Our search for Michigan’s Best Outdoor Dining is off to a big start, thanks to all of you who shared your favorite restaurants that are offering fun and creative ways to dine outside. We received 130 nominations from all over the state.
Michigan restaurants have really gone above and beyond when it comes to creating some of these outdoor spaces. We’ve heard of hand made yurts, shanty towns, repurposed duck blinds, tents, igloos and greenhouses. Several downtowns have turned whole streets into outdoor refreshment areas. Over in the Bay City area, locals have formed Operation Shantyville in order to support their local restaurants that can’t afford outdoor seating. The group picks a restaurant and invites everyone to come dine outside in the parking lot, bringing whatever type of shelter you’d like. While turning to outdoor dining wasn’t a choice for our restaurants, they’ve made the best of it, and we hope that many of these new outdoor options are here to stay.
It wasn’t an easy decision for some of our restaurants to decide to offer outdoor dining. Megan Spencer, daughter of Brent & Sherry Skaggs, who own Harvey’s Grill & Bar in Saginaw, reached out and shared their original doubts. “We weren’t sure how the winter patio would go over, it felt like a big risk to purchase expensive igloos and take on the cost of heating it nightly,” she said. “But, we were shocked and delighted when people started calling and messaging us, asking how to get a reservation. The excitement our small remaining staff had figuring out the layout and hanging twinkling lights has brought joy to us. While it would never make up for the loss of sales we’ve experienced, seeing guests dine with us, and being so gracious to our staff, has made it all worth it.”
Now that we’ve gotten all of the nominations, we’ll be putting all the restaurants into regional polls, and will be sharing them with you tomorrow, January 26. We encourage you to vote for your favorites, and you can vote in as many polls as you like. Voting will close on Friday January 29 at 3pm.
How to vote for Michigan’s Best Outdoor Dining in our 11 regional polls.
Then, John Gonzalez and I will head out, separately, to check out some of these incredible spots first hand, and share their stories with you. We can’t wait to see some of these set ups in person, and to hear all about how these inventive restaurant owners came up with them.
To everyone who has bundled up, and went out to support our local restaurants by dining outside during a Michigan winter, we salute you, and our restaurants thank you. “We wanted to remind readers of what their support to a small business means,” Spencer said. “It goes beyond sales. It’s kept our hope alive.”
You can see all of the nominees for Michigan’s Best Outdoor Dining below. They are arranged by region.
The search for Michigan’s Best Outdoor Dining is sponsored in part by Warm Fitness.
Ethanology in Elk Rapids is offering cocktail kits to-go, including this brightly colored “Healthy Glow”.Courtesy Photo, used with permission.
Upper Peninsula
Gino’s Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge
800 Quincy St, Hancock, MI 49930
https://www.ginosofhancock.com/
Keweenaw Brewing Company
408 Shelden Ave, Houghton, MI 4993
My Chest Hurts from Snowbelt Brewing is an excellent beer no matter the season.
Northern Lower Michigan
Snowbelt Brewing
132 W Main St, Gaylord, MI 49735
Ludington Bay Brewing Company
515 S James St, Ludington, MI 49431
https://ludingtonbaybrewing.com/
Ethanology
127 Ames St, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
https://www.ethanologydistillation.com
Austin Brothers Beer Company
821 W Miller St, Alpena, MI 49707
https://www.austinbrosbeerco.com/
Riverwalk Grill at Riverwalk Place
777 W Cedar Ave, Gladwin, MI 48624
https://www.riverwalkplace.net/
Shepherd Bar and Restaurant
324 W Wright Ave, Shepherd, MI 48883
Corner Bistro
102 N Bridge St, Bellaire, MI 49615
https://www.cornerbistrobellaire.com/
Palette Bistro
321 Bay St, Petoskey, MI 49770
https://www.palettebistropetoskey.com/
Alpine Tavern & Eatery
220 S Otsego Ave #1, Gaylord, MI 49735
https://www.alpinetavernandeatery.com/
Mammoth Distilling
221 Garland St D, Traverse City, MI 49684
https://mammothdistilling.com/traverse-city/
Porter Haus
3885 Old Hwy 27 S, Gaylord, MI 49735
https://porterhausgaylord.com/
