These are the 10 best waterfront restaurants in Michigan

Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The view from The Island Grill Clubhouse on Anchor Bay.

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BY AMY SHERMAN | asherma2@mlive.com and JOHN GONZALEZ | gonzo@mlive.com

You’ve found a seat in the sun overlooking deep blue water. You’ve got a cold drink in hand and a pile of food in front of you to share with friends. You must be at one of Michigan’s fantastic waterfront dining spots, and if you’re not, we’re here to help you find one to enjoy this summer.

Our Michigan’s Best team of Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez traveled thousands of miles, and personally dined at about 30 restaurants to come up with our list of the best places to eat by the water here in Michigan. We’ve also included any and all spots on the water that we’ve visited on previous Michigan’s Best searches, because, why wouldn’t we? We really have an amazing amount of fabulous places to enjoy across the state.

During this Best Waterfront Restaurant search, we were looking for beautiful water vistas, creative menus featuring homemade food, a friendly welcome with professional, yet fun, service, and that certain something that just sets a restaurant apart as one of Michigan’s Best. Making these lists is never easy, as every place that we visit is usually pretty amazing. We are always impressed by the incredible dedication and devotion that the owners and staff have to their restaurants and to their customers. All of the spots we visited are an integral part of their community, gathering spots for both locals and tourists alike, and big contributors to their local economy.

One thing that stood out on this search was the record high waters we saw, at each and every restaurant we visited. Whether it was a shrunken (or non-existent) beach, to sunken docks, to sandbags right on the deck to keep the water at bay, the rising lakes and rivers in Michigan are a very real issue for these locally-owned businesses. We can’t stress enough the importance of “no wake” zones near these spots, as flooding, erosion or property damage can easily occur with just a small wake this year. Also, if you are planning on arriving by boat, check on bridge clearance levels before heading out. Many have shrunk significantly this year.

Our list includes spots on rivers, on inland lakes, and on the great ones. There are places for a relaxing, quiet meal to enjoy while gazing out on a pristine lake, and spots that have a bit more of a party atmosphere, and one spot that offers both.

We hope you get out there and embrace the beautiful Michigan summer, and enjoy some special al fresco dining at one of our picks for Michigan’s Best Waterfront Restaurant.  We think these spots are really something special.

Special thanks to our Best Waterfront Restaurant search sponsor Greektown Casino + Hotel.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

The crew at The Lake House in Muskegon.

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#10-The Lake House Waterfront Grille 

730 Terrace Point Road 

Muskegon, Michigan 49440

(231) 722-4461

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Kayla Renie | MLIve.com

The deck at The Lake House in Muskegon.

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#10-The Lake House Waterfront Grille

Located just blocks from downtown, on 4,400-acre Muskegon Lake, The Lake House offers marina-side dining that is casually elegant, with a professional, yet welcoming vibe. The setting is lovely, with a beautiful patio, plus a deck that runs the length of the restaurant right along the water, where you can gaze upon some pretty big boats. Inside is equally nice, with large windows.

You can also catch a fantastic sunset right from your seat, inside or out.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

On the left, that fantastic ribeye steak, on the right, the planked whitefish.

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#10-The Lake House Waterfront Grille

After purchasing the 23-acre property in 2009, owner Jon Rooks spent a full year renovating. They reopened in 2010, and quickly had a full house.

Rooks is a big fan of big wines, and one of the cool things you can enjoy at The Lake House is by-the-glass pours of some very nice wines. This might be your chance to try something new and amazing. Maybe a red, preferably paired with the beautiful ribeye steak that comes out with roasted garlic, onions and mushrooms

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

The Martha’s Vineyard salad, it’s been on the menu since the start.

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#10-The Lake House Waterfront Grille

Chef Jaime Knudson and staff pride themselves on making everything from scratch here.

Try the fish tacos, which are delicious, with an Oberon beer batter that’s nice and crispy, surrounding an incredibly fresh Hawaiian Barramundi filet.

The Martha’s Vineyard Salad is not just beautiful to look at, it is also absolutely lovely to eat, and has been on the menu from the start. Mixed greens are tossed with a very fresh, fruity and bright berry balsamic vinaigrette that hugs the leaves in a shining embrace. Add in a plethora of toppings, including goat cheese, crunchy Granny Smith apples, sweet golden raisins, nutty cashews, candied pecans, and sharp raw red onions, and this salad is about to make you the most popular one at your table.

