*Updated for 2023!* It’s that time of year…PATIO SEASON!
Temps are warming up, the sun is coming out, and you can feel the seasonal depression evaporating off of you!
There is (of course) a map for you at the end of this post!
If you see me out on one of these patios this summer, please do say hi!
Patios On The Water
Octopus Beer Garden (Mt. Clemens)
Beer garden + patio on the water vibes!
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Zef’s Dockside Bar + Kitchen (SCS)
This one has a rooftop too, but I love that it is on the water.
Zef’s is on my Caribbean Vibes List too!
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This place definitely has a fancier vibe (if you’re into that). It would be great for a classy girl’s night out!
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The coconut shrimp is so good! It comes highly recommended by many! You can also arrive by boat! 😉
Anita’s Riverfront Grille (Marine City)
Award Winning Nachos!
Per their website:
Located on the St. Clair River in Marine City’s historic downtown. Anita’s offers gorgeous waterfront views while eating delicious American and Mexican cuisine in a family fun atmosphere. We invite you to enjoy dinner and cocktails on our beautiful riverfront deck while you watch the freighters float by. A great place to relax with friends or family and watch your favorite sporting event.
Your family can enjoy dinner from our affordable menu or you can enjoy a beer at the bar while you play keno. You will not want to miss our happy hour drink specials, stop in between 1:00pm – 5:00pm to see what fun drinks our bartenders have to offer. Looking for a fun night out? Stop in for dinner during one of our fun themed evenings!
They have Duck Drinks here too!
Relaxing river views, and everything on the menu is fresh and made from scratch!
You can park your boat there and walk up to get drinks or you can drive and park. It’s on a canal (very cute).
Recently remodeled and should be opening! The Dive Bar is open!
The Dive Bar seriously has THE BEST food! If you see the smoked prime rib on special, you need to get there asap!
Epic views (waterfront), oysters, and a bowling alley!
Per their website:
We’re located on the St. Clair River where freighters pass close to shore.
Whether you come for lunch, dinner or a drink with friends, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view (great from any table, thanks to The Voyageur’s large picture windows) as huge ocean-faring freighters glide by, only a matter of yards from your table!
Be accompanied by live piano music starting at 6pm every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And on the street side, The Voyageur Sports Bar adds a bits of revelry, featuring Keno, several large screen televisions to view all the big games and a great menu.
River Crab Blue Water Inn (St. Clair)
Upscale dining on the St. CLair River. This place looks SERIOUSLY AMAZING!
Fresh sea food, steak, and pasta.
It is also an “Inn,” so you could make a whole romantic staycation out of it if you choose.
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I have heard amazing things about their chicken sandwich! The drinks are also very good along with the sunset views!
Key West style dining! The coconut shrimp and rum runners are my favorite. You can arrive by boat too!
If you love the tropical vibes, make sure you check out my Caribbean Vibes Post!
Bumper’s Landing (Harrison Twp)
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They do a lot of live music here!
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The Windjammer Bar and Grill (Lexington)
This one is a little bit far, but oh so worth it! They have brunch. They also serve sushi which looks amazing! In the winter, they have igloos.
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AJ’s Salt Docks (Marine City)
HOOK (SCS)
Used to be Brownies on the Lake. I’m excited to give this new place a try! It looks pretty fancy!
Bobby Mac’s Bayside Tavern (Fair Haven)
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On the ROCKS (Algonac)
Junction Bouy (Marysville)
Johnny’s On The Lake (Belleville)
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Andy’s Wine Bar (Port Huron)
The Beach Tiki Bar & Boil (Walled Lake)
They usually have a 4th of July Party & Fireworks Here!
MacRay Harbor (Harrison Twp)
There are two restaurants here open to the public!
N42 Bar & Grill and The Helm
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JP’s Waterfront (Gibraltar)
Lake Inn (Lapeer)
They have igloos here in the winter too!
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The Waterfront Wyandotte (Wyandotte)
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Coriander Kitchen & Farm (Detroit)
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Portofino Restaurant & Banquet (Wyandotte)
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Port O Call (Algonac)
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Rooftops
This place is an Instagrammers heaven! It is over the top, decked out in pink, cotton candy drinks…it’s a fantastical wonderland.
