This local watering hole is a transformed pole barn that is accessible via land or boat. A cool breeze from the river coasts in under the open rolling garage doors and live music is frequent. Guests can enjoy a selection of domestic cold beers by the bucket, and cocktails. Pizza, wings, and broasted chicken from Jim’s Galley — located just down the street — are also on hand.

This waterfront bar and grill is situated inside Humbug Marina and recently renovated its docks and extended its outdoor space. Guests can enjoy views of the river from the upper or lower patio, listen to live entertainment, select from weekly specials such as orders of duck tacos, Panko encrusted whitefish, and more.

This dockside restaurant offers American lunch and dinner fare ranging from burgers and crab cakes to salads and veggie pizza. Try the tasty signature coconut shrimp with orange marmalade sauce and a hint of horseradish, but understand that what customers really go for are the views of the Detroit River. Grab a seat next to the window, pull up in a boat, or enjoy the breeze from the spacious patio overlooking the water.

With sweeping views of the Detroit River and Windsor, this is the spot for a romantic date or a business lunch. The menu includes spicy tuna tartar and Instagram-worthy beverages. Alongside a colossal shrimp cocktail, king crab legs, and Maine lobster, Joe Muer features a raw bar and sushi.

Gaze at the Detroit and Windsor skyline from the 71st floor of the Ren Cen. Options like an oyster with horseradish granita, tequila-lime, tobacco, and cucumber and the wagyu beef tartare with smoked egg yolk and marrow toast — make this a celebratory spot for the big occasions. And don’t forget to pop a bottle from the large wine list, where bottles are kept in a temperature-controlled display.

The sunny, spacious canalside patio at Coriander Kitchen & Farm is a stellar spot to grab a bite and some drinks and enjoy the outdoors. Because of the restaurant’s close proximity to the Jefferson Chalmers waterways, diners can easily drive, bike, walk, or even paddle in. Enjoy a farm margarita on the spacious patio, and if there’s a wait guests can grab snacks from Coriander and other local provisions from their small market inside.

Arrive by boat or car to Watermark, which is located in Safe Harbor Jefferson Beach Marina. The year-round waterfront destination serves Greek fare, American pub grub, and surf-and-turf selections such as calamari, grilled octopus, lamb chops, pasta, pizza, and a Big Fat Greek Burger, topped with kasseri cheese and tzatziki. The outside deck includes a tiki bar and has seating for 125.

With its nautical aesthetic and ample space in the marina for boat docking, Mike’s on the Water in St. Clair Shores is popular with locals spending a day out near the Michigan Harbor Marina. Sip chilled cocktails in plastic cups on the lively waterfront patio or on the rooftop while filling up on its acclaimed lobster rolls.

Open year-round, this Harrison Township sports bar gets packed during Michigan’s boating season. Guests can pull up to a boat well and enjoy watching the activity on the Clinton River both inside the space and from their outdoor patio. The menu is packed with bar classics of burgers, nachos, and buckets of ice-cold domestic beer.

Take the ferry by car or boat up to this bar on the Middle Channel off of Harsen’s Island, which is open from noon to sunset. The menu offers everything from a big crunchy fish sandwich to poke tuna — served with greens, ginger, wakame, mango, wasabi cream, and sweet chili. Hurricanes are served by the bucket and come with one or two straws if you feel like sharing. It’s a burger and cold beer spot with docks that fill up quickly on sunny days.

What was previously an empty plot of land is now a thriving hotspot for boaters and those who enjoy views of the water paired with cajun broiled walleye, barbecue chicken flatbread, mojitos, and the Shark Bait — a fishbowl cocktail packed with rum, vodka, blue curacao, and blue candy fish. The 2,000-square-foot patio is covered, allowing for the views to be enjoyed rain or shine.