The Whitefish Plank comes out sizzling hot, with fresh whitefish that is flakey and tender, and best of all, surrounded by one of the greatest of the potato dishes, duchess potatoes. This means well-seasoned mashers, piped out in pretty lines, topped with paprika, and broiled to a crispy exterior. Just try to resist them

We just can’t say enough about the amazing, professional service at The Lake House, especially from our server, Brittany Perez.  It is warm and welcoming, while being right on the money, much like everything else here.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

Shrimp cocktail and the fried calamari from The Lake House in Muskegon.

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#10-The Lake House Waterfront Grille

Things to know:

-The restaurant is open year-round.

-If you arrive by boat, it is first come, first served. There is no charge to dock if you are enjoying the restaurant, and there are usually dock hands on deck to help you.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

A drink on the deck at Crews Inn, on the Clinton River.

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#9-Crews Inn

31988 N River Road

Harrison Charter Township, MI 48045

(586) 463-8144

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The staff at Crews Inn.

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#9-Crews Inn

Owned by the Metry family since the 1970’s, Crews Inn is all about a great time. Nestled right on the shore of the Clinton River, and just a 15-minute boat ride to the St. Clair River, the restaurant has a big, beautiful deck for you to enjoy while you sample some of their delicious food and drink.

Longtime manager and part owner Tom Moons has been here since 1993, and is “an institution” according to owner Jeff Metry. Moons knows all the regulars, who he always sends off with a hearty “See you tomorrow!” Moons explained the vibe here with his very apt quote “Who cares about your liver when you are partying on the river?”

Everything in moderation, of course, but why not start off with a very boozy Jumbie Brew? A tropical blend of three kinds of rum and fruit juice, it’ll wet your whistle and get the party started. Bloody Mary’s here feature Moons house-made secret recipe. There’s also plenty of icy cold beer to pick from, and they have a good selection of wine as well, including their own private label offerings.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

La Belle Perch from Crews Inn.

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#9-Crews Inn

There is something for everyone on the large menu at Crews Inn. If you are there on a Friday or Saturday, be sure to try their famous clam chowder, a nice little bowl that’s well-seasoned, and not too thick. The calamari is great, incredibly tender, and comes flash-fried and tossed with bright and acidy banana peppers and sharp garlic. Differently delicious.

We love that they smoke the salmon in-house, corn their own beef for the Reuben sandwich, and every Sunday roast whole birds for their roast turkey dinner special. Fish here is always very fresh, and we particularly loved the La Belle Perch, which features the fish sauteed with garlic, tomatoes and capers, for a lighter and very flavorful take on this Michigan staple

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The Crews Inn Salad with seared salmon on top, and a raspberry vinaigrette.

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#9-Crews Inn

Metry knows how lucky he is to have so many long-term employees. “They are awesome,” he told us. “We’re a friendly place, and we want you back.”

No worries on that. We’ll be coming back as soon as we can, to enjoy the jovial atmosphere, great view, and the tasty chow. As Moons told us. “I love this place.” We, too, now love Crews Inn.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

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#9-Crews Inn

Things to know:

-Crews Inn is open year-round, and they embrace winter by offering all sorts of events, specials and fun to welcome folks during the colder months.

-There is space for about 16 boats, depending on size,  and a deck hand is ready to assist you. There is also space for jet skis to tie up.  No reservations, and there is no cost to tie up if you are there to eat.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The crew at The Cabbage Shed.

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#8-The Cabbage Shed

198 Frankfort Ave.

Elberta, Michigan 49628

(231) 352-9843

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The view from the deck at The Cabbage Shed in Elberta.

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#8-The Cabbage Shed

The rugged old barn that houses The Cabbage Shed was built in 1867, and it really did store cabbages for a while. The vegetables would float on down the Betsie River, and enter the basement of the building, to get ready to ship to market. Now, the building provides the backdrop to this funky and fun restaurant overlooking Betsie Lake in Elberta.

