When people talk about Lake Lanier in Georgia, they often think boat rides, dock parties, and summer sunshine, but the lake’s bar and cocktail scene deserves praise too. Scenic, breezy, and full of laid-back charm, the lakeside venues around Lake Lanier are perfect for a drink with a view. Whether you’re pulling in by boat or arriving by car, you’ll find plenty of spots where the drink menu pairs beautifully with the water, the sunset, and good company. Below are four top picks around the lake where the cocktails flow, the views are steady, and the vibe is unmistakably lake life.
Pelican Pete’s Tiki Bar & Grill
If you’re looking for a fun, tropical waterside experience, head to Pelican Pete’s Tiki Bar & Grill at Port Royale Marina in Gainesville. This spot boasts the only floating tiki bar on Lake Lanier, complete with a thatched roof, lake views, live music, and a full bar. The drink list leans into tropical fun: frozen cocktails, fruity mixes, and plenty of good spirits while the setting keeps things relaxed. You can pull up by boat, park on land, and end up with a cold drink and a front-row seat to the water.
Fish Tales Lakeside Grille
For a more casual but still waterfront vibe, check out Fish Tales Lakeside Grille located within Hideaway Bay Marina in Flowery Branch. This full-bar establishment offers a wide drink menu, a dockside location, and an atmosphere that blends scenic dining with laid-back lakeside energy. You can pull your boat right up or drive in, sip something refreshing, soak in the marina ambiance, and enjoy live music on some weekends. The combination of good drinks, open-air seating, and lake access makes it a strong contender for a relaxed afternoon or evening. Famous for their Fish Tales all over Lake Lanier! Fried, flaky fish finger with their homemade fresh dill tartar sauce. So delicious!
Pig Tales on Lake Lanier
If your perfect lake day starts with a cold drink in hand and sunshine on the patio, Pig Tales at Aqualand Marina is an easy go-to. This seasonal, open-air hangout pairs local beers on draft and frozen cocktails with wide-open views of the south side of Lake Lanier. The atmosphere is relaxed and come-as-you-are, making it a natural stop whether you’re cruising in by boat or rolling up with a crowd. While the drinks set the tone, the food seals the deal. Pig Tales is known for its house-smoked barbecue and comfort staples like brisket Philly sandwiches, pork nachos, burgers, and wings. Add a pet-friendly, covered patio and the lively marina backdrop, and you’ve got a go-to spot that feels unmistakably “lake life.” It’s even earned a feature on the Travel Channel’s Food Paradise, yet still holds onto its down-to-earth charm.
Skogie’s Lakefront Restaurant
Skogie’s at Gainesville Marina brings an easygoing, Southern-lakeside vibe to the water, making it a great weekend stop for anyone wanting to relax with a refreshing drink while enjoying live entertainment. The covered patio overlooks the marina, offering a comfortable spot to unwind with a beer, cocktail, or frozen favorite while boats pull into the courtesy slips below. Known for its made-to-order Southern staples (check out the hand-battered seafood, Black Angus burgers, or their popular grouper sandwich), Skogie’s pairs classic comfort food with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. With pet-friendly outdoor seating and dockside access, it’s a laid-back place to sip, snack, and enjoy the lakeside rhythm.
The Twisted Oar
Lively, music-friendly, and right on the water, The Twisted Oar at Holiday Marina in Buford hits the sweet spot for anyone who wants both a view and a vibe. With over 20 beers on draft, a full cocktail menu, and signature mixed drinks, it’s a favorite for those who appreciate a well-stocked bar. Add live entertainment, outdoor seating overlooking the marina, and a menu featuring seafood and steak, and you’ve got more than just a place for a drink...you’ve got a destination. Whether you arrive by boat or car, you’ll find a table, a cold glass in hand, and the lake as your backdrop.
LandShark Bar & Grill at Lanier Islands
LandShark Bar & Grill brings a full-on coastal party vibe to Lake Lanier: bright, beachy, and unmistakably Margaritaville. This is the spot for anyone who wants fun over quiet, thanks to a long list of playful margaritas, tropical sips, souvenir blender cups, and beers that fit right into the island theme. The energy here leans upbeat, especially on weekends when visitors spill in from the surrounding Lanier Islands attractions. Pair your drink with tacos, shrimp baskets, or burgers, or swing by for their weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas. With year-round events, live entertainment, and a setting made for unwinding, LandShark brings a little Margaritaville energy straight to Lake Lanier.
Cheers to Locating Your Lake-View Sip
Whether you’re chasing a tiki-bar moment, a Southern-lakeside hangout, or a full-on island-style escape, Lake Lanier has a spot for every kind of drinker. Pelican Pete’s brings the floating, tropical fun; Fish Tales keeps things easygoing with classic waterfront charm; Pig Tales leans into barbecue-and-a-beer relaxation; Skogie’s mixes Southern comfort with marina views; The Twisted Oar offers lively energy with plenty on tap; and LandShark turns your afternoon into a mini vacation. Wherever you end up, plan ahead for weekend crowds, check boat or parking access, and time your visit so the sunset becomes part of the experience.
Thinking of Life by the Lake?
If you love the idea of sipping cocktails with waterfront views and the freedom that comes with lakeside living, you should check out living opportunities at Living on Lake Lanier. Their team specializes in homes on Lake Lanier and can help turn that casual “drink at the dock” vibe into everyday life with a dock, sunset and glass of something in hand.
