Kayla Renie | MLive.com

Meals and appetizers available at Dockers restaurant located at 3505 Marina View Point, in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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BY AMY SHERMAN | asherma2@mlive.com and JOHN GONZALEZ | gonzo@mlive.com

Our search for Michigan's Best Waterfront Restaurant took us to beautiful Muskegon, and to three awesome spots for dining al fresco. If you haven't been to Muskegon, these are just a few ways to experience West Michigan's lakefront destination for yourself. If you have been, then you know why Muskegon is one of our favorite towns.

The great thing about waterfront dining in Muskegon is that there is a variety of settings to enjoy, and that you can arrive by boat, bike, or car.

These three destinations include a spot located right on the beach, next to Pere Marquette Park, which features over two and a half miles of picture perfect, powdery sand beach rimmed by deep blue water. Another spot is a popular party place for boaters, locals and tourists alike, and is easily accessed by boat from Muskegon Lake. Our last stop overlooks a marina, and is situated for awesome sunsets while you enjoy top notch food and drink.

Don't wait, as we all know summer is a pretty short window here in Michigan. These restaurants truly embrace the season, and are ready to welcome you with a great, Michigan's Best time.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

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The Deck

Located right on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, at The Ovals, next to Pere Marquette Park, The Deck has a downright gorgeous setting. A seasonal spot that is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, it is a fun spot for great beachside dining.

You can arrive by boat, and pull up in front of the restaurant. You'll have a short hike over the low lying dunes to get to The Deck. You can park out front and hop in, or walk over from your cottage or the beach.

Once there, you'll probably be seated outside, since outside seating is pretty much all they've got here. There's a nice sun shade you can dine under, if you've gotten a bit too much sun (is there such a thing in Michigan?). There are also super fun pontoon boat decks you can relax on.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

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The Deck

Start your visit off right by ordering up one of their signature cocktails. They have quite a few to choose from, with everything from frozen punches to boozy bombs.

Manager Kaylee Filip and our server, Madelyn Gleason, were happy to guide us through the drink selections, and steered us right.

The Trash Can Punch is an adult slushy, made from their own secret recipe. It's a fruit punch base, that certainly packs a punch. You get a big cup of this concoction for $10.

The Bloody Mary is totally on point here, and would be a contender for Michigan's Best. The house made mix is enhanced with their own BBQ seasoning, and comes out twangy with a hint of smokiness. Served in a mug with a handle, a nice touch if you need a bit of steadying. This beauty is $14, but on Sunday Funday you can enjoy them for $10.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

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The Deck

Now the great thing about a Bloody Mary is that it's usually close to a meal itself, and the one at The Deck fits this bill.

This one comes not only with a smoked rib, but also with a giant smoked stuffed jalapeno, that's fairly oozing deliciousness, filled with a rich pimento cheese. It's utterly fantastic. FYI, almost every Bloody Mary we've had in Muskegon features a stuffed jalapeno. Is this a regional speciality? Sounds like it to us.

Other popular drinks here include the Whiskey Smash, which has Jack Daniels whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup and fresh mint, and the Georgia Peach Martini, a heady concoction of Malibu coconut rum, vodka, peach schnapps and ginger ale.

The Deck also has a great selection of non-alcoholic drinks, try the refreshing strawberry lemonade.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

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The Deck

According to manager Kaylee Filip, "the weather has not been ideal this season." We feel ya. And while the spring has been chilly and wet, the summer is starting to blossom, and so is business at The Deck.

85% of their seats are outside, and on a nice day, there's really no place nicer to be. The restaurant employees about 60 employees every summer season, and they are ready to serve you 7 days a week.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

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The Deck

The restaurant has been open for 5 years, and is owned by Harris Hospitality, a group that also owns two other restaurants and an event space in Muskegon.

While they do not take reservations, you can call ahead 15 minutes before you are about to arrive, and they'll put your name on the wait list. We recommend this tactic, on a nice weekend day they can have a line-up out the door before they even open at 11 am.

Planning a party for a larger group? The Deck will reserve you their private dining room, which comes with it's very own deck to enjoy.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

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The Deck

They pride themselves on scratch cooking at The Deck, where most of the menu is home made. "One of my favorite things I get to say is that we make everything here," Filip said.