Colleen and TJ Hudson and their children, Beth and Tony Roethler, have owned The Shed since 2015. The Roethlers actually had their wedding reception here, before they bought it. While they’ve made some changes and updates, they’ve also kept many of the old favorites that you can enjoy either inside or out on the expansive deck overlooking the water.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The Elbertarita from The Cabbage Shed.

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#8-The Cabbage Shed

Drinks here are top-notch. The Bloody Mary is a spicy little bomb that features house-infused vodka, and house-brined asparagus and brussels sprouts, which are essentially tiny cabbages.

The Betsie Bay Painkiller will most likely do just that, with its potent mix of spiced rum, coconut rum, and pineapple.

Any play on a margarita is good with us, and the Elbertarita features fresh Key Lime juice and is “basically a margarita in Elberta” as Beth Roethler told us. It’s delicious.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The borscht from The Cabbage Shed in Elberta.

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#8-The Cabbage Shed

The most popular dish at The Shed is quite a surprise, and utterly delicious. The famous Shed Borscht takes six hours to make, has a thick, rich beef broth with succulent cabbage floating in it, a deep flavor from the addition of smoked paprika, and a topping of cool sour cream. It’s not at all what you’d expect to be enjoying at a waterfront joint, but trust us, you want this soup in your life.

Also incredibly popular, and a longtime menu item, is the Legendary Glarum Grill. This open-faced sandwich is like a Philly cheesesteak on steroids, with loads of shaved prime rib, peppers, and onions all held together by a melted mass of provolone. Other top choices are the Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich, that comes with a fantastic sweet and hot pepper jelly mayo on it, and the fish tacos that have Shed Slaw on them, a crunchy little blend that gets dressed with Key Lime juice.

We love that Chef Justin Couturier puts a little twist on dishes to make them shine, and supports other local businesses, like Crescent Bakery in Frankfort who supplies their bread. They’re making most everything homemade, from dressings to desserts. Speaking of, do not miss their signature Key Lime Pie, that gets served in a mega cute mason jar, or the warm and gooey Skookie, a homemade chocolate chip cookie that comes doused in Moomer’s vanilla ice cream and Kahlua hot fudge sauce.

“Our motto is ‘Work hard and be nice’,” Beth Roethler said. They do both at The Cabbage Shed. We think they are also having a pretty great time here in Elberta.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The Skookie at The Cabbage Shed in Elberta.

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#8-The Cabbage Shed

Things to know:

-The Shed is closed Jan. 1 through the first weekend in April. They host a big New Year’s Eve party every year to send off the season.

-The Betsie Bay Marina does have transient docks to use, and there are 4 AirBNB boats you can rent in the marina

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The View at Uri’s Landing.

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#7-The View at Uri’s Landing 

7365 Cedar St.

Port Sanilac, Michigan

(810) 622-0325

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The Selleke family. From left, Tommy, Angelica, Susan, Joe and George Selleke.

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#7-The View at Uri’s Landing

A family that works together and runs a great restaurant is a fantastic family indeed. And the Selleke family is one of the best we’ve met on our journeys.

The whole family is passionate about providing wonderful service, serving creative, delicious food, brewing up their own beer, and generally just being awesome. And while they’ve only owned Uri’s for three years, the family has over 20 years of restaurant experience. Mom Susan Selleke oversees her four kids and co-workers: George, head brewer, Joseph and Tommy, head (and only) chefs, and Angelica,waitress.

“I keep pushing them to excel,” she said. “If you want nice things, you have to work for them.”

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The view of the harbor outside Uri’s.

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#7-The View at Uri’s Landing

Nestled along the side of the Port Sanilac Harbor Marina, Uri’s looks out over a flotilla of boats with Lake Huron glistening just beyond. A favorite of locals, they also get plenty of visitors, including many from Canada. There’s a scattering of seats outside on the balcony, but the majority are indoors, with stunning views through the large windows.

The focus here is scratch cooking, where “all is made with love,” Selleke told us.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

A few of the beers brewed by George at Uri’s Landing.

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#7-The View at Uri’s Landing

There is a lot to love at Uri’s, from hand-crafted beers to house-made specialties. Start off with one of George’s brews. He graduated from the Ferris State University brewing program, and usually has about seven beers on tap to try. The most popular is the Sunshiney Day, a lemon lime wheat beer that is light and bright.

