By: Jonathan Szczepaniak | Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Journal | Published June 29, 2022
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — The changing Michigan weather shuts down boats and seasonal restaurants each year, but they’re all ready to set sail as summer kicks in.
Boaters and families can now enjoy their favorite establishments with a view that isn’t snow and ice, while they listen to live music and enjoy the rising temperatures.
In Harrison Township, waterfront restaurants are welcoming patrons back as boaters can once again dock at their favorite restaurants.
Restaurants at Macray Harbor (seasonal)
30675 N. River Road
(586) 468-1900
macray.com/restaurant
Featuring N42 Bar + Grille, Macray Harbor added an upstairs restaurant, The Helm, this year. It’s set to open on Father’s Day, and it brings a more elegant and intimate atmosphere, while also offering dinner with a view.
Menu items will include Great Lakes perch, lamb chops, and lobster ravioli. The Helm will also have a brunch menu on Sundays until 2 p.m. with chocolate banana bread, chorizo egg rolls, and stuffed French toast headlining the menu.
The N42 Bar + Grille showcased its revitalized outside area with a brand-new tiki bar for patrons to enjoy.
Live music and a DJ can be enjoyed on the weekends.
No docks will be available for boaters, as the restaurant can only be reached by land vehicles. Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Octopus’ Beer Garden (seasonal)
152 N. River Road
(586) 221-1531
octopusbeergarden.com
It goes with the name.
A tribute to the Beatles, Octopus’ Beer Garden provides a peaceful view of the water with extensive menu options. Flowers are positioned all around the restaurant for a unique and calm aesthetic.
The bestselling mahi-mahi tacos, along with various sandwiches and fresh seafood choices are just a few of the many items available.
“You can pair your Midwestern summer foods with your favorite Midwestern summer beers,” owner Chef Bob Halaas said.
Patrons can enjoy live music Tuesday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., while staying warm alongside the patio fire pits. A Paul McCartney tribute band will be playing from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 18 in celebration of the legendary musician’s 80th birthday.
Octopus’ Beer Garden offers 12 slips specifically for 30-foot boats.
Hours of operation: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday.
Bumpers Landing (year-round)
31970 N. River Road
(586) 630-0501
bumperslandingmi.com
One of the more dynamic restaurants in the area, Bumpers Landing has brought on its summer menu for the 2022 season. The appealing outdoor patio is perfect for watching baseball games on the tiki bar televisions.
Boaters have 26 docks to choose from with a couple hundred feet of seawall.
The menu features a classic American feel with their famous pizza, but creative burger options and the lobster sandwich offer a unique twist.
In the winter, Bumpers Landing offers more seasonal items such as pot pies and daily pot roast dinners.
Live music can be enjoyed Wednesday through Sunday starting at 6:30 p.m.
Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Crews Inn (year-round)
31988 N. River Road
(586) 463-8144
With an extensive wine list and prime rib, the menu speaks for itself.
Crews Inn offers both indoor and outdoor dining, with seating available at the tiki bar, as well.
The menu’s options include perch, crab cakes, clam chowder, and prime rib available Thursday through Saturday.
Patrons can enjoy live music on Thursdays beginning at 5 p.m., and on Sundays starting at 3 p.m.
Customer service is something manager Tom Moons said his team prides itself on.
“They can expect really good food and experience a really great dining experience,” Moons said. “Our service is something we really focus on, and our customers can expect that.”
Crews Inn offers eight slips for boaters.
Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.