After a day blasting across the Silver Lake Sand Dunes or riding the waves of Lake Michigan, you might be ready to slow things down. Time to relax with a beer, grab some grub, and wind down the day listening to a local band crooning your favorite songs.
Our region offers a selection of casual dining spots serving American food favorites such as burgers, wings, and pizza. If you’re in the mood for something a little more elevated like pasta, steaks, or seafood, there are a plenty of places that will fit the bill.
We’ve assembled a list of local breweries, patio dining spots, live entertainment venues, other unique dining and beverage spots that provide the perfect combination of flavor and fun.
Golden Sands & Bucket Bar: Pizza, Golf & Patio Vibes
Golden Sands & Bucket Bar features the Beat Herb Crusted Pizza and Bread Bites that you are sure to love. Following a round on their par 4 course, dine on the patio while enjoying board games for the kids, a large chalk board wall, and even the driving range!
On Sunday nights throughout the summer months, they welcome you to sit back and relax or dance the night away to free live music from near and far. This family friendly event is held on the outdoor patio and is free of charge.
Lighthouse Bar & Grill: All-Day Dining & Silver Lake Pizza
Lighthouse Bar & Grill is located in the Hideaway Campground & Resort in Mears, this year they are excited to invite you to their new camp store and bigger and better Lighthouse Bar & Grill, now serving cocktails, wine, and beer.
Popular proprietors of the Lighthouse Concessions Food Truck at Silver Lake State Park, this new location will serve both dine-in and take-out food all day from breakfast in the morning, lunch to dinner and hand-tossed Silver Lake Pizza Factory pizzas in the evening.
The camp store is conveniently stocked with all the necessities while exploring Silver Lake.
Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill: Karaoke & Sunsets
Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill is the perfect place to end the day relaxing at their outdoor seating area where you can order from a full menu, including steaks, seafood, and salads, sit and visit with friends, enjoy the breeze, and watch some of the best sunsets in Michigan.
On Friday nights duners gather at Val Du Lakes in Silver Lake for karaoke and Saturday nights for live entertainment. Come share your own vocal stylings or just enjoy those that have the courage to give it a try.
Silver Lake Chicken Shack: Famous Wings & Live Music
Silver Lake Chicken Shack is known for the best-ever seasoned rotisserie chicken and wings! This family-friendly spot is right downtown in Silver Lake and features open-air seating and live music.
Summer brings an impressive live music line-up scheduled on weekends and holidays. So come try the “Best Wings Ever” while you kick back and enjoy some terrific music.
Michigan Base Camp: Coffee, Breakfast & Smoothies
Michigan Base Camp New this year in Mears, this seasonal spot is a coffee shop that serves both breakfast and lunch for 8:00 am to 3:00pm daily. Indulge in a fresh take on breakfast classics with the signature “to-go” waffle open-faced breakfast creations, perfect for fueling your day on the move.
Craving something savory? Dive into their selection of handmade baked goods, gourmet paninis, wraps, crisp salads, specialty drinks, and delicious smoothies.
Silver Scoops: Top Your Day Off with a Sweet Treat
What’s better than something sweet at the end of the day? Make your way to Silver Scoops Cafe & Creamery to try one of 20 flavors of hand dipped ice cream, premium soft serve, non-dairy dole whip. If you are looking for something more hearty, they also prepare gourmet sandwiches and other delicious food items.
Open Hearth Grille & Bar: Classic American Comfort
Open Hearth Grille & Bar in Mears is ready to serve up an all-American meal to fuel your adventures. Try their loaded potato skins, follow up with a French dip, and finish with their famous volcano cake. No worries, calories don’t count on vacation.
Fox Barn Winery: Wine, Cider & Live Music Fridays
Fox Barn Winery produces quality wines and ciders made from the fruits of their own orchards. Enjoy their unique setting within a restored antique barn in Shelby where you can enjoy wines and ‘Barn Bites’ on the outdoor patio.
They offer an excellent line up of musicians in the summer months with their Fridays at Fox’s live music series. Each Friday night between May & September enjoy live entertainment while you sip your favorite wine.
Big Hart Brewing Company: Local Flavors & Craft Brews
Big Hart Brewing Company is excited to introduce to you the beauty and bounty of the region with fresh local flavors and friendly service. They offer an eclectic mix of locally inspired cuisine, craft brews, and wines.
Their selection is sure to inspire Michigan wine connoisseurs and craft beer fans to keep coming back to Hart for more.
Pleasant Valley Farm & Vineyard: Michigan Wines & Tours
Pleasant Valley Farm & Vineyard presents 100% Michigan grown wines with delicious characteristics unique to west-central Michigan. Offerings range from interpretations of classic European favorites to 21st century offerings that move wine style into the future.
Pleasant Valley invites you to Hart to kick back, relax, and enjoy their wine tastings or a private vineyard tour.
Annabelle Acres Vineyard & Winery: Small-Batch Wine & Scenic Views
Annabelle Acres Vineyard & Winery was introduced on Mother’s Day weekend this year in Hart. It is a family-owned vineyard offering hand-crafted wines and stunning views.
Relax on the patio, where a ridge-to-ridge view unfolds over a serene pond and lush vineyard. Annabelle Acres specializes in cold-climate grape wines such as Itasca, Marquette, and Frontenac, along with historic Native American varieties like Catawba and Concord. These wines are made in small batches with care, from hand-crushing and fermenting to aging on-site.
Come taste the difference and experience the beauty and bounty of the vineyard!
Hart Commons Social District: Sipping, Shopping & Music
Hart Commons Social District Discover great food, a rich history, friendly people in Downtown Hart. Enjoy delicious Mexican food at La Fiesta and La Probadita.
Go sipping and shopping in their Social District and enjoy live music and other family-friendly events on Thursdays throughout the summer months overlooking Hart Lake at the Hart Commons Park.
Enjoy yard games and a craft market within the social district where you can stroll with your drink until 11:00 pm.
Plan Your Evening in Silver Lake, Hart & Mears
Whether you’re craving a family-style meal, a quiet glass of wine, or a night of live music and laughter, the Silver Lake Sand Dunes region has something to satisfy every appetite. After a day of outdoor fun, unwind with great food, cold drinks, and unforgettable views.
Check out our blog headline all of the live music opportunities this season: Live Music in Silver Lake
From patio dining to local breweries and seasonal live music, it’s easy to find your perfect spot to relax and recharge.