Skogie’s on Lake Lanier Serves Great Food

LLA Celebrates Earth Day at Skogies
Skogie's on Lake Lanier at Gainesville Marina ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland
Skogie’s on Lake Lanier at Gainesville Marina ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

Somebody should invent a game where players manage a small lakeside restaurant (like Skogie’s)that serves delicious food.

You’d have to figure out how much food to order for crowds that may or may not show up over the next few days, because that depends on the weather.  You must always have food and drinks on hand, but you don’t want any to go to waste.

Marsha is one of the friendly servers at Skogies on Lake Lanier. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland
Marsha is one of the friendly servers at Skogies on Lake Lanier. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

You have to hire dependable, friendly people to work for you and you must schedule them a week or so in advance.

Just when you think you’re about to succeed, bad weather crushes your plans … or … nice weather brings hungry folks to your door all at once.

Skogie’s on Lake Lanier somehow manages all these variables, while consistently serving delicious food.

In April, I went to a rather fancy well-known seaside restaurant in Kittery, Maine, and ordered a fish fry.  I was served a hunk of tasteless breaded something.  The French fries were limp and seemed to be raw.  Tartar sauce came in teensy-weensy plastic cups with lids.  Nice place.  Great view.  Worthless food.

The famous grouper at Skogie's on Lake Lanier. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland
The famous grouper at Skogie’s on Lake Lanier. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

On Friday, May 2nd, I had lunch at Skogie’s on Lake Lanier.  Once again, I ordered a fish fry and was served a meal that was less expensive, much larger and far more tasty … with a couple of handy squeeze bottles of condiments.

Skogie’s on Lake Lanier for the win!!

My friend Bob and I have lunch together a couple of times a month.  Lunch at Skogie’s on Lake Lanier was one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time.

Bob ordered something called crab balls, which didn’t sound particulary appealing to me, but he got ten of them, loved each one and could hardly finish them all.

The famous Bob Foster dines at Skogie's on Lake Lanier. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland
The famous Bob Foster dines at Skogie’s on Lake Lanier. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

The downside?

Skogies had no idea that a flock of hungry folks, including us, were going to descend upon them all at once.  At first, they were overwhelmed.  Our server, Marsha, was terrific.  She was all alone and overworked, but she handled it with class.

I want to commend Skogies for rallying the troops and asking another server to quickly come in on her day off … which she did graciously.

Today, it wasn’t exactly fast food.  But Bob and I were there to relax, tell tall tales, hang out on a beautiful spring day and have some food.

Skogie's on Lake Lanier ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland
Skogie’s on Lake Lanier ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

A few miles down Dawsonville Highway, there are chain restaurants of all sorts.  You can get free peanuts, small overpriced portions (in my humble opinion), and amazing desserts.

Or you can drive to Gainesville Marina, just east of the big bridge on Dawsonville Highway / Route 53, and dine at Skogie’s on Lake Lanier.

Ask about having Skogie's on Lake Lanier deliver food to your yacht.  I'll do it myself, if you'll share and take me for a ride. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland
Ask about having Skogie’s on Lake Lanier deliver food to your yacht. I’ll do it myself, if you’ll share and take me for a ride. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

You can eat inside, enjoy the great outdoors at picnic tables or have breakfast delivered to your yacht on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Don’t have a boat?  Not a problem.  You can rent one at Gainesville Marina!

A year or two ago, I stopped by Skogies for a meal and was so impressed I posted a story about them.  I had forgotten how pleasant it is to eat there.

Felicia the Friendly Server at Skogie's on Lake Lanier ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland
Felicia the Friendly Server at Skogie’s on Lake Lanier ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

Full Disclosure:  Skogie’s on Lake Lanier had no idea I was coming or that I might write a review.  I paid for my meal and left a tip.  Felicia and Marsha, after I revealed my Secret Identity, agreed to let me take their pictures for this story.

Skogies on Lake Lanier is a great place for food and conversation, in my humble opinion.

We wish them well.

Click Here for Skogie’s on Lake Lanier’s Menu

Click Here for Skogie’s Hours & Directions

Click Here for Skogie’s Facebook Page

Not catching anything?  Call Skogie's on Lake Lanier at 678-450-1310 and they'll have your fish fry ready by the time you arrive. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland
Not catching anything? Call Skogie’s on Lake Lanier at 678-450-1310 and they’ll have your fish fry ready by the time you arrive. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

About Author

Robert J. Sutherland is a travel writer enjoying life in Gainesville, GA.
Robert has two adult daughters, seven practically perfect grandchildren and a zippy Kawasaki. Contact Robert at [email protected].

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(2) Comments

  1. Michael Maddalena

    Sounds like a great place that I need to try. Thanks for the info.

  2. Liev Wheeler

    Skogies is a hidden gem on lake Lanier and it is great that you are shining a much needed light on how awesome they have made this restaurant. Tony and Heather are not just great business owners, they make a lake outing even more fun with their hard work and amazing food. This is a relaxed, kid/family friendly place to get seafood reimagined. Skogies is our family treat and the calimari and fried green tomatoes with Skogies sauce should not be missed.

    Liev Wheeler

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