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I have been wanting to dine here for SO LONG!
From their website: Taking inspiration from the famed mid-century rooftop bars of downtown Detroit—such storied haunts as the Savoyard, Recess and Top of the Flame—the Monarch Club reimagines these classic venues for the modern era. Commanding the penthouse of the meticulously restored Metropolitan Building, the Monarch Club is where refined relaxation meets the mystique of rediscovered grandeur. With iconic skyscrapers encircling, this rooftop hideaway is the perfect place to unwind while city lights twinkle around you. Behind the Monarch’s parapet and by the glow of candlelight, enjoy craft cocktails and enticing culinary offerings as your senses are awakened by views of a downtown metropolis that is at once familiar, yet strikingly new.
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Rooftop Patio + Giant Ground Level Patio
Live Music
“Better than Bar Food”
Where Cheli’s used to be. The place to be on baseball days!
Gord’s (Marine City)
This place has a dive bar vibe, and I love it! There is also so much to explore in Marine City, and Marine City is on the water too!
Exchange Bar & Grill (Northville)
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Social (Birmingham)
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Atwater Brewery & Tap House (Detroit)
Both Atwater locations are DOG FRIENDLY! (<<Dog Friendly Patio List)
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Sindbad’s (Detroit)
Level Two (Detroit)
Not exactly day drinking, but I couldn’t resist including this rooftop!
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Good Times On The Ave (Detroit)
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Motor City Brewing Works – Midtown (Detroit)
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Collect Beer Bar (Detroit)
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Sloppy Crab Restaurant (Detroit)
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Lumen (Detroit)
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Fin’s Eatery & Spirits (New Baltimore)
Delmar (Detroit)
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Regular Patios
BrisaBar (Detroit)
Like I said before, make sure you check out my Caribbean Vibes Post so you don’t miss out on patios like these!
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The outdoor patio definitely gives off those tropical tiki bar vibes! They have live music, line dancing, etc. They also have bowling and darts inside. I almost classified this one as “on the water” too!
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American Cuisine & Rum Runners!
The patio looks like a magical little spot all lit up during the summer!
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They often have live music here too! And they do brunch on the weekends 😉
Take a look at my brunch list HERE.
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Ok, so this place has a reputation if you know what I mean lol (popped collars and Mr. Steal Yo Girl – vomit), but I do enjoy their patio from time to time! I always meet new people, and it’s always an adventure!
FOOD TRUCKS. YESSSSS!
Food truck season is May – October with a variety of rotating options.
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Como’s is always a happening spot! Great pizza!
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Bobcat Bonnie’s (Macomb, Ferndale, Corktown, Ypsilanti, Wyandotte)
Please see your specific location on their website for the details.
They also do BRUNCH! The patio at Partridge Creek is DOG FRIENDLY too!
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The best chicken tenders I have ever had in my life! (And I have sampled many!)
They used to have live music on the weekends – not sure what has happened with that since c-vid.
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The Anchor Point Bistro (St. Clair)
First come first serve. They do recommend making a reservation for groups of 5 or more!
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Marine City Fish Company (Marine City)
Located near the St. Clair River.
Open Tues – Sun for lunch and dinner.
Specializing in local fresh fish, homemade pasta, house smoked ribs, beef tenderloin jerky, smoked salmon, gourmet sandwiches, steak burgers, and hand crafted desserts.
Not on the water, but very close to it!
Dive on the inside. Great people watching.
In the running for Best Burger in Town too!
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Park 600 (Rochester)
If you are looking for a fancy and romantic spot, then this is the place for you!
You can check out my post about my stay at The Royal Park Hotel HERE.
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Pegasus Taverna (SCS)
Greek Food, and they have a cool outdoor bar area!
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Pat O’Brien’s (SCS)
If you’re looking to hang with a “younger crowd” then this might be the spot for you. I have been told that it is fun to day drink here and can get a little rowdy.
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Fishbone’s (SCS)
Directly from my friend: Recently Remodeled, Outdoor Bar, Roomie Tables, & Great for Fresh Sushi. Yum!
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The patio is now covered with an awning, which will be really welcome on those hot summer days!
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YOU NEED TO TRY THE FROSE. THAT IS ALL.
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They have live music here! This patio is also DOG FRIENDLY!
