A Guide to the Best Places to Get a Drink in Lake Lanier

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.

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.

For a more casual but still waterfront vibe, check out Fish Tales Lakeside Grille 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.

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.

For a full-on “lakeside social cocktail hour” experience, head to Bullfrog’s Bar & Grille at the Legacy Lodge on the Lanier Islands. The resort-style setting offers a broad range of drink options, from craft beers to island-inspired cocktails, all served beside the pool or beach with sweeping lake views. Whether you’re winding down after a day on the water or simply enjoying a laid-back drink with friends, Bullfrog’s perfectly captures that comfortable, easygoing lakeside vibe.

When picking a place around Lake Lanier to enjoy a drink, the key is deciding whether you’re after the view, the vibe, or both. Yacht-style floating tiki spots like Pelican Pete’s deliver unbeatable views; The Twisted Oar brings great energy; Fish Tales balances casual dining with waterfront charm; and Bullfrog’s rounds things out with its resort-bar appeal. Wherever you land, check boat access or parking ahead of time (some spots fill up fast), arrive early on weekends, and time your visit so the sunset pours into your glass as well as your view.

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.