Outdoor dining is a Michigan summer staple. If you’re looking to have a day out with good food, drinks, and fresh air, then check out these metro Detroit restaurants with patio seating so scenic and comfortable they will make you wish they were your own backyard.
54 West
Surrounding by rustic fencing to keep out the fast pace of downtown Clawson, 54 West provides its patrons with a spot to kick back, relax, and enjoy the restaurant’s extensive menu of southwest-inspired small bites, salads, sides, and classic cocktails. 54 West, 54 W. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson; 248-632-1467; 54westmi.com
Apparatus Room
Situated right in front of the Detroit Foundation Hotel’s historic firehouse doors, the Apparatus Room’s patio is an ideal spot for taking in the hustle and bustle of Detroit. Visit the new American restaurant’s social media pages to stay up to date on its special patio events, like Wine Down Wednesdays, a monthly summer gathering with special wine features and samples. Apparatus Room, 250 W. Larned St., Detroit; 313-800-5600; detroitfoundationhotel.com
Bella Piatti
Visited by Jimmy Buffett and John Mayer, this spot is known for more than its celebrity clientele. The restaurant’s interior is full of gorgeous décor, but the patio is an ideal spot for warm summer nights. Bella Piatti, 167 Townsend St, Birmingham; 248-494-7110; bellapiattirestaurant.com
Big Rock Chop House
This Birmingham steakhouse takes garden-to-table to the next level. Big Rock Chophouse has four garden boxes on their property where its chefs grow fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Enjoy Big Rock Chop House’s extremely fresh food inside or see the garden for yourself while you dine on the patio. Big Rock Chophouse, 245 S. Eton St, Birmingham; 248-647-7774; bigrockchophouse.com
Clubhouse BFD
This self-proclaimed “Birthplace of Good Times” is the ideal spot for your next day off. Clubhouse BFD’s patio is complete with picnic-style tables, game tables, and miniature bonfires. The American restaurant’s menu, which features a large selection of sharables, sandwiches, and entrees, is ideal whether you’re watching the big game or having a girl’s night out. Clubhouse BFD, 2265 Crooks Rd., Rochester; 248-289-6093; clubhousebfd.com
El Barzon
Full of flower pots and red brick décor, El Barzon offers the perfect backdrop for date night. This Italian/Mexican fusion restaurant has a huge menu, offering tacos, pasta, seafood, and more. El Barzon, 3710 Junction Ave., Detroit; 313-894-2070; elbarzonrestaurant.com
Filippa’s
This Shelby Township staple takes outdoor dining a step further, offering a full bar menu on their patio in the summer. With a variety of seafood, Michigan grown favorites, and Italian influences, Filippa’s has it all. Filippa’s, 45125 Mound Rd., Shelby Township; 587-254-1311; filippas.com
La Dolce Vita
This hot spot is revered for its lush green patio setting that transports diners to Florence, Italy without ever leaving the mitten state. The restaurant serves up lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends. La Dolce Vita, 17546 Woodward Ave, Detroit; 313-865-0331; ldvrestaurant.net.
Monarch Club
Located in the penthouse of the resorted Metropolitan Building, this new Detroit bar takes elevated glamour to a whole new level with cozy leather chairs, dim lighting, and craft cocktails and small plates. But the real star of this spot is the view, which is particularly breathtaking from Monarch Club’s open-air patio spaces. Enjoy after-dinner drinks from the space by the heat of the patio’s several fire pits. Monarch Club, 33 John R St., Detroit; 313-306-2380; monarchclubdetroit.com
Mike’s On The Water
Voted Best Restaurant With Deck/Outdoor Seating 2019 – Single Location, Mike’s On The Water attracts patrons far and wide with its rooftop food truck and waterfront views. Guests can even dock their boat at the Nautical Mile staple, which serves up specialties like perch, salmon, and shrimp and fries. Mike’s On The Water, 24530 E. Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-872-2630; mikesonthewater.com
Lipuma’s Coney Island
This family owned Coney Island has been in business since 1969. A more casual dining option, Lipuma’s offers Coney Island staples like hot dogs and Greek salads, as well as their take on tacos and burritos. Their small but comfortable patio offers a hometown feel no matter where you’re from. Lipuma’s Coney Island, 621 N. Main St., Rochester; 248-652-9862; lipumasconeyisland.com
Pinky’s Rooftop
A feminine newcomer to the downtown Royal Oak dining scene, this establishment features a 44-seat outdoor, rooftop garden patio. The spot also boasts a 27-seat heated, covered patio, so customers can enjoy Pinky’s Rooftop’s craft cocktails and American and Asian-inspired small plates year-round in an outdoor space. Pinky’s Rooftop, 100 S. Main St., second level, Royal Oak; 248-291-6506; pinkysroyaloak.com
Selden Standard
Hour Detroit’s 2016 Restaurant of the Year, Selden Standard offers indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of small plates. Its patio is surrounded by hand-painted walls and eye-catching greenery. Selden Standard, 3921 Second Ave., Detroit; 313-438-5055; seldenstandard.com
Townhouse
With two locations for this American restaurant, you can enjoy the Townhouse whichever way you prefer. Stop by the Detroit restaurant for a vibe that’s industrial with hints of natural woods and plenty of greenery, or the Birmingham restaurant for a vibe that’s more classic, with bright red umbrellas and intimate seating arrangements. Townhouse Detroit, 500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-723-1000; and Townhouse, 180 Pierce St., Birmingham; 248-792-5241; eatattownhouse.com
From The Archive: Restaurant of the Year 2012: Joe Muer Seafood
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