What a gem! Ventured up to Fishtown for a bit of sightseeing and shopping and this restaurant was very busy! The waitstaff were super attentive getting guests seated quickly with pager system that allowed us to walk the area while waiting. The ambiance is really cool with old fishing gear, outboard motors, mounted fish, boats and antiques placed about. The staff were super friendly and drinks and food served promptly. We ordered several menu items and all were hot and delicious! Known for their fish of course, with walleye, perch, and whitefish all available. Tried the famous cove smoked Chubby Mary which was also very good! read more

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We had the whitefish wrap. Not much whitefish as it seems like it was mostly crumbs from the batter. Pretty expensive for not much substance. Won't be back. read more

Unique restaurant located in Leland MI also called "Fish town". The restaurant has a nautical themed interior and a great view of the Dam from the balcony. Service and food was good. We had the fish and chips. The fish was fried whitefish and the fries were steak style, both very tasty. The sandwich was a bit on the small side. It came with mixed greens, sliced tomato, a toasted briosh style bun, homemade tarter sauce, 12 fries and a small pickle for $14.95. Overall, this is a great place to see and well worth the trip. The food was good but for a restaurant located in "Fish town" we were left feeling like we were skimped on the fish (and chips). read more

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The salmon of fishtown were literally jumpin for joy for this white fish pâté starter with one of a kind crispy homemade chips. Great views, great convos with locals. You cannot miss this spot on your m22 journey. My advice... go for the fish tacos (girlfriends choice) fried fish with slaw just slaps so good for some reason. They didn't miss and she ate better than my garlic, Parmesan, white fish from the entree section of the menu. Pair any white fish meal with a delicious Oberon on draft and it is sure to be a Marvelous Michigan meal experience. read more

The Cove - Seafood Near Me - Leland, Michigan

The table we got had a great view over the river. The place was nice. The waiter we had was great. Very friendly and helpful. The food was just ok. The Whitefish was delicious but the portions were a tad small considering the price. Especially the very small portion of coleslaw. My wife's burger was a tad dry and burnt around edges. The bun they used was really good. read more

Great service, a nice selection of seafood. If seafood isn't your thing they have fantastic burgers as well. Be sure to get a Chubby Mary when your there. read more

The Cove - Chubby Mary - Seafood Near Me - Leland, Michigan

This restaurant definitely is a place to stop. The views of Fishtown and the atmosphere really make this place worth visiting. We were here on a Friday afternoon for lunch, at the end of April to avoid the crowds. We hear this area gets pretty busy starting the first week of May. The menu is decent with plenty of fish to eat. There are a couple of burger and chicken options, as well as some meals for the kids. For starters, we shared a huge bowl of their famous seafood chowder and their signature Chubby Mary. Both had their own delicious spin on some traditional classics. For entrees, we got a whitefish fish and chips and a fried walleye taco. Both came with tasty hand cut fries. The chowder had lots of shrimp, and big chunks of krab meat. Very tasty and well done. The Chubby Mary includes this big smoked fish, that when removed, goes pretty good with the crackers they provide. The whitefish fish and chips was breaded nicely and was crunchy, not soggy at all. The walleye taco was more a wrap, but again fried nice and crunchy. Looking back at the food, I'd say the flavors of the fish batters were just a little bland. The walleye taco needed a little something more "taco-ish". A spice, a zip, a zing, a something I just couldn't put my finger on. We were too full to try any kind of dessert. Our bill without the tip for two people was $71. That's a little steeper than I expected. What could have easily been a 4 star rating, is now a 3 star. Just a little extra something on the food, and a little less something on the bill would make the difference. Hope to see you next time in Fishtown read more

