Five Michigan Restaurants With Five-Star Patios
Five Michigan Restaurants With Five-Star Patios
There’s nothing quite like summer in Michigan! From boating on the Great Lakes or spending weekends “up north”, Michiganders will find just about any excuse to spend their summer days outdoors. If you’re looking to get the most out of a Michigan summer, wining and dining on one of these five-star patios is a must!
Legs Inn – Cross Village, MI
Image via Legs Inn
Image via Oakland County Times
I first experienced Legs Inn a few years ago while road tripping along the northwestern coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula with my sister. Its location in Cross Village near the iconic Tunnel of Trees made it a perfect mid-day stop to fuel up on some good food and a refreshing hard cider. The interior décor could keep you entertained for hours, but the outdoor seating area is the true star of the show. Overlooking Lake Michigan, the grassy area is filled with dining tables, adirondack chairs, and plenty of open space to play games and relax. Their homemade Polish cuisine is an added bonus if you have a last name like mine! But not to worry, they have other fares including locally-caught Great Lakes Whitefish in case your group is looking for more variety.
Townhouse – Birmingham, MI & Detroit, MI
I acknowledge I’m no food guru or travel guide, so I recruited the help of some friends when trying to put together a five-star list of five-star patios. Townhouse was recommended with particular enthusiasm and it’s easy to understand why! At both locations in Birmingham and Detroit, Townhouse provides the perfect patio space for a Sunday brunch or dinner and drinks on a summer evening. Their seasonal menu ensures the freshest ingredients and judging by the menu, you’d be hard-pressed to find something you didn’t like. My friend particularly loves the buffalo cauliflower as a sharable for the table. Townhouse’s other creative takes on food include artichoke kale queso and vegan chocolate chip cookies. I’ll be staying to enjoy all the courses on their patio!
Image via Townhouse
Image via Townhouse
The Dive – St. Clair, MI
Image via the St. Clair Inn
Image via the St. Clair Inn
The Dive hits particularly close to home for me. I recently moved to St. Clair and I can’t pretend I wasn’t at least partially sold on the great little restaurants here. One in particular that I’ve enjoyed a few times is found within the St. Clair Inn right along the St. Clair River. I’ve celebrated a few friends’ birthdays here and have never been disappointed by the food or atmosphere. Enjoy some truffle brussels or a brie burger while you watch freighter ships cruise by the patio! You can even end your night with a stroll on the nearby boardwalk. Date night anyone?
Monarch Club – Detroit, MI
Image via Monarch Club
Image via Monarch Club
What an unexpected gem the Monarch Club turned out to be when I tagged along with some friends for a little gathering in Detroit last summer. We lounged on the rooftop while circled around an open fire pit, sipping cocktails, and snacking on small plates. The view of the city was breathtaking—especially as dusk fell. I’m convinced any food or drink would simply be the cherry on top of this restaurant’s true delight: its rooftop patio!
Brickyard Tavern – Grand Rapids, MI
Image via Brickyard Tavern
Image via Brickyard Tavern
While I haven’t made it to the Brickyard Tavern myself, I reached out to some close friends who live on the west side of the state, and they assured me this was their favourite hidden gem in the city of Grand Rapids. Specializing in upscale American cuisine, Brickyard Tavern offers weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner. Their menu caters to dietary restrictions and provides some great alternatives such as avocado goat toast as well as gluten-free and vegetarian options for their handheld burgers and sandwiches. Brickyard Patio slid into first place on my must-visit list when I found their lineup for live music that’s played on the patio overlooking a courtyard water fountain and pool. I’ll be visiting shortly, that’s for sure!
Where’s your favourite five-star patio? Let us know here!
Taylor Stawecki is a 20-something Michigander with a love for the great outdoors and written word. She spends her weekdays working for a digital marketing company and as a freelance copywriter. In her free time, you can find her reading, writing poetry, running, watching a Grey’s Anatomy rerun, or spending time with her family and friends. As an old soul, she enjoys collecting salt and pepper shakers and cuddling up in oversized sweaters.
