THE 2026 LAKES EDITION DOCK-N-DINE LIST


The Ultimate Summer Boater's Guide To Waterfront Dining In Southern Wisconsin


Originally Published: May 21, 2025 Updated: June 8, 2026 Reading Time: 10 minutes




Wisconsin is a water state. Did you know that the Badger state has over 10,000 lakes, it's not just Minnesota that can lay claim to that fact. And Southern Wisconsin is blessed as well with dozens of lakes many with great outdoor lakefront dining options.


One such restaurant is the Lake View Inn.
The Lake View Inn's docks are very busy this time of year.  For the popular restaurant on Lake Kegonsa the reason is simple "This lake's (shoreline) lodging is made up of 50% summertime residents (mostly from Illinois) and 50%  full time residents memorial day to labor day" says Laura, co-owner with her husband of this 40 year old lakefront establishment. And a lot of these residents have boats. Tubers, Kayakers, paddle boarders, Lakeview even gets an occasional floatplane stopping by for a bite out on the patio according to Laura mentions "we've even had pontoon planes moor here." 


"All or most of our lakes in the area are great places to launch a boat from. What a great day trip destination in your boat, get in some sightseeing and then heading over to one of these great lakeside restaurants for a meal," says Laura.

The weekends are big on area lakes for out of town residents, coming for fishing, relaxing and any reason to be on the water.


Always be mindful of the weather conditions and impacts of severe weather on boating. The summer of 2024’s severe weather and deluge of rain challenged locals and visitors alike. The excess rainfall impacted area waterways with several of Southern Wisconsin’s lakes experiencing higher than normal levels. Last Summer the Rock County Sheriff’s Office issued a slow no wake zones along Lake Koshkonong’s shoreline and the Rock River. While the Tenney Lapham Locks which connects Lake Mendota to Lake Monona via the Yahara River had to let in 50% more water to prevent flooding. There was also slow no wake order on Lake Monona's Wicawak Bay.  Boaters every season should take notice of these temporary conditions.



In the summer time vacationers head to the Northwoods with boat in tow, but our part of the state is a great recreational and culinary destination too. Visit our great lakes and Dock and Dine at these 12 Southern Wisconsin waterfront restaurants. Many offer floor to ceiling windows, expansive patios and terraces.  


The 2026 Dock 'N' Dine guide groups  each shoreside restaurant by Southern Wisconsin lake.  This year Dock 'n' Dine starts at the top of the Yahara River's Chain-of-Lakes with Lake Mendota.



LAKE MENDOTA

The Mariner's Inn

5339 Lighthouse Bay Drive Madison  | (608) 246-3120


The Mariner's Inn, a classic by any Wisconsin supper club standard. Located on the Northern shore of Lake Mendota close to the headwaters of the Yahara River wetlands The Mariner's Inn is one of those restaurants that is sometimes subject to the seasonal whims of severe weather flooding during the Summer months.  The  von Rutenberg family recently closed their other waterfront diner the Nauti-gal so it's good Mariner's is still around serving up surf and turf, with a wide variety of fresh seafood. And one of the best fish fries on out Southern Wisconsin alkes.

The Boathouse

1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison | Phone: (608) 535.8232


A seven minute boat ride west from the Yahara River mouth at the Tenney-Lapham locks the Boathouse serves Americana with a great view of Lake Mendota, indoors or dockside.  You can eat in house or bring carryout on board at one of the seasonal docks. Great Friday Fish Fry and homemade french fries and coleslaw.


Docking at The Pier is complimentary throughout the day. Overnight docking is available for a $135 per night docking fee.

LAKE MONONA

The Breakwater Bar & Grill

6308 Inland Way, Monona | Phone: (608)-416-5388


Located on the Yahara River channel just minutes from Upper Mud lake-Lake Waubesa to the South or 11 minutes North to Lake Monona, slow, boat traffic and weather dependent. Six berths available at docks on first come first serve basis.  Enjoy dining in air conditioning or out on their second floor deck overlooking the river. Salads, wraps, bowls, burgers, sandwiches and melts delicious American fare with a Madison flare. Try them all with a side of their chips or Bavarian style pretzel.

Sardine

617 Williamson St, Madison | Phone: (608) 441 1600


Situated in the back of an iconic, historic warehouse just east of Law Park and Monona Terrace, Sardine is a great place to visit for breakfast before shopping at the farmer's market on the Square. Sardine is long time culinary institution featuring French cuisine offering outdoor dining deck with views of Lake Monona, albeit overlooking the adjacent parking lot but you are up high enough looking across it. Please note that there are currently not docking options dedicated to Sardine but there are piers and nearby at Law Park.


Lake Vista Cafe

1 John Nolen Drive, Madison | Phone: (608).261.4000


Located on the rooftop of the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Monona Terrace overlooking Lake Monona the Lake Cafe is a local secret that tourists discover by accident. High above the waves and seagulls the visit is worthy just for the view alone. Order at the front counter and pick up, very informal but delicious food, try the fish fry.


Docking is a bit tricky here as there is a floating dock by Law Park but can be overrun by seagulls. There is no official pier for Monona Terrace.

LAKE WAUBESA

Christy's Landing Restaurant

2952 Waubesa Ave, Madison | Phone: (608) 222 5391


Nestled along Lake Waubesa's Western shore, the Christy's has a supper club vibe with its simple wood panel decor and popular American fare menu with classics such as the Friday fish fry.  There is one long dock and two piers that can accommodate at least ten boat, first come first serve, but call ahead to for space availability.  Christy's is popular with boaters for its great food and large outdoor, lakeside deck.  


Green Lantern Restaurant

4412 Siggelkow Rd, McFarland | Phone: (608) 838 4730


Situated on Lake Waubesa's Eastern shore, the Green Lantern has a supper club vibe with its simple wood panel decor and popular American fare menu with classics such as the Friday fish fry.  There is one long dock that can accommodate several boating guests, first come first serve, but call ahead to for space availability.   


LAKE KEGONSA

Springers on The Lake

3097 Sunnyside St, Stoughton | Phone: (608) 205 9300


Springers has docking available to the public but not a launching area. There is a large pier for public docking and six finger piers ideal for up to eight regular size pontoon boats.  There is also another dock for tie ups and they do rent slips though most are taken by season time. Springers is also an entertainment destination with performances outdoors during the season, there is a great patio for hanging out.  But note Friday the piers get full by 3-4pm, but you're welcome to moor up or anchor too.  And Springers is not just a great family destination they are pet friendly to with a grassy area near the docks and a patio for well-behaved ones on a leash. 

LAKE KOSHKONONG

Lakeview Bar & Grill

1901 E. State Road 59, Milton | phone: (608)-868-7800


Lakeview Bar and Grill is a local favorite for those looking for fun, food, drinks, music, and more right on the frontage of Lake Koshkonong. Weekly specials are offered for those looking for a great waterfront experience. Keep your eyes peeled for special events and live music on weekends and holidays. Campers and RVs welcome.



ROCK RIVER

Anchor Inn Bar & Grill

709 Hwy 59, Edgerton | phone: (608)-884-7565


Dockage is available. Tie up and stay for a great meal. Order by phone or come and order at the bar. Get a to go box and eat on your boat or enjoy Anchor's great outdoor potio or grass eating with a bar serving up Wisconsin favorites. Their burgers are amazing and tie up dockside for their delicious fish fries.