Smith Mountain Lake Waterfront Dining Guide (2026)

At SML Insiders, we don’t  just write about waterfront dining—we live it. We’ve cruised, docked and tasted our way through all 20 of Smith Mountain Lake waterfront restaurants to bring you insider intel on cuisine, vibe, entertainment and must-try dishes, plus smart tips for navigating and docking.

Whether you’re a seasoned skipper or brand new to lake life, this resource delivers everything you need to dock and dine with ease. From casual bites to upscale meals with lake and mountain views, consider this your go-to guide for eating, drinking and boating like a local.

Bridgewater Plaza, just across from channel marker R28, serves up six budget-friendly dining spots in one lively lakefront hub. Ample day docks await at the mouth of the cove below the bridge, with a scenic boardwalk leading you to restaurants, shops, public restrooms and plenty of lakeside fun.

At Bridgewater Plaza, you can also indulge in homemade fudge at Gifts Ahoy, explore 100-plus varieties at the Beef Jerky Experience, grab a snack at Bridgewater Marina and sample moonshine at Roosters Rise-N-Shine Distillery.

Smith Mountain Lake Coffee House

Don’t miss the bright and cheerful SML Coffee House, which overlooks Bridgewater Marina. Relax on comfy sofas while enjoying coffee, tea, sandwiches and free wifi. Outdoor tables on the boardwalk veranda offer views of the lake, as well as rock climbing and sky-high trampoline bouncing activities. Grab breakfast, specialty sandwiches, salads or pastries to enjoy. Alternatively, order up some treats to go for an on-board picnic in a nearby secluded cove. We highly recommend the stuffed croissants!

Mango’s Bar and Grill

Mango’s is a favorite for lakeside dining and rockin’ live music on weekends. Prefer a quieter vibe? Stop by for lunch or a relaxed weekday dinner. Dine under sail-like sunshades or umbrella tables to keep cool and enjoy lake views from the outdoor bar. The menu features crowd-pleasers like burgers, salads, tacos and seafood—plus a few tasty treats just for pups. Mango’s is wheelchair accessible via a sloped walkway from the docks.

Moosie’s Restaurant

Moosie’s is a true SML institution. Snap a selfie with the giant, smiling moose mascot at the entrance, then dig into a wide variety of favorites, from stacked turkey sandwiches, baked ham and Swiss and a classic Reuben to burgers, salads, Nathan’s hot dogs, tacos and generously sized nachos. Be sure to save room for their signature New York cheesecake. A separate bar area provides a lively spot to grab a drink, while spacious seating and a solid children’s menu make Moosie’s an easy choice for casual family dining.

Cancun Bar & Grill

Transport yourself south of the border at Cancun Bar & Grill at Bridgewater Plaza, where the music, décor and food create an authentic Mexican ambiance. Enjoy margaritas in this lively setting, and don’t forget to grab one to-go that the skipper can kick back and enjoy once he’s gotten everyone safely back to home port. Indulge in sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, steak, chicken or steak tacos, chimis, burritos and quesadillas. This is Cancun’s second location at Smith Mountain Lake; you can also dine at their off-water restaurant at Westlake Corner.

If your hankerin’ is running toward crispy crust, melted cheese and toppings of choice, a stop at Pizza Pub may be just what the “dock-tor” ordered.  Enjoy a steaming hot pizza indoors or on the boardwalk deck overlooking Bridgewater Plaza’s quaint rooftop mini-golf course, Harbortown. Pizza is a surefire crowd-pleaser for your crew, be it lunch, dinner or a mid-cruise snack. Call ahead (540-721-1234) to have yours ready upon arrival, minimizing your time off the water.

Ice Cream Cottage

Choose from a wide range of frozen treats made with Hershey’s ice cream at the Ice Cream Cottage, located on the middle level of Bridgewater Plaza and overlooking the lake. This long-time SML favorite is only open from late spring through early fall.

