Holland Restaurant Among 20 Finalists in National Competition for Best Lakeside Dining

Holland, Michigan — Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant in Holland has been named one of 20 finalists in USA Today's 10Best poll for Top Waterfront Restaurants, giving the Holland restaurant a shot at being crowned the best waterfront dining spot in the nation.

The restaurant, which has been serving the Holland area since 2006, sits right on Lake Macatawa with a spacious covered patio and bar that overlooks the water. The venue was purchased by RedWater Restaurant Group in 2018, which also owns Cork Wine & Food in Grand Rapids among other properties.

Massive Patio Offers Unbeatable Lake Views

The restaurant's patio alone is described as one of the largest in the region, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around the dining space to maximize the million-dollar views. The patio extends over the water, giving diners front-row seats to passing boats and creating what owners call a vacation-like atmosphere even on random Tuesdays.

"Boatwerks has been serving up lakeside views and good times in western Michigan since 2006," one reviewer noted. "A spacious covered patio and bar overlook Lake Macatawa, offering a front-row seat to the water."

The venue's renovation in 2020 expanded seating under a covered canopy with garage doors that roll open to the bar, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor dining experience.

Seafood Menu Leverages Great Lakes Location

The menu features regional seafood favorites including Great Lakes walleye, lake perch, salmon, shrimp, crab cakes, and various preparations of whitefish. The kitchen takes a respectful approach to seafood, avoiding overcooking and letting natural flavors shine through.

Diners can expect options ranging from simple grilled mahi-mahi over rice to more elaborate preparations that incorporate complementary flavors and textures. The restaurant's approach ensures that the food is memorable for the right reasons, not just the setting.

National Competition Heats Up

USA Today readers are voting for their favorite waterfront restaurants through April 13, with one vote allowed per day. The competition includes spots from across the country, with only a handful of Midwest restaurants making the cut.

The only other Midwest golf course restaurant recognized in a related 2026 poll was The Dining Room at Arcadia Bluffs in Arcadia, Michigan, which placed in the top 10.

Holland Restaurant Gets National Exposure

For Boatwerks, the poll provides an opportunity to showcase what the Holland restaurant has to offer to readers nationwide. The restaurant's combination of solid food, stunning views, and a laid-back atmosphere has made it a favorite among locals who have been enjoying lakeside dining in western Michigan for over two decades.

Fans of the restaurant can help it reach No. 1 in the national poll by voting once per day through April 13 at the USA Today 10Best website.

A West Michigan Favorite

Boatwerks continues to operate as one of Holland's premier waterfront dining destinations, offering something special to anyone smart enough to find it. The restaurant's quiet location on Lake Macatawa provides a peaceful escape where the lake breeze and passing boats create free entertainment that comes with every meal, no additional charge required.

The restaurant's success in the national poll highlights what many consider to be one of the best waterfront dining experiences in the state, proving that Michigan doesn't need ocean views to deliver world-class dining with views that will make anyone question their geographic honesty.