They also offer some beautiful cocktails, including the Pineapple in Paradise, a tropical concoction of rum, pineapple, dragonberry and coconut that will take you directly on an island vacation.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The chicken lettuce wrap at Uri’s.

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#7-The View at Uri’s Landing

Share a Brie and Balsamic Flatbread, which comes out with warm, melty cheese, crisp spring lettuce mix, and drizzled with tart white balsamic and sweet honey for a great balance of flavors. If the Chicken Lettuce Wrap is on the menu, order up. Crunchy lettuce is topped with a heady mix of ground chicken, snappy Asian slaw, and Gochujang paste. It’s so fresh and clean. The salmon comes surrounded by perfectly-cooked vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes that are whipped up daily. The satisfying seafood pasta is brimming with mussels, shrimp and crab, and tangled with sun dried tomatoes.

The fact that Joey and Tommy Selleke are the only cooks in the restaurant is pretty astonishing, as they are cranking out a lot of food every day –  and “not one complaint,” their mother said. The Selleke family is a force to be reckoned with. Head to Uri’s and check them out in action.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The staff at The View at Uri’s Landing.

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#7-The View at Uri’s Landing

Things to know:

-Uri’s is open from May 1st to October 1st

-You’ll need to check with the marina to see if there are any openings, Uri’s does not have its own dock.

-Check Uri’s Facebook page for happy hour specials and upcoming events.

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Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

The surf and turf from Sindbad’s in Detroit.

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#6-Sindbad’s Restaurant and Marina 

100 Saint Clair St.

Detroit, Michigan 48214

(313) 822-7817

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

All the drinks at Sindbad’s in Detroit.

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A long-time favorite waterfront spot in Detroit, Sindbad’s has been offering up stiff drinks and classic cuisine since 1949. The Blancke family runs the show now, with an expanded menu featuring steak and seafood that you can enjoy as you watch the comings and goings on the Harding Canal.

A long-time favorite waterfront spot in Detroit, Sindbad’s has been offering up stiff drinks and classic cuisine since 1949. The Blancke family runs the show now, with an expanded menu featuring steak and seafood that you can enjoy as you watch the comings and goings on the Harding Canal.

Start off with a classic drink, like a Manhattan or a Martini. Linda Blancke Salvadero, one of the owners, told us “people tend to just get something simple here.” Simple, maybe. Strong, definitely. This is what is known as a healthy pour, and they’ve got it down at Sindbad’s.

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Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

The fried perch at Sindbad’s.

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#6-Sindbad’s

Sindbad’s famous clam chowder follows the original recipe that was developed in the 1950’s. It’s a thick and creamy soup, loaded with clams and potatoes, with a nice depth of flavor.

Mussels are a popular starter here, and come doused in a classic white wine butter sauce. Calamari is another top seller, served fried with cocktail sauce and lemon.

Sindbad’s takes great pride in sourcing high-quality ingredients, and it really shows. Perch is actually sourced from the Great Lakes, and comes out expertly battered. The Surf and Turf features an excellent New York Strip steak (which we had) or a filet, seasoned well, and very tender. Served alongside a gorgeous lobster tail with drawn butter, it’s a tasty treat.

One of the few restaurants left to offer frog legs, these tender little beauties can come either fried or sauteed in a garlic butter sauce.

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Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

The fantastic fried shrimp at Sindbad’s in Detroit.

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#6-Sindbad’s

We just can’t say enough about the fried shrimp they make here, what seems like a simple dish is actually pretty amazing here. Huge, high-quality shrimp fried up in an extra crunchy and tasty batter, and served with a zingy cocktail sauce. It’s classic food that is elevated by the attention to quality and details.

We recommend you end your meal with one of their classic, boozy ice cream drinks. Try a Hummer, Grasshopper or a Brandy Alexander for the perfect ending to your meal.

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Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

The staff at Sindbad’s in Detroit.

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#6-Sindbad’s

Things to know:

-Sindbad’s is open year round

-Bring a few bucks in cash, you’ll have to valet-park your car here

-There are 30 wells for transient dockers. You can call ahead, or just show up. There is no charge if you are staying for dinner. There are dock hands to assist.