Drifter’s

Drifter’s is renowned for its fun and relaxing atmosphere, delicious food, lively bar and lakeside live music. Find this dog- and family-friendly spot by turning into the cove that hosts Goodhue Boat Company, Eastlake (formerly Crystal Shores Marina), across from R27. Look for the large, unmistakable Drifter’s sign at the cove entrance.

With luck, one of the few slips or parallel docks lakeside of Drifter’s will be available (boats only, no PWCs allowed there). If not, circle around to the north and idle back into the marina where some transient docking is usually available.

Open only in season, you’ll also find a great selection of salads, tacos, wraps, quesadillas and nachos at Drifter’s. Gourmet burger lovers choose from an impressive lineup that includes the “Bedford Landings,” a half-pound prime beef patty topped with cheddar and bourbon-grilled bacon then drizzled with peanut butter and honey. Unforgettable!  

Portside Grill & Bar

Escape to Key West vibes at Portside Grill & Bar for a lively waterside experience complete with colorful characters.

Located at Virginia Dare Marina, this casual eatery offers a satisfying selection of favorites perfect for its open-air setting. Indulge in peel-and-eat shrimp, a half-pound Angus Beef Burger and top-notch wings in Chili Lime, Jerk and Carolina Gold flavors.

Pair your meal with a tasty margarita or an ice cold bucket of beer, and enjoy live music featuring local solo and duo acts as well as karaoke.

Free customer docking on refurbished docks is generally available at Portside, which is only open in warmer months. Saturdays are generally busiest, so Sundays are when you’ll find the locals noshing and quenching. Find Portside just northwest of Marker R21, along with Beacon Pub and the Virginia Dare cruise boat.

Beacon Pub

Beacon Pub is situated at Virginia Dare Marina near R21 and operates seasonally, opening in April and closing in November. It has ample transient slips suited to runabouts, tritoons and wake sports towboats. Rebuilt after a 2018 fire, the restaurant boasts a casual lake-themed décor and menu. Both indoor and outdoor seating provide nice lake views, and the restrooms are as clean as you’ll find.

Known as SML’s go-to for seafood, Beacon offers a range of land and sea options, including lobster roll, grouper BLT and shrimp tacos. Don’t miss Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, featuring enticing appetizers. Plus, enjoy a tasty breakfast every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon. 

Jake’s Place

Jake’s Place, named after the Gordon family’s beloved golden retriever, offers guest docks north of marker R28 (deep in the cove beyond Webster Marine Center). These docks are conveniently close to the covered dining porch and patio, which is shaded with thatched umbrellas.

The distinctive indoor bar serves up tasty bites and cold drinks, including a large selection of craft beers. Start your meal with tempting appetizers like wings, ahi tuna and peel-and-eat shrimp. Entrees include specialty burgers, tacos, sandwiches, pizza and salads.

Keep an eye on the restaurant’s Facebook page for comedy nights, beer dinners. and other special events.

Tiff’s Lakefront is a welcoming restaurant and bar at ground level of The Pointe at Mariners Landing, offering casually refined cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Operated by long-time lake restaurateur Tiffany Silva, Tiff’s invites guests to cruise in— just 10 minutes up Craddock Creek from channel marker C1 — to enjoy fresh California-inspired salads, seafood, sandwiches, pasta and more, all paired with an outstanding lake and mountain view.

Stable floating docks near the lakefront entrance, just beyond the pool area, make arrival a breeze. With approachable prices, extensive wine and whiskey selections, a creative cocktail menu, live music and game nights, Tiff’s is a favorite spot for locals and visitors to dock and dine. Check online for seasonal hours.

Mariners Marketplace: Smith Mountain Lake Starbucks

Adjacent to Tiff’s is Mariners Marketplace, a charming gift shop that goes well beyond souvenirs. Here, you’ll discover gourmet grab-and-go options, fresh produce and a selection of wines, beers and snacks to satisfy any craving. Plus, indulge in your favorite Starbucks beverages at the indoor café or on the lakefront patio with picturesque views.

Napoli by the Lake

Tie up at Bernard’s Landing and treat yourself to a meal at Napoli by the Lake. The sister restaurant of Napoli Cowboy (an off-water favorite with residents and visitors), this waterfront gem offers a casual, lake-lux atmosphere with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water. Shaded outside seating just off the separate bar area is perfect for enjoying inviting weather.

