Tropic Heat at Smith Mountain Lake

Did you know you could practically visit Key West without ever leaving Smith Mountain Lake? Well if you don’t believe me, head on down to the Portside Grill and Bar! Located across from Marker R21, this piece of the tropics likes to boast it is the ONLY restaurant ON the water at the Lake. The reason they feel they can make the claim, is they actually extend out on a dock over the water. So if you are ready for a colorful meal, head on over by boat or by land!!

Lynn and Alice Swain run the restaurant right at the Virginia Dare Marina. This is convenient since they also operate the Virginia Dare cruises on the replica side wheeler!! With a tropical rhythm and food to compliment, most customers may feel they are in Key West! Every other Sunday, you can even enjoy the Steel Drum band from Quest Academy in Roanoke. On the opposite Sundays, a DJ will keep you swaying to the music! Portside Grill and Bar usually opens around 11am on Saturday and Sundays through Nov 1. Until Labor Day, you can catch the fun starting at about 2pm. Usually things wrap up between 9 and 9:30pm…but in the laid back spirit of Key West, you can enjoy the tropic heat until 11pm if the party is still going!!

Speaking of heat, you will hear locals praise the hot sauce at Portside! If you like the hot sauce have no fear, it can be bought in the marina shop! Now what is it they might be pouring the hot sauce over? The menu is simple but great! Peel and eat shrimp, and BBQ sandwiches can be found on the menu, but the most requested item is the Cheeseburger!! These bad boys are grilled right outside the bar and served fresh on an onion roll!! Just wash that down will a cool margarita and you will be hearing the island music.

Children are welcome too! There is ice cream to enjoy and an arcade to conquer. The carp are much obliged to the popcorn the kiddos toss them in the water. “We wanted to emphasize the family aspect, the food and the atmosphere. We don’t want people to be afraid to bring their kids. It’s a very family-friendly atmosphere,” said Alice!

So if you want to enjoy the tropics without leaving the Lake, you have to enjoy a meal at Portside Grill and Bar! If you are looking for a hot property in Smith Mountain Lake, call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert! So come and visit Smith Mountain Lake, if you like it, then move here!!