I love the beach but I live in the Atlanta area. Even a daytrip to Savannah isn't really a possibility. Sunset Cove is how I get away from it all, relax on the sand, people watch, and pretend like I'm at Panama City all in the course of a few hours. (Ok, my definition of Panama City is probably milder than yours! But that's what beer and bikinis make me think of!) Sunset Cove has live music and entertainment and the cove packs in with boaters looking to be a part of all the action. If coming by Land: Sunset Cove is located within the Lake Lanier Islands. To get to it, you have to pay per car to get into the islands. (I got a year's pass for $50, but the price might have increased. It's around $10/car otherwise) You'll drive through some turnabouts to get to one of the two parking lots. Note: Neither are in direct view of the beach and a little bit of a walk. There will be hills/steps so please plan appropriately! The cove backs up to the Water Park, and the fun dunker attraction is in the area, so you can see the kids playing. I think you can get an armband and come in and out of the park (with admission) to enjoy both areas. There are 3 types of places to grab food at Sunset Cove - the Beach Café and Club is the prime attraction. There's a seated area and seafood offerings. I've yet to have something I didn't like. It is standard seafood like you'd expect on the lake. Service can be a bit slow, but everyone tends to operate on lake time when you're on a lake! There's also a BBQ stand and a Hot Dog stand. Don't expect a good price on the alcohol since they hold the monopoly, but the best deal is a small Bacardi bucket for around $15. Two people can share, or it will keep one person from waiting in line at the bar as often. If you forget sunglasses or want to buy other beach items, there are a few places for that too. The boats dock right along the water's edge, but they're working to control this to allow for more swimming areas. There's also a floating stage too for performances. The staff that patrols the beach looks to be teenagers, but they try their best to enforce the alcohol policy (don't BYOB - buy theirs!) The last time I went, I was impressed that they even offered to take trash for us. You can see the progress they're making at the cove to really try to make it a great place to go and hangout. They definitely need more dock space for those arriving by boat. I'm a fan and can't wait to see how they continue to grow! read more

We attended their regular Full Moon Party over the weekend and I have to say I have mixed feelings abut this place. We enjoyed the live band, atmosphere, fireworks, etc... but I'm a foodie and expected some good tasting food for the prices. I would say it tastes like bar food but I've had some bar food that tasted way better than here. I'll just jump right in. I ordered the calamari, buffalo and lemon pepper chicken wings, and my daughter ordered the pulled pork nachos. The calamari came out quicker than my daughters drink at the bar. It was bland and did not have the crispiness that I so love in most fried calamari dishes that I've had from other places. I thought about sending it back but we were starving so we seasoned it ourselves with salt and pepper and scarfed it down. The chicken wings and nachos seemed to take forever to come out. We waited almost 30 mins. Luckily they had a nice band playing and we had drinks to sip on to pass the time. My wings came out first and they were not as crispy as I had hoped for. They were however seasoned much better than the calamari. 10 more minutes passed and they brought out a pulled pork sandwich to my daughter. After sending said sandwich back, the correct order of nachos finally came after what seemed like 10 more minutes later.The waitress said she thought that my daughter said sandwich but she had a full blown conversation with my daughter about the nachos prior to her ordering and even told her she would bring her extra sauce for them. Hilarious. My daughter will eat just about anything..except for these nachos. I may return in the future for the lovely atmosphere and to try something different on the menu. To summarize: The restaurant - 4 stars for being on the beach and the set up is really nice. The food- 2 stars for being bland read more

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Worst service ever ! My server was punched in the face by someone in the kitchen. Then another female server threw her hand up and kept walking when I asked her for help ! The only one in the entire restaurant that seemed to care was Mary ! read more

Copied from LLBG!! Once again---management and Owner of lake Lanier Islands are all about themselves. It was their first full moon party and everyone expects their established precedent of a fireworks display. Almost all of their slips were rented and lots of folks came by boat and paid their ridiculous fees to go listen to a good band and eat and have a few drinks. Our bill for poor service and marginal food was over $300. So SSC should have made plenty of profit to cover a 15 minute fireworks display. So just like last year, they have now established that they are just as screwed up as last year. What a waste of a great opportunity to be a premier resort on a great fresh water lake. So Sad read more

