In 1952, while spending time on Lake Martin, Hank Williams penned the iconic song about Kaw-liga, a lonely wooden Indian with a heart of knotty pine who fell in love with an Indian maid. Around the same time, construction began on a new restaurant across the road, complete with its own wooden Indian. Opening its doors in April 1953, the restaurant later became known as Cecil’s on the Lake, operating for a decade before a fire led to its reopening. In 2000, Sinclair’s took over the location under a lease with Russell Lands, which lasted 12 years. When the lease was renewed in 2012, Russell Lands brought the property into its restaurant lineup, joining SpringHouse and Catherine’s Market.
Today, Kowaliga Restaurant is known for its mouthwatering southern comfort menu, featuring locally sourced seasonal ingredients. However, the show's real star is our stunning lakeside view, which has earned us the title of Best Lakeside Dining on Lake Martin time and time again. Experience it for yourself!