Lakefront and lake-view dining
- 2 hours ago
- 7 min read
By Mike Scott
More than 300 named lakes are scattered across Oakland County, which suggests that the number of lakefront restaurants with water views are plentiful.
The reality is that the opposite is true. In researching lakefront restaurants, the list of those that border or are within views of Oakland County lakes is surprisingly small. LAKE Magazine reached out to city clerks throughout the county for feedback, and the responses were in line with other research.
“You would think with all the lakes in Commerce Township, there would be more (than two restaurants with views), but I don't believe there are,” wrote Commerce Township Clerk Missy Creech.
“Unfortunately, Independence Township does not have any (direct) lakefront dining options,” according to the township’s deputy clerk Courtney Wahnefried.
“The only waterfront restaurant the township has is the 4th Tavern Lakehouse on Crescent Lake. It has become very popular, and the owner has approved plans to expand the waterfront options even more,” wrote Waterford Township Director of Development Services Jeffrey Polkowski.
One reason few Oakland County restaurants sit on a lake is the value of lakefront property. Based on property listings on sites like Realtor.com, many Oakland County lakefront homes range from $750,000 to $1.2 million in value. Zoning guidelines in local communities may also be a reason for fewer than expected options.
Some restaurants on this list have a partial view of a nearby or border lake while others are accessible by boat and even snowmobiles in the winter. Those restaurants we did find vary by food options, ambiance and price. Most have a “neighborhood lake” filled with live music, American fare, and are best known for burgers and beer.
Some, but not all of these restaurants, accept reservations or call-ahead seating, especially on warm weekend evenings.
4th Tavern Lake House
4th Tavern is a true waterfront restaurant situated along the shores of Crescent Lake in Waterford. It offers a relaxed “lake house” atmosphere with expansive views of the water. The menu focuses on elevated American classics, including steaks, seafood, burgers, pastas, and shareable appetizers, complemented by a full bar and popular brunch options.
Stepping inside of 4th Tavern Lake House and patrons will experience a lively yet polished environment featuring a large indoor dining space and a spacious outdoor patio that overlooks the Crescent Lake. Guests can even arrive by boat during warmer months. With direct lake access, 4th Tavern Lake House is one of the few true lakeside dining destination in Oakland County.
4710 Cooley Lake Road / Waterford Township 48327 / 248.622.4159
Aurora on the Lake
Aurora on the Lake is a lakefront expansion of the original restaurant, Aurora Italiana. It is an upscale Italian restaurant adjacent to Union Lake located near the border of Commerce Township and West Bloomfield. The location housed “It’s a Matter of Taste” for many years until undergoing an ownership change in 2023. Aurora on the Lake offers a blend of refined dining and scenic waterfront views.
Inspired by the relaxed elegance of coastal Italy, the restaurant features a welcoming interior with a spacious seasonal deck overlooking the lake. It serves classic Italian fare from fresh pastas, seafood, steaks to wood-fired pizzas that may be paired with a curated wine list and craft cocktails. The atmosphere is well-suited for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings, with flexible seating and event space available.
2323 Union Lake Road / Commerce Township 48382 / 248.360.6650
Beach Tiki Bar & Boil
The Beach Tiki Bar & Boil is a casual, waterfront restaurant located in downtown Walled Lake, situated on Walled Lake. The casual restaurant offers a beach-style atmosphere with scenic views of the water and a festive summer-time setting. Known for its seafood boils, fish tacos, shrimp dishes, and classic American bar fare, Beach Tiki Bar & Boil also offers an extensive drink selection, including dozens of beers on tap.
The environment is lively and relaxed, featuring outdoor seating, live entertainment on weekends, and a true tiki bar vibe that draws summer crowds. Direct seating along Walled Lake gives diners a true lakeside dining experience.
142 E Walled Lake Dr. / Walled Lake 48390 / 248.669.3322
The Boat Bar
The Boat Bar is a classic local bar and grill option located just outside the village of Ortonville with limited views of Bald Eagle Lake. Known for its casual, no-frills atmosphere, The Boat Bar serves classic American bar fare like burgers, traditional American sandwiches, and hearty comfort food alongside a full bar with beer, wine and craft cocktails.
The environment makes the restaurant feel more toward a neighborhood hangout, with the obvious regular customers enjoying often live music and a lively crowd. There is a relaxed, social setting with outdoor seating that encourages patrons to come dressed casually for a comfortable experience.
2000 S Ortonville Road / Ortonville 48462 / 248-627-4419
Crescent Lake Inn J&L
Crescent Lake Inn J & L is a lively bar and grill in Waterford, set along Crescent Lake. Like some other restaurants on this list, Crescent Lake Inn has a friendly, neighborhood hangout vibe and serves hearty American comfort food. The views are excellent as the building sits along the shoreline with good warm weather views and a frequent breeze to cool off patrons on hot, summer nights.
The menu is filled with an array of burgers, sandwiches, calzones, fish and shrimp dinners, nachos, and more similar items at competitive prices. There’s a full bar with regular live music some evenings and on weekends. Crescent Lake Inn is known for late night eats, casual drop-in dinners, or just a place for drinks with friends and neighbors.
