Welcome to Castaways
Castaways is an inviting waterside restaurant that combines delicious food with a vibrant atmosphere. Nestled along the bustling Boy Scout Rd in Bay City, Michigan, this spot is a hidden gem for anyone looking to enjoy a meal with a view. With services like outdoor seating and live music on select nights, the dining experience here is anything but ordinary. It's perfect for a family outing, a romantic dinner, or a quick bite while enjoying the fresh lake air. Castaways offers a varied menu that features everything from hearty calzones to creative cocktails, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you choose to dine in, take away, or enjoy your meal right by the water, Castaways delivers excellent service and a welcoming vibe.
Popular dishes
Restaurant Gallery
About
Castaways sits along the picturesque waterways in Bay City, making it a prime location for dining enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Just a short walk from the bay beach area, visitors can easily transition from a day of fun in the sun to a delightful meal. The restaurant boasts ample boat docks, making it accessible not only by car but also by water for those looking to arrive via the river. Inside, the layout offers spacious seating, making it ideal for both large groups and intimate gatherings.
The space features a casual, cozy atmosphere with trendy decor that complements the surroundings. Guests can enjoy a sense of community as they share their love for local eats while being entertained by live music on select nights. The operational hours are generous, allowing patrons to enjoy meals throughout the day, from breakfast to late-night bites. It is especially popular during peak times on weekends, when the bustling vibe enhances the overall dining experience. Castaways has made strides under recent management to improve cleanliness and menu variety, which boosts its reputation among locals and tourists alike.
Working Hours
- SundayOpen
- MondayOpen
- TuesdayOpen
- WednesdayOpen
- ThursdayOpen
- FridayOpen
- SaturdayOpen
What People Say
Most Liked
Patrons rave about the fast service at Castaways, ensuring that hunger doesn't linger long. The outdoor seating by the water creates a lovely atmosphere, especially during warm summer evenings. The drink selection also impresses, with a variety of craft beers and creative cocktails like the refreshing Blue Hawaiian.
Many guests cannot get enough of popular menu items like loaded tater tots and brisket nachos, which bring bold flavors to the table while also being perfect for sharing. Notably, the all-you-can-eat fried fish night has garnered a devoted following. Those who dine here often mention the live country music, adding an entertaining touch to their meals. Overall, visitors appreciate the friendly service and the sense of community that keeps them coming back.
Most Disliked
Despite its many strengths, some areas need attention at Castaways. A few diners have found certain menu items, like the brisket nachos, lacking in flavor, pointing to inconsistency that could be addressed. Additionally, there are comments regarding portion sizes, particularly fries served with burgers and wraps, which some felt were on the smaller side considering the prices.
Moreover, as the restaurant grows in popularity, the wait times during peak hours can lead to frustrations. While the space is spacious, the high demand on weekends may leave some tables feeling a bit cramped. Occasionally, noise levels during live music nights have been noted as excessive for conversation, which might deter those seeking a quieter dining experience.
Reviews
sonya O.
My food was amazing! (Loaded tots) my daughter’s burger was also very good. Ny friend got a chicken bacon ranch wrap and my other friend got brisket natchos. She says the meat was flavorless. The amount of fries they got with the burger & wrap was super small portion. Exp for the price. Blue Hawaiian was really good!
Kristine R.
My party of four and I stopped for dinner at Castaways this evening on a drive from Ann Arbor to Mackinaw City. We had stopped at another reaturant first with a long wait but when we called in to Castaways, they told us they could seat us right away. They certainly did and it wasn’t because the crowd was sparse. The restaurant had a sizeable crowd of diners but the seating area was very spacious and service was fast. Our server, Jenny, was fantastic. I saw how busy she was but she dropped by our table often, had friendly recommendations and just all around was a gem. She may have been the best part of the dining experience! The food was also tasty, affordable, and plentiful. Tonight happened to be all you could eat fried fish night and our one member who ordered the fish and chips plate wound up not moving past the first serving. Most of us took leftovers due to the large portions and the included soup and salad bar. Last but not least, there was live music which is always a bonus. A young man played country music, livening up the atmosphere. If we didn’t have to rush to check in to our Airbnb, we would have stayed longer. All in all, highly recommended.
Cynthia C.
You can definitely tell that this is under new management. Has a whole new staff, cleaner, clean new menus. The place was busy. I had a great Sangria. Perfect Calzone. The crab legs were good.
Mandy K.
Super friendly and accommodating to our dogs we had brought along to check out the nearby state park. They had a great time making new friends with the staff and hanging out in the dog friendly outdoor seating area next to the patio. The people also had a great time, the service was superb and the food was fast and delicious!
Jan J.
Had a great meal! The service was excellent and the walk through the state park after settled it all nicely. What a nice place.
Shane P.
We ate at Castaways today for the first time in years. The restaurant is very clean and the food was excellent. Our server was Presly and she was the best! So friendly and super fast with all our needs. We will definitely be back. The hostess was very friendly as well and full of smiles. It was a great experience from the second we walked into the door.
Tommy A.
It’s a great place right on the Kawkawlin river. I was very impressed with my BLT, fries, and an ice cold beer. The wait staff was excellent and had perfect timing in fulfilling my needs. Overall a great night out at Castaways.