Lockview Restaurant

Lockview Restaurant has been a beloved seafood establishment in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan since 1945, when founder Joe Softy began selling the freshest whitefish in the area. What started as a modest one-floor restaurant less than half the size of today's first floor has grown into a cherished local landmark, now spanning two floors with breathtaking views of the iconic Soo Locks. The restaurant's commitment to freshness remains unchanged — while the original owner would walk to the Locks after breakfast to catch fish for lunch, today's kitchen receives fresh fish daily from commercial fishermen on Lake Superior, many of whom are members of the Chippewa Tribe of Indians whose ancestors fished these same waters centuries ago and were granted fishing rights through a historic treaty. The restaurant's growth mirrors the region's tourism boom, with the front section added just two years after opening to accommodate the lock views, and the upstairs added in 1963 as visitors flocked to experience this remarkable location where the St. Marys River drops 20 feet in less than half a mile. Diners can expect classic Great Lakes seafood preparations, friendly Midwestern service, and a warm, nautical-themed atmosphere that honors the area's rich maritime heritage. The restaurant is located at 329 W Portage Ave in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, open daily for lunch and dinner.