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Food

This Enchanting Waterfront Restaurant In Mississippi Will Transport You To Another World

Published Apr 11, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

The warmer months always bring the opportunity to enjoy dining outside. Even though our winters aren’t as harsh as our friends up north, there’s just something special about spring and enjoying a meal outdoors. Rafters on the Water is a beautiful waterfront restaurant on Sardis Lake that just opened for the season, and we recommend you check it out! Here’s what you can expect when you visit:

Rafters Music & Food has three locations: Rafters on the Square in Oxford, Rafters on the Tracks in New Albany, and Rafters on the Water in Sardis.

Outdoor bar area by a lake, featuring tables, umbrellas, and a tropical vibe with a sign reading "Best Margaritas."
Rafters on the Water/Facebook

Rafters on the Water opened in 2018 and quickly became a favorite spot with locals. It's easy to see why when the views are this delightful!

Rafters on the Water is open seasonally from spring until fall, and they just opened for the 2024 season.

A serene lakeside view with trees, picnic tables, and calm water under a clear blue sky.
Rafters on the Water/Facebook

Here are the spring hours for the 2024 season:

Friday: 5-9 p.m.

Saturday: 11-10 p.m.

Sunday: 11-9 p.m.

As you would expect from a waterfront restaurant, Rafters on the Water keeps things pretty casual, which we love.

A lively restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, featuring umbrellas and a view of water and trees.
Rafters on the Water/Facebook

When you come to a restaurant like this, sitting outside is a must. You can’t pass up these views!



This is one spot where the tables fill up quickly, so be sure to arrive early if you want to snag a seat! There's also a bar area where you can enjoy a drink while you wait.

The menu at Rafters on the Water features a range of burgers, wraps, seafood platters, and more.

A juicy burger with cheese and bacon, served with crispy fries and a can of Corona on a checkered paper.
Rafters on the Water/Facebook

The perfect comfort food after spending an afternoon on Sardis Lake.

Fan favorites include Zydeco shrimp...

A basket of crispy fried shrimp drizzled with a creamy cheese sauce, served on a checkered paper liner.
Julie Mills/Google Reviews

...Fried okra...

A basket of fried okra and French fries, with a sandwich on top, served in a checkered paper liner.
Angie G./Google Reviews

...and many others!

A bowl of creamy dip surrounded by crispy potato chips, with a scenic outdoor view in the background.
Rafters on the Water/Facebook

They often have new daily specials, too.

Of course, no visit to Rafters is complete without grabbing a drink.

Three colorful cocktails sit on a table, with a scenic view of a marina and trees in the background.
Rafters on the Water/Facebook

Rafters has a full bar with plenty of fun, fruity, and frozen beverages to wet your whistle. Just remember to drink responsibly.

Have you ever dined at this restaurant on Sardis Lake? Share your experience with us in the comments below.

Visit the Rafters website so you can learn more, including information about the other two restaurants over in Oxford and New Albany. Follow Rafters on the Water on Facebook so you never miss out on any specialty creations or upcoming events! Rafters on the Water often hosts live musical acts, so be sure to follow them on Facebook so you can stay in the know! You can also see the calendar of events, too.

Read on to learn more about Sardis Lake:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/mississippi/get-away-from-it-all-at-this-crystal-clear-lake-in-ms/

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