For Michiganders who have been cooped up indoors for months to avoid the cold, the arrival of warmer weather primarily means one thing: al fresco dining.
Fortunately, Michigan has no shortage of incredible patios. Across the state, you’ll find waterfront restaurants where boats drift by as you eat, rooftop bars with sweeping city views, hidden garden patios tucked into unexpected places, and lively brewery biergartens made for long summer nights.
But it’s not just about the outdoor spaces at these Michigan restaurants. The food is just as memorable as the scenery, with menus showcasing everything from fresh seafood and handmade pasta to deep-dish pizza and globally inspired dishes.
Whether you’re planning a date night, brunch with friends, or a casual weekend dinner, these Michigan restaurants offer some of the best patio dining experiences in the state.
1. Archival Brewing
Archival Brewing’s sprawling backyard biergarten has a laid-back, campfire-party vibe, with bocce ball, cornhole, Adirondack chairs, and multiple fire pits spread throughout the space. A large pergola covers much of the patio, so it’s comfortable even on the sunniest of summer days.
The food menu is just as fun and eclectic as the patio scene. Alongside the brewery’s historic-style beers, ciders, and meads, you’ll find globally inspired dishes that range from German sausage plates to tikka masala and braised beef bánh mì.
Address: 6266 W. River Dr. NE, Belmont
2. Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant
If you’re looking for dinner with a water view, Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant is hard to beat. The restaurant sits right on Lake Macatawa, and the massive covered patio practically hangs over the shoreline. String lights give the space a cozy glow at night, while umbrella-covered tables closer to the water offer shade while you soak up the lake breeze during the day.
The menu leans New American with something for just about everyone, from burgers and pizzas to seafood favorites like lake perch and walleye.
Address: 216 Van Raalte Ave., Holland
3. Blue Water
Blue Water delivers exactly what its name promises: gorgeous waterfront views paired with a relaxed patio atmosphere. The outdoor seating area overlooks Versluis Lake and is surrounded by greenery, including the nearby garden where ingredients are often sourced.
The menu covers everything from lighter options like citrus shrimp and ahi tuna salads to comfort-food favorites including burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches. If you’re extra hungry, there are hearty entrées like drunken rice with vegan steak and lemon pepper Scottish salmon.
Address: 5180 Northland Dr., Grand Rapids
4. Café Cortina
Café Cortina is one of the most romantic patio restaurants in Michigan, and once you see the garden setting, it’s easy to understand why. Located on a former apple orchard, the patio feels more like an intimate outdoor garden party than a restaurant, with lush landscaping, flowers, and twinkling lights surrounding the tables. It’s a favorite for anniversaries, date nights, and even weddings.
The menu matches the upscale atmosphere, with garden-inspired Italian dishes that range from handmade pastas to seafood, beef, and poultry entrées, plus a surprising number of vegan options.
Address: 30715 W 10 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills
5. Como’s
Como’s patio was made for long summer nights with friends. The spacious outdoor setup is mostly covered and includes plenty of seating, plus a lively patio bar area.
The star of the menu is definitely the deep-dish pizza, including creatively named pies like Medical Weight Loss and School Cafeteria. Beyond pizza, you’ll also find comfort-food staples like fried ravioli, meatballs, pasta, and ribs.
Address: 22812 Woodward St., Ferndale
6. Coriander Kitchen & Farm
Hidden inside Detroit’s Canal District, Coriander Kitchen & Farm feels like a little waterfront escape. Set in a former marina, the restaurant’s covered patio sits right along the water, so you can watch kayakers and boats drift toward the Detroit River while you eat. There are also a few tables practically at the water’s edge if you want an even closer view.
The menu changes often depending on what’s in season, with produce and herbs sourced from the restaurant’s own farm. Expect a mix of fresh vegetable-forward dishes alongside heartier options like grilled walleye, spiced sausage, and burgers.
Address: 14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit
7. Ferndale Project
Ferndale Project has one of the most fun patios around, thanks to its bright exterior, backyard-style setup, and two completely different outdoor spaces. The uncovered patio features long communal tables that are perfect for groups, while sitting in the covered section—with turf grass underfoot—feels like you’re hanging out at someone’s summer cookout.
The food menu covers all the brewery favorites you’d expect, including pizzas, handhelds, salads, and shareable appetizers. But regulars know to look for the rotating A/B test specials, where two menu items go head-to-head and diners vote for their favorite.
