lakeside bar and grill
🌊 Dinner at Lakeside Bar & Grille – Houghton Lake Vibes
Introduction
There’s something magical about Michigan summers, especially when you’re lucky enough to spend the day on the water. We had one of those rare, perfect days: blue skies, light breeze, and a pontoon boat packed with family, snacks, towels, and stories. We launched right off Houghton Lake, Michigan’s largest inland lake, and spent the afternoon slowly cruising the shoreline, soaking in the sun, and laughing with loved ones.
After a few hours of drifting, anchoring, and floating, the sun began to lower in the sky — and so did our energy. We were hungry. Not fancy-restaurant hungry. Beer-battered and fries on a picnic table by the water hungry.
That’s when we spotted Lakeside Bar & Grille, tucked next to the public boat launch. The smell of fried goodness floated on the breeze. The setting sun cast a golden shimmer across the water. And just like that, the decision was made.
Lakeside Bar & Grille Overview
Lakeside Bar & Grille isn’t the kind of place that screams for attention. It’s not flashy. There’s no gimmick. But what it does offer — and delivers incredibly well — is simple, honest food in a laid-back lakefront atmosphere.
The location is a dream. It’s directly adjacent to the public boat launch, which makes it a popular choice for boaters wrapping up a long day. Whether you’re docking a pontoon or pulling up in flip-flops from a rental cabin, the vibe is the same: come as you are.
The menu is classic American comfort food — baskets, burgers, pizzas, pastas, and a solid spread of seafood. While they’ve got indoor seating, most people opt for the outdoor picnic-style tables along the edge of the lake. On a day like we had, there’s really no other option.
Our Dinner Choices
Kellie went with the Beer Battered Cod Basket, and it was exactly what you’d hope for from a place like this. Thick, flakey pieces of cod were dipped in a light golden batter and fried until just crispy — not greasy, not soggy, just right. Served over a bed of fries and with a side of tartar sauce and lemon wedges, it was the kind of meal that feels both indulgent and totally deserved after a lake day.
I chose the Beer Battered Chicken Strips and Chips, and let me tell you, these weren’t your average frozen-tender reheat jobs. These were hand-dipped, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside strips of chicken, served with a ramekin of barbecue sauce and piping hot French fries. Paired with a tall iced tea (and the breeze off the lake), it was about as satisfying as it gets.
The portions were generous without being overwhelming. Each bite tasted like the kitchen actually cared. Nothing overly fancy — but exactly what you want in that moment.
Ambience and Outdoor Dining
Now let’s talk about what really sets Lakeside apart: the ambience. You don’t need a cloth napkin or a candle on the table when you’ve got Houghton Lake gently lapping the shoreline beside you.
As we sat at our outdoor table, we could see our pontoon tied off in the distance, a small Michigan flag fluttering at the back. Other families and groups lounged at nearby tables, laughing, sipping drinks, waving to boats as they drifted by. Kids darted along the grassy edge near the dock. The whole scene was so Michigan summer, it could’ve been a postcard.
Even the paper baskets and plastic cups felt right in context — no need to overdo it. The food was hot, the breeze was cool, and the setting sun turned the lake to liquid gold.
The restaurant smartly spaces out their outdoor tables, so while it was full, it never felt crowded. And they’ve clearly designed their layout with the lake in mind — nearly every table has a view.
A Day on the Pontoon
Of course, this meal hit especially well because of the day that came before it. We’d started early that morning, launching the family pontoon from the public ramp just a few steps from Lakeside Bar & Grille. It was one of those perfect boating days — no rush, no agenda, just drift and dock, cruise and chill.
We looped the lake slowly, watching other boaters fish, tube, and sunbathe. At one point we anchored near a sandbar, and everyone climbed in for a swim. The water was warm, the conversation light, and time seemed to slow down in the best way.
A cooler full of snacks kept us happy until the afternoon, when we decided to head back toward shore. That’s when the idea of Lakeside for dinner floated up — probably around the same time someone caught a whiff of fryer oil on the wind.
Pulling the pontoon up to the dock and seeing the restaurant just beyond it was a bit of serendipity. No need to drive. No need to change. Just dock, walk, and eat.
Local Vibe & Service
One of the things that always stands out about places like Lakeside is the small-town friendliness. From the moment we walked up to the patio, we were greeted with smiles — not the fake corporate kind, but the kind where the server seems genuinely happy to be there.
She pointed us toward a shaded table, brought waters right away, and gave honest answers about what dishes are most popular. (“The cod basket is a classic,” she said to Kellie. “If you’re in the mood for crispy chicken, the strips are legit.” She wasn’t wrong.)
Even with a full patio and a steady stream of boaters and vacationers, the staff never seemed rushed or stressed. There’s an ease to the way they move that mirrors the pace of the lake itself.
You’ll overhear locals catching up, visitors planning their next fishing day, and plenty of friendly Michigan small talk. It’s the kind of atmosphere that reminds you why you chose to come up north in the first place.
What to Try Next Time
As good as our meals were, we couldn’t help sneaking glances at the other dishes coming out of the kitchen. Here’s what’s on our radar for the next visit:
- Shrimp Basket – We saw this go by and both did a double take. Looked crispy, generous, and well seasoned.
- Trapper Burger – A towering thing of beauty with bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and their signature Trapper sauce.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza – Someone at the next table ordered it, and the sweet smell of BBQ sauce wafted our way.
- Steamed Blue Mussels – A bit of a wildcard, but if they’re as good as the beer battered fare, they might surprise us.
And let’s not forget dessert. The table behind us got a slice of cheesecake that looked straight out of a food magazine — rich, creamy, and dressed with chocolate drizzle and a cherry on top.
Tips for Visitors
Thinking about visiting Lakeside Bar & Grille? Here are a few quick tips based on our experience:
- Best Time to Go: Aim for the golden hour — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — when the lake lights up and the patio buzzes.
- Seating: Outdoor tables are first-come, first-served. If the patio’s full, put your name in and take a lakeside stroll while you wait.
- Parking: There’s a small lot out front and overflow near the public boat launch. Easy in, easy out.
- Dress Code: Totally casual. Bathing suits, flip-flops, sunhats — it’s all good here.
If you're coming off the water, it's a short walk from dock to table. Just make sure you toss on a dry shirt and maybe brush your hair if it’s gone full pontoon-wind-mode.
Final Thoughts
Some meals stand out because of the food. Others stand out because of the company, the view, or the memories wrapped around them. This one — dinner at Lakeside Bar & Grille — was all of those at once.
A day on the water, a meal on the shore, and a sunset that seemed to melt every worry away. The cod was crispy, the chicken tender, and the company even better. We’ll be back — for the food, the view, and maybe that shrimp basket.
📍 Lakeside Bar & Grille – Houghton Lake, MI
🍽️ Order: Beer Battered Cod Basket & Chicken Strips with Chips
☀️ Vibe: Casual, breezy, classic Michigan summer
Thanks for reading! If you’ve ever been to Lakeside or have your own favorite Houghton Lake dining spot, drop it in the comments. And don’t forget — always end a lake day with something fried and something cold.
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