For an unforgettable experience, just add water.
“Because water makes a difference,” said Marci Fogal, chair of the Blue Water Zone Visitors and Convention Bureau.
The Blue Water Zone is home to 140 miles of shoreline and waterfront communities like Clay Township, St. Clair, Marysville, Port Huron, Marine City and more. And all of those communities, from Lexington to Algonac, have waterfront dining, Fogal said.
She said water is a “huge convenience” for the region.
“You can smell this water, hear this water,” Fogal said. “It changes the whole atmosphere.”
Here are 23 places to dine on local shores, ranging from Lake Huron to the Pine River.
AJ salt docks
7493 River Road, Cottrellville Township
About: AJ’s Salt Docks is located south of Marine City on the St. Clair River. The American Pub Restaurant serves baskets of seafood, steaks, sandwiches, fresh salads and gourmet burgers from AJ. People can listen to live music there on weekends.
For information: (810) 765-2800 or facebook.com/saltdocks
Grill Flaming Algonac
1065 St. Clair River Parkway, Algonac
About: The Algonac Flaming Grill offers a view across the street of the St. Clair River. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and whether you’re craving seafood, chicken, or steak, the American restaurant has something on their menu for it.
For information: (810) 512-5184 and algonacflaminggrill.net
Andy’s wine bar
104 Water Street, Port Huron
About: The Andy’s wine bar, located in Desmond Landing at the mouth of the Black River reaches the St. Clair River, opened in September 2020. The bar promotes different varieties of wines and appetizers, including the Andy’s charcuterie platter, a caprese plate and a spinach and artichoke dip.
For information: [email protected] or andyswinebar.net
Grid by the Anita River
341 S. Water Street, Marine City
About: Located on the St Clair River in downtown Marine City, Anita’s Riverfront Grille offers waterfront views while enjoying American and Mexican cuisine in a family atmosphere. People can enjoy dinner and cocktails on its riverside deck while watching the freighters go by.
For information: (810) 765-7177 or anitasriverfrontgrille.com
Brown’s bar
6630 Middle Channel Drive, Harsens Island
About: A one-of-a-kind destination located on the Middle Channel off Harsens Island, people can travel to Brown’s Bar by boat or car for a meal, a cold drink and a memorable experience in a seaside setting. the water.
For information: (810) 748-3640 or brownsonharsens.com
CityFloats and grill in good weather
800, rue Militaire, Port Huron
About: Those looking for a waterfront experience in downtown Port Huron can find it at CityFlatsHotel, which is home to both CityFloats and Fair Weather Grill. Fair Weather Grill, open in good weather, sits on the banks of the Black River while CityFloats, a stationary floating barge, is installed there.
For information: (810) -985-2520 or cityflatshotel.com
Drifter Restaurant and Lounge
201 N. Riverside Avenue, Sainte-Claire
About: Located in the St. Clair Riverview Plaza, people can view the St. Clair River from Drifter’s Restaurant and Lounge, an American restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Outdoor seating and radiators are available.
For information: (810) 329-4913 or facebook.com/DriftersRestaurantandLounge
Cargo ships
800 Harker Street, Port Huron
About: Freighters is located at the north end of Port Huron on the St. Clair River near Lake Huron. A culinary destination overlooking the Blue Water Bridge, menus feature locally sourced options and seating options include a lounge with fireplace or the outdoor patio.
For information: (810) 941-6010, [email protected] or cargoersph.com
Guys
142 S. Water St., Marine City
About: A favorite with locals and visitors alike for big burgers, sandwiches, boombas and cold drinks, Gar’s can be found near the St. Clair River in Marine City. A small town bar with a big heart and a lot of fun.
For information: (810) 765-4692 or facebook.com/garsmarinecity
Junction buoy
1415 River Road, Marysville
About: Originally created in 1937 as Club Seaway, the now named Junction Buoy still sits on the St. Clair River in Marysville over 80 years later. The bar offers fresh Great Lakes fish, burgers and more, and its deck is great for watching freighters go by.
For information: (810) 364-5730 or junctionbuoy.com
Marine City Fish Company
240 S. Water St., Marine City
About: Located along the scenic St. Clair River in Marine City, Marine City Fish Company offers views of the water across the street. The seafood restaurant specializes in fresh local fish, homemade smoked ribs, smoked salmon, artisanal desserts and more.
