It's time to bring on the summer days spent on the lake, boating, fishing, relaxing, and, our personal favorite: dining by the water in Kentucky! Whether you spend a lot of time on the waters of Kentucky, or maybe you'd like to plan a couple days at the lake soon, you may want to consider a spot that is close to some fabulous lakeside dining. Many of Kentucky's larger lakes have marinas and resorts that include incredible restaurants, and some of our wonderful state parks have eateries right on a lake. Even if you are not staying at these places, you can still visit the restaurants! So if you enjoy dining with a waterfront view, you simply must visit these eight lakeside restaurants in Kentucky, especially this time of year.

1. Dockers Bayside Grille

Dockers Bayside Grille is situated on the banks of picturesque Lake Barkley within the Green Turtle Bay Resort. (Lake Barkley, is, in our humble opinion, one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the Bluegrass State!) It's a great little spot for a tasty breakfast or lunch, and the views make it a true vacation dining destination. You can find Dockers at 280 Green Turtle Bay Drive, Grand Rivers, KY, 42045.

2. Thirsty Turtle Tavern

Also within Green Turtle Bay Resort on Lake Barkley, the Thirsty Turtle Tavern has everything you could want in a lakefront restaurant. You can drive, walk, or boat right on up to it (they have a dock where you can tie up), and enjoy a mouthwatering pizza or burger right on the water. They also have live music on the weekends and larger-than-life lawn games to keep everyone entertained. We've loved this tavern since the minute it opened and you can read more about it in our previous feature article about Thirsty Turtler Tavern. The Thirsty Turtle Tavern is located at 265 Nautical Dr., Grand Rivers, KY, 42045. Of course, while you're in Grand Rivers, definitely stop by Patti's 1880!

3. Ralph's Harborview Bar & Grill

Ralph's Harborview Bar & Grill is located at Moors Resort & Marina on Kentucky Lake and will have you feeling like you are on vacation from the minute you step inside. They serve all three meals of the day, and you'll probably want to experience all of them when you're in the area. The food and drinks here are outstanding and the atmosphere is pure waterfront happiness. Ralph's is located at 570 Moors Rd. in lovely Gilbertsville, Kentucky.

4. Buzzard Rock Cafe

Buzzard Rock Marina Resort on Lake Barkley has a lakefront cafe with some of the best views in the state. Sit out on the large deck and enjoy a tasty sandwich and a cold drink and watch the boats head out onto the lake. You can dock your boat right there and even visit the gift shop or take part in a trivia night. Buzzard Rock Cafe is located at 985 Buzzard Rock Rd., Kuttawa, KY, 42055.

5. Echo Charlie's

Echo Charlie's is a bayside restaurant in Kentucky located on the northern end of Lake Barkley within Eddy Creek Marina Resort. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the food is wonderful and the views from the deck are incredible. Catch a famous lake sunset while dining on any number of menu favorites. Echo Charlie's is located at 7612 State Route 93 S., Eddyville, KY, 42038.

6. Harbor Lights Restaurant at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Harbor Lights is beautifully located within the Village Inn Lodge of WordKentucky Dam Village State Resort Park in western Kentucky. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the food is fresh and delicious. The sweeping water views from the wall of windows make this a lovely spot to dine with the entire family. Harbor Lights Restaurant is located at 116 Upper Village Inn Dr., Gilbertsville, KY, 42044.

7. Fishtales at Wolf Creek Marina

Fishtales is a unique restaurant right on Lake Cumberland within Wolf Creek Marina, and it's really one of the best places to dine on the water in Kentucky. The outdoor tiki hut is the perfect spot to enjoy the Key West-inspired menu and the sunset views are to die for. The food is delicious, the ambiance is relaxed and fun, and Fishtales is a must-try when boating on Lake Cumberland. Fishtales can be found at 782 Island Ramp Rd., Nancy, KY, 42544.

8. The Harbor Restaurant

Just because you're dining on the lakefront doesn't mean it has to be a casual experience! When you want a special meal out, check out The Harbor Restaurant on Lake Cumberland in Lee's Ford Marina. Here, you can enjoy a mouthwatering steak as well as scenic views of the water and marina. Though the restaurant is more upscale than others on this list, don't feel like you need a suit and tie; while the food at The Harbor Restaurant is top-notch, the atmosphere is still inviting and comfortable. If you need help deciding where to stay at the Marina, check out our previous article about this wondrous place. The Harbor Restaurant is located at 451 Lees Ford Dock Rd., Nancy, KY, 42544.

Lakeside dining always feels like a vacation, so whether you are taking a trip or just happen to live near a lake, check out these delightful waterfront spots in Kentucky this season. Did your favorite lakeside restaurant make the list? What are your favorite spots for dining by the water in Kentucky? Feel free to share others you love in the comments!

If you want to plan a camping trip near some of these restaurants, check out seven spectacular spots in Kentucky where you can camp right on the lake ... and we bet some of them are hidden gems you didn't know about!