Restaurants on Lake Hartwell offer plenty of eating options. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or a beer and a burger, there are some great places to eat on the lake.
Whether you’ve rented a boat or brought your own, sometimes you need a break from the sun, the wind, and the water. Spending a few minutes to have a drink and a meal on dry land can be the perfect complement to a fun day on the lake.
If you’re looking for restaurants on Lake Hartwell by boat, all of these restaurants are on the water offering stunning views and easy access. Many are located at marinas where you can gas up and park your boat while you’re eating.
5 Lake Hartwell Restaurants on the Water
Let’s take a look at some of the restaurants on Lake Hartwell with a place for you park your boat (or car) and get your grub on.
The Galley
Dining at Galley Restaurant on Portman Marina is both laid-back and sophisticated. You’ll feel like you’re dining in a southern country club with mahogany stained wainscotting and waiters wearing aprons and ties.
Open for dinner only, you’ll find an array of traditional and southern American food many of which are cooked in their hearth oven. From their patio, the views are ideal for a sunset dinner on date night.
Seared Halibut dinner at The Galley Restaurant
The Galley offers fine American cuisine with fresh seafood and steak cooked in their hearth room oven. This upscale casual restaurant has outdoor seating with water views and two private dining rooms for special events.
There’s usually a pretty big crowd at The Galley, especially on weekends, so reservations are recommended. If you do end up having to wait, there’s plenty of space to have a drink at the bar until your table is ready.
Facebook: @GalleyRestaurant
Website: portmanmarina.com
Phone: (864) 287-3215
The Grill at Clemson Marina
If you’re looking for a place to dock the boat and grab a burger, head to The Grill at Clemson Marina. A local favorite, The Grill is an open-air restaurant right on the lake offering fast casual food like Po Boys and wings. The Grill is open Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm. The Grill is a seasonal restaurant and is generally closed in the winter, reopening in April. You may want to call to make sure they are open before you head out!
Grab a cold beer and a juicy burger at The Grill.
Facebook: @TheGrillAtClemsonMarina
Website: clemsonmarina.com/restaurant
Phone: (864) 653-6767
Tilly’s Tiki Bar at Harbor Light Marina
Fun casual dining and tasty American cuisine can be found at this restaurant on Lake Hartwell. Tilly’s is open for dinner on Thursdays and lunch and dinner Friday through Sunday.
With a lively atmosphere and plenty of games to play, you’re sure to have fun. Join them for great food, cold beverages, and live music on the patio!
Play some games while you cool off at Tilly’s Tiki Bar
Facebook: @TillysTikiBar
Website: tillystikibarandgrill.com
Phone: (706) 356-0727
The Boat House Grill at Hartwell Marina
Now open year round, Boathouse Grill offers patty melts and milkshakes in a very casual outdoor environment. They’ve undergone several renovations and expansions in the last couple of years and now offer enclosed seating, shaded lakeside picnic tables, lawn games, and live music. The Boat House Grill also has some of the best boat dock spaces on the lake with lots of bumpers and many docks. There’s also a sandy beach for your pups and kiddos to play and splash!
Enjoy a cool drink and warm food at The Boathouse Grill bar.
Facebook: @BoathouseHartwell
Phone: (706) 376-5150
Hours: Thursday 11-9, Friday/Saturday 11-10, Sunday 11-9
WillaDean’s Tavern (formerly Swamp Guinea and Racks)
Opening in Spring of 2022, WillaDean’s Tavern will be located in the old Racks Location just under the bridge from the Hartwell Marina. This lakeside tavern will have “scratch kitchen” meals specializing in wood smoked meats and southern style sides. With a full bar and a ton of variety, boaters are welcome as there’s space to dock your boat while you eat.
One thing I loved about this new lakeside restaurant in Hartwell is the lawn area where they encouraged you to stay awhile with yard games and outdoor seating.
Facebook: Willadean’sTavern
Phone: 706-376-9932
You might also enjoy “The Local” in Anderson, or “JR Cash” at the Big Water Marina as well!
Have you visited these Lake Hartwell restaurants?
Whether you’re looking to wine and dine someone special, a bite to eat in your swimsuit, or somewhere with live music and beer, you’re sure to have a fun and scenic dining experience at these Lake Hartwell restaurants accessible by boat.
Off the water, make sure you check out these other Lake Hartwell restaurants.
Do you have a favorite? Leave a comment and let us know!