-You can also park your boat overnight here, it’s $1 a foot.

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John Gonzalez | MLive.com

Captain Lou’s in South Haven.

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#5-Captain Lou’s 

278 Dyckman Ave.

South Haven, Michigan 49090

(269) 637-3965

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John Gonzalez | MLive.com

The happiest staff in all of Michigan. You’d be this happy too if you worked at Captain Lou’s.

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#5-Captain Lou’s

“Captain Lou’s is a wonderful place to work. Everyone is on vacation, so everyone is happy. It’s a very positive place to be,” manager Meredith Sherrod told us. It was pretty apparent that the whole staff felt this way, all the servers at this bustling little spot were truly having a great time. Sherrod said they “really want all of our guests to love Southwest Michigan. We want them to come back, so we act like we’re tour guides.”

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John Gonzalez | MLive.com

The Bloody Mary from Captain Lou’s in South Haven.

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#5-Captain Lou’s

And why wouldn’t you? Captain Lou’s is right on the Black River right next to the drawbridge, and this year, it’s actually almost IN the river. It’s pretty much all outdoor seating here, with spots on both the front and upper decks, and just four small tables inside.

Order up an icy cold beer. They feature a nice selection of Michigan ones, or get one of their signature, frozen Rum Runners. Bloody Mary’s come out zippy and peppery, and garnished with locally-made Harrison Pickles, which are downright delicious.

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John Gonzalez | MLive.com

The fried perch and onion rings from Captain Lou’s in South Haven.

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#5-Captain Lou’s

You can get perch five different ways here, and we whole-heartedly recommend that you get the Cajun batter. Beautifully flakey fish gets enrobed in a crunchy batter with just a kiss of heat. It’s all about the fish, and that fish is really good. We enjoyed it as a basket, with giant onion rings on the side, and as the Perch Reuben, which was outstanding, served up on rye swirl bread

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John Gonzalez | MLive.com

The Degrandchamp salad at Captain Lou’s.

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#5-Captain Lou’s

For something a bit lighter, try the Degrandchamp Blueberry salad, named after manager Erica Degrandchamp’s family farm, and featuring grilled chicken, romaine, blue cheese, dried blueberries and walnuts and a house made blueberry vinaigrette that just might be our new favorite.

As much fun as the servers are having, they were quick to point out that “the back of the house is the backbone to this place,” as Degrandchamp said. It’s a very fun, very casual spot. “We serve great food, ice cold beer, have the best views in town, nothing fancy, and you’re going to drink out of a plastic cup,” Degrandchamp explained. Please note that regular guests are referred to as Lousers, and we would be happy to be one of those any day of the week.

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John Gonzalez | MLive.com

The deck at Captain Lou’s in South Haven.

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#5-Captain Lou’s

Things to know:

-Captain Lou’s is open the first weekend in May through mid-October.

-There is no boat docking at Captain Lou’s, but you can hook up your dinghy if there’s room.

-Be sure to add your dollar to the ceiling.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The “quiet” part of the deck at Dockers. Think you kind of want to be a little bit of the party? Sit under the awning. Past that is the “other” deck, where you better be all in.

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#4-Dockers Fish House 

3505 Marina View Point

Muskegon, MI 49441

(231) 755-0400

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

The jalapeno crab poppers at Dockers in Muskegon.

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#4-Dockers Fish House

Tucked down a little cul-de-sac just a block or two from the beach, Dockers Fish House is located in Harbor Town Marina, overlooking Muskegon Lake, right off of the Muskegon Channel. This is one big place, with about 500 seats total. It’s a place with a “little bit of everything,” according to manager James Curtis, who works closely with owners Jennifer and Andrew Harris.

Kick off your visit with one heck of a plate of Spicy Crab Poppers. These are seriously above and beyond your normal, frozen, deep-fried poppers. These beauties come out roasted nice and tender, then overstuffed with a creamy cheddar and crab spread. When I say crab, I mean CRAB. No K-R-A-B here, and there is a lot of it stuffed in these guys. A quick trip under the broiler means lovely caramelization for you. Served with three-mustard cream sauce, be sure to order them.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

The Feast at Dockers in Muskegon.

