August 31, 2026 · By Lauren Lux
Best Boat-Up Restaurants on Lake Murray
"Boat to dinner" is a real thing on Lake Murray, not a marketing phrase. Here's where to actually tie up, by side of the lake.
Irmo/east side: Liberty on the Lake at Marina Bay has generous courtesy docks and a lake-view patio, known locally for wood-fired pizza and a strong Bloody Mary.
Chapin/north side: Rusty Anchor and Catfish Johnny's share one lakeside deck at Lighthouse Marina, white-tablecloth seafood on one side, a tiki-bar menu of blackened mahi tacos and smash burgers on the other, with live music through spring and summer.
Leesville/west side: San Jose & Marina has a 20-slip dock installed in 2024 with walk-up access to full Mexican menu and fresh margaritas on a string-lit deck. Big Man's Marina Grill is known simply as the best burger on the lake, with full marina service alongside.
Prosperity: Na'Cho Margarita, tucked into Buffalo Creek, and Martin's Landing Bar & Grill, built directly over the water and opened in 2025, are both easy stops with dockside access.
Deciding which side of the lake to live on? Here's the full neighborhood breakdown.
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