4 Amazing Waterfront Restaurants in Lake Lanier
Last Updated on March 13, 2023 by Boatsetter Team
Lake Lanier is a hidden gem 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, Georgia. Between 692 miles of picturesque shoreline, hiking trails and campgrounds, and a lakeside Margaritaville waterpark, you and your family can have a great time staying active and outdoors when you visit Lake Lanier. We compiled a guide to the four best Lake Lanier restaurants on the water. Keep your adventure going when you dock and dine lakeside:
- LandShark Bar & Grill
- Paradise Beach Cantina
- Pelican Pete’s Tiki Bar & Grill
- The Twisted Oar
Explore Lake Lanier Boat Rentals— Rent, Dock, & Dine!
1. LandShark Bar & Grill Lake Lanier
LandShark Bar & Grill is one of a few Lake Lanier Margaritaville restaurants. With a sliver of sun-kissed beach to stretch out on and rolling views of Sunset Cove, LandShark Bar & Grill is an absolute must when you dock and dine on Lake Lanier.
Enjoy a taste of the lake when you start with Grouper Fingers, served with LandShark’s signature jalapeño tartar dipping sauce. For your entrée, we recommend the Fish Tacos, loaded with blackened mahi, fresh pico de gallo, and drizzled in a savory siracha mayo, or the LandShark Burger, drenched in the signature sauce.
Pro Tip: The beach is free! If you just want to dock, dine, and spend a little time under the sun, you don’t have to pay the waterpark fees.
- Address: 7541 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518
- Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30am – 9:00 pm
- Reservations: Not Available
- Type of Food: American Seafood
- Dockage Available: Yes
2. Paradise Beach Cantina
On the north side of the same island, you can cruise into a slip at Paradise Beach Cantina for a quick bite to eat on the water. The cantina serves a Mexican-inspired menu and is one of the waterpark island’s more laid-back locations.
Curb your cravings with a hearty serving of Nachos or fuel up with overflowing Steak Tacos or Chicken Empanadas.
- Address: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518
- Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30am – 9:00pm
- Reservations: Not Available
- Type of Food: Mexican-American
- Dockage Available: Yes
3. Pelican Pete’s Tiki Bar & Grill
If you want to get away from the waterpark attractions, sail across Lake Lanier to Pelican Pete’s Tiki Bar & Grill on the water. Tucked in the Port Royale Marina lies this floating tiki bar with expansive lake views, including breathtaking sunsets over the horizon.
Sit back and sip on a Mimi’s Mai Tai or a Coconut Mojito, signature cocktails loved by locals. If you want something light, we recommend the Drunken Mussels starter, served in a signature sweetwater 420 pale ale sauce. And for your entrée, you can’t go wrong with classic Fish & Chips!
Pro Tip: Pelican Pete’s is the place to go if you’re looking for lakeside dining with some live music. Check their online calendar to be sure since performances aren’t guaranteed daily.
- Address: 8800 Port Royale Dr, Gainesville, GA 30506
- Hours: Thu 4:00pm – 9:00pm, Fri – Sun 11:00am – 9:00pm
- Reservations: Not Available
- Type of Food: American Seafood
- Dockage Available: Yes
4. The Twisted Oar
The Twisted Oar is a laid-back lakefront restaurant with abundant outdoor seating and a classic Mexican-American menu. Just cruise into a slip at Holiday Marina and take a short stroll up the dock.
Between specialty pizzas, Cajun Fried Shrimp, a classic Reuben, fried cod Fish Tacos, and Fish & Chips, the Twisted Oar menu truly does have something for every appetite. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet with a sprinkle of nostalgia, try the Funnel Cake Fries for dessert!
Pro Tip: Fridays are for fresh fish and prime rib. So, if you’re interested in sinking your teeth into a signature savory meal, visit the Twisted Oar waterfront restaurant accordingly!
- Address: 6900 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518
- Hours: Sun – Thu 11:30am – 10:00pm, Fri – Sat 11:30am – 11:00pm
- Reservations: Not Available
- Type of Food: American Fare
- Dockage Available: Yes
Now that you know the best waterfront restaurants on Lake Lanier, you can make the most of your rustic time under the sun.
Make your visit to Lake Lanier, Georgia, unforgettable when you explore by boat. Book a boat rental with Boatsetter today! For more information on how to get started, click here.
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