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#4-Dockers Fish House

If you come with a group of friends that love seafood, you must get The Feast. It can easily feed four, so the $75 price really isn’t too bad. This is what dockside eating is all about, fun, communal and tasty. A huge platter comes covered with mussels, crayfish, snow crab claws, shrimp, seasonal vegetables, and tiny baby potatoes, all of it doused in a flavorful butter sauce.

The lobster roll is a signature item here, and a top-notch version for sure. Heaps and heaps of lobster, very lightly dressed in mayo, with the addition of a bit of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon, all stuffed into a lightly toasted split top bun. Dockers nails this sandwich.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

The lobster roll from Dockers in Muskegon.

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#4-Dockers Fish House

Dockers Chef Alex Tripp does an excellent job taking classic pub offerings, and elevating them to the next level. He’s been with Dockers for eight years, and is starting his second season as executive chef. “I like being creative and I love seafood,” Tripp said. “Plus, I get to come out of the kitchen and see everyone having a good time, along with this view.”

Of course, they have some great drinks at Dockers. The Bloody Mary here is extremely popular, especially on weekends, and comes garnished with a couple of big cocktail shrimp. On a hot day, the house-made frozen sangria would totally hit the spot, with its fresh fruit flavor that’s not too sweet, but very, very cold.  It’s on tap all the time, and comes in a keepsake, color-changing cup. Dockers creates new seasonal drinks every summer, so even if you’ve been here before there is always something new to try.

This is an incredibly popular spot, for boaters and land lubbers alike. On the weekends, the patio will be bumping, packed with live music and plenty of fun. One of the great things at Dockers is that there are plenty of spots here that you can enjoy a quieter meal, or just watch the party unfold. A great spot for some summer fun.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

The staff at Dockers in Muskegon. Please note Bruno the shark in the middle.

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#4-Dockers Fish House

Things to know:

-Dockers is open mid-May through September. They do open in the spring to host two special buffets, on Easter and Mother’s Day.

-Harbor Town is a deep water marina, so they can handle some big boats, and Dockers has room for 35-50 boats (depending on size). Boats can pull up, and deck hands are on hand to help you dock. There is no charge for docking as long as you are planning on joining the party at Dockers.

-During your visit, please be sure to say hi to Bruno the Shark. He lives out on the deck, and is a favorite buddy for pictures.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The exterior of the Island Grill Clubhouse in Fair Haven, near Anchor Bay.

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#3-The Island Grill Clubhouse 

8709 Dixie Hwy 

Fair Haven, Michigan 48023

(586) 725-1800

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The fun and funky Island Grill Clubhouse.

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#3-Island Grill Clubhouse

An unexpected stop, we visited The Island Grill based on the recommendation of Chris Hart, owner of Michigan’s Best Diner, the M-29 Diner, which is located right up the street. We are so glad we listened to her, because the restaurant is an undeniable gem, with one of the best views in the state.

When you arrive, park in the lot up front, and wait for someone to swing by in one of their extended golf carts to give you a lift to the restaurant. Once there, grab a seat (we highly recommend sitting up top), kick back, and get yourself on “island time.”

This funky, brightly colored little spot, located in the Mayea Marina on Anchor Bay, feels like an old-school island joint, with much of the decorations coming straight from the Florida Keys. They’ve been open about eight years now, and have multi-level open air seating, various bars to belly up to, a special area that is dog-friendly, and even a sandy play area for the kids to enjoy.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The BLT pizza at the Island Grill Clubhouse.

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#3-Island Grill Clubhouse

Sit back, and watch the parade of boats cruise on by, while you enjoy an icy cold bucket of beer, or one of their original recipe Rum Runners, which you can enjoy frozen or on the rocks. Those bad boys slip down far too easily on a hot day. You’ve been warned.

Complement your drinks with a bit of food. They have an extensive menu to choose from here. Start off with the tasty Pork Wings, which come lacquered with zippy hoisin garlic sauce with a hint of orange, or the tender, fried plantains for a vegetarian option. They offer wood-grilled pizza here, which comes out crispy, and perfect for sharing. The BLT pizza was a nice surprise, with smoky bacon, bright tomatoes, shredded lettuce and a spicy drizzle of mayo.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The seared red snapper from the Island Grill Clubhouse.

