Dining outdoors on a sunny day with a picturesque view is a vacation in itself. Here’s your go-to list of Charlevoix area restaurants with fantastic patios, porches and waterside decks.
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TORCH LAKE BEER CO., ALDEN
Right across from the Torch Lake boat launch, this pub serves up sunset views, patio seating and robust breakfast, lunch and dinner menus—not to mention lots of local brews on tap and an impressive bottle list. Order a burger (the best in town) or try the chicken dill pizza or Plath’s Rajun Cajun BLT.
WILD STRAWBERRY CAFE, BEAVER ISLAND
Whether you’re looking for a boozy brunch or a berry truffle vinaigrette salad, this new island eatery has you covered. Nestled along St. James Harbor, the cafe features quaint front porch seating and dishes like home-made French onion soup and short rib sammies.
THE BLUE PELICAN INN & RESTAURANT, CENTRAL LAKE
The Pelican has something for everyone—Friday night fish fries, shrimp boils, pizzas, fajitas … the list goes on. And their lively tiki bar is where you wanna be on a balmy summer night (especially on Tiki Tuesdays); grab a coconut marg, sit back and relax.
TORCH LAKE CAFÉ, CENTRAL LAKE
Grab a pizza to-go (with options like wild mushroom and buffalo chicken) or catch some live music out on the patio and treat yourself to a sit-down meal. Highlights include homemade soups—bison chili, mushroom bisque and Great Lakes chowder—and from-scratch key lime pie.
DOCKSIDE TORCH LAKE, BELLAIRE
Pull your boat up and grab a seat on their sunny Torch Lake–side deck. This laidback waterfront watering hole boasts classic Mexican and American tavern fare, along with colorful cocktails and the ever-popular Bloody Mary.
Photo by Dave Weidner
GREY GABLES RESTAURANT & CATERING, CHARLEVOIX
This gracious old house-turned-restaurant features scenic outdoor seating with picturesque views of Round Lake. And with an expansive menu—from pizza and salads, to sushi, burgers and chicken marsala—everyone in your group will be as pleased as punch.
STAFFORD’S WEATHERVANE RESTAURANT, CHARLEVOIX
From elegant classics like escargot and planked whitefish to a kid’s menu with mac and cheese and a flatbread pepperoni pizza, Weathervane’s menu makes for a perfect date night or family outing. Best of all, the restaurant sits right on the Round Lake Channel and offers incredible views of passing boats.
THE LANDING, CHARLEVOIX
Situated on Lake Charlevoix’s Ironton Cove, The Landing offers lakeside views and delicacies like massive Bavarian pretzels, Asian chicken cashew bowls, local perch sandwiches and Old Bay fries with malt vinegar. Dock your boat and enjoy lunch or dinner on their spacious, laidback deck.
FOUNDRY CRAFT GRILLERY, EAST JORDAN
The Foundry’s large garage doors open to a spacious patio, where you’ll be treated to elevated pub eats like garlic cheese curds, mussels in a Sambuca cream sauce, “dammm” good burgers and sandwiches stuffed with buttermilk chicken or beer-battered cod. Top it all off with a skillet-baked chocolate chip cookie.
RIVERWALK GRILL & TAPROOM, ELK RAPIDS
Grab a craft beer and a seat on this waterside deck, nestled along the beautiful Elk River shoreline. Enjoy dishes like cedar planked salmon and lobster rolls while soaking in the view. And for your nightcap? An espresso martini, of course.