It’s that time of year.
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.
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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! 😉
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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!
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Relaxing river views, and everything on the menu is fresh and made from scratch!
Per my friend Lisa (my Marine City and St. Clair expert), 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).
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Recently remodeled and should be opening! The Dive Bar is open and so is their restaurant called 1926. (1926 has Sunday Brunch too!)
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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.
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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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The food options here look really good! I will be going asap!
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Key West style dining! This looks like such a fun party spot, and you can arrive by boat too!
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Bumper’s Landing (Harrison Twp)
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The Windjammer Bar and Grill (Port Huron)
This one is a little bit far, but oh so worth it!
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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!
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Regular Patios
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!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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Fire pit tables & patio bar!
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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!
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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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If you are looking for a spot with unique food and decor, then this might just be the place for you!
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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*
Wineries & Vineyards
Make sure you check out this post here to see which of your favorite spots have outdoor seating and patios!
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!
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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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You missed Brewery Becker in Brighton. Great beer and beautiful outdoor patio garden.