One of the popular starters are the crispy Thai brussels sprouts, a yummy little combo of crispy cooked, yet not mushy, sprouts that get dressed with a slightly sweet and hot sauce and topped with crunchy roasted peanuts.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

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The Deck

They are known for their BBQ here at The Deck, and have two Southern Pride smokers out front cooking it up daily.

If you are with a group of hungry friends, give the Dirty South Nachos a try. An entire 1/2 sheet pan is loaded with sweet potato waffle fries, tender pulled pork, cheddar cheese, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, a fresh mango salsa, and served with a honey mustard sauce on the side. It's huge, and unique.

We also highly recommend the Queso dip. Filip told us that she thought is was "the best queso in the world," so of course, we took up the challenge. It's really good, creamy, with a great flavor and consistency. My notes say "I'd put this stuff on everything."

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

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The Deck

It's truly a gathering place for everyone, while we dined we saw families, business groups, tourists right off the beach, and some very fantastic ladies who lunch.

Special thanks to these beautiful guests, who took time out of their meal to say hello, and let us know that they love reading the Muskegon Chronicle.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

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While the menu is pretty diverse, from salads to sandwiches, to tacos and beach bowls, the main thing here is the BBQ.

You can enjoy it in appetizers and in sandwiches, but the way to go is to either get a "meat and three" or to go for broke and get the "smokehouse sampler".

The sampler is a massive platter, that could easily feed 3 or 4 people. It comes with chopped brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey breast, a 1/2 rack of ribs, plus three sides, a fresh slice of watermelon, a sweet roll, and house made pickles. The meats all get a rub down with special spices, spend some time in the smoker, and come out unadorned, so you can add sauce if you wish.

The list of sides is long, so good luck getting it down to just three. Mac and cheese, pit beans, beach slaw with a raspberry vinaigrette, creamy cole slaw, cornbread, kettle chips, sweet potato fries, deck fries, strawberries, corn on the cob, cucumber tomato salad, beans with chips and cheese, or cilantro lime rice.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

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IF YOU GO:

The Deck

1601 Beach St

Muskegon, Michigan 49441

(231) 755-5022

Monday

11am - 10pm

Tuesday

11am - 10pm

Wednesday

11am - 10pm

Thursday

11am - 10pm

Friday

11am - 11pm

Saturday

12pm - 11am

Sunday

12pm - 7pm

Check out their summer schedule of live music here.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

Bruno the shark at Dockers restaurant located at 3505 Marina View Point, in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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Dockers

Tucked down a little cul-de-sac just a block or two from the beach, Dockers Fishhouse is located in Harbor Town Marina, overlooking Muskegon Lake, right off of the Muskegon Channel. This is one big place, with about 500 seats total, inside and out.

It's a place with a "little bit of everything," according to manager James Curtis.

You can arrive by boat, which would be pretty perfect. Harbor Town is a deep water marina, so they can handle some big boats, and Dockers has room for about 35-50 boats (depending on size). Boats can pull up, and deck hands are on hand to help you dock. There is no charge for docking as long as you are planning on joining the party at Dockers.

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

The crew, plus Bruno, at Dockers in Muskegon.

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Dockers

The restaurant is seasonal, and is open mid-May through September. They do open in the spring, to host two special buffets, on Easter and Mother's Day.

Owners Jennifer and Andrew Harris are hands on, and with the help of recent hire James Curtis as the general manager, run a nice tight ship. The business hires about 50 employees each summer.

During your visit, please be sure to say hi to Bruno the Shark, he lives out on the deck, and is a favorite buddy for pictures.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

Crab stuffed poppers available at Dockers restaurant located at 3505 Marina View Point, in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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Dockers

We kicked off our visit with one heck of a plate of Spicy Crab Poppers. Remember, stuffed jalapenos are thing in Muskegon. These are seriously above and beyond your normal frozen deep fried poppers. These beauties come out roasted nice and tender, then over stuffed with a creamy cheddar and crab spread. When I say crab, I mean CRAB. No K-R-A-B here, and there is a lot of it stuffed in these guys. A quick trip under the broiler means lovely caramelization for you. Served with three mustard cream sauce, be sure to order them.

