Just outside of Chicago lies a riverfront restaurant families have loved for decades. Broken Oar Marina Bar & Grill, led by husband and wife duo Bonnie Miske and Mike Haber, is celebrating 40 years of serving Northeastern Illinois.
“The incredible growth we have experienced over the years and the community we have created in the process – our amazing Oar family of customers, our incredible staff that support us and ride through some crazy busy days with grace, and the local music community that have helped us build the business,” Miske said.
When Miske first joined the Broken Oar family, she planned to stay just two months until a permanent general manager was hired. Sixteen years later, she’s still managing the area and transforming it into a family-friendly regional hotspot.
Her success within the hospitality industry has thrived as a result of her love for curating meaningful experiences for families, much like her own. Miske spoke to us about her involvement with the restaurant and how her family life has played a role in the space’s development.
Leading one of the area’s largest riverfront restaurants
Growing up as the youngest of six, Miske is no stranger to navigating hectic environments. With a keen eye for detail and identifying spaces to curate connection, she oversees all restaurant operations, events and band booking — all to make sure families enjoy a seamless dining experience.
During peak season, Miske manages a staff of around 125. Under her direction, her team maintains the upper level SkyDeck, lower level riverfront patio & lawn, outdoor lounge and the Broken Barn for entertainment.
With seven riverfront acres of multi-level dining, this establishment offers several places for families to relax—each with sunset views and live entertainment.
She credits the success of the restaurant to her dedicated team, who strive to continuously make improvements year after year.
Organizing family-friendly dining as a mother and manager
Before meeting her now husband, Mike Haber, Miske navigated life as a single mom with her daughter Jenna. This journey helped her develop a discipline and work ethic that contributed to a successful work-life balance throughout her career.
“Through the course of raising my daughter, learning life lessons and the structure, discipline and work ethic needed to make it all work, it gave me the knowledge and strength to lead by example and be successful in my professional life,” shared Miske.
The lessons she learned from motherhood quickly translated to her career, from being thoughtful through problem-solving to supporting and leading a team of staff members.
Serving her own family allowed her to see the restaurant through a parent’s lens, and through seasonal and nightly events, Miske has created a haven for local families to take refuge from daily commotion. Some of her favorites have been Monday Dine with your Dogs, Tuesday Car Show and Wednesday Sunset Luau Shows.
Future plans and a message for families
At the end of the day, Miske hopes to “make every visit for every customer better than the last.” From hosting little league teams, boaters and music enthusiasts, community and shared enjoyment lie at the center of the space’s mission.
Even if just for a night, she hopes visitors leave with a taste of the vacation lifestyle Broken Oar strives to provide for guests.
Broken Oar is bringing back its Arctic Winter Bar now through February with a festive enclosed barn, lounge and bar. Taking place inside their 3,000 square-foot heated event space, the celebration combines holiday cheer with cozy community fun.
Families can enjoy events throughout the program like ugly sweater parties, tailgates and a New Year’s Eve celebration. Occasions like this reflect Miske’s mission of forming unforgettable memories with families during every season.
After a busy night of welcoming new guests and organizing top-notch entertainment, Miske admitted to walking to the end of the pier and taking a moment to soak in the atmosphere.
“Looking back at all of the people in the crowd laughing, singing and having a good time, that’s when you know all of the hard work is worth it. That’s what it’s all about in the end,” said Miske.
