Dining Guide: The Best Waterfront Restaurants on Lake Erie — The Islands

Stone House 1891 (seasonal)
Stellar Lake Erie views, great music and a friendly staff pair perfectly with a menu of wood-fired culinary selections using local island and regional farm ingredients whenever possible, as well as ice-cold Canadian craft beer, a selection of Ontario and international wines and specialty handmade cocktails. 1115 W. Shore Road, Pelee Island, Ontario, 519-724-1100

J.F. Walleye’s (seasonal)
Open May through September, this restaurant offers delicious drinks, pub grub, poolside fun and live entertainment. It also offers condo/villa and golf cart rentals, a gift shop and more. 1810 Fox Road, Middle Bass Island, Ohio, 419-285-2739

The Boardwalk (seasonal)
Home to the best Lobster Bisque outside of the East Coast, The Boardwalk is the ideal destination to get a slice of island life. Capture the ambiance of Put-in-Bay as magnificent waterfront views set the backdrop for casual family dining complete with mouthwatering seafood dishes, fabulous wine and martini selections and plenty of live music. 341 Bayview Ave., Put-in-Bay, Ohio, 419-285-3695

The Keys (seasonal)
Tropical decor sets the scene at this casual waterfront eatery and bar featuring an array of frozen drinks, crafted cocktails and an island-inspired menu complete with flavorful fish dishes, fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers and more. 227 Bayview Ave., Put-in-Bay, Ohio, 419-285-5397

Topsy Turvey’s Bar & Grill
Hang out on the deck overlooking the bay at this local hot spot — home to the island’s Cuban sandwich, Lake Erie perch dishes and the island’s best Brandy Alexander. Stop by the gift shop, rent a golf cart to cruise around the island or pick up some bait, marine supplies, snacks, beer or wine at the store. 361 Bayview Ave., Put-in-Bay, Ohio, 419-285-4511

The Casino Bar Restaurant & Dockage (seasonal)
From leisurely meals to the “casino royale” cocktail — a 20-ounce bloody Mary with celery, dill pickle, olives and tiger shrimp — this dining destination located in the heart of downtown Kelleys Island has it all. Share a plate of crab nachos, hush puppie shrimp or snow crab clusters or dive into a delicious clam po’boy, walleye or perch sandwich while soaking in the beauty of a Lake Erie waterfront sunset. Dockage also is available, with no reservations needed, as well as electrical hook-ups and 60 transient slips. 104 Division St., Kelleys Island, Ohio, 419-746-2773

Dockers Waterfront Bar and Restaurant (seasonal)
Welcome to the island’s finest docking and dining destination, where a menu designed to please every appetite, from snacks and full course meals to seafood grilled to perfection, can be enjoyed on the patio with an unparalleled waterfront view. Dockers also offers 115 slips, hourly and overnight docking, shower facilities, golf cart and bike rentals and a small gift shop. 114 W. Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island, Ohio, 419-746-2100

The Village Pump (seasonal)
The Village Pump has been the island’s destination watering hole for locals and visitors alike since 1983. Cool off with a Brandy Alexander or Storm Cloud or enjoy a palate-pleasing bowel of homemade lobster chowder, basket of walleye bites or plate of perch tacos. Don’t forget to pick up some Village Pump swag to gift to your favorite Lake Erie island lover. 103 W. Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island, Ohio, 419-746-2281

West Bay Bar and Restaurant (seasonal)
Dock and dine at this pet-friendly destination featuring indoor and outdoor dining, cornhole, volleyball and live entertainment. West Bay is the only Kelleys Island bar with a view of the sunset, so claim your spot on paradise and don’t miss the cannon that is set off every evening as the sun goes down. 1230 W. Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island, Ohio, 419-746-2597