10 of the best waterfront restaurants to visit Labor Day weekend in Georgia

Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and take some time to relax, even if it’s just for a special meal. Whether you’re seeking a memorable dining experience along a river, lake or beach, we’ve highlighted 10 excellent waterfront restaurants around Georgia worth checking out.

Hop in your car (or boat), and make your way over to one of the restaurants below for an unforgettable meal with unbeatable waterfront views.

Canoe

Lush greenery and calm, soothing sounds of the Chattahoochee River are just some of the beautiful gems you’ll find at Canoe nestled in Atlanta’s Vinings neighborhood. Inducted into the Fine Dining Hall of Fame in 2005, for its one-of-a-kind waterfront setting and of course, its exquisite dining experience. Whether you’re planning to visit for brunch, lunch or dinner, you’ll quickly fall in love with this hidden city escape.

Location: Vinings - 4199 Paces Ferry Rd. SE; Website: canoeatl.com; Contact: 770-432-2663

Ray’s on the River

For another fine-dining experience along the Chattahoochee River, Ray’s on the River is a must for some award-winning steak and seafood. Ray’s has been a local staple with breathtaking views since 1984 and offers unbeatable food to pair with it such as the Delmonico Ribeye and Frutti di Mare. With plenty for guests to enjoy here from the scenic atmosphere to the delicious menu, they also have live music Thursdays through Saturdays.

Location: Sandy Springs - 6700 Powers Ferry Rd. NW; Website: raysrestaurants.com; Contact: 770-955-1187

Sunset Grille Lakeside Restaurant (Lake Allatoona)

Known as Lake Allatoona’s #1 restaurant destination, Sunset Grille is a casual spot to visit with friends and family after a day well spent at the lake. Their menu features loaded nachos, classic fish and chips, Nana’s Jerk Chicken and more. On the weekends they play live music that includes a perfect mix of Caribbean tunes and popular hits to keep you movin’ and groovin’.

Location: Woodstock, GA - 1001 Victoria Landing Dr. #1483; Website: sunsetgrillerestaurant.com; Contact: 770-874-0379

Skogie’s Lakefront Restaurant (Lake Lanier)

Homemade crab cakes, gumbo, famous grouper sandwiches and lakeside views? Skogie’s is the place to go for all of that and more located on the Gainesville Marina on Lake Lanier. With both indoor and outdoor seating (pets are welcome), games for kids, live music and all-you-can-eat brunch on Sundays, this is a great place for the whole family. P.S. - They will even deliver takeout to your docked boat on the marina!

Location: Gainesville, GA - 2151 Dawsonville Hwy.; Website: skogieslakefrontrestaurant.us; Contact: 678-450-1310

Fish ‘N Pig (Lake Tobesofkee)

If you’re spending the weekend in Macon and want some waterfront dining in the middle of Georgia, well Fish ‘N Pig at Lake Tobesofkee is just the spot. Fish ‘N Pig features an indoor dining room, full bar and a large patio deck seating overlooking the lake. Fresh seafood and hickory-smoked barbecue are some of their specialties as well as their Gator Bites if you want to try a unique appetizer. Check out their schedule for upcoming live music events.

Location: Macon, GA - 6420 Moseley Dixon Rd.; Website: fishnpig.com; Contact: 478-476-8837

Pelican Pete’s Tiki Bar and Grill (Lake Lanier)

Located at the Port Royale Marina in Lake Lanier, Pelican Pete’s is the area’s only floating tiki bar and restaurant. Being right on the water makes Pelican Pete’s a top destination with their tasty island drinks, tropical menu, water play place for kids and dock parking. Be sure to check out their calendar for upcoming live music events.

Location: Gainesville - 8800 Port Royale Dr.; Website: pelicanpetes.com; Contact: 770-887-5715 ext. 5

Fish Tales Lakeside Grille (Lake Lanier)

You’ll find Fish Tales over in Hideaway Bay Marina on Lake Lanier for waterside views, delicious seafood and refreshing cocktails. Make sure to try their famous Fish Tales appetizer (fried grouper fingers with homemade dill tartar sauce) and the Jerked Grouper with their spicy boom boom sauce for that extra kick. Take a look at their calendar to see who will be taking the stage next for some live tunes.

Location: Flowery Branch, GA - 6330 Mitchell St.; Website: fishtaleslakelanier.com; Contact: 770-967-3775

LandShark Bar and Grill (Lake Lanier)

If you’re planning on spending the weekend in Margaritaville (at Lake Lanier), LandShark Bar & Grill is a great spot for dining. Guests of all ages are sure to enjoy this lakefront paradise with classic dishes that include burgers, wings, seafood and shareable appetizers. Don’t forget about the signature cocktails like 5 O’Clock Somewhere, Pink Cadillac, Tranquil Waters and many more. Sit back, relax and watch the boats go by with a drink in hand while chillin’ in paradise.

Location: Buford, GA - 7541 Lanier Islands Pkwy.; Website: landsharkbarandgrill.com; Contact: 470-323-3473

Huey’s (Savannah, GA)

For those making a weekend trip to coastal Georgia, Huey’s in Savannah is a New Orleans-style restaurant with riverfront views that is worth a visit. Located in an old 1817 cotton warehouse, Huey’s opened back in 1987 and has been a river-side staple since. The restaurant serves up classic New Orleans cuisine with Crawfish Etouffee, Pasta Jambalaya, Oysters Norman, Shrimp Poboys and delectable Beignets.

Location: Savannah, GA - 115 E River St.; Website: hueysontheriver.net; Contact: 912-234-7385

The Deck Beach Bar and Kitchen (Tybee Island, GA)

Just a short drive from Savannah, we’ve made sure to include a beachside restaurant for those visiting the beautiful Tybee Island. The Deck Beach Bar and Kitchen is literally just steps away from the ocean and features a unique menu with a focus on cuisines from Australia, coastal Mexico and Hawaii. Whether you’re in the mood for street tacos or fish and chips, there’s an excellent variety of different foods and a fun selection of frozen drinks.

Location: Tybee Island, GA - 404 Butler Ave.; Website: thedecktybee.com; Contact: 912-328-5397