For information: (810) 765-5477 or marinecityfishcompany.com
Pepper Joe’s
119, avenue Clinton, Sainte-Claire
About: Sitting on theOn the Pine River shore, Pepper Joe’s has served the area since 1998. Everything on the menu is made from scratch and people can enjoy a relaxing view of the river from the indoor and outdoor seating at the American Restaurant.
For information: (810) 326-1710 or pepperjoes.net
Port O Call
1999 Pointe Tremble Road, Algonac
About: Port O Call is an American restaurant and waterfront getaway experience within the Algonac Harbor Club Marina. The restaurant is open to the public and people can enjoy food and drink in its beautiful tiki bar with live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays.
For information: (810) 794-5515 or facebook.com/portocallahc
River crab
1337 River Road, Township of St. Clair
About: People who visit this seafood restaurant experience fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere by the water. After a day on the water, River Crab guests can moor their boat directly at the restaurant or St. Clair Boat Harbor and board a complimentary shuttle.
For information: (810) 329-2261, [email protected] or rivercrabbluewaterinn.com
Riviera Restaurant
475 S. Water Street, Marine City
About: Located just off the St. Clair River, guests of the Riviera Restaurant can eat a meal while enjoying the beautiful scenery of St. Clair County. For over 40 years, the restaurant has served the people of Marine City and the bar has served famous fish and chips, pizza, breakfast, Italian flavors and more.
For information: (810) 765-9030 or le-riv.com
Tap coffee
201 N. Riverside Ave., St. Clair
About: Located on the St. Clair Riverview Plaza across from the St. Clair River, the TAP Cafe opened in April and offers quick, casual fare like salads, muffins, pancakes, sliders and more.
For information: (810) 328-4551 or [email protected]
The anchor point bistro
201 N. Riverside Avenue, Sainte-Claire
About: Also located in the St. Clair Riverview Plaza, The Anchor Point Bistro opened in fall 2019 and is an artisan-style restaurant. It offers a variety of fresh, made-to-order items in a relaxed environment.
For information: (810) 637-8914 or [email protected]
The raft
7707 Dyke Road, Fair Haven
About: Founded in 1976, The Raft is a quaint bar and grill on the shore of Anchor Bay, on the west side of the Blue Water area. Home of the famous raft burger, it also offers The Raft’s house chili, Raft special chili, Raft snacks and sandwiches.
For information: (586) 725-9100 or theraftbar.com/site/
The traveler
525 S. Riverside Avenue, Sainte-Claire
About: Whether people come for lunch, dinner or a drink with friends, they will enjoy a breathtaking view as the cargo ships glide a few feet from the table. The guests inside also benefit from the view, thanks to the Voyageur’s large windows.
For information: (810) 329-3331 or [email protected]
Water of war brewery
201 N. Riverside Avenue, Sainte-Claire
About: Located on the St. Clair Riverview Plaza across from the St. Clair River, the War Water Brewery owes its name to the military struggles in the Great Lakes region from 1754 to 1814. Today the brewery offers a variety of beers and of sushi, tacos, bowls, shareable and wraps.
For information: (810) 289-3921 or [email protected]
Windjammer Bar & Grill
7420 Huron Avenue, Lexington
About: The Windjammer Bar and Grill offers a casual dining experience on the waterfront with views of Lexington Harbor and Marina on beautiful Lake Huron. The bar reopened in June and the menu focuses on steaks and fresh seafood, with a sushi bar expected to be added down the road.
For information: (810) 377-0927 or [email protected]
Wings Etc.
330 Quay Street, Port Huron
About: Located on the Black River in downtown Port Huron, Wings Etc. is a relaxed, family-friendly sports bar. The varied menu features award-winning Buffalo chicken wings, burgers, wraps, salads and over 40 bottled and draft beer options.
For information: (810) 479-9606 or [email protected]
Zebra Room
522 Quay Street, Port Huron
About: Zebra lounge & Bowl-O-Drome is a restaurant and bar on the Black River in downtown Port Huron. It offers an 18-lane bowling alley, trivia on Thursdays, daily specials and boat docks with ladders.
For information: (810) 984-5006 or [email protected]
Note: The Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce, St. Clair Chamber of Commerce, Marine City Area Chamber of Commerce and Clay Township Supervisor Artie Bryson contributed to this list.
Do you know of a company that should be added to this list? Let business reporter Bryce Airgood know by emailing [email protected] Follow her on Twitter @ bairgood123.
