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5 Best Lakefront Dining Spots in the Lakes Area

Local Restaurants with Water Views

lakefront dining - lakes area
It's A Matter of Taste restaurant in Commerce Township

When you live in southeast Michigan, you don't have to travel to faraway places to enjoy a relaxing meal with picturesque views.


It's one of the best perks of living in the Lakes Area, in my humble opinion as a local Real Estate Agent. And, as a lifelong resident, lake-lover and self-proclaimed "foodie", these are my picks for the best local restaurants with lakefront dining (in no particular order).


lakefront dining near white lake - white lake inn

The White Lake Inn

A classic waterfront hangout with one of Oakland County's most beautiful landscapes. It features a tiki bar serving beer, wine & cocktails, tasty pub fare and occasional live music.


The White Lake Inn is also a hot spot for sand volleyball. It hosts summer leagues on its volleyball court which is a blast to watch if you're into that sort of thing (I totally am)!


Promising review on Facebook:

"Very pretty view of the water. They have a tiki bar on the deck [and] outdoor seating. Good service." -Janessa H.


Visit The White Lake Inn: 3955 Ormond Rd, White Lake Charter Township, MI 48383

(248) 887-1818


lakefront dining near commerce township - it's a matter of taste

It's A Matter of Taste

With perhaps my favorite menu of all these fantastic lakeside dining restaurants, It's A Matter of Taste's atmosphere, service and unrestricted views of beautiful Union Lake really set it apart. It's a perfect place for date night, a birthday celebration, or even just a casual lunch.


It's A Matter of Taste serves upscale Italian and American cuisine and their bartenders make a mean Manhattan. Thumbs up in my book!


Promising review on Google:

"Very nice restaurant with a beautiful view on the lake. Very good food and competent personnel! Thanks a lot." -Kai F.


Visit It's A Matter of Taste:

2323 Union Lake Rd, Commerce Charter Twp, MI 48382

(248) 360-6650



lakefront dining near waterford - fork n pint cass lake

Fork n' Pint Cass Lake

Along with the varied menu, Fork n' Pint's elevated patio is this hangout's main draw in the summer. Seating over 200 outdoor diners, it makes getting incredible views while you eat, easy.


Fork n' Pint Cass Lake serves eclectic American cuisine featuring everything from mac and cheese, to white fish and walleye, to house-smoked BBQ. Be sure to try a crowd favorite: sriracha honey, bacon & lime Brussels sprouts. Yum!


Promising review on TripAdvisor:

"Enjoyed sitting outside. We shared the nachos with brisket and it was delicious with a kick of heat. Burgers were good as well as the chicken club sandwich. We will be back!" -Lisa H.


Visit Fork n' Pint Cass Lake:

4000 Cass Elizabeth Rd, Waterford Twp, MI 48328

(248) 791-3256


Driftwood Bar & Grille

Nestled just across the street from stunning Walled Lake, Driftwood Bar & Grille in Novi offers an incredible view from its patio. It features an eccentric & refined twist on traditional American bar food definitely not the kind of fare that you'd get at the corner pub down the street.


Promising review on Yelp:

"Very good food and drinks. Reasonably priced for what we got. Great view of the lake sitting outside." -Casey F.


Visit Driftwood Bar & Grille:

1103 E Lake Dr Rd, Novi, MI 48377

(248) 668-9005


The Beach Tiki Bar & Boil

Walled Lake's The Beach Tiki Bar & Boil is one of those places that make you feel like you're on vacation, a million miles from home. Its unparalleled views of the lake, unique seafood boils, pizzas and live entertainment aren't like anything else in Metro Detroit.


Promising review from Yelp:

"This place is awesome, amazing and comfortable. Being off the water was relaxing and breathtaking. People driving their boats to the docks was fascinating, pulling up coming to eat lunch and getting back in their boats to leave. The food was hot and delicious and priced well. The drinks were not lacking alcohol. Right on point. The waitress was nice and polite ... I will definitely be back again and again." -Stephanie A.


Visit The Beach Tiki Bar & Boil:

142 E Walled Lake Dr, Walled Lake, MI 48390

248-669-3322


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