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I have not eaten at the Cove since 1991. I had four children, under the age of 10. The water from the mill made a lot of noise and my three daughters had to use the rest room several times. Funny now. Not then. Everything has changed around. Nice bar and outdoor atmosphere. I would not say this was a family restaurant per se, although this time we were accommodated very well. The perch I ordered was spot on. Not overcooked. Their FF were amazing. There is a kids menu, along with crayons and paper. The boys ordered a grilled hot dog that made us all hungry! My daughter ordered the parmesan whitefish and my son in law and son ordered the fish fry baskets. No one was disappointed.Our service was amazing too. I wish there were more fish entrees, however. Will go there again next time, for sure. read more

What a great place! Heather was our waitress and she was so nice as well as being beautiful! One person in our party has dietary restrictions and she totally went out of her way to accommodate her. The Chubby Mary was a big hit with our group. I had the Cajun Whitefish that was amazing! read more

The Cove - Chubby Mary - Seafood Near Me - Leland, Michigan

I have to rate this place for the ambiance + food and taking into consideration what this small town of Leland has to offer. There aren't many food places in town and this place is great to try the local catch in a sit down restaurant. A bit on the more expensive side but you pay for the view of the lake and upscale atmosphere. The garlic Parmesan white fish was amazing. Perfectly seasoned and fresh. Just the right amount of food for dinner without feeling stuffed. I got a cove specialty cocktail the waitress recommended which was refreshing and paired well with the white fish. Overall, it was a nice place to bring a large group and sit outside to enjoy the weather. Great place to bring newcomers to check out a specialty of Leland and eat fish. The service was also quick, which is great when you have a large group. read more

The Cove - Seafood Near Me - Leland, Michigan

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Probably one of the only few restaurants around, so you don't have much to pick from. They call themselves a seafood restaurant, but they only have whitefish and salmon. Uhh I GUESS that's seafood, but you're more like an American restaurant that offers seafood, rather than a seafood restaurant. The food is far too pricey for the serving. The bloody Mary is more ice than bloody or Mary. The black and Bleu (good name) salmon is far too oily. Salmon is already oily! Why did you take off the skin before cooking? It's the best part. Why is the asparagus oily? Grilled veggies do not need extra oil. Overall it's not a good stop. Save yourself the meal and eat somewhere else. The only thing this place has going for it is the view. And that's why is 3 stars and not 2. read more

The Cove - Bloody Mary. - Seafood Near Me - Leland, Michigan

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We enjoyed a good dinner in the cozy dining room. Great wine choices, including local selections. Service was great. Very attentive.

The food was okay and not $98 good for two fish & chips & two beers. The waiter was awesome. The menu is very limited. Service is fast. Maybe too fast. read more

Location Location Location! The Cove has a special location in Fish Town (Leland) and serves some pretty good food. From the options that we tried, I would highly recommend the clam chowder and the "fish tacos." The fish tacos are actually wraps and not so much tacos, but that's how they're described in the menu. After trying them, I really didn't care what they were called because it just came across as "yummy food." Here's a tip: a side of seasoned fries is a must with the fish tacos. You won't regret it! read more

The Cove - Clam Chowder - Seafood Near Me - Leland, Michigan

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Everything is good. Service , chowder, all fish dishes. One of our favorites ... try any dishes, you won't be disappointed. All the desserts are good. Great funky decor and the owner always drives some different car from his car collection read more

Good quick food with a wonderful view of the dam. In the summer, you can view some fishermen casting into the dam and pulling fish out. Fun entertainment while eating lunch. read more

The Cove - Whitefish Taco - Seafood Near Me - Leland, Michigan

Great fish options and view!! Our fourth visit to Fishtown and we enjoy stopping in each visit!! read more

The Cove - Whitefish & Chips - Seafood Near Me - Leland, Michigan

I cannot tell you how delicious the food is here!! The best whitefish I've had around.. hands down. And the horseradish vodka is a MUST for their bloodies! Chub or no chub, they are amazing!! read more

The Cove - Bloody Mary - Seafood Near Me - Leland, Michigan

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This was great food. The clam chowder was excellent! The fish and chips weren't the best we have ever had but it was sure good. The service was excellent. The view of Lake Michigan was wonderful from the outside seating. read more