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#3-Island Grill Clubhouse

Fish is a speciality here, so you should probably try some.

We highly recommend the Perch Reuben, a yummy little concoction of fresh fried perch fillets, nestled on a brioche bun with crunchy coleslaw, melted Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. The seared red snapper comes with a slightly spicy Jamaican jerk rub on it, which is a perfect compliment to the cool and crunchy arugula mango salad that it rests on.

Don’t miss getting a slice of Key Lime pie, it’s made by Ms. Hart at the diner, so of course, it’s fantastic.

This is a very busy spot on a beautiful afternoon. Please be prepared for a bit of a wait. The friendly servers and bartenders will be with you shortly, so just relax and enjoy that incredible view.

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John Gonzalez | MLive.com

Island Grill Clubhouse Chef Dante Bufalini.

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#3-Island Grill Clubhouse

Things to know:

-There are about 35 boat slips that you can dock at, there is no charge, and there is always a deck hand around to help you dock.

-Gas is available here.

-The Grill checks every single person’s ID right when you enter, and issues you a wristband if you are 21.

-There is live music on the weekends.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

Churchill Pointe Inn resides on the shores of beautiful Hubbard Lake.

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#2-Churchill Pointe Inn 

5700 Bennett Road

Hubbard Lake, Michigan 49747

(989) 727-2020

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The staff and owners of Churchill Pointe Inn on Hubbard Lake. My apologies to the wonderful Ashley for catching you with your eyes closed.

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#2-Churchill Pointe Inn

25 years ago, Don and Sharon Geib were “looking for another life,” which they found at the Churchill Pointe Inn, which was built in 1926, and is located on crystal clear, 8,800-acre Hubbard Lake.

The couple, who are from Rochester, bought the inn and started over in the restaurant business. Needless to say, they figured it all out, and are currently killing it here, with help from their son, Andy, who is the talented chef here, and their charming daughter-in-law, Ashley, who runs the front of the house.

“It’s fine dining on the lake,” Sharon Geib said. “So you can wear your shorts.”

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#2-Churchill Pointe Inn

Start your experience off with a glass of sparkling rose from Mawby. They have it on tap here. Or get one of their hand-crafted cocktails, like the Churchill Margarita, which is made with a homemade sour mix that has just the right amount of tartness, or their perfect Mojito, which comes with lots of fresh mint balanced with a jolt of lime.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The Tuna Poke Stack at Churchill Pointe Inn.

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#2-Churchill Pointe Inn

The inn is known for its escargot, something you just don’t see on many menus these days. Their version is exemplary, a super classic dish of tender snails lounging in a rich, garlicky butter that is just waiting for you to soak it up with the crispy toast that comes alongside.

The bright and fresh Tuna Poke Stack is graced with creamy avocado, diced sashimi tuna slicked with soy and sesame, and topped with just a hint of crunch from crispy wontons. The stuffed portabella comes out overflowing with a rich crab cake filling, and laced with a spicy Sriracha mayo.

It might seem weird to eat a bubbling hot soup out on a deck in the sun, but when the homemade French Onion is this good, you really won’t think twice.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

Your table will get their very own loaf of bread with your meal, it comes out still warm and delicious. Also shown are the Michigan house salad and the French onion soup.

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#2-Churchill Pointe Inn

From this point, good luck trying to decide what to eat. There are 16 different entrees to choose from, with some seasonal changes from time to time, but trust us, you really can’t go wrong with anything.

All entrees come with soup or salad, and the cutest dang little loaf of bread you’ve ever seen.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The view looking back at the dam from the upper level of The Cove located in Fishtown in Leland.

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#1-The Cove 

111 W River St .

Leland, Michigan 49654

(231) 256-9834

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The view down the channel overlooking The Cove in Leland.

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#1-The Cove

Yes, The Cove has a stunning location, right at the Leland Dam in historic Fishtown on the Leelanau Peninsula. Yes, the restaurant overlooks deep blue Lake Michigan, with the Manitou Islands swimming in the distance. Yes, the rushing Leland River provides an extremely pleasing background sound to your meal. Yes, the building itself where The Cove resides is exceedingly charming, a multi-level spot designed for optimum outdoor exposure, with plenty of kitschy charm.