Our company picnic was here this year. It seems like they have the group thing down. We sat and were instantly greeted even though im sure the waitress was having a hard time keeping tabs on our 100+ group that was moving in and out all over the place. She took our order and we got drinks pretty quickly. The fish tacos were average, but average was better than what I expected. According to my boyfriend his grouper wasnt very good, but we prep ourselves for this when trying fish at new places. There was a bar with TVs to watch the new football season. I think there was even a bachelor party? Seems like an odd spot for this around all the families... Overall the experience was fine for me. It was exactly what I expected for a lakeside grill. I can't rate the water park because we didn't head out on any slides. All of my coworkers were going on and on about how fun it was, but the slides look pretty dated and old to me from what I could tell. This place was significantly less crowded than whitewater. read more

Good food and great atmosphere. Love that you can get to it by both boat and car. There has been live music every time I have been so far and I've heard that the Full Moon parties they have once a month are a lot of fun and the fireworks are great. The food wasn't outstanding but it was good. It is pretty typical beach club type food. The texas margarita I had was delicious though! read more

To call this place bar food would give even the worst bar food a bad name. The staff was awesome and took great credit of us... even during the Poker Run event. But... the food started off bad and got worse as meals were delivered. We started with coconut shrimp which wasn't bad. I wouldn't suggest the sauce, but the shrimp was decent. That was followed by stale chips and ceveche. The waiter replaced the chips with the exact same stale chips warmed up to disguise the stale Ness. Horrible. Anyone who ordered fries couldn't eat them. It was like the fries had Ben left out too long and reheated to freshen them up a bit. I ordered a fish sandwich that was so gamey, the smell almost threw off the fact it wasn't cooked thoroughly. Yes, I got sick when I got home. My fault- I shouldn't have eaten it. And, you shouldn't eat there either. It's terrible. Amd it's expensive. When will Yelp give us a thumbs down, or negative stars to truly show how bad a place can be. DO NOT EAT HERE. EVER. read more

The view and the atmosphere are awesome, but the food was just ok. I had the triple grilled cheese...the flavor was there, but it could have been warmer! Love the fact that we can pull up by boat and have a few drinks! The service was great...our server was very nice and attentive! Fun place to be! read more

Sunset Cove Beach Cafe & Club - The view from the patio where we had lunch! - New American Near Me - Buford, Georgia

Outstanding food and very fast! Heather was a wonderful server. Five stars for her! Our drinks and food were very good and made to order. The atmosphere is excellent! read more

Sunset Cove Beach Cafe & Club - Evening sunset! - New American Near Me - Buford, Georgia

Atmosphere!! Great views, live music and a good decor for an outdoor restaurant. The food is OK. Not 5 star by any means, but its a bar/restaurant on the beach, and the food is on par with a seasonal outdoor bar. Never had a bad meal. Service has ranged from fantastic to borderline poor. There are a few server's we prefer to seek out....they make it that much better. However, even when the service isn't great all you have to do is look around and soak it all in (views, music, sports on the large TV's, etc). We're there a couple times a month and will continue to do the same. read more

The new Cocktail cove! The people there are always having a good time and there are always plenty of activities to participate in or just watch. I went to the wakeboarding event last night and I had a blast with my family. It is a little pricey however, and during busy weekends maybe a little too crowded. Definitely worth checking out. read more

I have been to Sunset Cove many times now and I enjoy the atmosphere, the service, food and beverages. Whether I've been on the lake all day, gone to the water park or just wanting to be outside for a girls night I Am always please. They also have multiple events happening at Lake Lanier Islands so you always have a reason to have a great time! read more

STUNNING STUNNING STUNNING I can not remember the bartenders name to save my life but he was great.....He made our trip! You can take your drinks from this bar out on to the beach, to the beach fire pit, or simply sit under the awning and watch from afar. Love the place! read more