Northern Trails Bar and Grill
7242 E 88th St, Newaygo, MI 49337
https://northerntrailsbar.weebly.com/
Hop Lot Brewing Company
658 S W Bay Shore Dr, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Kegger Campground at Short’s Brewing Company
121 N Bridge St, Bellaire, MI 49615
https://www.shortsbrewing.com/bellaire-kegger-campground/
Pond Hill Farm
5699 S Lake Shore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Big Hart Brewing
4086 W Polk Rd, Hart, MI 49420
Dead Bear Brewing
2552 South, I-75BL, Grayling, MI 49738
https://www.deadbearbrewing.net/
Big Buck Brewery
550 S Wisconsin Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735
https://www.bigbuckbrewery.com/
The Swamp II Bar & Restaurant
6549 N Old 27, Frederic, MI 49733
https://www.facebook.com/SwampIIBar/
Iron Fish Distillery
14234 Dzuibanek Rd, Thompsonville, MI 49683
https://ironfishdistillery.com/
Otsego Resort-Duck Blind Grill
696 M32 E, Gaylord, MI 49734
https://www.otsegoclub.com/dine/duck-blind-grille/
Michael’s Tavern & Steakhouse
4653 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749
https://michaelstavernandsteakhouse.com/
Cut River Grille on Higgins Lake
1136 E Higgins Lake Dr, Roscommon, MI 48653
https://www.facebook.com/cutrivergrille/
Paddle Hard Brewing
227 Michigan Ave, Grayling, MI 49738
http://www.paddlehardbrewing.com/
Tinker’s Junction
6811 W M-72 Hwy, Grayling, MI 49738
https://www.tinkersjunction.com/
Blue Lake Tavern
9965 11 Mile Rd, Mecosta, MI 49332
https://www.facebook.com/Blue-Lake-Tavern-412968105480392/
Faull Inn
206 N Williams St, Rose City, MI 48654
https://www.facebook.com/faullinnrosecity/
Wangler’s Wagon Wheel
3480 Lehman Rd, West Branch, MI 48661
https://www.facebook.com/westbranchmi/
Rolling Oak Brewing
509 Norway St, Grayling, MI 49738
https://www.facebook.com/rollingoakbrewing
The 6FT Separation Burger was created during Covid-19 and is now one of the top sellers at O’s Pub and Grill in Auburn. It is topped with smoked gouda cheese, bacon jam, onion straws, lettuce, tomato and bacon aioli.John Gonzalez
Midland, Bay City, and Saginaw regions
Midland Brewing Company
5011 N Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48642
Operation Shantyville
Throughout the Bay region
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3538042589617251
Harvey’s Grill & Bar
3055 Tittabawassee Rd, Saginaw, MI 48604
https://www.harveysgrillandbar.com/
Saginaw Old Town Junction
410 Mackinaw St, Saginaw, MI 48602
https://www.facebook.com/SaginawOldTownJunction/
O’s Pub & Grill
123 E Midland St, Auburn, MI 48611
The Creek Grill
1259 S Poseyville Rd, Midland, MI 48640
The Maple Grille
13105 Gratiot Rd, Hemlock, MI 48626
https://www.themaplegrille.net/
Prost! in Frankenmuth offers up some amazing charcuterie boards, as well as cozy dining outside by the fire tables.
Flint and the Thumb
Anchor Point Bistro
201 N Riverside Ave, St Clair, MI 48079
https://theanchorpointbistro.com/
Prost! Wine Bar and Charcuterie
576 1/2, S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Casey’s
628 Huron Ave, Port Huron, MI 48060
Lake Inn
3711 Hunt Rd, Lapeer, MI 48446
Bird Creek Farms
282 Grindstone Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467
https://www.facebook.com/birdcreekfarms/
Barley & Vine
1072 Elms Rd, Flint, MI 48532
https://www.barleyandvinemi.com/
Fenton Fire Hall
201 S Leroy St, Fenton, MI 48430
https://www.fentonfirehall.com/
Four Star Grille
1835 Gratiot Blvd, Marysville, MI 48040
War Water Brewery
201 N Riverside Ave Suite C1, St Clair, MI 48079
http://www.warwaterbrewery.com/
Slo’ Bones BBQ and Smokehouse
175 E Jefferson St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
http://www.slobonessmokehaus.com/
The Gathering Place
898 N Van Dyke Rd, Bad Axe, MI 48413
https://www.gatheringplacebadaxe.com/
Greenhouses at Rolling Oak Brewing Co. in Grayling, Michigan.Courtesy of Radel Rosin
Lansing and Central Michigan
The Watershed Tavern & Grill
5965 Marsh Rd, Haslett, MI 48840
https://www.thewatershedtavern.com/
Charlotte Brewing Company/ Eaton Pub & Grill
214 S Cochran Ave, Charlotte, MI 48813
https://charlottebrewerymi.com/
Brookshire Inn & Golf Club
205 W Church St, Williamston, MI 48895
https://www.brookshiregolfclub.com/
The English Inn
677 S Michigan Rd, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827
Lansing Brewing Company
518 E Shiawassee St, Lansing, MI 48912