Address: 567 Livernois, Ferndale
8. Lumen Detroit
Lumen Detroit is one of the best spots in downtown Detroit for al fresco dining. Located next to Beacon Park, the restaurant’s spacious patio overlooks the park’s wide-open green space, giving it a surprisingly relaxed feel for being in the middle of the city.
Fire pits, plenty of seating, and an additional rooftop patio make Lumen a solid pick for summer evenings, whether you’re grabbing cocktails and a snack before an event or settling in for a full dinner.
The menu focuses on modern American cuisine with elevated comfort-food touches. Standout dishes include the Wagyu short rib, Great Lakes walleye, and classic steak frites.
Address: 1903 Grand River Ave., Detroit
9. River House Inn
River House Inn has the kind of patio that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. Set beside the Red Cedar River in a charming old brick house, the outdoor dining area is surrounded by trees and greenery, with umbrella-covered tables overlooking the water.
The family-owned restaurant serves classic American comfort food, including steaks, baked macaroni and cheese, and spinach artichoke dip.
Address: 310 W. Grand River Ave., Williamston
10. Snug Harbor
Snug Harbor nails the laid-back coastal vibe. Sitting along the Grand River near Lake Michigan, the restaurant’s spacious patio puts you right by the water. On warm summer days, it feels more like a vacation spot than a Michigan restaurant.
Seafood is the main attraction here, with dishes like seafood curry, crab fried rice, lobster rolls, and seafood pasta. But there are also plenty of land-based options, including short rib, pork bánh mì, and Turkish gyros.
Address: 311 S. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven
11. Social Kitchen & Bar
Social Kitchen & Bar has a stylish interior, but the rooftop patio is where you really want to be once the weather warms up. The rooftop setup feels polished without being stuffy, making it equally good for brunch with friends or dinner and cocktails at night.
The menu focuses on elevated comfort food, with dishes like baked ravioli, French dip sandwiches, and a rich cheeseburger made from ground short rib and pork belly.
Address: 225 E. Maple Rd., Birmingham
12. The Monarch Club
For one of the best rooftop views in Detroit, head to The Monarch Club. Perched atop the historic Metropolitan Building, the rooftop patio offers sweeping skyline views along with plenty of cozy seating areas that make it feel upscale without losing its relaxed lounge vibe.
Cocktails are the main event here, but the small-plates menu holds its own with options like lamb meatballs, rosemary truffle fries, and vermouth shrimp cocktail.
Address: 33 John R St., Detroit
13. The Waterfront Wyandotte
The Waterfront Wyandotte fully commits to the riverfront experience. The expansive patio sits directly on the Detroit River, giving diners unobstructed water views, while the adjacent sandy beach area makes it feel a little like a waterfront resort.
Seafood dominates the menu, with favorites including fish and chips, lake perch, and cod sandwiches. If seafood isn’t your thing, there are also dishes like chicken piccata and a beef burger.
Address: 507 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte
14. Webber’s Waterfront Restaurant
Webber’s Waterfront Restaurant is the kind of casual waterfront restaurant you stumble upon once and then keep coming back to every summer. Located on the Lost Peninsula near the Ohio border, the patio overlooks the Ottawa River and is filled with flowers and greenery that blend right into the natural surroundings.
The family-run restaurant has been around since 1933, and the menu leans heavily into seafood, with plenty of broiled and fried fish options alongside a handful of non-seafood choices.
Address: 6339 Edgewater Dr., Erie
15. Wine Social
Wine Social’s patio feels tailor-made for catching up with friends over drinks on a warm evening. String lights, shade sails, and umbrella-covered tables give the outdoor space a cozy, relaxed feel.
As the name suggests, wine is the focus here, though the menu also includes craft cocktails and beer. Food-wise, expect snackable options like charcuterie boards and cheese plates, or you can bring in takeout (or order delivery) from a nearby restaurant if you want something more substantial.
Address: 135 S. Broadway St., Lake Orion
16. Zef’s Dockside
Zef’s Dockside gives you front-row marina views from its second-floor patio, where glass railings keep the scenery visible and string lights make the whole space glow at night. The partially covered patio works well whether you’re visiting during the heat of the afternoon or later for drinks by the water.
The upstairs menu is slightly smaller than the full dining room menu but is still packed with options, including appetizers like crab rangoon and pretzel bites, flatbreads, tacos, salads, and sandwiches, including a seasonal lobster roll.
Address: 24026 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Related: The 15 best waterfront restaurants in Michigan, according to locals