We go to the lake almost every weekend. The only reason we go to Sunset Cove is to hang out with our friends. If it wasn't for that we would never go as there are better options and much better food at other places on the lake, like Fish Tails, Dockside Grill, etc.. Each time we go they try to make you pay to enter the beach if you go by boat just so our kids can play in the shallow water for about 30 minutes and they are done. We do not use their chairs, restrooms, cafe (if that is what it is) or anything else on the island. Just the shallow part of the water. Got into a argument with the manger that insisted I pay. I told him he nor the island own the water and if he wanted me to leave or pay he would have to call DNR or the Coast Guard as he nor his security have any jurisdiction over the water. He left with his butt hurt and we did not have any problems since. A couple that was with us tried to go to the "Cafe" to eat and they wanted again $10.00 to go to a place that you are going to pay for food. Seems STUPID to me! They did pay the $10 Per PERSON. but was told they could get it taken off their bill in the "Cafe". They were gone for about 3 hours and came back frustrated. The staff was rude, the food SUCKED, wrong order was brought out, food was cold, over priced bar food, hamburgers were something you find in a elementary school cafeteria and had a frozen taste, service sucked. Plus they handed in the voucher and the girl did not honor both of them only one. they were told it was the island policy only one voucher per visit. They said the girl handed their drinks by grabbing the rim with one finger inside the glass! Gross!!! He refused the drink and she tried to make him pay for it anyway. Needless to say there was no tip for her! They came back telling everyone about their experience and what happened. I cautioned them that all the boaters know better than to go up there and eat as they have a reputation. But I was hoping they had changed - NOT. Since they started all the STUPID fees that you have to pay $10.00 PER PERSON to go on the beach and another $10.00 PER PERSON to eat at their Cafe the attendance has decreased and people are playing in other coves for FREE. This past weekend we went and they did not have any STUPID FEES's maybe because of the boat show, but it was the largest attendance I have seen in a long time. Some of the Staff were happy because they do not get yelled at because of the fees. However they will start charging again in May. So glad that I have a boat because if a average family of 4 attends a Full Moon Party it will cost you $75.00+ not including crappy food and drinks. read more

Sunset Cove is awesome if you enjoy 12 dollar frozen then burnt hamburgers that taste like the underside of a vulchers scrotum and take an hour and change to get. Couple that with the ability to pay 10 dollars for a watered down mixed drink as well as absolutely crap service and you have a winner. I have tried this place five times due to it's convenience so this is not just one bad experience. If you want good food on Lake Lanier go to Big Creek Tavern or Fish Tales. This place is horrible and will never receive another dollar of mine. If I could give zero stars I would. read more

It was a great day for an outdoor boat show!! My wife and I took a ride to Lake Lanier Island to have a look at the boats and get some dinner. The Cafe was pretty crowded when we got there. The hostess said that there was a fifteen to twenty minute wait for a table, so she took our name and cell phone number. She said they would call us when our table was ready. About forty five minutes later, after checking out the boats and amazing display of Dodge Custom Trucks, we headed back to the restaurant to see how much longer out wait would be. The hostess told us that the manager had directed her to ignore the waiting list and just seat people as they walked in. Now think about this...there were quite a few people on the list who were walking about the island, waiting for a call from the hostess. She did apologize and promised that we would get the very next table. We stood to the side of the hostess station to wait. When the next table was ready, she escorted four people, who arrived after we did and happened to be standing behind us, to the table. When I asked her why these people got the table and not us, she stood there with a completely blank expression and had nothing to say. After thinking about it for a bit, she promised us the very next table..again. Another table opened up and as soon as they were finished cleaning the table, a couple stepped over the rope and just sat down at the table. Now the hostess had no idea what to do. Instead of asking the couple to get up and wait in line, like the rest of the people who were waiting for a table, she just walked away. My wife and I flagged down a person who appeared to be the manager. We told here about the situation and asked for a table. There were several open. When we asked about those tables, she said that they were reserved and offered us a seat at a small table in front of the kitchen door. No thanks. When we tried to talk to her further, she simply walked away. We left and went to a different place where we had a excellent dinner. Bottom line... Poorly trained staff, Ineffective management, and from what I've heard from a few people who actually got tables...slow service and overpriced, mediocre food. read more

I agree that the location and atmosphere are pretty cool. This place has become the de-facto Cocktail Cove. However, this is leading to a bunch of idiot boaters not knowing how to anchor close to the beach without taking up 4 or 5 boat parking spots. The food is absolutely horrendous! Inedible! The worst wings, chicken fingers, sides -- everything I've ever (attempted) to eat. It really frustrates me when a restaurant bets everything on location. Don't they understand there are choices? Or... I can bring my own food and eat on my boat. I really hope they get their act together because they have the potential for being a really great long-term place. FIX THE FOOD!!! read more

Came today after 4 years. We paid $15 dollars to park (used to be $10 and included a meal ticket to redeem at the Cafe) and $20 to enter the beach because "Battle of the Bands" was supposedly there (used to be free). They also do not allow coolers or food inside...meaning you have to spend MORE money once inside on watered down drinks and crappy bar food. We're not really sure what we paid $40 to enter (2 people) for...we got there at 1pm and there was no music or band anywhere. They started playing again at 5pm as we were packing up to leave. Really? Also, definitely not as fun as it used to be. I'll be staying the boat and going to Cocktail Cove in the future. read more