Paint Creek Tavern (Rochester)
Self proclaimed “dive.”
My friend Rachel loves this place, so I will definitely be giving it a try!
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Patio has recently been redone! It is super cute, and I had some great food and wine here recently!
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Definitely more of a fancy dining option than a chill day drinking place, but I included them anyway 🙂
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The food here is amazing! (Italian)
You can take a nice little stroll around Corktown too!
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Amici’s Kitchen and Living Room
Their pizza looks SO GOOD, and they always have creative cocktails too.
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Again…more of a fancy dinner place (burgers too) than a casual day drinking place, but they deserve a spot on the list!
They’re also on my MOST ROMANTIC DATE NIGHTS LIST!
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If you’re looking for a causal day drinking spot, then stop by Second Best (right across the street from Grey Ghost).
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Muldoon’s (Utica)
Fun spot for day drinking and Jimmy John’s Field is right across the street!
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Definitely a more upscale option!
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Cripelli’s Bakery & Pizzeria (Troy)
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15th Street Tavern (Clarkston)
Tacos, Margs, Burgers, OH MY!
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Check out their happy hour specials! They will also be expanding their outdoor patio.
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The HUB Sports Bistro (Macomb)
They have a brand new patio that gives off all the relaxed outdoor vibes! They have fishbowls too…
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Three Blind Mice Irish Pub (Mt. Clemens)
They always have happy hour and other food specials going on! You could bar hop around to all of the Mt. Clemens patios too!
*Photo From the Three Blind Mice Facebook Page*
Wine Social (Lake Orion)
This is one of my favorite Wine Bars & patios too! They always have lots of fun themed parties. On the weekends, they usually have live music or a DJ too! This is the spot where I hosted my Galentine’s party 🙂
Freighters (Port Huron)
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River Rat (Harrison Twp)
Harrison’s Speakeasy (Harrison Twp)
I love this place! It is super cute inside and out! Make sure you check out my Speakeasies Post if you’re interested!
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Rochester Corner Bar (Rochester)
Formerly Penny Black’s
Seems like a fun, upbeat, and hoppin’ place!
Saint 1881 Coffee & Cocktail Bar (Rochester)
If you love this aesthetic, make sure you check out my Girls’ Night Out Post!
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Luxe Bar & Grill (Birmingham)
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Belleville Bait Shop (Belleville)
Knapp’s City Garage (New Baltimore)
This will be such a fun summer hangout spot! Plus, it’s right by the water and a cute little park!
On The Bay (New Baltimore)
If you love the tropical feel, please check out my Caribbean Vibes Post!
Dogwoods Kitchen & Bar (Pontiac)
This place is new, and it looks pretty cool!
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White Horse Inn (Metamora)
White Horse is one of my all time absolute favorites!
It might be a bit of a drive, but it is so peaceful and so worth it!
In the winter, they also have Igloos and Horse & Carriage Rides!
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Metamora General Store (Metamora)
This one has a small seating area, but I still love it. If you’re going out to White Horse, you definitely need to stop in!
Grab a glass of wine and hang out around the fire pit out front!
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The Post Local Bistro (Plymouth)
Catch 22 Bistro (Algonac)
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Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro (Birmingham)
This place is a gem! If you love wine bars, make sure you check out my Wine Bars List!
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Jolly Pumpkin (Detroit)
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The Corner (Ferndale)
Dog Friendly! This is also just another all around cool hangout spot too! Detroit Axe is upstairs. They have board games you can play and serve cereal in giant bowls too! It’s a fun vibe!
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Tom’s Oyster Bar (Royal Oak)
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Lily’s Seafood (Royal Oak)
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Alex’s Gourmet Market & Bistro (Clarkston)
This place is truly one of a kind! It’s a gas station, bistro, taproom, bowling alley, banquet hall, and they even have a VR room!
In addition to that, they have brunch where they offer Mimosa Flights, Bloody Mary Flights, Coffee Flights, and so much more!
You might also want to check out my Cool Spots list if you’re looking for more fun hangout spots with cool things to do!
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Venue by 4M (Ann Arbor)
They have brunch here! Make sure you check out my Boozy Brunch List!
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San Morello (Detroit)
If you wanna be fancy!