What The Cove also has is downright delicious, absolutely lovely handmade food that is just as great as that knockout view.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The seafood chowder and a Chubby Mary from The Cove.

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#1-The Cove

The Wanroy family has owned The Cove for the last 33 years. Rick Wanroy, along with his sons, Chris and Sean, are dedicated to making everything they can, fresh and in-house. “We zigged, when everyone else was zagging. We committed ourselves to making everything,” Chris Wanroy said.

This means that you’ll get to enjoy an outstanding seafood chowder that comes chock-a-block with shrimp, clams and crab floating in a super smooth, extra creamy broth. The chowder is so popular that customers stockpile it in their freezers at the end of the season so they can enjoy it during the winter months. After trying it, we can understand the obsession.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The whitefish tacos and hand cut french fries from The Cove.

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#1-The Cove

The smoked whitefish pate comes out baked in its own mini iron skillet, warm and topped with crunchy smoked almonds.

The whitefish taco is a revelation, with a homemade dill wrap, stuffed with the freshest fish around, with a scatter of cabbage slaw, a smear of spicy chipotle mayo and nice bit of avocado. The hand cut french fries were another pleasant surprise, with a nice crisp crunch surrounding fluffy potato

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John Gonzalez | MLive.com

The famous Chubby Mary from The Cove in Leland. Also shown is one of their Moscow Mules, made with their own homemade ginger beer.

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#1-The Cove

There are two things that you must have when you visit The Cove:

Start your visit off with their very famous and unique Chubby Mary. Yes, it’s THAT one, the one that comes with a whole smoked chub sticking out of the top, and yes, it’s that good. They have a secret source for those locally smoked chubs, and sometimes they do run out. But if it’s available, the Chubby features a nice dose of horseradish in the house-made mix, and comes garnished not just with the fish, but also olives and house-made pickles. You’ll get a plate with your drink; Chris Wanroy calls that your work area to take apart the fish. It’s the perfect combo, the bright tomato acidity cutting the rich smokiness of the chub wonderfully

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#1-The Cove

The other must-have here is Grandpa’s Cherry Pie. It’s flat out fan-freaking-tastic, with an incredibly flakey crust that comes dusted with crunchy sugar, and stuffed with local tart cherries. Served with a burnt sea salt caramel gelato, it’s swoon-worthy, and worth the trip here alone.

“We have super high quality employees,” Wanroy told us. “We are lucky to have the best of the best.” The staff provides super friendly service, and creates a very fun atmosphere in which to enjoy all The Cove has to offer. Which is quite a lot, from the beautiful views, to the very delicious dishes.

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John Gonzalez | MLive.com

The staff at The Cove in Leland.

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#1-The Cove

Things to know:

-The Cove is open Mother’s Day until Halloween.

-There is no docking at The Cove

-You can dock at Leland Harbor

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Jake May | MLive.com

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Want to know what’s happening behind the scenes? We are always posting videos, photos and more on our Social Media channels.

Here’s how to find us:

@mlivemibest on Twitter

@mlivemibest on Instagram

Also, be sure to follow our new MI Best Facebook Page, which you can check out here.

We use the hashtags #mibest. If you’ve tried a Michigan’s Best pick, let us know at #ItriedMiBest

In addition:

Amy Sherman is on Twitter @amyonthetrail, as well as Facebook and Instagram @amyonthetrail.

John Gonzalez is on Twitter @michigangonzo, as well as Facebook and Instagram @MichiganGonzo.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

Dessert from The Farm.

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More Michigan’s Best:

These are the 12 most iconic restaurants in Michigan.

Our Michigan’s Best guide to nearly 300 restaurants.

Michigan’s Best 2019 road trip across the Upper Peninsula.

27 of the most delicious diners we found on our search for Michigan’s Best.

These are the 10 best BBQ spots in Michigan.

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More Michigan’s Best:

The 10 Best Mexican restaurants in Michigan.

41 must-visit Mexican restaurants in Michigan.

Detroit’s Best burger: our top 10 revealed.

Detroit’s Best burger: 13 places not to miss.

Michigan’s Best bakery: our top 10 revealed, plus special awards.

44 must visit Michigan bakeries

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