After reading some of the glowing reviews, I was wondering if they were at the same place we were. We had a Horrible experience that involved a very RUDE Waitress/Manager - not sure what she was. We were attending a birthday celebration of 30+ people at the restaurant planning to stay and listen to the band play for the Full Moon Party last Friday night. The band was very good by the way! We called ahead to let them know a large party was coming and find out what we needed to do...everything was set. Several people got there early to save a few tables and began ordering appetizers and drinks. Shortly after the band started playing around 7:00 this very rude waitress/manager (not ours) came to our table and told us we had to leave that she needed the tables for other people waiting to be seated. This was before anyone had even received their bill; a few people had been there a short time and some were just finsihing their meal. According to her there was a 2 hour seating wait....Really? So you want to kick us out? What kind of management style is that? Oh yeah, she did suggest we could go over to the picnic tables...gee thanks! The funny thing was, after we left, clearing out 4-5 tables..a couple people from our group walked back over later to find most of those tables sitting empty. What a loss of guarenteed revenue that evening...someone needs some lessons in good customer service or maybe a new job! read more

18$ for the fish and it was deeeeeeeep fried and covered in inch of batter. Artichoke dip was on the watery side. I won't be back unless it's for a beer. read more

This is becoming more and more expensive......before, u could anchor your boat and get a drink at the bar, or food at the eateries. Now, u have to pay $32. To walk from your boat to the beach TO BUY A DRINK OR FOOD FROM THEIR VENDORS!......Lanier islands will slowly put themselves out of business. I know that we, and many of our fellow boaters, will no longer patronize sunset cove! read more

This is pretty good bar food, nice ambience, but is a little pricey since they are on the lake. Enjoy a nice view iof the beach and cove while you eat, drink, or both. There is often live music at the Cafe or at the Cove. read more

If you are looking for a great time on the lake, head to Sunset Cove. Beach your boat, and head up to the restaurant to grab some drinks, and listen to music. I'm giving it 4 stars because the food is mediocre EXCEPT the pork nachos...they are phenomenal. We get them every time and split a pitcher! That will run you under $20!! Can't beat that price for all the fun there is surrounding you. It is seasonal, so make sure to check the website before going. As far as paying to enter the Islands...I haven't seen any consistency so I couldn't say. It is an awesome time! read more

My wife and I were meeting some friends who's boat was parked on the docks and were there for the Moon Light party they have once a month. We were bringing drinks and sandwiches to the boat but were also planning having drinks and food at the bar. We had to park really far away and were not told we couldn't bring drinks or food to the DOCKS until we walked all the way down to the bar and then we were told to either give them the food and drinks we brought or walk all the way back to our car and leave it there. We chose to walk back and leave it in the car. After hanging out on the boat a while, we went to the bar and it took over 30 minutes just to get one drink because they only had a few bartenders making drinks for 500 to 600 people and the bar was filled with people 5 or 6 deep from one end of the bar to the other. The entire time we were there (5 or 6 hours) we were only able to get two drinks each. There were no sattellite bars set up for those4 who wanted beer. If things don't change soon, there is going to be a movement for everony to go back to Cocktail Cove where the atmosphere more relaxed and Sunset Cove is just going to be another restaurant on the lake where you can stop by for a quick burger. read more

I had a blast last night! The beach was very clean and the water was warm! We played volleyball on the beach and enjoyed lounging by the lake. We ate at the outdoor bar and enjoyed the best cocktails we've had in a long time by the bartender Bryan! Outstanding service. He was full of personality and had great stories to tell, he is definitely a great addition to the beach! Me and my friends will definitely be back! read more