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MotorCity Wine (Detroit)
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La Dolce Vita (Detroit)
Brunch! Also, under new ownership (the same guy that owns Alex’s Gourmet Market & Bistro)!
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El Barzon (Detroit)
On my Most Romantic Date Night List too!
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Selden Standard (Detroit)
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The Peterboro (Detroit)
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The Skip (Detroit)
Check out my Dog Centered Events post too! AND they always have an amazing Christmas pop-up here!
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Townhouse Detroit
Make sure you check out my Girls’ Night Out Post for similar vibes!
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The Rattlesnake Club (Detroit)
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Parc (Detroit)
I love coming here at Christmas too when the tree is up in Campus Martius! It’s a great secret spot to enjoy the tree!
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Oat Soda (Lake Orion)
Wineries & Vineyards
Make sure you check out this post here to see the complete Wineries & Vineyards List!
Sage Creek (Memphis)
They have wine slushies here too!
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Youngblood (Ray)
Youngblood offers goat yoga too! You need to sign up in advance!
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Green Barn (Kimball)
The wine slushies here are pretty great too! Dennis took good care of us on our visit! Be sure to say hi to Cassie the Cat 😉
Beer Garden Vibes
Cadieux Cafe
They also have feather bowling and tons of Belgian food and beer! Check out my post on Cool Spots in Metro Detroit HERE.
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If you love Dragonmead beers, then this is most definitely the place for you. (Final Absolution <3)
Wine, Cider, Beer
Happy Hour: Wednesday-Friday (3pm-5pm)
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Beer Garden Vibes!
I will take a piña colada please!
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Beer Garden Vibes!
I couldn’t find a good picture of the outdoor area, so here is one of the inside.
They have giant jenga and cornhole too!
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Witch’s Hat Brewing Company (South Lyon)
Patio is first come first serve.
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Go for brunch! You won’t regret it! Also, this BBQ sauce is the best 🙂
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Copper Hop Brewing Company (SCS)
They usually always have food trucks on site! You can also bring in food from one of the neighboring places too!
Located on the Nautical Mile!
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Jamex Brewing Co (SCS)
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Craft beers & Sushi Saturdays? I can get onboard with that!
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The Royal Oak Brewery (Royal Oak)
Per their website: The Royal Oak Brewery, established in 1995, is Oakland County’s oldest brewpub. Located one block east of Main Street, it has become an area institution. The comfortable atmosphere and hometown feel make it a destination for locals and visitors alike.
The brewery serves 7-9 fresh beers on tap daily, handcrafted on premise on our custom designed 14 barrel brewhouse. We proudly display our brewery behind our bar to create an atmosphere that allows our guests to experience our brewing operation up close.
Along with our handcrafted beer we offer fresh cuisine, full bar and wine menu. In addition to comfortable indoor dining, we also offer a seasonal biergarten patio which has been repeatedly voted “Best Patio” in Metro Detroit.
We are open five days each week during this time of restricted dining. Our heated outdoor Patio Biergarten is always open during our hours of operation, weather permitting. We also offer heated Curbside Igloo Dining. Call the brewery at 248-544-1141 during our hours of operation to book a slot in one of them. See you soon!
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Urbanrest Brewing Company (Ferndale)
Beer, cider, wine, & even kombucha!
Taproom closed Mondays & Tuesdays.
They also offer two rotating charcuterie boards options! (One meat friendly and one vegetarian.)
“We have a steady flow of food trucks/pop-ups serving delicious grub typically 3-5 days per week. We also allow you to bring in outside food if you’d like. Order up a pizza and head on up! Our full schedule of events is available on the Facebook events page.”
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“As the experimental arm of Eastern Market Brewing Co., we take libations to new elevations.”
I am SO intrigued.
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Detroit Shipping Company (Detroit)
Restaurant Collective & Beer Hall
5 different restaurants to choose from!
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Ale Mary’s (Royal Oak)
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Griffin Claw Clubhouse (Rochester Hills)
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For More Beer Garden Vibes Patios That Are All Dog Friendly, Click The Button Below 🙂
And Make Sure You…
You missed Brewery Becker in Brighton. Great beer and beautiful outdoor patio garden.
The Pound in Brighton has an awesome rooftop bar
Author
Thank you! I’ll check them out and add them! 🙂