Michigan’s warm season is too short, but when the weather’s nice there’s nothing better than finding a bar or restaurant that has an outdoor patio for chilling with a beer or sangria. Here are some of the region’s best spots for al fresco dining and drinking.

Lumen Detroit This new modern beer hall offers a patio with a view of downtown Detroit and Beacon Park. 1903 Grand River Ave., Detroit 313-626-5005 Photo courtesy of Beacon Park
Sindbad’s Fresh seafood, homemade soup, chili, and sandwiches — Sindbad’s menu will make you feel like you’re on vacation when you never even left the state. The deck overlooks the Detroit riverfront, which is a view that really makes you feel like summer has arrived. 100 Saint Clair St., Detroit 313-822-8000 Photo courtesy of Sindbad’s Facebook
Selden Standard Selden Standard is a stylish spot with seasonal tastes in its small plates, and a fine selection of wines and global brews. The outdoor seating area is artsy and cool, perfect for a night out with friends. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit 313-438-5055 Photo courtesy of Selden Standard Facebook
Republica Lover of food? This is where you should be. With Michigan craft beer and options for carnivores and vegetarians, there’s something for everyone. The small patio is open during the summer months and provides the perfect ambiance for anyone looking for a chill meal with some friends. 1999 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley 248-268-3175 Photo courtesy of Republica Facebook
Portofino If you’d rather eat on the water instead of next to it, Portofino has you covered with their U.S. Coast-Guard-approved vessels, the MV Portofino and the Friendship. 3455 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte 734-281-6700 Photo courtesy of Portofino Facebook
Palate Lights strung above the comfortable rooftop patio make it perfect for summer nights, great for a group gathering, or romantic evening. The menu is seasonal and focused on local ingredients, and the drink list includes local and international selection. Try the beef stroganoff mac and cheese — you won’t regret it. 449 N. Main St., Milford 248-977-0408 Photo courtesy of Palate Facebook
Motor City Brewing Works Motor City Brewing Works has been producing hand-crafted beer since 1994. Not only do they specialize in beer, they offer awesome brick oven pizzas as well. Step out of your comfort zone and try one of their more creative pizzas, like the roasted pear & fig or build-your-own pie. Grab a seat outside and enjoy a beer and slice of pizza. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit 313-832-2700 Photo courtesy of Motor City Brewing Works Facebook
La Dolce Vita Looking for an outdoor Italian restaurant to impress a date? Or just looking to treat yourself? La Dolce Vita’s beautiful courtyard patio is what you’ve been missing. 17546 Woodward Ave., Detroit 313-865-0331 Photo courtesy of La Dolce Vita Facebook
El Barzón Restaurante El Barzón’s patio is beautifully decorated with flowers falling down the brick walls with lights hung above. 3710 Junction St., Detroit 313-894-2070 Photo courtesy of El Barzón Restaurante Facebook
Compari’s on the Park The welcoming sidewalk patio should catch your eye as you walk by, not only because of the “Food, Fun and Friends” motto painted on the front of the building, but because of the food and great atmosphere. The menu will have you coming back to try more. 350 S Main St., Plymouth 734-416-0100 Photo courtesy of Compari’s on the Park Facebook
Atwater in the Park This outdoor patio is kid- and adult-friendly, with picnic tables and large umbrellas. Enjoy a beer and one of their very unique sandwiches. 1175 Lakepointe St., Grosse Pointe Park 313-344-5104 Photo courtesy of Atwater at the Park
Detroit Beer Company Located in the middle of downtown Detroit, this is the perfect location for anyone to stop by before or after any game. And if you’re not Downtown for a game, sit outside and enjoy people watching, burger and beer in hand. 1529 Broadway St.; Detroit 313-962-1529 Photo courtesy of Detroit Beer Company Facebook
Aut Bar Mexican food on a sunny and quiet courtyard patio — it doesn’t get much better than that. Aut also serves brunch on the weekends and their Mexican breakfast options will make you come back. Heads up, the second floor is 21 and older only. 315 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor 734-994-3677 Photo courtesy of Aut Bar Facebook
Aqua Aqua offers a four-season patio, so no matter what the weather, you can still get the patio-dining experience. 413 N. Main., Plymouth 734-335-7474 Photo courtesy of Aqua Facebook
