Outdoor Dining in Any Season

Grand Rapidians love the outdoors ­ – so much so that local restaurants and breweries have devised ways for us (and our visitors) to dine al fresco throughout the year.

Soak up the summer sun on a lakeside deck. Ward off the fall chill at a beergarden fire pit. Watch the snow fall from inside a transparent dome. Enjoy the gradual spring warm-up on a patio equipped for both cool and warm weather. All while enjoying some of the best food and drink in the nation.

Starting with the Downtown area and moving outward into other neighborhoods and regions, the eateries listed below feature outdoor spaces that can accommodate guests in all four seasons. Many of them first winterized their patios, porches and decks to serve more guests when COVID-19 curbed indoor dining. Some of them are included in Refreshment Areas that allow visitors to stroll around with food and beverages in addition to offering general and restaurant-specific seating. All of these spaces remain excellent options to maximize the health benefits of fresh air and social distancing.

Outdoor seating tends to be available on a first-come, first-served basis during warm weather but may require advance reservations in winter. Always check a restaurant’s website or social media before you go. You can also search these outdoor locations on our Restaurants Page.

Downtown Refreshment Area and Outdoor Dining Space, summer/fall 2021
A red cocktail at IDC's patio, positioned in front of an outdoor fire pit in Grand Rapids, MI

Spacious patios for all weather like Uccello's Ristorante - Downtown Grand Rapids or on a rooftop like IDC.

Photo by Experience Grand Rapids

The Apartment Lounge

One of Michigan’s oldest LGBTQ-friendly bars serves drinks on a covered outdoor patio adjacent to the Rainbow Road street mural. Local food trucks are frequently on site for eats.

Aperitivo

Bar/restaurant in the Downtown Market Grand Rapids features a fully enclosed outdoor dining space. Shop for gourmet foods in Aperitivo’s retail store before or after your meal.

Atwater Brewery

The sidewalk tables outside Atwater, at the corner of Michigan Street and Monroe Avenue, are a great place to dine, drink and people-watch.

Barrio Tacos

A garage door opens up to a landscaped patio space with a fire pit and string lights at the GR location of this Midwest chain restaurant known for tacos, tequila and whiskey.

Bobarino’s

The Sky Deck at this Big Old Building (B.O.B.) serves made-to-order pizzas from Bobarino’s and handcrafted-on-site beers from B.O.B.’s brewery.

B.O.B.’s Brewery

The Outdoor Beer Garden at this Big Old Building (B.O.B.) offers a variety of beer and grab-and-go items from the brewery, plus wine & cocktails from the outdoor bar. It’s dog-friendly in warm-weather months.

Brick & Porter

Enjoy a diverse selection of upscale American pub food and 20+ beers at streetside tables along busy Monroe Center St.

Cinco De Mayo

Located in one of GR’s Downtown Refreshment Areas, this Mexican restaurant offers fresh-made food and bar drinks at outdoor tables and in clear “greenhouses,” depending on the season.

City Built Brewing Co.

This cross-cultural brewery in the Monroe North Social Zone offers outdoor seating right outside the front door.

Eastern Kille Distillery

Indulge in premium craft spirits and cocktails at this Monroe North distillery, which has extended its outdoor seating area to accommodate patrons on both sunny days and cool evenings.

Flanagan’s Irish Pub

Treat yourself to authentic Irish hospitality, food and drink in the partially covered dining area outside this enduring downtown eatery.

Founders Brewing Company

The outdoor beer garden at the city’s largest brewery is open (and heated as necessary.)

Garage Bar and Grill

This Monroe North neighborhood favorite has built a street-side canopy with partially enclosed sides for customers to comfortably dine and drink outside in any weather. 

Grand Rapids Downtown Market

Outdoor enclosures lining the front walkway to this food emporium are available on a first-come, first-served basis to guests who purchase ready-to-eat food from a Market vendor.

House of Wine

The outdoor patio at this wine and charcuterie bar along Monroe Center St. is set with open-air tables.

IDC at Amway Grand Plaza

You need a secret code to get into this year-round balcony bar with great views of downtown GR. (Sign up at the IDC website to get it – just don’t tell anyone we told you.)

Luna GR

Award-winning Mexican restaurant in downtown’s Heartside Social Zone welcomes guests to a spacious, partially enclosed patio.

Margaux on the Dek

The riverside outdoor space at this French-inspired entry is lined with private dining domes when winter sets in.

