The best restaurants with waterfront views in metro Phoenix. Yes, really
Summer is fast approaching, and as the weather heats up, Arizonans flock to the water. While some people might think this only means backyard swimming pools or road trips to the beaches of California and Mexico, that isn't all Arizona has to offer. While most of our lakes are man-made, they still offer a ton of summer fun, from boat parties to fishing to the simple pleasure of thermal cooling.
Arizona also has its fair share of restaurants with waterfront views, from romantic lakeside dinners to a Mexican restaurant with its own turtle pond.
From Peoria to Mesa, here are five waterfront restaurants in metro Phoenix.
Dillon's Bayou at Pleasant Harbor
Dillon's Bayou is located right on the water at Lake Pleasant in Peoria. Dine on the patio and you can watch boats go by mere yards away from your table. The menu is focused on Kansas City barbecue and seafood, with highlights like wild cod or catfish platters, fish tacos, burnt ends and build-your-own barbecue platters. Worth noting, there is a $9 entrance fee per vehicle to access Pleasant Harbor Marina.
Details: 40202 N. 87th Ave., Peoria. 928-501-2227, dillonsrestaurant.com/dillons-bayou.
El Encanto
El Encanto in Cave Creek is not your typical waterfront restaurant. Rather than being situated on a lake, El Encanto Mexican restaurant is built around a large, outdoor pond that welcomes wildlife such as turtles, fish and ducks. Menu highlights include shrimp cocktails, chicken and mole enchiladas, chile relleno with chicken, fajitas and seafood tacos.
Details: 6248 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-1752, elencantorestaurants.com.
Pier 54
Pier 54 is Tempe's lakeside restaurant, but it's not where you might think — the restaurant isn't located on Tempe Town Lake, but overlooking a small lake in South Tempe's The Lakes neighborhood. The family-owned restaurant enjoys a stunning backdrop of the Arizona sunset over the water. Menu options include tacos, burgers, salads and items from the grill such as bacon wrapped shrimp skewers, ahi tuna steak and grilled salmon. There are also several gluten-free options available.
Details: 5394 S. Lakeshore Dr., Tempe. 480-820-0660, pier54az.com.
Scorpion Bay Grill
Scorpion Bay Grill at Lake Pleasant in Peoria offers casual fare with beautiful lake views. Menu highlights include a blackened chicken wrap, pesto chicken ciabatta and Phoenician hot chicken. Other options include salads, flatbreads and all-day breakfast boats. The menu also features several gluten-free options. There is a $7 per vehicle fee to enter Lake Pleasant Regional Park.
Details: 10970 W. Peninsula Blvd., Peoria. 928-501-3440, scorpionbayaz.com/food-drink/scorpion-bay-grill.
Lakeside Grill Estrella
Dine on the patio at Lakeside Grill for a laidback view of the fountain at Goodyear's manmade lake. Menu highlights include creamy lemon garlic pasta, cauliflower steak, grilled ribeye and a shrimp po'boy. Lakeside Grill also offers brunch on the weekends, including omelets or scrambles, chicken fried steak and breakfast cocktails.
Details: 17665 W. Elliot Road, Goodyear. 623-236-3047, lakesidegrillestrella.com.
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What's your favorite waterfront restaurant? Tell us about it!
Reach the reporter at endia.fontanez@gannett.com. Follow @EndiaFontanez on X, formerly Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Waterfront restaurants in Phoenix from Tempe to Lake Pleasant