Enter the harbor through no-wake markers near R11 and find transient slips mainly to the left of the covered docks, with a few tie-up spots on the far right.

Napoli’s servers are attentive and friendly, offering up delectable starters like loaded tots, fried oysters and crab dip. There are several creative salads that can serve as meals, as well as entrees highlighting steak, chicken, seafood and pasta specialties. Be sure to check out the chef’s inventive daily specials.

Magnum Point Marina

Located near marker B37 on the peaceful Blackwater River, Magnum Point is a favorite among boaters seeking a relaxed, affordable dining experience. It’s about a 25-minute on-plane ride from markers B2, B4 and B6.

Docking is plentiful, but finger piers are wobbly with two or more people on them. Most dining is outdoors on a colorful, covered deck with heaters and clear panels for year-round comfort.

Trivia nights happen on Mondays and there’s live music some weekends. The menu includes sandwiches, wings, burgers, salads and pizzas — available for phone-ahead carry-out. Good food, a scenic ride and laid-back vibes make Magnum Point a great lake stop.

Coasters

You’ll find Coasters in the space formerly occupied by Los Amigos at Goodhue Boat Company, just off the Blackwater channel at marker B-10A.

Operated by the same crew as lake-favorite Drifter’s, this lively eatery offers American favorites with a seafood flair, two full bars, a dog-friendly lakeside patio and occasional live music. Come by car or boat as nearly 50 transient slips and wake-free floating docks make docking a breeze at Coasters.

Mitchell’s Restaurant and Lakeside Pizzeria

Located across from marker C3 on Craddock Creek, Mitchell’s serves up sizable portions of lunch and dinner favorites on a comfortable covered patio.

Choosing between fresh pizzas, wings, fish and chips and a variety of sandwiches, including a hearty Philly cheesesteak, can be tough. Crispy fries and onion rings complement the meal perfectly.

Hours vary by season, so check online to avoid tying up and finding the kitchen closed. On summer weekends, enjoy live music from local favorites like the Dock Wizards and Solacoustix.

The refurbished docks and finger piers are stable, but slips can get scarce during peak hours in the height of the season. However, it’s worth the wait for the family-friendly atmosphere and tasty food at Mitchell’s.

Sandy’s at Lumpkins

Tucked into a deep cove near channel marker B1, Sandy’s at Lumpkin’s Marina is a favorite for boaters and locals on the west end of the lake. Order at the window and enjoy hearty breakfast and lunch fare like blueberry pancakes and BBQ on the covered patio.

The Dock at SML

Open seasonally, The Dock at SML is near Vista Pointe on the south side of the lake, closest to channel marker R6. Grab quick bites like wings, mozzarella sticks or Hunt Brothers pizza, then relax at covered lakeside picnic tables—or opt for takeout or dockside pickup. The Dock offers 24/7 pay-at-the-pump gas and a dozen transient slips. Approach near Vista Pointe to avoid shallow areas.

Nautical Bowls is a health-focused spot specializing in acai bowls and smoothies made with fresh ingredients. It’s located a short walk up the hill from the dockside store at Marina 66, just south of Hales Ford Bridge at channel marker R28.

It’s a perfect stop for boaters and locals looking for a refreshing, nutritious option.

Have your fenders and lines ready for tie-up at the Marina 66 floaters as weekend traffic can produce heavy wake wash. Using a down-river slip will leave the gas docks open for those needing engine fuel.

Insider tip: The Marina 66 store also stocks ice cream treats.

In addition to nearly two dozen waterfront restaurants, Smith Mountain Lake boasts three unique floating eateries. Whether you’re craving a relaxing dinner cruise, a nostalgic ice cream treat or a quick bite on the go, these lake-based gems serve up something special.

Find out more about the SML Ice Cream Boat, SML Dawg House and Virginia Dare Cruise Boat.

SML Waterfront Restaurant Map (Google)

SML Waterfront Restaurant Map (Printable)