https://www.lansingbrewingcompany.com/
Fabiano’s River House Bar & Grill
104 W Grand River Ave, Portland, MI 48875
https://riverhousebarandgrill.com/
Block Brewing Company
1140 S Michigan Ave, Howell, MI 48843
https://www.blockbrewingcompany.com/
Knight’s Steakhouse is one of many stops for the search for the best chili in the state of Michigan.Jenna Kieser
Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan
Knight’s Steakhouse
2324 Dexter Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
https://knightsrestaurants.com/knights-steakhouse-dexter-avenue
TAQ-Taqueria Restaurant + Bar
106 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
The Beer Grotto
303 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Red Rock Downtown BBQ
207 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Salt Springs Brewery
117 S Ann Arbor St, Saline, MI 48176
http://www.saltspringsbrewery.com/
Black Pearl
302 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
https://www.blackpearlannarbor.com/
Paesano Restaurant and Wine Bar
3411 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
https://www.paesanoannarbor.com/
Danley’s Country House
8495 N Adrian Hwy, Tecumseh, MI 49286
Pacific Rim by Kana
114 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
The Grateful Crowe
420 N Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118
https://www.thegratefulcrow.com/
Chateau Louise
4320 Luna Pier Rd, Luna Pier, MI 48157
https://www.facebook.com/chateaulouiselunapier/
Here’s To You Pub & Grub
45 North St, Hillsdale, MI 49242
https://herestoyoupubngrub.com/
Miss Kim
415 N 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
York Food & Drink
1928 Packard St.Ann Arbor, MI, 48104
The heated tent at the Oak Tree Lounge, 617 Oak Street in Jackson, on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. The restaurant has an outdoor tent to enjoy takeout food and drinks during the pandemic.J. Scott Park | MLive.com
Jackson and Central Southern Michigan
Chateau Aeronatique Winery/ Blue Skies Brewery
12000 Pentecost Hwy, Onsted, MI 49265
https://chateauaeronautiquewinery.com/
Night Light/Nite Lite
145 W Pearl St, Jackson, MI 49201
https://www.facebook.com/JacksonNiteLite/
Boss Cider
139 S Main St, Leslie, MI 49251
Oak Tree Lounge
617 Oak St, Jackson, MI 49201
http://www.oaktreelounge.com/11730/Page.aspx
Over the Edge Sports Bar & Pizzeria
230 East Main Street shop 1, Manchester, MI 48158
https://www.facebook.com/overtheedgemanchestermi/
Cherry Creek Cellars
11500 Silver Lake Hwy, Brooklyn, MI 49230
Round Barn Winery, Brewery and Distillery is based in Baroda, Michigan, and has tasting rooms in other areas of the state. It also owns Tabor Hill Winery.John Gonzalez
Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan
Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe
355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
https://www.bellsbeer.com/eccentric-cafe
The Grill House
1071 32nd St, Allegan, MI 49010
River Saint Joe
15475 Walton Rd, Buchanan, MI 49107
https://www.riversaintjoe.com/
One Well Brewing
4213 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
https://www.onewellbrewing.com/
Jac’s Cekola’s Pizza, Portage, Kalamazoo
3112 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
The NODE-Downtown Niles
Bird Dog
57649 Murray St, Mattawan, MI 49071
https://www.birddogmattawan.com/
Cove Lakeside Bistro
9110 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Round Barn Estate
10983 Hills Rd, Baroda, MI 49101
North Pier Brewing Company
670 N Shore Dr, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Dr. Rolf’s BBQ in downtown Muskegon was picked by John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman as Michigan’s Best Chili in November of 2019. They serve three distinct chilis: red, white and green.John Gonzalez
Muskegon and the Lakeshore
Curragh
73 E 8th St, Holland, MI 49423
https://www.curraghholland.com/
Dr. Rolf’s BBQ
477 W Western Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440
RAD DADS’ Tacos and Tequila Bar
470 W Western Ave suite a, Muskegon, MI 49440
https://www.facebook.com/raddadstacos/
The Hearthstone Bistro
3350 Glade St, Muskegon, MI 49444
https://www.hearthstonerestaurant.com/
One Twenty Three in Grand Rapids at Studio Park has an outdoor tent to dine in, and movies playing on the big screen outside.Courtesy Photo, used with permission.