4904 Elizabeth Lake Road / Waterford Township 48327 / 248.681.1468
Deer Lake Athletic Club
(Back Court Restaurant)
The Deer Lake Athletic Club operates a tennis, pickleball and racquet ball club with a gym, but is best known by some for its onsite Back Court Restaurant. The restaurant has partial views of Deer Lake a few hundred yards, and blends a classic club atmosphere with relaxed, family-friendly appeal.
The menu features American favorites like steaks, seafood, soups, pasta and comfort dishes, complemented by a full bar and occasional live entertainment. Inside, the space is warm and inviting, with rich wood finishes, and a cozy fireplace. An L-shaped bar is an option for casual diners or those looking to grab a quick drink. Non-members of Deer Lake Athletic Club are welcome.
6167 White Lake Road Suite 1, / Clarkston 48346 / 248.625.8686
Driftwood Bar & Grill
Driftwood Bar & Grill is a casual, waterfront bar and grill in Novi sitting right on the shore of Walled Lake. It has an upscale bar food menu with hearty burgers and sandwiches along with pricier meals like seafood pasta and lamb chops. There’s a full bar with craft beers, cocktails, and brunch on weekends.
Patrons can dine indoors or enjoy the relaxed outdoor deck on warm-weather days and nights with scenic, often sunset views. The atmosphere is laidback and social, with plenty of outdoor seating. It’s a place known for lunch, dinner, drinks, or brunch by the water for residents in and around Novi.
1103 E. Lake Drive / Novi 48377 / 248.668.9005
Harbor Steak House
Harbor Steak House is another situated among numerous lakes near the Keego Habor and Orchard Lake border. Some seats in the restaurant have a partial view of a canal connected to Cass Lake, but patrons are likely to find boaters headed there before or after a day on the lake in the summer.
The restaurant features a traditional American steakhouse menu with steaks, seafood, pasta, burgers, and a full bar. The interior has changed little over the past couple of decades, with an old-school lakeside ambiance. Harbor Steak House blends decades of history with a menu of many options. Its longevity and loyal following make it a staple for both longtime residents and newcomers.
3251 Orchard Lake Road / Keego Harbor 48320 / 248.682.0320
Lakeview Bar & Grill
Located across from Pavilion Shore Park on Walled Lake, Lakeview Bar & Grill lives up to its name with clear lake views, especially from its summertime patio seating. It’s atmosphere mirrors that of many restaurants on this list – casual, comfortable and classic. The interior vibe remains relaxed and unpretentious. Patrons often come with flip flops and sandals, given the clear lake views.
Lakeview Bar & Grill’s menu offers classic lakefront bar options like burgers, sandwiches, salads, and hearty entrees. Diners are likely to find what they want from an expansive beer and cocktail menu.
43393 W. 13 Mile Road / Novi 48377 / 248.624.2800
Prime 7 Bar & Restaurant
Lake views and fun food are the hallmarks of Prime 7 Bar & Restaurant, a casual bar and grill in Commerce Township with scenic views of Cooley Lake. The restaurant has a combined Italian-American food theme that blends classic American favorites with Italian-inspired dishes in a relaxed setting.
The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, steaks, salads, seafood, pasta, and more, alongside a full bar and weekly events like weekday happy hours and live entertainment. The interior is cozy and welcoming, with outdoor seating to enjoy nice weather for groups large and small.
8635 Cooley Lake Road / Commerce Township 48382 / 248.242.4772
Sprader’s on the Lake
There are few restaurants in Oakland County reachable by boat, but Sprader's On the Lake is one. It has long been a popular waterfront hangout in White Lake Township directly on the shores of Oxbow Lake, with a friendly, divebar vibe and scenic outdoor patio. There are great views of the water and the chance to dock a boat for those who want to grab a bite or drink.
The menu favors classic bar fare and snacks, paired with a solid selection of beers, cocktails, and fun weekly events like live music and karaoke. Indoor seating and a lakeside deck offer an array of seating. Sprader’s was significantly renovated a few years ago.
10070 Elizabeth Lake Road / White Lake 48386 / 248.698.4800
Waterside Social
Waterside Social is one of the more modern, waterfront restaurants on this list. It is located in downtown Lake Orion, directly on the lake itself. It’s setting is elevated with wide views of the lake with spacious indoor dining and a large, outdoor patio.
Known for its scratch-made menu, Waterside Social features a mix of American comfort food and creative dishes like house-made pastas, shareable appetizers, and handcrafted cocktails. Guests can arrive by boat, and even order takeout for their trek back out to the water. making it a standout lakeside destination. Check out the restaurant’s themed events, which often include cocktail-inspired outings for couples and groups alike.
256 S. Broadway Street / Lake Orion 48362 / 248.690.7021
White Lake Inn
White Lake Inn is a longstanding, casual waterfront restaurant and bar situated on White Lake within the township’s borders. There are parallels to Sprader’s in that it is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its relaxed lakeside vibe and scenic views of White Lake.
Pizza and burgers are the hallmark of White Lake Inn’s American-inspired menu with an array of other sandwiches, appetizers and lunch and dinner items. There’s an outdoor Tiki Bar on the deck and a dock for boats. Beach volleyball leagues bring in patrons on summer weekdays and live music is featured on weekends.
3955 Ormond Road / White Lake 48383 / 248.887.1818