Stopped in for a quick bite and drink on a road trip. Definitely didn't disappoint. The smoked chub in the Bloody Mary was worth the stop alone but the delicious chowder and kind hospitality rounded it all out. Would definitely visit this charming town and restaurant again. read more

The Cove - Bloody Mary with a delicious smoked chub garnish - Seafood Near Me - Leland, Michigan

Saw a big line and hopped in it. Cool place, windows over looking the dam. Husband said his fish was delicious (but small portion for the $). I had a chicken Caesar, average. Service was good. read more

Dirty, dank, worn out...yet so much potential. The location is outstanding, unique...really perfect...and the reason it's always busy. The food and drinks are ok. But the environment needs cleaning and sprucing up. There is a new riverfront restaurant under construction just across the street that I will be visiting next summer. read more

We are huge fans and have been for years. Especially impressed with the kiddo menu and anything/everything seafood here. Hate the bathroom situation (huge place but 2 stalls in the women's / extremely tiny)... huge pain in the ass when you have small kids read more

The Cove - Seafood Near Me - Leland, Michigan

Solid meal with a great view. We came for an early dinner after touring a couple wineries in the area. Seated on the outside patio and promptly offered drinks. Chicken sandwiches and fish came out hot and tasty. Very accommodative of allergies and other adjustments to the order. Big fan of their hot sauce. Would recommend and come back the next time we are in the area. read more

The Cove - View from our table - Seafood Near Me - Leland, Michigan

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Horribly over priced. Waitress with dark hair pulled back in a braid never smiled. Drop the check off and left. I had to look for someone to pay the bill and was told I had to pay the waitress, if you can find her. Bloody Mary, coke and fries $40 plus tip. It was OK at best. Will not go back. read more

Food was good but it's expensive and service was pretty bad. We kept having to flag down different staff members to get refills or extra condiments. They need to do better. It wasn't busy nor were they short staffed read more

This place is a head scratcher! I'd never go back. Mediocre seafood at best. We had the whitefish and chips and the fish was crispy on the outside and soggy on the inside. I almost couldnt eat it. My beer glass had a sour stench to it as well. I could not believe the amount of fruit flies/gnats that were swarming all of tbe tables in the restaurants. Clam chowder, which the waitress said that people raved about, was very plain. It really isnt clam chowder but more of a seafood chowder with salad sized shrimp, fake krab, and maybe some clams in there somewhere. It was just a terrible restaurant with very nice people working there. Tip: dont use the vinegar on your chips,,,,,, it will draw even MORE FLIES, to your table. Just a very mediocre restaurant in a great setting. Not alot of good options in Leland , but look long enough, and you might find a diamond in the rough. There are way better options in the area, but suprisingly not many good ones to choose from. read more

Average. Cute ambiance but for the length of their menu it was fairly limited. Most of the items had the same side dishes of slaw and chips (fries if you upgraded) tough to find a vegetable. Average wines, decent beer selection. Our waiter was impersonal at best, he was laughing with the other tables in his section but we were the black sheep table and felt somewhat ignored or an inconvenience. Not a terrible experience but I would try someplace else next time. read more

Outstanding linner (lunch/dinner). Well served by Sebastian. Most of our group had almond whitefish, delicious. I had perch and chips, Cole slaw was excellent. I liked the outboard motors displayed inside. A great place for fish entrees. read more

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Had lunch here today, very disappointed. Was taken to dark corner of the bar even though there were tables available. After 10 minutes went to the bar to see if I was supposed to go there to put in my order. Was told no and after another 5 minutes busy bartender showed up. Put in our order. After a while our food came and I had to ask again for my drink and then ask for silverware and napkins. Food was ok but nothing great. Fries were cold. Would have liked malt vinegar for our fish and chips but by then we had given up on asking for anything. All for almost $75 read more

Showed up at the Cove on a rainy day. So there was no reason to wait for a table outside. We had a nice window seat so we could still see the falls. We got an appetizer of whitefish dip and it was delicious! We kept up with the fish theme and my wife got the whitefish and chips dinner and I got the perch dinner. We were both very happy with our choices. My wife thought that her fish and chips were the best she had in a long time. The place is full of all the fishing memorabilia, so it has a nice homey feel. I can't wait to go back! read more

