Experience Rooftop Dining

By Tracey Moro / Photography by Mike Ferdinande

In Macomb we look forward to enjoying alfresco dining once the sunshine and warmer temps arrive. We have our favorite spots with views of golf courses, Lake St. Clair and the Clinton River. And there’s plenty of patio dining with restaurants at The Mall at Partridge Creek, several spots in downtown Mount Clemens, to places like Salvatore Scaloppine in the south end of Eastpointe and places like Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill in the north end of Armada. Each one has a summertime vibe that is irresistible in its own way. Whether it’s for cocktails and appetizers or for seven-course meals with a tablecloth – we Macombers love eating outside!

So much so that we are now starting to see these outdoor dining spots going upward – up in the sky that is.

Rooftop dining is here in Macomb County. No more traveling to downtown Detroit or outside of the state to enjoy a rooftop dining experience. And although we don’t have massive sky scrapers with fancy restaurants at the top touting breathtaking views and high prices, we do have a handful of restaurants that have taken that leap of faith upward, offering a rooftop experience. Macomb Now took a rooftop tour of four local restaurants offering outdoor seating on the highest level. We saw breathtaking views, enjoyed some of the best food around and had to share what we found.

Mike’s on the Water

Off Jefferson Avenue, nestled in by Michigan Harbor Marina, is a popular dining destination Mike’s on the Water. Owner Mike LeFevre, opened up the summer of 2011 after taking a seven-year working hiatus.

This hidden gem brings East Coast vibes with a summertime Keywest sorta flair. Over the years, Mike’s has evolved from the small laid back indoor restaurant to a large, multi dining, vibrant waterfront patio bar. In 2018 Mike’s added the rooftop for an even more unique experience. “It’s cool, comfortable, casual, cozy, with a great view,” said Mike LeFevre. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day the upstairs boasts fabulous views of the marina canals and Lake St. Clair. And with plenty of boat slips, Mike’s has become a favorite dining destination for local boaters.

With newly renovated floors, the upstairs has its own vibe and special menu. Enjoy a selection of tacos, lobster rolls, burgers and weekly specials. The upstairs has limited hours of operations, and is really weather dependent. For hours it’s best to look on their website. You must be 21 to be upstairs.

Pictured are the popular menu favorites. The Lobster Roll touts six ounces of chilled lobster meat (knuckle and claw) with just the right amount of mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning and chopped celery. They serve it on a classic New England style hot dog roll with green leaf lettuce and seasoned chips. The fish tacos are flour tortilla shells filled with grilled Mahi filets with a cilantro lime veggie slaw, topped with diced pineapple on top and pico de Gallo and served with seasoned chips.

Mmmm.

This year Mike’s will be offering their popular branded lager beer in cans. They began brewing their own beer with Griffin Claw Brewery in 2019, available only on draft, but with all the demand it’s now going to be available in cans as well. They are hoping to have four-packs available to go by the end of the season.

Mike’s on the Water
24530 Jefferson Avenue
St. Clair Shores
(586) 872-2630, mikesonthewater.com

Zef’s Dockside Bar & Kitchen

Since the winter of 2021, Zef’s Dockside Bar & Kitchen, in St. Clair Shores, has been delighting diners with its delicious food offerings. Some may remember the former Lido’s on the Lake in this same building back in the day.

In its fifth summer season, Zef’s offers a lively vibe, relaxed for casual dining on two levels, pleasing all ages. The first floor offers families a great view of the Trader Todd’s Marina and a full menu of choices. Then, just a flight upstairs, there’s both indoor and outdoor dining with a completely different menu. The views are lots better, because they’re higher. You can see hundreds of boats at the marina, through the canals and beyond. And, on a clear day, if you stand up from your seat and face north, you can see all the way to Lake St. Clair Metropark.

You may have heard of the Zef’s restaurants before, with the family formerly owning Zef’s Coney Island (two locations – Eastern Market Detroit and Bay City) and Zef’s Lighthouse in Fair Haven. The father, John Palushaj, and sons, Chris and Donny, have been in the business for years now. They also currently own the Hennessy’s on Hayes Road in Clinton Township, plus Don Christo’s Tequila & Tacos in Macomb Township, and Don Christo’s Cigar Bar in Shelby Township.

Zef’s upstairs menu has a large selection of starters, several macaroni and cheese choices, salads, entrees, street tacos, sandwiches, soups and chili, burgers and sliders. They shared the popular Dockside Burger with us, along with the Greek salad. The burger is a half pound beef patty served with crisp bacon, mixed cheddar cheese, shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, pickle, stacked with fried onion rings and drizzled with barbecue sauce. Served with a steak knife piercing the bun, you will need two hands to hold the half you cut for yourself. And don’t forget the truffle fry upgrade. You’re on a roof, you have to indulge.

The Greek salad is spot on with fresh greens topped with Kalamata olives, pepperoncini, red onions, beets, tomatoes and cucumbers, topped with crumbled feta cheese with Greek dressing on the side. This fresh salad has plenty for two to share.

Other menu favorites include the pulled pork mac & cheese; Maryland- style crab cakes, bourbon salmon, fish tacos, chicken caprese sandwich and chicken sliders. And let’s not forget the cocktails. Zef’s has a large selection of house cocktails including rotating frozen drinks for the summer season.