Last time we went there the food was not good at all. Had to wait 40 minutes for a table when there was 5 open tables. Had to tell the girl and point them out to her and only thing she said was "oh". Waited another 30 minutes for a waitress to come over and take our drink order. She screwed that up and had to wait almost an hour for our food. Worst food on the lake by far, but then again it is "Resort" food. there theme should be Resort to the Lowest Level of Quality. Got the bill and it was over $100.00 for 4 people. There were charges on there that should not have been. Tried to get the girl to take them off and she didn't know how. Had to get a manager and she was not very helpful and acted like it was a chore for her to do it. We will never go there again. Go to other places like Fish Tails, Big Creek, Dock Side Grill or Castaways for better food and better prices. UPDATE: Went there again last weekend. They wanted to charge me $10.00 to step foot on the beach. I thought this was stupid after I said that I was going tot he grill to get food. They still made me pay $10.00 PER PERSON!!! I had t fork over $30.00 and then they gave me some kind of voucher and then tagged me like I was some kind of cattle. Went tot he bar and order a drink and after again 20 minutes it finally came. Watered down and was not what I ordered. I sent it back and the girl tried to make me pay for something that was wrong. Ordered food and after an hour, it was cold, not fresh, and just horrible! My son got a cheese burger but McDonalds would have tasted better than what he got. Cold FF and a drink that was mostly carbonated water. His cost was just under $14.00!!! Long story short, over priced food, watered down drinks, crappy service, bad food and a surcharged of $10.00 PER PERSON on top of all that. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else to spend your hard earned dollar! read more

I want to preface this by saying we went on the 4th of July and this year (2013), was a disastrous holiday. It was pouring rain all day. Most of the place was flooded and closed, and not many people were out as the fireworks had been cancelled. Still, I can review the one thing we tried. Sunset Cove Restaurant. Once again, it was the 4th, so that might affect freshness. We shared the mussels appetizer. The taste was okay. Then the wife had the Po'Boy and I had a the chicken wrap. The chicken wrap tasted okay. My kid had chicken tenders with fries. He seemed to eat them okay. Everything tasted fine. However, it was pouring rain and we decided to go back to the hotel at Lake Lanier. Good thing we did, cause by the time we got back home and upstairs, we all got sick stomachs. The place was packed as everyone who did go to the beach ran under the roof to get out of the rain when it poured real hard. And the drinks were unremarkable. Nothing special. Certainly nothing to seek out. read more

Great time with friends. The food was decent but it is the second day they've opened for the season. I will be back.

My company's picnic was here this year. I've been in Atlanta for 16 years and have only come to Lake Lanier for the Christmas Lights show (and that was at least 3 yrs ago). I had a great time! read more

Missing the lake so went to lunch at the bar and grill. Paid $75 to cross the bridge, and another $15 to walk to the restaurant. So disappointing...nothings changed. The grouper sandwich was fishy! Been boating on LL for 10 years, know it like the back of our hands...camped in every spot, eaten at all what few restaurants there are. Sunset Cove and all the trashy people there finally drove us to sell our cabin cruiser! read more

Left my purse there, came back to get it. It took 2 hours of sitting at the bar and me asking to see cameras before it magically appeared. With $60 missing. People these days... read more

Sunset Cove restaurant is located inside Lake Lanier Islands Resort. This means you must pay $10 first to get into and have access to the resort and its amenities. Make sure you ask for a map and directions when you arrive at the gate. Once you finally figure out where to park you will have to walk down several flights of steps and, maybe, a few hundred feet to the beach and restaurant. (you will not see if from the parking lot) The restaurant is not fancy and has no specific dress codes as it caters also to the beach goers and boaters. The food is ok. My wife and I had fish tacos and chicken tacos. I believe it was $14 and $12 respectively. I was disappointed when my plate came and all that I was given was a piece of fish (which itself was good) and topings for it. No side items like you get with the chicken taco. I do have to say that the bright point was the staff. They were very friendly and acted more like a upper level restaurant. If you go, go for the fact you are on the water and can people and boat watch. There are two firepits and chairs so you can sit out just off the beach and hang out. Again, I think the down side is that you have to pay $10 just to enter Lake Lanier to spend additional money on using the amenities. read more

Disappointed after attending our first time this year. New menu was disappointing. I ordered the fish tacos. If you are expecting piece of dry fish with 3 empty tortillas and some cheese and lettuce on the side that you have to build yourself, you will be happy. If you are expecting the Chef to deliver you a finished great tasting Fish Taco, you will be disappointed. The fact that my wife somewhat liked her Grouper sandwich is the only reason I gave it 3 stars. It wasn't until after I was done with my tortilla's and fish plate that the waitress figured out they forgot to send me the salsa, and other condiments that should have gone with it. We didn't ask and they didn't take it off the bill. Also waited forever for a refill of tea's even though they were not very busy. For having one of the best locations on the lake, the food doesn't live up to the location. read more