike's on the Water – St. Clair Shores

Located on the Nautical Mile, Mike's is a summer hotspot where you can enjoy great food while watching boats cruise by.

Mike's on The Water

🍴 Must Try: Fish tacos and a signature cocktail.

Quick Facts

• 💲 Price: $$ ($15–30)

• 🌞 Outdoor Patio: Yes

• 🚤 Boat Access: Yes

• 🎶 Live Music: Frequently

🦀 River Crab Blue Water Inn – St. Clair

If you're celebrating a special occasion, River Crab is worth the drive. The views of the St. Clair River and passing freighters are hard to beat.

🍴 Must Try: Fresh Great Lakes fish or one of their steaks.

Quick Facts

• 💲 Price: $$$

• ❤️ Best For: Date nights & celebrations

• 🌞 Outdoor Patio: Yes

• 📅 Reservations: Highly recommended

⚓ HOOK – St. Clair Shores

HOOK offers an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere with fresh seafood, sushi, and handcrafted cocktails.

🍴 Must Try: Specialty sushi rolls.

Quick Facts

• 💲 Price: $$–$$$

• 🌞 Outdoor Patio: Yes

• ❤️ Best For: Date night

🍹 Cabana Blue – Clay Township

Looking for an island vibe without leaving Michigan? Cabana Blue offers waterfront dining, tropical drinks, and some fantastic sunset views over Anchor Bay.

🍴 Must Try: A burger, a cold drink, and the daily special.

Quick Facts

• 💲 Price: $$ ($15–30)

• 🌞 Outdoor Patio: Yes

• 🚤 Boat Access: Yes

🎶 Gino's Surf – Harrison Township

A longtime local favorite that's known for good food, live music, and a fun atmosphere all summer long.

🍴 Must Try: Perch dinner

Quick Facts

• 💲 Price: $$ ($15–30)

• 🎶 Live Music: Yes

• 🌞 Outdoor Patio: Yes

• 🚤 Boat Access: Yes

🌊 The Voyageur – St. Clair

If you enjoy watching freighters pass while you eat, The Voyageur offers one of the best views on the St. Clair River.

🍴 Must Try: Fresh fish followed by one of their homemade desserts.

Quick Facts

• 💲 Price: $$$

• 🌞 Outdoor Patio: Yes

• ❤️ Best For: Scenic dinners

Final Thoughts

One of the things I love most about living near Lake St. Clair is that you don't have to go on vacation to feel like you're on vacation. From rooftop patios and riverside dining to tropical cocktails and beautiful sunsets, our area has some incredible waterfront restaurants that are worth exploring.

The next time you're trying to decide where to eat, skip the chain restaurants and support one of these local favorites. Great food, beautiful views, and a chance to enjoy everything our community has to offer—that's hard to beat.

Did I miss one of your favorite waterfront spots? Let me know! I'm always looking for another great place to recommend around Lake St. Clair.