Another popular appetizer is the Dockers Nachos, which you can order with a variety of toppings. Pro tip: when you see lobster fondue as an option, you go for it. The housemade queso sauce comes loaded with the decadent crustacean, which is poured over crispy chips, and topped with fresh lettuce and pico de gallo.

Dockers Chef Alex Tripp does an excellent job taking classic pub offerings, and elevating them to the next level. He's been with Dockers for 8 years, and is starting his 2nd season as executive chef. "I like being creative and I love seafood," Chef Trip said. "Plus, I get to come out of the kitchen and see everyone having a good time, along with this view."

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

Frozen fruit sangria at Dockers restaurant located at 3505 Marina View Point, in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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Dockers

Of course, they have some great drinks at Dockers. They even have a great happy to enjoy them during. Monday through Thursday from 3-6pm enjoy 1$ off Proverb Wines, 7$ margaritas and sangrias, and $1 off of well drinks.

The Bloody Mary here is extremely popular, especially on weekends. It's an enhanced mix, that has a nice hint of Old Bay and garlic. The drink comes loaded with pickles, olives, a stuffed jalapeno (surprise!) and two big cocktail shrimp. On the side, you get the cutest little 7oz Corona bottle as your snit. A meal and a drink for $14, on Sundays they are $12.

On a hot day, the house made frozen sangria would totally hit the spot, with it's fresh fruit flavor that's not too sweet, but very, very cold. It's on tap all the time, and comes in a keepsake, color changing cup for just $10.

They make a signature house-infused blackberry vodka that can be combined with any mixer to create your own drink. It's absolutely lovely, with bright fruit notes. Combined with club soda and a lime, and you have one great drink.

Dockers creates new seasonal drinks every summer, so even if you've been here before there is always something new to try.

The aptly named So Fresh and So Green is a beautifully flavored drink, with clean cucumber, bright lime and subtle hints of elderflower all enhanced with a spruce gin from Rogue. Delicious.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

The seared scallops at Dockers restaurant located at 3505 Marina View Point, in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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Dockers

Scallops come out nicely seared, and served with crunchy risotto balls for a nice contrast in textures. Fresh, nutty arugula greens, and a nicely acidic grapefruit puree add big flavor, while the "coral" garnish adds a bit of oceanic whimsy.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

Meals and appetizers available at Dockers restaurant located at 3505 Marina View Point, in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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Dockers

If you come with a group of friends that love seafood, you must get The Feast. It can easily feed four, so the $75 price really isn't too bad. This is what dockside eating is all about, fun, communal and tasty.

I was so covered with butter by the time we got done that I only wrote down one grease stained word: insanity.

From what I remember from my feeding frenzy, a huge platter arrived to the table covered with mussels, crayfish, snow crab claws, shrimp, seasonal vegetables, and tiny baby potatoes. All of it doused in a flavorful butter sauce. And those potatoes are the perfect system to soak it all up and deliver it directly to your mouth.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

Meals and appetizers available at Dockers restaurant located at 3505 Marina View Point, in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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Dockers

Obviously, seafood is a speciality at Dockers. The lobster roll is a signature item, and a top notch version for sure.

The key to a good one is plenty of lobster, heaps and heaps of lobster, very lightly dressed in mayo, just enough to barely hold it together. An addition of a bit of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon to compliment the lobster is welcome, and the whole mess should be stuffed into a lightly toasted split top bun.

Dockers nails this sandwich.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

A view outside Dockers restaurant located at 3505 Marina View Point, in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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Dockers

In addition to the great food, we love how Dockers has spaces for everyone.

Enter the restaurant, and enjoy an indoor bar, and quiet dining. Head out to the side patio and enjoy the sun out of the breeze, with another quiet spot to drink and eat. Want to just dip your toes in the party? Sit under the awning, located half way between quiet space and the raucous party happening on the multi level deck. That deck can get pretty packed and crazy on the weekends, with live music and plenty of fun.

There is a private dining area that seats 30 for smaller parties, call ahead to reserve.