I think this is the biggest tourist attraction/place to eat in this town. We went on a Saturday afternoon and waited about 40 minutes. Got to walk around Fishtown while we waited so it wasn't bad. Had a great seat. The inside was huge. Started w a chubby Mary which was a cool novelty drink but not worth it in my opinion in terms of taste. Food was 50/50. You've gotta get whitefish in Fishtown! I had the fish and chips which were on the bland side. Doused it w hot sauce. Fries were good. My partner got the garlic parm crusted whitefish and that was delicious. We split a bowl of seafood chowder which puts all other chowders out there to shame. Service was decent given how busy it was. Overall not bad -- it's definitely a spot to check out if you're in the area. read more

The Cove - Seafood chowder - Seafood Near Me - Leland, Michigan

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Great service! Awesome view over Fishtown. The smoked whitefish dip was delicious. Just wish their lunch menu had a few more selection on it. Had the black angus burger! So juicy and amazing. read more

Wow! Just wow! On our recent tour around Michigan we stumbled upon The Cove in Fishtown. What a delightful little town and restaurant. Best food we had on our trip! Starting with the Chubby Bloody Mary was the beginning of an amazing dining experience. The "chub" was smoked to perfection and very tasty. We ordered the perch fish dinner, the walleye fish dinner and the perch fish tacos, all of which were fantastic! I don't remember our servers name but she was efficient, friendly and patient (never had chub before) explaining how to properly eat it. We were seated by the window which afforded us an awesome view of the canal/boats/homes and shops. We definitely recommend The Cove, as it was a highlight of our vacation. read more

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Second time coming to The Cove and loved it yet again. Perfect lunch spot for a quick bite to eat and drink with lots of walking and shopping to do afterwards. Our server Rachel was great and we got to sit outdoors which was an incredible experience. read more

The Cove - Whitefish Tacos and Seafood Chowder - Seafood Near Me - Leland, Michigan

Scenic restaurant overlooking the dam in Leland. Exactly what I wanted: local, fresh fish, friendly service, Michigan kitsch, and beautiful view. Also appreciate that they were open into the fall when most other restaurants closed for the season. read more

Food was good, but the service was less then Friendly Our server Shepard was not very accommodating . Don't think we will eat there again read more

You have to order the Chubby Mary Bloody Mary, as it comes with. Smoked chub... they give you crackers to eat the chub after it steeps in the Bloody Mary giving it a smoked flavor , best Bloody Mary around ! The whitefish is excellent with several choices of preparation. I chose the campfire in foil with veggies , very tasty . Also fried perch and walleye. Excellent appetizers as well , including the warm fish dip . The view is fantastic as it sits over the dam in Leland . Expect a wait as people love the Cove p read more

We were in Leland for the celebration of a wedding that occurred a year ago during the pandemic shutdown. The Cove is at the entry to historic Fishtown, the waterfront shopping area in Leland where tourists buy smoked fish, cheeses and Michigan souvenirs. It was the day before the event, and we stopped at The Cove for lunch. We both ordered the seafood chowder, which was fantastic! Generous amounts of shrimp and clams (if I remember correctly- we had a lot to eat over the weekend) in a New England style recipe. One of the best chowders EVER. Our waitress was attentive and humorous and we will be sure to return if we're in beautiful Leland again. The next day after a beach ceremony, we returned to The Cove for drinks on the deck below where water from Lake Lelanau flows to Lake Michigan. One of our group was interested in car that doubles as a boat near the entrance to the restaurant. "Want a ride?" the restaurant owner asked. We were amazed to see them motor past our waterside tables, a little red car navigating the current. Delightful. read more

The good: -Fantastic seafood chowder -Spectacular view and atmosphere -Great service The not-so-good: -Unexceptional fish chips -Better value elsewhere read more