The Mike Fink began its career as the John W. Hubbard, a sternwheeler built to tow texaco oil barges.
Marine salvage expert, Captain John Beatty, purchased the paddle-wheeler in 1967 and spent one year converting it into the present "Mike Fink" restaurant. The restaurant opened in May of 1968.
The Bernstein family purchased the Mike Fink in August of 1977. The following year, they refurbished the entire interior and added the glass-enclosed dining barge outside.