Hotts Spots: After finishing rooftop deck, Mike's on the Water eyes mini-golf course

As summer draws to a close, people think about the start of school, cooler weather and cider mill outings.

Not Mike LeFevre.

As owner of Mike’s on the Water, along the Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores, LeFevre is already planning winter upgrades to his lakeside bar and restaurant for next year’s boating season.  To kick off the 2017 summer, he unveiled the opening of a rooftop deck, which has proven to be popular with folks stopping for a bite or brew. It offers a great view of the harbor leading out to Lake St. Clair, with all of its boating traffic.
“This is my best creation I’ve ever done, hands down,” LeFevre said, adding the season has been “busy, busy.”  Known as The Lookout, the second-story deck was designed to resemble a yacht with maritime clocks showing world time zones. It seats 50.

LeFevre, a long-time fixture on the Lake St. Clair entertainment scene, said his next project is to convert an old canvas and awning shop next door into a private banquet room and indoor mini-golf feature that should be a big draw for families and date nights.  The golf feature will have a nautical theme, with lighthouse and a ship’s wheel. It was in LeFevre’splan for this year, but was delayed.
 

“The putt-putt course is coming,” he said. “It will open in 2018. That’s my plan.”

Mike’s on the Water, is a casual, comfortable hamburger-and-beer joint that added an outside deck in 2012. The menu naturally has fish entrees, along with lobster rolls, salads, sandwiches and soups.Most of the dishes are served in red-and-white checkered waxed paper in plastic baskets. Mike’s on the Water has plans to stay open through the end of October. Check it out at 24530 Jefferson (south of 10 Mile), St. Clair Shores. For more information, call 586-872-2630.

• Just down the street from Mike’s on the Water, the annual White Party takes place Sunday atBrownie’s on the Lake. The summer-end bash is sure to attract a herds of guys and gals looking good, decked out in white — the attire theme — and enjoying nonstop music and dance, stunning light shows and waterfront fun.

By land or sea, Brownie’s has become a key destination on the Nautical Mile. There also will be fire performers, go-go dancers and some of the area’s best-known DJs. Tickets are $10-$20, visit neptix.com/events/51008   The party begins at 9 p.m. Sunday.