Dine by the Water: Best Waterfront Restaurants in Metro Detroit

August 22, 2023

Photo courtesy of The Waterfront in Wyandotte

There’s something simply quintessential about enjoying a tasty meal in front of a breathtaking waterfront, especially when the weather is nice. Soak up the warm summer breeze and watch the boats as they pass by, all while indulging in deletable Metro Detroit cuisine. It just doesn’t get much better than that. Here are the spots you need to check out…

Mike’s on the Water

Located on the Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores, Mike’s on the Water is an experience like no other. Outside the restaurant, there is a deck and bar, as well as a rooftop deck with a food truck. This spot is known for its lobster rolls and fresh catches, but you can find a variety of sandwiches, burgers, salads, and seafood on the menu. Mike’s on the Water has a full bar and offers a variety of wines and beer. As for the rooftop food truck, some menu items include Mike’s Spicy and Sweet Shrimp Corn Chowder, Smoked Whitefish Dip, and a variety of tacos for your enjoyment. Feel free to come by car or boat, as Mike’s on the Water has boat wells and seawall docking available. Bonus: if you happen to have an 8×10 picture of your boat, the waitstaff will hang it up inside! For more information, follow Mike’s on the Water on Instagram @mikesonthewater and on Facebook @mikesonthewater. 

JOE MUER SEAFOOD

At its Detroit location, Joe Muer Seafood offers a beautiful riverfront view, further enhancing the dining experience. The menu includes steak, sushi, and a variety of seafood to choose from. The cocktail and wine lists are extensive. One thing to note is that Joe Muer Seafood does ask that guests adhere to the business-casual dress code policy while dining, but on game days, Detroit team logos are allowed. To find out more, follow Joe Muer Seafood on Instagram @joemuerseafood and on Facebook @joemuerseafood. 

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The Waterfront Wyandotte

Here, customers can expect to find a menu stocked with your traditional American fare, including wings, burgers, sandwiches and wraps, soups, salads, steaks, pasta, and seafood. However, it’s suspected that the views of the Detroit River, on which The Waterfront Wyandotte rests, are really the main attraction. And the live music and entertainment are a definite bonus, which can be experienced from the indoor dining room, the patio, or the rooftop. Not to mention, patrons can arrive by boat, thanks to the 20 docks available for use. For more information, follow The Waterfront Wyandotte on Instagram @waterfrontwyandotte and on Facebook @TheWaterfrontWyandotte. 

The Beach Tiki Bar & Boil

Indulge the experience of a tropical excursion without actually needing to leave Michigan. The Beach Tiki Bar & Boil is best known for its tiki bar theme (as the name suggests), the fresh seafood boils, and of course the view of Walled Lake. They also offer more than 40 beers on tap, along with tiki-themed drinks that can be enjoyed indoors or out in the extensive patio dining that sits not too far from the shore. Even moving into the chillier seasons, waterfront dining is available here year-round with enclosed/heated patios. Customers can arrive by car or boat, and on the weekends, enjoy some live music provided by local bands. To learn more, follow The Beach Tiki Bar & Boil on Facebook @TheBeachMichigan. 

Octopus’ Beer Garden

“Food, drink, peace, and love” is the motto here, and Octopus’ Beer Garden continues to live by that, going above and beyond to provide a waterfront experience unlike any other. The menu features your typical American cuisine, along with craft cocktails, 20 craft beers on tap, and 37 canned beers which include non-alcoholic flavors. They also have a gorgeous outdoor space for events, equipped with tents, picnic tables, fire pits, games, and more. They host weekly events as well, such as concerts by a rotating roster of artists or karaoke nights. To learn more, follow Octopus’ Beer Garden on Instagram @octopusbeergarden and on Facebook @octopussbeergarden. 

Sinbad’s Restaurant and Marina

Located right on the Detroit River, Sinbad’s Restaurant and Marina is adored by the community for its incredible scenery, fresh seafood, Angus burgers and steaks, and homemade clam chowder. The meals can be enjoyed from inside the dining room, out on the patio, or from the second-story banquet room, reserved for events. For those who prefer to pull up on their boats, Sinbad’s Restaurant and Marina houses transient slips for the boats to be docked, and even offers overnight stays for a small fee. For more information, follow Sinbad’s Restaurant and Marina on Facebook @sindbads.restaurant.

This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was authored by Briana Dixon.

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