Nautical Mile Waking Up
Two new diners opening, Pegasus plans to add patio in 2012
A pair of familiar names in the bar and restaurant industry in St. Clair Shores plan to be part of the future of the Nautical Mile, which has rapidly become one of Macomb County’s hottest entertainment strips.
New to Jefferson Avenue in coming weeks are:
Brownie’s on the Lake — a well-known eatery that once operated in what is now Jefferson Beach Grill — is being revived at the former Dockside Jack’s.
Michael LeFevre, a longtime St. Clair Shores restaurant figure, is opening a new quaint and comfortable lakeside burger bar titled Mike’s on the Water inside of Michigan Harbor.
They join a growing list of eating and drinking establishments that are investing major dollars into the mile strip including the new Rojo Mexican Bistro and the planned patio addition at Pegasus Taverna in 2012.
LeFevre says there’s a reason for the uptick in activity.
“Cars draw cars, people draw people,” he said. “The more places, the more choices people have to get out and relax by the lake, it makes the entire avenue more hot.” The additions come at a time when the Nautical Mile Merchants Association and marina owners are looking to work with city officials on a $6 million public/private partnership to spruce up the area in an effort to attract new tourism dollars from boaters in Michigan and neighboring states.
Despite the tepid economy, there still is a lot of money tied to the boating community.
A report compiled by the Recreation Marine Research Center of Michigan State University found the marina area along Jefferson between Nine Mile and 10 Mile roads generates $30 million in annual revenue, although the study was conducted in 2007, before the national economy collapsed.
Those dollars are enough to attract the attention of longtime Nautical Mile investors such as LeFevre.
For him, opening Mike’s on the Water is a homecoming. He was an owner of Jack’s Waterfront Restaurant from 1994 until he sold his share in 2003. His family also operated the former Lido’s on the Lake from 1982 to 1990.
He spent the past seven years in Miami soaking up the Florida culture before returning to St. Clair Shores to launch yet another venture.
“This is a good fit for me,” LeFevre said. “This place is very casual, with an East Coast village oyster bar kind of feel. It has a great view of the lake, boat docking up front and plenty of parking.”
Mike’s on the Water features dark, stained floors with booths and high-top chairs and seats 150 inside and 24 on the outside deck. The menu will feature “baskets of burgers, buckets of beer,” along with mini fish burgers, fried bologna sandwiches, fish, salads and appetizers. Entertainment will be provided by a one- or two-man band performing what he calls “Jimmy Buffett-style music.”
Mike’s will be open 11 a.m. to close seven days a week. More information is available at www.mikesonthewater.com or at (586) 872-2630.