Grey Ghost Located in bustling Midtown, Grey Ghost has become a new American staple suited for those looking for a serious meat fix. Their corner patio makes for perfect people watching, cocktail sipping, and, yes, meat-feast indulgence. 47 Watson St., Detroit 313-262-6534 Photo courtesy of Grey Ghost
Social Kitchen Creative comfort food in a creative and comfortable environment. The rooftop lounge is modern and colorful, just like the food Social serves. 225 E. Maple Rd., Birmingham 248-594-4200 Photo courtesy of Social Facebook
Seva Vegan and vegetarian restaurant Seva’s outdoor seating area is very open with a good amount of greenery, just like the menu. 66 E. Forest Ave., Detroit 313-974-6661 Photo courtesy of Seva Detroit Facebook
Slow’s BBQ Best known for its barbecue sandwiches, Slow’s has another gem in its enclosed patio courtyard. Enjoy the signature Yardbird under the sun or stars with a brew. 2138 Michigan Ave.; Detroit 313-962-9828 Photo courtesy of Slow’s BBQ Facebook
Small Plates Small Plates offers a wide variety of foods to share with the company around you. The outdoor seating is simple and quaint, but who needs extravagance when the main thing you should be focused on in a communal restaurant is each other? 1521 Broadway St., Detroit 313-963-0702 Photo courtesy of Small Plates Facebook
3Fifty Terrace On top of the Detroit Music Hall Center for Performing Arts, the open-air patio space overlooks Detroit, with modern furniture and a full bar and restaurant. 350 Madison St.; Detroit 313-687-4350 Photo courtesy of 3Fifty Terrace Facebook Credit: Photo courtesy of 3Fifty Terrace Facebook
Pie-Sci One of the most innovative pizza spots in the city just so happens to have a perfect patio for endulging in Pie-Sci’s creative pie creations. 5163 Trumbull St., Detroit 313-818-0290 Photo courtesy of Pie Sci
Tony V’s Tavern Charming patio paired with delicious burgers and New York Style pizza? Plus some killer happy hour special? Sounds perfect. 5756 Cass Ave., Detroit 313-833-5595 Photo courtesy of Tony V’s Tavern Facebook
MotorCity Wine Perhaps one of the most beloved patios in the city, MotorCity Wine is more than just a place to pop some serious red, white, or rosé. With ample seating and fire pits for chilly nights, MotorCity Wine often brings its frequent dining pop-ups and entertainment outdoors for a more intimate party with fresh air. 1949 Michigan Ave., Detroit 313-483-7283 Photo courtesy of MotorCity Wine Facebook
Madison’s in Mount Clemens Huge umbrellas and dazzling lights, this patio is two stories and will fill up quick. The food is bar fare and they have specials weekdays through weekends. 15 N. Walnut St., Mount Clemens 586-468-7777 Photo courtesy of Madison’s Pub Facebook
Mudgie’s Deli and Wine Shop If you want a sandwich (or more specifically, their coveted Lobster Roll which rolls around once a year), and a cold one, look no further than Detroit favorite, Mudgie’s Deli and Wine Shop. In addition to a spacious interior, Mudgie’s has a very accommodating patio space decked out in tiki-style decor, lounge seating, and outdoor bar. 1413 Brookyln St., Detroit 313-961-2000 Photo courtesy of Mudgie’s Deli and Wine Shop Facebook
Mercury Burger Old-school vibes meet modern menu. Mercury carries the classic burger, hotdogs and shakes, but its menu is also much more than that, with items such as the “Flint Burger” or “Murty-Bird” hotdog. The outdoor seating is very relaxed with picnic tables, brick flooring, and a graffiti-style mural on the building next to it. The atmosphere and food is what you need this summer. 2163 Michigan Ave., Detroit 313-964-5000 Photo courtesy of Mercury Burger Bar Facebook
The Rattlesnake Club If amazing views are what you look for in your patio dining, then look no further — this garden terrace has a view overlooking the Detroit River and Canadian skyline. 300 River Place Dr., Detroit 313-567-4400 Photo courtesy of The Rattlesnake Club Facebook
Jolly Pumpkin in Midtown Pizza and brew, what more do you need? This rustic chic interior is perfect for everyone who just wants to go out and enjoy the company of friends and a great waitstaff. The outdoor seating matches the indoor, with wooden plank picnic tables and barrels. 441 W. Canfield St., Detroit 313-262-6115 Photo courtesy of Jolly Pumpkin Facebook
Townhouse This upscale restaurant in the heart of downtown and just a few steps from the Detroit River is known for turning it up a notch on the wow factor. This goes for Townhouse’s outdoor seating, which brings the contemporary luxe feeling inside out. 500 Woodward Ave., Detroit 313-723-1000 Photo courtesy of Townhouse Facebook

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