New patios in metro Detroit you have to check out this summer

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Jun 2, 2023 at 11:33 am

Janna Coumoundouros, Lilacpop

Belle’s Lounge in Ferndale is one of metro Detroit’s newest patios.

The arrival of nice weather in Detroit marks the start of our too-short patio season. While you probably already have your favorites, here are some new-ish spots to try this summer for al fresco experiences. Enjoy them while you can! (Did we miss any? Hit us up: [email protected].)

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Courtesy photo

Eastern Palace Club
21509 John R Rd., Hazel Park; 248-850-8165; epchp.com

This former private club reopened to the public under new ownership and a Key West theme. It includes a patio space furnished with repurposed barrels and spools as tables.

Courtesy of Bureau Detroit

Rugby Grille
100 Townsend St., Birmingham; rugbygrille.com

The Townsend Hotel’s Rugby Grille has updated its summer menu thanks to a new chef, Paul Jackman, as well as revamped its patio with more seating and improved sightlines for downtown Birmingham. New additions also include the Aperol Spritz Tree, which features Aperol, club soda, and Prosecco and provides six cocktails per group.

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Sydney Jordan

Alpino
1426 Bagley St., Detroit; 313-524-0888; alpinodetroit.com

This European-inspired spot recently opened in Corktown’s former Lady of the House space. It will launch a live music series on its patio space starting in June.

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Janna Coumoundouros, Lilacpop

Belle’s Lounge

161 Vester  St., Ferndale; valentinedistilling.com

The former Valentine Distilling Co. Cocktail Lounge and Tasting Room has been rebranded as Belle’s Lounge, following the company moving its production facility down the street to a larger warehouse. You’ll still be able to sip Valentine’s vodka, gin, and whiskeys, just in a larger, reimagined patio setting.

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Courtesy photo

Basan
2703 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-481-2703; basandetroit.com

Located in the historic Eddystone building near Little Caesars Arena, Basan serves up high-end Japanese-inspired fare. It recently opened a 40-seat patio space decorated with tropical plants.

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Instagram, @summertownfreshbar

Summertown Fresh Bar
2015 Michigan Ave., Detroit; summertownfreshbar.com

After Ima Noodles moved into the former Gold Cash Gold, the Japanese-inspired noodle chain transformed its original Corktown spot down the street into Summertown Fresh Bar, which promises “patio vibes for people of all ages.” Its menu includes coffee, smoothies, tea, wellness shots, wraps, salads, and frozen treats.

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Elia Group/Iconic Collection

BrisaBar
800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; brisabar.com

This seasonal beach-themed bar returned in May, transforming Detroit’s Campus Martius Park into a tropical getaway (complete with sand) where guests can enjoy lunch, dinner, and island-inspired cocktails. It’ll remain open through September, weather permitting.

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Instagram, @northernlightsdetroit

Northern Lights Lounge
660 W. Baltimore St., Detroit; 313-873-1739; northernlightslounge.com

After closing four years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, Northern Lights Lounge finally reopened to the public during Memorial Day weekend. New updates include a new shelter over its patio space.

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Lee DeVito

Beppé
703 N. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-607-7030; eatbeppe.com

This Italian spot opened in the former Niki’s diner. It has a spacious patio with a pergola.

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Courtesy photo

Detroit Institute of Bagels/Cafe Prince
4884 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-512-8292; detroitinstituteofbagels.com, thecafeprince.com

The beloved DiB bagel joint recently reopened in the space formerly occupied by Astro Coffee and Ochre Bakery, along with Cafe Prince, a health-focused coffee spot that drew attention for its “nude raw carrot” menu item. You can enjoy food and drink from both in the nearby Core City Park, a creation from eccentric developer Philip Kafka that includes outdoor art installations and trees.

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Alejandro Ugalde from Featherstone

Coriander Kitchen and Farm
14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit; 313-338-9466; corianderkitchenandfarm.com

This charming canal-side spot reopened in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood with a new springtime farm-to-table menu and renovations, including a new mini-market that sells salads and sandwiches as well as a new upstairs event space that will host live music and yoga.

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Lee DeVito

HopCat Royal Oak
430 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-744-2544; hopcat.com

This Grand Rapids-based beer bar chain recently reopened in Royal Oak following a landlord dispute at its former location. The new spot has three garage doors that can be rolled up during the warmer months, as well as a dog-friendly patio along Main Street and 5th Avenue. HopCat also participates in Royal Oak’s social district, which allows guests to order to-go drinks to take for a stroll.

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Courtesy photo

The Nest Cocktail Bar & Kitchen
20390 M-52, Chelsea; 248-246-0532; robinhillsfarm.com

Located on Robin Hills Farm’s 129-acre property, The Nest serves up made-from-scratch food and handcrafted cocktails with seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. In addition to its large outdoor patio, it also features live music, comedy, trivia, and other entertainment.

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The Elia Group

Experience Zuzu
511 Woodward Ave., Detroit; experiencezuzu.com

Slated to open in July in a former downtown office building, this new venture by the Elia Group will include the Asian-inspired Experience Zuzu and a second-floor lounge called Upstairs Bar.

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Nicole St. John

Brine Oyster House
15033 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Park; brineoysterhouse.com

Slated to open this summer in the former Janet’s Lunch, Brine Oyster Bar’s menu will include “tide-to-table” fare and “sea-cuterie” boards. The space is being renovated with a New Orleans vibe, including two stories with patios on both levels.

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Rendering courtesy of Barfly

HopCat Livonia
17800 Haggerty Rd., Livonia; hopcat.com

HopCat is getting ready to open another metro Detroit location in July in Livonia’s former Claddagh Irish Pub. The new space will include two outdoor patios.

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Rendering courtesy of Synecdoche Design

Mothfire Brewing Co.
713 W. Ellsworth Rd., Ann Arbor; mothfire.com

Slated to open later this summer, this new brewery and taproom’s patio will include fire pits, live music, and immersive rotating art installations.

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Courtesy of Stucky Vitale Architects

Barkside
7960 Kercheval Ave., Detroit; barksidedogbar.com

Billed as Detroit’s first combination dog park and beer garden, Barkside plans to open later this summer. Aside from an outdoor play area for the pups, humans can enjoy craft beers, cocktails, and coffee.

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