Dock & Dine

With the sun shining and warmer weather upon us, most Lakers are eager to be on the water as much as possible. Fortunately, the Smith Mountain Lake community offers one of the best ways to extend an on-the-water experience with a variety of boater-friendly waterfront dining locations.
    BayRoc Marina owner Kristina Mize said customers who visit the marina’s café enjoy the convenience of a dock-and-dine eatery and indulging in food favorites.
    “People let loose in the summertime when it’s warm and sunny,” said Mize. “They enjoy docking to have food that’s a treat and that they might deprive themselves of the rest of the year – barbecue, burgers, cheese steaks. Summer is certainly our busy season.”
    Bridgewater Plaza, one of the most popular destinations for boaters at SML, offers six eateries in addition to entertainment spots and retail stores. Candice Padgett, general manager of Mango’s Bar and Grill, which hosts crowds for live music all season long, said the most common comment she hears from customers is that boating to waterfront restaurants is a tradition.
    “When the good weather hits, families get on a boat and go for a ride,” said Padgett. “Since they’re already on the water, it’s convenient for them [to come to Bridgewater Plaza]. Being out on the boat and being able to stop somewhere when they get hungry, then get right back out and spend the [rest of the] day boating is what most families enjoy doing.”
    As waterfront dining at Smith Mountain Lake grows in popularity, so do the number of restaurants. We’ve captured highlights of four new on-the-water eateries you’ll want to add to your list of stops this summer. For a complete list of places where you can dock and dine, including contact information, in-season hours and a map to help you navigate your way, turn to pages 82-83.


Jake’s Place at the Harbour
    Featuring a Caribbean-themed atmosphere and menu, Jake’s is a spacious restaurant offering indoor seating as well as an over-the-water deck for outdoor dining under colorful umbrellas. General Manager Michael Gordon said Jake’s Place, which opened in January, has a little something for everyone.
    “We offer Caribbean-style menu items such as the Mango Mahi-Mahi, Coconut Shrimp and the Cuban sandwich. Our Jake’s burger is great, and the steak lover will want our 10-ounce ribeye or 8-ounce sirloin. Both are melt-in-your-mouth,” said Gordon, whose family also operates The Blackwater Café, an upscale, off-water restaurant on Scruggs Road.
    At Jake’s, patrons can take in lake views from several vantage points, including the covered porch, deck and main dining room. The extensive bar features four big screen TVs, and Gordon said events and live music are scheduled throughout the summer. Docking is available for boats and personal watercraft. Jake’s opens at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Try This: Crab Cakes Jumbo crab cakes filled with lump crab and served with citrus mustard sauce and choice of two sides for $17.99.

Los Machados
    Indian Pointe Marina kicked off the season with the opening of Los Machados Mexican Grill &  Cantina in March. Owned and managed by three brothers – Walter Machados, Carlos Machados and chef Arturo Machados – the enterprise is modeled after Walter’s first restaurant establishment, El Tapatio, in Delaware.
    “I opened up my own place about 15 years ago. The recipes I use are passed down through generations of family members,” said Walter Machados. “The menu at Los Machados will be very similar [with] more original Mexican food than what most Mexican restaurants are serving.”
    The remodeled facility, which formerly housed Vieira’s Restaurant, will offer menu specials throughout the summer. Los Machados also has a full bar and outdoor waterfront seating. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Try This: Molcajete Grilled beef, chicken and chorizo served in a choice of red or green sauce topped with cheese and green chilies. The specialty is served with rice, beans and a Mexican salad for $15.50.

Waller’s
    Taking its cue from the kick-your-heels-up feel of summertime at Smith Mountain Lake, Waller’s has strived to offer a carefree vibe to diners since its opening on Memorial Day weekend 2011. Owner Waller Perrow said good food, low prices and a consistent entertainment schedule is the recipe that has worked successfully for the establishment, located at Crystal Shores Marina.
    “I think everybody has had a blast here. It’s been a lot of fun,” said Perrow. “We have a pretty vast menu that features seafood, Boars Head meats and the one-pound Monster Burger. We do live music five nights a week in season and feature big-band music on Friday and Saturday nights.”
    New for this year, Perrow said, are “Walleritaville” open-mic nights and live acoustic music during the day. Wallers is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays and 11 a.m. to midnight Wednesday through Sunday.

Try This: Tuna Tacos Two grilled Ahi tuna tacos built to order with lettuce, salsa and wasabi drizzle for $14.

Mitchell’s Restaurant
    Located on Craddock Creek, Mitchell’s Restaurant at Mitchell’s Point Marina opened in April in the spot that was formerly Marina Cafe. The eatery features a large outdoor patio, a tiki bar for serving beer and wine and a stage ready for live music.
Owner Scott Heath said he and wife Hannah have experience in restaurant management and thought the timing was right to establish their own place at Mitchell’s Point.
Heath said one of the great things about the restaurant’s location – away from heavy boat traffic – is that regular customers tend to form their own community. He also noted the quick service is a bonus for boaters.
    “Our menu offers pizza, wings, chicken and steak dinners, subs, hamburgers, hot dogs and other types of American grill meals. It’s not as hectic as other marina places so it provides more of a peaceful place to go,” said Heath.

Try This: Beef Barbecue Plate Beef brisket barbecue with two sides for $12.99.