One Twenty Three Tavern

Enjoy dining on the patio at this New American tavern located in downtown’s Studio Park .

Social House

Casual pub just outside Van Andel Arena offers New-American fare and an exhaustive beverage list, all of which can be enjoyed on the outdoor patio as weather permits.

Stella's Lounge

The home of America’s Best Burger (per GQ Magazine) and other elevated bar foods has supplemented its popular patio with even more streetside seating. 

Uccello’s Ristorante – Downtown Grand Rapids

The spacious patio outside this pizzeria and sports lounge is ideal for people-watching while dining.

Z’s Restaurant & Bar

The sunny, secluded outdoor patio at this downtown mainstay is equipped with tables and seating.

Heritage Hill

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Lyon Street Café 

Treat yourself to high-quality sandwiches, baked goods and beverages at streetside tables.

Medical Mile

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Logan’s Alley

The enclosed patio at this neighborhood pub is equipped with a hospital-grade HEPA filter to circulate fresh air around the space.

The Friesian Gastro Pub

The eclectic New American menu at this casual restaurant and pub can be enjoyed in any weather on its stylish and comfortable outdoor patio.

Taco Borracho

A garage door at this authentic Latin restaurant opens up to a covered outdoor patio with heaters, planters and privacy shades A massive indoor-outdoor marble bar serves up margaritas and other cocktails.

The Friesian Gastro Pub's Outdoor Patio In Grand Rapids, MI

Experience a beautiful shaded patio at The Friesian Gastro Pub.

Photo by Experience Grand Rapids

North Quarter

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Café Mamo

Dig into classic Midwestern comfort dishes on the patio beside this Plainfield Ave. dining favorite.

Graydon’s Crossing 

This cozy global pub has covered (but not enclosed) its outdoor patio to shelter guests from the elements.

Switchback Gear Exchange

Enjoy coffee, tea and cocoa around the huge fire pit on the outdoor patio – and when you’re finished, head inside to browse a selection of bicycles and camping gear.

Top Flight Family at The Green Well.
Saying Hi to a Pup While Getting Coffee with Friends

Enjoy patio dining no matter what season or temperature! Sunshine at The Green Well or an open space at Outside Coffee Co.

Photo by Experience Grand Rapids

Donkey Taqueria

This one-of-a-kind Mexican street food concept winterizes its spacious outdoor patio with heated outdoor domes when temps dip below comfort level.

Furniture City Creamery

A spacious outdoor bench is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a made-from-scratch ice cream flavor.

The Green Well

Seating on the ever-popular patio at this creative, eclectic restaurant is available on a first come-first served basis.

Less Traveled

The shaded outdoor patio at this cocktail bar from Long Road Distillers overlooks historic brick-lined Cherry St. Limited snack selection available.

Madcap Coffee – Fulton St.

The Uptown location of this award-winning local coffee shop adds heaters to its outdoor dining space as weather warrants (as if the hot coffee wasn’t warming enough).

Outside Coffee Co.

This community coffee shop welcomes guests to its lovely garden setting in every season – sit as sun-splashed tables in summer and inside private domes in winter.

Speciation Artisan Ales

Experience an evolutionary approach to brewing wild beer, wine, hard seltzer and cider on the patio at this Wealthy Street favorite – it’s dog friendly!

East Grand Rapids

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Rose’s on Reeds Lake 

Enjoy a beautiful view of Reeds Lake  along with delectable food and drink on the heated patio of this historic East Grand Rapids eatery.

Enjoying Bridge Street's Refreshment Area
Condado Tacos - exterior

Enjoy a pint to-go in the downtown and surrounding area refreshment areas!

Photo by Experience Grand Rapids

Arktos Meadery

The front patio at this Bridge Street destination is a popular place to enjoy Arktos’ traditional meads – “the nectar of the Gods.”

Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits Westside

The outdoor beer garden at this brewpub isn’t open yet, but outdoor seating, warmed by heaters, is available.

Condado Tacos

Right in the heart of the Bridge Street entertainment district, Condado serves its signature build-you-own tacos, nachos and bowls on a spacious back patio equipped with seasonal tower heaters. 

Greyline Brewing

Picnic tables, firepits and tower heaters, a single-sided tent that hosts live music performances – outdoors is a great place to enjoy Greyline’s fresh, small-batch ales in any weather.

Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery

Sidewalk tables at this artisan ale and fun food destination let guests keep an eye on the hustle and bustle of Bridge Street all year-round.

