Let’s be honest, food just tastes better when you go by boat and you can see the water from your table! Below are two options if you’d like to take the boat for lunch or dinner. There are also other restaurants in Alden and Elk Rapids, but the two on this page actually sit on the water and you dock right at the restaurant.
“Dockside” – Located where Clam River enters Torch Lake. Has a wide variety of sandwiches and other “bar food”. Check out their website/menu here.
To get there. – Take a right off the dock and head upstream into Torch Lake. Dockside is on the East side of the lake (right) about 1/3 of the way down the lake. The restaurant sits at the end of the Clam River where it enters Torch Lake. Look for the big blue roof. Always approach from 90 degree angle heading towards the restaurant. DO NOT CUT THE CORNER – There are large underwater boulders.
“Riverwalk Grill & Taproom” – Located on the Elk River in Elk Rapids. Has a variety of sandwiches and dinner options along with a large beer/wine menu. Check out their website/menu here
To get there: Take a left off the dock and head downstream. You will go into Lake Skegemog and take a right when you reach the end of the no-wake zone. Head through opening into Elk lake and proceed diagonally across the lake (Head for Elk Rapids on the GPS). The Riverwalk Grill will be on the right, before you head under the bridge. Watch the signs for docks used by restaurant customers.