Otherwise, no reservations here. Just show up ready for a great time.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

A view inside Dockers restaurant located at 3505 Marina View Point, in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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IF YOU GO:

Dockers Fishhouse

3505 Marina View Pt

Muskegon, Michigan 49441



(231) 755-0400

Tuesday - Thursday11:00am - 9:00pm



Friday11:00am - 10:00pm



Saturday12:00pm - 10:00pm

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Amy Sherman | MLive.com

Another great group of MLive.com and Muskegon Chronicle readers joined us at Dockers. We appreciate your support.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

A view outside the Lake House restaurant located at 730 Terrace Point Dr., in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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The Lake House

Located just blocks from downtown, on 4400 acre Muskegon Lake, The Lake House offers marina side dining, that is casually elegant, with a professional, yet welcoming vibe.

The setting is lovely, with a beautiful patio, plus a deck that runs the length of the restaurant right along the water, where you can gaze upon some pretty nice boats. Inside is equally nice, with large windows to gaze through. You can also catch a fantastic sunset right from your seat, inside or out.

After purchasing the 23 acre property in 2009, owner Jon Rooks spent a full year renovating. They reopened in 2010, and quickly had a full house. They seat about 100 inside, and 130 outside, with 138 feet of frontage.

On the property, in addition to the restaurant and the marina, there is also a banquet center, a clubhouse, and a hotel. You could totally come here and stay all weekend.

The restaurant is open year round. If you arrive by boat, it is first come, first served. There is no charge to dock if you are enjoying the restaurant, and there are usually dock hands on deck to help you dock.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

Drinks available at the Lake House restaurant located at 730 Terrace Point Dr., in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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The Lake House

There is everything right about the Boater's Bloody here. It arrives to your table, dripping with condensation, and bright with a house made mix that has a nice heat, and a bit of celery. Boosted with Tito's Vodka, and enhanced with a lovely Cajun spice rim, it is perfectly complimented by a Stella Artois snit. There's a nice little selection of meat and cheese to much on while you enjoy it.

The French Rosemary Martini is fruity, without being too sweet. It has a nice nuance to it, with botanicals from Bombay gin playing off of grapefruit and cranberry juice, as well as St. Germain liquor. Served straight up, you'll feel very sophisticated as you sip it, waterside, and gaze upon your water yacht (or just enjoy someone else's).

Owner Jon Rooks is a big fan of big wines, and one of the cool things you can enjoy at The Lake House is glass pours of some pretty nice wines. This might be your chance to try something new and amazing. Maybe a red, preferably paired with the beautiful ribeye steak that comes out with roasted garlic, onions and mushrooms.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

Meals and appetizers available at Lake House restaurant located at 730 Terrace Point Dr., in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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The Lake House

Chef Jaime Knudson and staff pride themselves on making everything from scratch here. He, and many of his crew, attended The Culinary Institute of Michigan at Baker College in Muskegon.

During the summer, The Lake House offers lots of seasonal specials.

Pictured above is the Seafood Gumbo, which tastes very similar to a Manhattan Chowder, with a rich tomato base.

The fish tacos are delicious, with an Oberon beer batter that's nice and crispy, surrounding a Hawaiian Barramundi filet. The restaurant has a direct connection to fishermen in Hawaii, and they receive shipments of fresh fish weekly. The quality is awesome.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

A view inside the Lake House restaurant located at 730 Terrace Point Dr., in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

The staff of Lake House restaurant pose for a photo, in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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The Lake House

We just can't say enough about the amazing, professional service at The Lake House. It is warm and welcoming, while being right on the money.

Many of the servers have gone through professional beverage training, and their knowledge shines through. This is not a place where you will ask for a beer list and hope for the best, this is the place where the servers most likely will ask you what do you usually like, what are you ordering, and how can I help you find the right beer or wine.

We absolutely loved our server Brittany Perez, she couldn't have done a better job guiding us through the menu, helping us pick out appropriate drinks, all while sharing The Lake House story, and making sure we were having a great time. We salute you Brittany, for a job well done.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

Meals and appetizers available at Lake House restaurant located at 730 Terrace Point Dr., in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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The Lake House

The Martha's Vineyard Salad is not just beautiful to look at, it is also absolutely lovely to eat. Whoever claimed "you don't make friends with salad" (and we are looking at you Homer Simpson), is completely misguided.