One Bourbon

The spacious outdoor patio at this Bridge Street crowd-pleaser offers tables with umbrellas to shade you from the sun and tower heaters to ward of the chill.

O’Toole’s Public House

Dig in to an outrageously topped gourmet burger on the streetside patio at this neighborhood pub in the Bridge Street Entertainment District.

Rise Bakery + Squibb Coffee

Sip Squibb coffee and snack on gluten-free, vegan and soy-free baked goods inside a heated greenhouse.

The Mitten Brewing Company

Vintage baseball-themed microbrewery/pizza place serves outdoor guests in “The Outfield” during warm weather and the “Base Camp” (complete with campfires and warming huts) when it turns cold.

New Holland Brewing – The Knickerbocker

The outdoor beer garden at this Bridge Street brewery/restaurant is equipped with a retractable roof and overhead heating system to keep guests comfortable in any weather.

The People's Cider Co.

The Leonard Street Shanty out front of the business is equipped with solar lights, tower heaters and plexiglass wind protection so you can enjoy their hyper-local draft ciders even when the weather outside is frightful.

Third Nature Brewing Company - Outdoor Patio2

Eat, drink and be merry at the large patio and outdoor space at Third Nature Brewing Co.

Photo by Experience Grand Rapids

Archival Brewing

One of the area’s newest breweries boasts a spacious patio equipped with as-needed firepits and heaters for cozy consumption of their made-from-scratch beer, cider, mead and food.

Bier Distillery

The outdoor space at this micro-batch beer, wine, spirits and food destination is equipped for comfortable dining in any weather.

Cannonsburg Ski Area

Ski resort just 20 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids offers domes and fire pits plus an assortment of food and warm drinks on the ski lodge deck. Contact for dome reservation. 

Cedar Springs Brewing Company

A summer biergaten transforms into an outdoor wintergarten to accommodate fans of this German-inspired restaurant and brauhaus.

Gravity Taphouse Grille

When cold weather hits, the fireplaces are roaring and the heaters are cranked up to high on the outdoor patio at this  beer, wine and food destination just off I-196 at the East Beltline exit.

Rockford Brewing Company

Enjoy great food and beer from this award-winning brewery among the picnic tables and fire pits of downtown Rockford’s Outdoor Refreshment Area.

Third Nature Brewing

The second-place winner of an MLive reader poll on Grand Rapids’ best outdoor dining destination, this Rockford brewery outfits its nature-centric biergarten with firepits and private domes in colder weather.

Perrin Brewing Company 

This microbrewery 10 minutes north of downtown Grand Rapids offers deck and patio seating.

Shots Restaurant and Bar 

The front patio offers a view of bustling downtown Standale as well as a cozy spot for enjoying some delectable food and drink.

Trail Point Brewing Company 

Allendale microbrewery serves handcrafted beer, cider and seltzer on its open, seasonally heated patio.

Brass Ring Brewing

You can enjoy patio season in any weather at Brass Ring Brewing!

Photo by Experience Grand Rapids

Bobcat Bonnie’s

The outdoor patio at this Breton Village dining destination offers abundant summer seating and reserve-in-advance heated domes for winter dining.

Brass Ring Brewing 

Patio umbrellas in the summer, beer shanties in the winter … the third-place winner in an MLive reader poll of GR’s best outdoor dining destinations is comfy in any weather.

Horrocks Market

Combination grocery store, garden center, floral/gift shop, deli and craft beverage destination invites you to enjoy food and drink around firepits in its outdoor beer garden.

New Union Brewery

New Union’s handcrafted beer, cider, spritzers and root beer taste delicious outdoors in any weather – firepits keep you warmer in cold weather, though.

Thornapple Brewing Company 

Savor house-made beers, spirits, wine, pizza, sandwiches and more on the outdoor patio equipped with heaters for cold weather.

Farmhaus Cider

Head out to Farmhaus Cider Co. for a day trip or evening under the lights!

Photo by Experience Grand Rapids

Farmhaus Cider Co. 

Sip delicious ciders under the sun and stars in a rustically beautiful outdoor setting – heated domes are available by reservation in winter months.

Pike 51 Brewery - Hudsonville Winery 

The outdoor space at this microbrewery, winery and restaurant soaks up the summer sun and offers a heated, semi-enclosed seating for cooler weather.

Updated: December 16, 2022