(Credit: Kimberly P. Mitchell/Free Press)
Searching for sizzling hot bars and restaurants with a cool view? ‘Tis the
season for metro Detroit hot spots to unveil decked-out patios primed for summertime schmoozing. So, step up
to the bar or restaurant and order up some great food and drink with some great waterfront scenery.
Beach Grill & Aqua Room
The trendy Beach Grill & Aqua Room serves up a
spectacular harbor view year round, but this resort-style facility with a
Floridian feel is a prime locale for summertime socializing. Cool off on the
5,000 square-foot waterfront deck or heat things up on the nightclub’s spacious
dance floor. The full-service Tiki bar provides a variety of sippables, from
beer to frozen drinks and live bands keep the party sizzling.
Pier 500
For those who can never have too much of a good thing, Pier
500 has two Tiki bars that deliver the goods long into the night. Located along the Detroit River,
this dual-level club serves up a lively atmosphere, two outdoor decks and a
mean cocktail. Try the Sunrise
on the Pier (the bar’s take on the traditional Tequila Sunrise) of $9.25 or My
Parrot Rita (a twist on a margarita) for $9.50.
Jack’s Waterfront Restaurant
This Nautical Mile gem offers live entertainment, dancing
and a spectacular view of Lake St. Clair. The
festive, Polynesian-inspired deck located along the marina’s canal offers a
full-service Tiki bar and is a prime locale for people-watching. It’s not
unusual to see boaters pull up to the seawall, dock and join the party.
The Quay St.
Brewing Company and Restaurant
Summertime or not, this Port Huron restaurant/bar/brewery is always a
favorite. Located along the Black River, in the heart of downtown Port Huron, this area
staple boasts a picturesque waterfront view as well as tasty eats,
Michigan-themed home brews and a lengthy list of specialty cocktails. Kick off
summer with a Mojito, made with fresh mint leaves that grow outside the
building. Stop in on Boat Night in July and join the festivities that help kick
off the annual Port Huron
to Mackinac Race—a party just as huge as the annual St. Patty’s Day Pub Crawl.
No joke.
Rum Runnerz
Enjoy a waterfront view from any seat in this
tropical-inspired restaurant and bar. Guests can sip drinks on the patio of
this bustling bar that prides itself on blending an upscale look with a
comfortable feel. Of course, the house specialty is the Rum Runner ($6.50).
Sindbad’s
A classic, downtown waterfront experience, this
boater-friendly Detroit
restaurant allows guests to dock and dine in comfort. For those who can’t tell
port from starboard, Sindbad’s restaurant and marina facility still works to create
a scenic backdrop. The menu boasts traditional American fare -- primarily seafood
and steak entrees.
Portofino Restaurant
Dine dockside on a spacious deck or enjoy a cocktail at the
patio Tiki bar. The most popular entrees are chicken fontina and the lake perch
(both $15.95) and ahi tuna ($17.95). Looking for a tempting after-dinner drink?
Try Portofino’s caramel oreo mudslide ($7). This versatile downtown Wyandotte
restaurant and banquet facility overlooking the Detroit River
is also a comedy club during the weekend, so there’s no need to stress over
post-dinner plans.
Captain’s Landing
Situated along the Clinton River,
Captain’s Landing offers lunch and dinner cruises aboard one of three river
ships — the Clinton, the Clinton Friendship and Captain Paul II. For those who
prefer to be landlocked, waterfront dining is always on the menu. The most popular
dishes include succulent lake perch ($15.95), tender Delmonico
steak ($17.95) and ribs and chicken prepared in the restaurant’s authentic
barbecue pit. After dinner, live music and dancing takes over, transforming the
restaurant into a swank nightspot.
Andiamo Detroit Riverfront
Located inside the Renaissance Center, the Detroit
location of the Andiamo family of restaurants offers a breathtaking view of the
Detroit River
and Windsor in
a classy, yet unpretentious atmosphere. Though Andiamo’s has earned a
reputation throughout the years for specializing in authentic Italian fare, the
restaurant’s selection of seafood, steaks and salads should not be overlooked.
Manga!
Crews Inn
Not just a clever name. Once the warm weather drifts in,
boaters follow and Crews Inn offers plenty of space to accommodate travelers by
land or lake. Located on the Clinton River, this modest restaurant offers a charming waterfront
view of Anchor Bay, creating the ultimate casual dining
experience. A surprisingly diverse menu features entrees ranging from lobster
tail and filet mignon to sandwiches and salads.
