Three Reasons to Visit Lake Guntersville’s City Harbor
Forget the fishing at Lake Guntersville – let’s eat, drink and enjoy spectacular views.
City Harbor is the perfect place to watch the sunset over Lake Guntersville and grab a drink and bite to eat. I’ve dined at two restaurants, and both offer savory meals and cocktails where you can relax and take in the soothing sounds of the waves brushing gently across the dock while watching the sun’s rays glisten across the lake. Who doesn’t like the sound of that? The first restaurant is a small steakhouse chain in Alabama. Big Mike’s Steakhouse is known for its wood-fired grilled steaks and it does not disappoint. My steak was melt-in-your-mouth tender. I ordered the filet and my husband ordered the ribeye.
The atmosphere is very casual and a bit loud inside due to the wide openness of the space (think industrial loft feel); however, they do have outdoor seating, but it was too cold when we visited. We started our meal with the crab claws which were yummy. Although the steaks were delicious, the sides were small portions. I ordered the asparagus, which is a signature side with an upcharge, and I have to say that they were the skinniest asparagus that I have ever eaten. Maybe it was a bad batch, but I didn’t see paying extra for this sad-looking side. My husband had the twice-baked potato casserole which was okay— nothing to write home about. I will go back because the steaks are truly some of the best that I’ve tasted.
When you go, keep in mind that they don’t take reservations and they don’t open until 4 p.m., but a line starts forming around 3:30 p.m. We arrived around 3 p.m. and took a leisurely walk only to round the corner at 3:30 p.m. and see more than 30 people in line. We were surprised, but it was on a Friday.
City Harbor is also home to the Mexican restaurant, La Esquina Cocina. The Margaritas are some of the best that I have ever tasted, and the outdoor seating offers spectacular views of Lake Guntersville.
We started our meal with the nachos, but this appetizer could count as a meal for one person. The nachos come with a choice of meat and I ordered ours with braised pork. They were different than your typical tail-gate nachos, but they were delicious. For dinner, I had the Chicken Enchiladas Verdes while my husband dined on a chicken Quesadilla. The portions are plentiful and you might need a to-go box as I did, but I think it was because I ate a ton of nachos.
La Esquina Cocina also has a variety of tacos, small plates (tapas) and charcuterie boards on the menu. No matter if you are seeking dinner or just a single taco with a Margarita, you’re sure to find plenty of options to satisfy your palate.
Other restaurants at City Harbor include Another Broken Egg and a new restaurant that will replace the former Wake Eatery. There is also a bar called Levi’s on the Lake where you can enjoy a cocktail and listen to live music. If you prefer a brew, there’s the Brewer’s Cooperative brewery. After a night of dining and watching the sunset, you don’t have to leave, you can stay overnight in one of the City Harbor suites— with your private view of Lake Guntersville.
So, if you haven’t been to the new City Harbor on Lake Guntersville you might want to start planning your visit if not for the food, it’s worth the trip just to relax, listen to the waves and take in the sunsets.
Everyday Edith 