About Us

Island View Waterfront has been family owned and operated since 1968. We believe that you matter and we've built our business treating all of our guests like family. 

Located 15 miles from Baltimore, Island View has a rich history in the waterfront community. Built in 1928 as a dance hall and waterfront picnic grove, the property has been delighting guests with the stunning water views of the Chesapeake Bay. Many guests traveled from Baltimore, escaping the heat, to enjoy a picnic on the Chesapeake.

In 1968, Tom & Fran Laing hung up their "9-5" job and purchased their retirement bar, officially being known to the community as Tom's Tavern. They operated together with the help of their children until Tom's passing in 1983. In 1984, the youngest child and second generation operator, Bruce, and his wife Melissa, joined the ranks and worked alongside Ms. Fran. Bruce renamed the bar Island View Inn and it continued to be a favorite neighborhood bar.

In 2000, the roadside bar moved back to the original waterfront location (as it stands today) and became a popular full service waterfront bar and restaurant. The third generation then joined operations to work with Ms. Fran and Bruce.

In 2021, third generation operator, Jessica, shifted the business model to Island View Waterfront Wedding & Events venue allowing guests to rent our one of a kind location for their most important life celebrations. Island View Waterfront is our guests favorite waterfront wedding venues in Maryland. 

Ready to join us on this adventure? Explore our venue rental offerings.