This salad has been on the menu since the start, and remains a perennial favorite. Mixed greens are tossed with a very fresh, fruity and bright berry balsamic vinaigrette, that hugs the leaves in a shining embrace. Add in a plethora of toppings, including goat cheese, crunchy Granny Smith apples, sweet golden raisins, nutty cashews, candied pecans, and sharp raw red onions, and this salad is about to make you the most popular one at your table.

Take that, Homey.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

Meals and appetizers available at Lake House restaurant located at 730 Terrace Point Dr., in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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The Lake House

There is a nice focus on fish and seafood here. Another offering that features fish flown in direct several times a week is the Tuna Poke Bowl. It's an interesting, unique offering, one that is loaded with fresh toppings. Marinated, fresh, raw tuna, gets a glaze of eel sauce. Placed on top of sticky rice, it is joined by creamy avocado, crunchy cuke slaw, pickled red onion, and a sweet mango aioli. Get down and dirty and just use those chopsticks to scoop it all up, directly into your tummy.

This is one of The Lake House's Pour Bowl offerings, meals that are on the healthy side that are still super healthy.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

Meals and appetizers available at Lake House restaurant located at 730 Terrace Point Dr., in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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The Lake House

Shown are the shrimp cocktail, which features large, fresh, firm shrimp nestled on an ice bed in a cute sundae dish. Sharp cocktail sauce and fresh lemon accompany it. It's simple, classic and exactly what it should be.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

Meals and appetizers available at Lake House restaurant located at 730 Terrace Point Dr., in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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The Lake House

Entrees are elegantly presented, and generously portioned.

The Whitefish Plank comes out, well, planked. Served sizzling hot on that plank, the super fresh whitefish is flakey and tender, and best of all, surrounded by one of the greatest of the potato dishes, duchess potatoes. This means well seasoned mashers, piped out in pretty lines, topped with paprika, and broiled to a crispy exterior. Just try to resist them. Add on some fresh vegetables, and a beurre blanc sauce, and you are in fish heaven.

That ribeye steak comes with herb parmesan potatoes (also great) and a cabernet demi glace, because you really needed something extra with this one. Dig in.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

Dessert available at Lake House restaurant located at 730 Terrace Point Dr., in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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The Lake House

Save room for dessert at The Lake House. In addition to some of the best gelato in Michigan (or anywhere else for that matter) from Palazzolo's, you can also enjoy some pretty great plated desserts.

The S'more Cheesecake, pictured above, features chocolate cheesecake nestled on a graham cracker crust, with a burnt marshmallow topping. It's everything you'd want in a cheesecake, but might not be available when you go, because they change the cheesecake every day.

The Melting Sphere allows a little bit of magic to happen at your table. Once you crack through the chocolate shell, a layered concoction of strawberry mousse, chocolate cake, and vanilla creme anglaise awaits you.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

Owner of the Lake House restaurant John Rooks poses for a photo, in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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IF YOU GO:

The Lake House Waterfront Grille

730 Terrace Point Road

Muskegon, Michigan 49440



(231) 722-4461

Mon - Thu 11am - 11pm, kitchen closes at 10pm

Fri - 11am-midnight, kitchen closes at 11pm

Sat - 10am-midnight, kitchen closes at 11pm

Sun - 10am-11pm, kitchen closes at 10pm

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

John Gonzales and Amy Sherman sample the food at Lake House restaurant located at 730 Terrace Point Dr., in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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Want to know what’s happening behind the scenes at Michigan's Best? We are always posting videos, photos and more on our Social Media channels.

Here's how to find us:

@mlivemibest on Twitter

@mlivemibest on Instagram

Also, be sure to follow our new MI Best Facebook Page, which you can check out here.

In addition:

Amy Sherman is on Twitter @amyonthetrail, as well as Facebook and Instagram @amyonthetrail.

John Gonzalez is on Twitter @michigangonzo, as well as Facebook and Instagram @MichiganGonzo.

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Kayla Renie | MLive.com

John Gonzales and Amy Sherman taste the lobster available at Dockers restaurant located at 3505 Marina View Point, in Muskegon on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Kayla Renie | MLive.com

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More Michigan's Best Waterfront Restaurant:

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Over 120 nominees for Michigan's Best Waterfront Restaurant