Lake with a nice restaurant

[Hooksetter]

Does any body know of a decent lake with a nice restaurant on it? Other than Lobdell, Orion, or St. Clair. Preferably within an hour or so drive from I-96/US23 interchange. Any help would be appreciated.

Willie

[VinceR]

Hey Willie, I think there's an Oriental restaurant on Pontiac Lake (I know there used to be), and I seem to remember one on Belleville Lake.

[Langer]

I think there is a resturant on Wamplers as well.

[Bender]

It has been a couple years since I have been there but the Italian place on Belleville was pretty good.
I used to hang out at Bogey's on Walled Lake years ago, then it changed hands and subsequently closed, but now I hear it is reopening soon.
Or go to Woodland in Brighton and then head over to Stillwater, during the week there is plenty of parking behind Amer's for a truck and boat.

[Hooksetter]

Thanks for the replies. Does anyone know if Zukey Lake Tavern is right  on the water? Do they have dock space? I here the food is pretty good there.

Willie

[Bender]

Yes, yes, and yes. I forgot about that place. Actually it is just across a small road from the lake but they have their own docks. The only problem is that I hear it is difficult to launch there since there is only one private launch. 
I have only been there once to eat but it was good and the band was decent as well.

I know there is a place called Whitmore Lake Tavern, but I don't know if it is on the water. I plan on heading down there next time out so I will take a look.

[Toadfishn]

I think the docks across from Whitmore Lake Tavern are private, but you could always try. Although, Stillwater isn't right on the water (3-5min drive with traffic) it is a great place to eat. I'm not positive if it's accessible from the lake but Portage in Pinckney has a restaurant on the lake...Portage Yacht Club, I heard it was good food but I have personally never been there.

[Hooksetter]

Thanks again. It looks like Zukey Lake Tavern is the choice.

Willie

[fiker]

There is a launch on zukey lake that is at the zukey lake marina.  It has a daily fee but I don't know how much.

An alternative is to launch at the DNR site on Portage Lake, and travel up the chain to Zukey.  It is a long hike but not a bad way to spend the day.  I've never taken it the whole way to Zukey, but it takes me about 25 minutes to get to Strawberry lake with my 25 HP.

Be careful of depth changes in Zukey.  There are a lot of shallow spots. 

The Whitmore Lake Tavern is across the road from the lake.  There is a Marina across the lake and down a little bit.  But, I don't know if they allow you to park there while you walk down and eat at the Tavern.