Eatdrink #63 January/February 2017

Profiles of Excellence
eatdrink
Eat & Drink at the Water’s Edge
Smackwater Jack’s Taphouse
SMACKWATER JACK’S TAPHOUSE offers a front
row seat to one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world,
but that sensational show is only part of the attraction.
Literally hanging over the water on Grand Bend’s River
Road with a view of the mouth of the river opening into
Lake Huron, an expansive two-tiered patio canopied by
umbrellas and dotted with fresh flowers is the place to
be — day and night — all summer (with propane torches
tempering the nip in the air on either side of the warm
weather). The
interior presents
its own charm
as well. Once
an old fish hut
sitting vacant, the
space has been
refreshed and
reinvigorated without losing its rustic
allure and warm character.
Comfort by Design
With about three decades of experience
as a home designer and builder, Brad
Oke spotted the building and was not
daunted by the project it presented.
“It was destiny,” he says. Inspired, he
determined the best use of space and
set to work. The roof was raised, floors
re-poured, insulation added and two
bar areas were delineated. The result
is an atmosphere that is energetic and
sophisticated but still comfortably
beachside.
A 40-foot dock allows for easy
entry to the restaurant from the
water, but Oke identified a more
critical access problem. Summer
crowds can make parking a challenge,
and to help ensure safe fun, Oke came
up with a unique solution that has
been widely praised and enjoyed
by patrons since Day One in 2012. As
you approach Smackwater Jack’s,