Manager Ryleigh Clark is looking forward to the summer months. “We get a great brunch crowd in, especially in July and August. And boaters are welcome. We have three boat slips at the Trader Todd’s Marina. Just call ahead,” said Clark who added they don’t accept reservations but they do offer private parties upstairs.

Zef’s Dockside Bar & Kitchen
24026 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores
(586) 879-6279, zefsdockside.com

Dox Grillhouse

Before leaving the Nautical Mile, we need to include a new rooftop dining experience to the list in the Shores. Dox Grillhouse opened in December of 2024, filling the space where you might remember the Gourmet House to have been. The new restaurant is a nice addition to the already busy Nautical Mile, giving yet another dining choice to local residents. This one with a rooftop dining experience that just opened Memorial Day weekend.

With a sleek brand-new feel the upstairs at Dox reminds you of being downtown on a much higher rooftop. The feel is clean and polished. The new bar and seating area is gleaming with a modern flair, creating an inviting atmosphere. Local folks have been anticipating the opening and even booking the space for private parties before it was even done being built.

Although the address is Jefferson Avenue, the view isn’t of the lake but of the Nautical Mile itself. If you search hard between the trees you may see parts of the street canals to the east and in the far off distance is the lake itself. However, with the unique surroundings, you’re apt to not even be thinking about the view, only enjoying your meal with your company.

The menu upstairs boast a more upscale version of fare, featuring Neapolitan pizzas. The owner, Anthony Mancini, who grew up in St. Clair Shores, is pleased to be open in his home town. “We are big supporters of the community,” said Mancini. When asked why they opened an upstairs area. “It’s unique, especially for the summer months. People will love going up there and it’s good for events.”

Downstairs, folks can enjoy everything from pizza, to burgers, to wings. In fact the wings are what they boast about. Mancini also owns Celina’s Bar & Grill in Madison Heights, which is known for its wings.

Dox Grillhouse
25225 Jefferson Avenue St Clair Shores
(586) 859-7500
doxgrillhouse.com

Fin’s Eatery & Spirits

St. Clair Shores isn’t the only community with rooftop dining.  Head  north  to downtown New Baltimore and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the new rooftop experience at Fin’s Eatery & Spirits.

This upscale restaurant offers a casual atmosphere with top- notch food offerings. It’s three in one with a downstairs bar and dining area, an upstairs bar and dining area – plus the new upstairs outdoor deck.

Owners Bob and Mary Higgins took over Fin’s in 2015 from the Cipriano family. They brought 20 plus years of restaurant experience with them, having owned Oxford Inn in Royal Oak and Novi. Higgins, who wasn’t very familiar with the small waterfront community soon became the town’s biggest promoter bringing his downtown community planning experience to the Anchor Bay town.

“I’ve had a lot of good ideas, but the idea to open the rooftop is one of my best ones yet,” said Bob Higgins. The outdoor deck seats 80 people and has a spectacular view of the Walter Mary Burke Park and AnchorBay.“YoucanseethetallestflaginMichigan,”addedHiggins.There are also 16 boat slips for boaters looking to dock and dine.

Higgins, who was known for his ribs while in Royal Oak, brainstormed with his chef and cooks for the menu at Fin’s. It includes his slow- cooked baby back ribs that fall off the bone, along with many seafood options, including a salmon served on pasta, fresh perch when available, mussels, shrimp, ahi tuna, calamari and oysters – including oyster Rockefeller. The onion soup is a town favorite, along with the pot pie. On weekends enjoy a brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and seasonal frozen drinks are around all summer.

“This year we will have a screen around the outdoor deck to protect us from mosquitoes and fish flies,” said Higgins. “We have the perfect spot to watch the fireworks or to listen to the Wednesday music in the park concerts.” Watch for more info on upcoming events like the Country Fest in its fifth year in September.

Fin’s Eatery & Spirits
51006 Washington Street, New Baltimore
(586) 725-9000, eat-at-fins.com

Throughout the county there are a few more upstairs patios worth mentioning that give that rooftop feel. In downtown Mount Clemens, Madison’s Pub has several levels of outdoor patios with rum runners flowing. It’s not just for the younger crowd, plus it’s a great place to watch a Tiger game on the big screens.

Around the corner is Little Lorraine’s Bar, an upstairs vintage vibe offering delicious pizza. Their rooftop patio has picnic table seating and is a great place to sip on a cocktail and watch the evening stars.

Over in downtown Utica is another open patio with lots of levels, including one rooftop level. Mr Miquel’s, known for their Mexican fare, happy hours and what they call legendary taco days, has become a town favorite, especially for baseball lovers headed to Jimmy John’s Stadium across the street.

And on the north end of town in Romeo, Younger’s Tavern & Showroom recently renovated everything inside and out. Their upstairs has a showroom where concerts take place and there’s an outdoor upstairs patio – rooftop. Their new American menu has upscale comfort foods including burgers, artisan flatbreads and seasonal specials. We’re not sure how the outdoor upstairs patio will operate but it does look fun.

Whether you’re dining on a roof, a patio alongside the Clinton River or inside one of our famed restaurants, you’re supporting our local businesses and helping our county to thrive.

Keep eating out Macomb.