Grand Rapids metro area nominees
Timbers Inn Restaurant & Tavern
6555 Belding Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341
Brewery Vivant
925 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
https://www.breweryvivant.com/
Gravity Taphouse Grille
3210 Deposit Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
https://www.gravitytaphouse.com/
Nonna’s Trattoria
584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, MI 49301
One Twenty Three at Studio Park
123 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Margaux on the Deck, at the JW Marriot
235 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/grrjw-jw-marriott-grand-rapids/
The Winchester
648 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Zivio Modern European Tavern and Grill
724 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Royals
701 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Outdoor Coffee Company
734 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Welcome Center at City Built Brewing
https://www.facebook.com/thewelcomecenterbycitybuilt/
Brass Ring Brewery
2404 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
https://www.brassringbrewing.com/
Sand Bar and Grill
11368 M-179, Middleville, MI 49333
RORA-Rockford Outdoor Refreshment Area
Downtown Rockford
https://rockfordmichamber.com/news/rockford-outdoor-refreshment-area-rora/
Bier Distillery
5295 W River Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321
Rose’s Restaurant
550 Lakeside Dr SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
https://www.thegilmorecollection.com/roses/
The Friesian Gastro Pub
720 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Lucy’s Cafe
1747 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Cedar Springs Brewing Company
95 N Main St NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
Third Nature Brewing
7733 Childsdale Ave NE, Rockford, MI 49341
https://thirdnaturebrewing.com/
Tripelroot
146 E Main Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464
The aptly named Fauci Fieldhouse at Batch Brewing allows for comfortable outdoor dining.Courtesy Photo, used with permission.
Detroit Metro Area
Karl’s Cabin Restaurant & Banquets
6005 Gotfredson Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170
San Morello
1400 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Detroit Shipping Company
474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201
https://www.detroitshippingcompany.com/
Heat in the Street-Downtown Northville
https://www.downtownnorthville.com/1/163/index.asp
Joebar
23839 John R Rd #1, Hazel Park, MI 48030
frame
23839 John R Rd #2, Hazel Park, MI 48030
https://www.framehazelpark.com/
Batch Brewing
1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI 48216
https://www.batchbrewingcompany.com/
Bobcat Bonnie’s
locations in Corktown, Wyandotte, Ypsilanti, Partridge Creek and Ferndale
East Eats
1018 Navahoe, Detroit, MI 48215
Berkley Common
3087 Twelve Mile Rd, Berkley, MI 48072
Poole’s Tavern
157 E Main St, Northville, MI 48167
https://www.facebook.com/Pooles-Tavern-71508119133/
Northville Sports Den
133 W Main St, Northville, MI 48167
https://www.northvillesportsden.com/
Amici’s Kitchen and Living Room
3249 Twelve Mile Rd, Berkley, MI 48072
https://amiciskitchenandlivingroom.com/
Penny Black Grill & Tap
124 W 4th St, Rochester, MI 48307
Augie’
s Bar
31660 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071
Table 5
126 E Main St, Northville, MI 48167
White Horse Inn
1 E High St, Metamora, MI 48455
https://www.thewhitehorseinn.com/
Draught Horse Brewery
57721 Grand River Ave, New Hudson, MI 48165
https://www.draughthorsebrewery.com/
John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman cover the craft beverage industry for MLive.com.MLive
More Michigan’s Best Outdoor Dining:
See the first 62 nominations for Michigan’s Best Outdoor Dining
Igloos, shanties, huts and more: where to dine outdoors this winter in Michigan
How you can enjoy the cozy ‘hygge’ lifestyle at this Grand Rapids spot
Kalamazoo brewery tucks heaters under tables to create outdoor “Campground Patio”
This Northern Michigan town has transformed into an outdoor village
“Kegger Campground” debuts in Northern Michigan town with help from Short’s
Where Michigan snowmobilers can get a ‘turn and burn’ special on this Northern trail
Follow our Michigan’s Best adventures on social media:
@mlivemibest on Twitter
@mlivemibest on Instagram
Facebook at MLiveMIBest.
Join in by using the hashtags #mibest
In addition:
Amy Sherman is on Twitter @amyonthetrail, as well as Facebook and Instagram @amyonthetrail.
John Gonzalez is on Twitter @michigangonzo, as well as Facebook and Instagram @MichiganGonzo.
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