You’re never more than 6 miles from a freshwater source in Michigan, or more than 85 miles from a Great Lake. This access to clear, sparkling waters and gorgeous vistas almost makes the months of sunless winter worth it once the skies clear and we experience a few months of balmy days and cool nights.
Michigan is a haven for water sports of all kinds. It’s also a fantastic place to sip a cocktail dockside — or riverside, or from your own boat. From Downriver to northern Oakland and Macomb counties and everywhere in between, here are just a few of southeast Michigan’s many waterside watering holes.
Aurora on the Lake, Commerce Township
Spritz season is more a state of mind than a time of year. So long as the sun is shining and there’s a bit of warmth in the air, guests can enjoy an Aperol spritz on the expansive column-lined deck at this Italian restaurant on Union Lake. The massive restaurant has a large bar area, too, and a boat dock — soon to be one of several — so guests can pull right up for house-made pasta, cocktails, or a selection of Italian wines. The attached market also serves up a beautiful array of pastries, premade food, coffee, and wine bottles.
Anywhere on the Nautical Mile, St. Clair Shores
St. Clair Shores is one spot in Michigan where restaurants take full advantage of gorgeous lakefront views. From Nine Mile Road to just north of 10 Mile, Jefferson Avenue and each side street are dotted with waterfront restaurants and bars catering to the boating crowds during the summer, with the offseason being a little more sedate. Pick one: Mike’s on the Water, Zef’s Dockside Bar and Kitchen, Watermark Bar & Grille, Hook. Add a brightly colored fruity beverage and enjoy the views.
JP’s Waterfront, Gibraltar
Located in this Downriver town’s Humbug Marina, JP’s commands a stunning view of the Humbug Marsh, part of an international wildlife refuge that showcases the wetlands that once made up most of the Detroit riverfront. A massive double deck on the water has plenty of space for large groups to lounge on comfy couches or gather around tented tables.
Octopus’ Beer Garden, Mount Clemens
This whimsical, casual spot — which is literally on the river, as it floats on a barge — reopened on the Clinton River in 2025 after extensive renovations. It’s a bright and colorful spot that’s perfect for sitting back with friends and enjoying a canned cocktail or beer while watching the river flow lazily by.
Coriander and Sindbad’s, Detroit
Representing the old- and new-school cocktail havens in Detroit, Coriander Kitchen & Farm and Sindbad’s each boast a devoted following of guests who flock there during warm weather to enjoy cocktails in a relaxed setting. For more than 75 years, regulars at Sindbad’s have been popping corks to celebrate weddings, graduations, and milestone events. And Coriander has seen its share of canalside parties since it opened in 2021.
Boat Bar, Ortonville
Darts, keno, pool, sports on the giant-screen TVs. What more could you need from this unassuming neighborhood joint in northern Oakland County? How about a 1/3-pound butter burger, a killer Bloody Mary, and an even better view of Bald Eagle Lake at sunset?
This story originally appeared in the September 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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