Summer has finally made its way to Michigan, and we’re ready to head outdoors to celebrate. What better way than lounging on a patio with a cold drink and delicious food? From old favorites to new additions to the Detroit dining scene, here are 31 patios in and around Detroit that make us wish summer could last forever.

The Rattlesnake 300 River Place Dr., Detroit; 313-567-4400 A Detroit fine-dining staple for over 25 years, the Rattlesnake Club offers seasonal dishes featuring locally grown produce, prime certified Angus beef, and non-farmed finfish and shellfish. Their drink selection includes wines, Michigan-made craft beers, and artisan liquors. Situated on the Detroit River, the Rattlesnake offers diners a delightful view of the international skyline. (Photo via the Rattlesnake, Facebook)
1917 American Bistro 19416 Livernois, Detroit; 313-863-1917 It may not look like much from the street, but traditional American fare with a hint of Cajun flare and an unexpected rooftop patio defy first impressions. Stop in on a Saturday night for live jazz and drinks under the stars. (Photo via 1917 American Bistro on Yelp)
Aqua 413 N. Main St., Plymouth; 734-335-7474 A fine restaurant offering a stellar menu with widespread influences such as Mediterranean, Asian, Italian, and more. Drink selection includes cocktails, red and white wines, bottled and draft beer, champagnes, and sake. Patrons can enjoy an open-air patio area with comfortable outdoor seating. (Photo via Thagrrl O. on Yelp)
Cheli’s Chili Bar 47 East Adams, Detroit; 313-961-1700 Grab a couple of coneys and a brew on the rooftop deck of this downtown sports bar and settle in to enjoy incomparable views of Comerica Park, complete with bleachers for the authentic, dinner-juggling ball game experience. (Photo via Eman S. on Yelp)
Townhouse Detroit500 Woodward, Detroit; 313-723-1000 Townhouse Detroit serves up a creative take on American comfort food and an imaginative sushi selection in a funky outdoor dining area where you can choose from true patio seating or a greenhouse-like outdoor dining room where a sliding roof and oversized windows bring together the best of outdoor seating with a little shelter from the elements. (Photo credit: Eat at Townhouse on Instagram)
La Dolce Vita 17546 Woodward, Detroit; 313-865-0331 If you’re looking for the perfect date-night patio, look no further. Nothing says romance quite like Italian food served in a cozy outdoor courtyard. La Dolce Vita embodies that romantic atmosphere, serving classic Italian cuisine in an intimate Palmer Park setting. (Photo credit: La Dolce Vita on Yelp)
Old Miami3930 Cass, Detroit; 313-831-3830 Feeling nostalgic for the days of drinking beer in your buddy’s basement or raising a glass around the fire at a backyard blowout? Head to the Old Miami, where the outdoor space feels like the backyard of a really rockin’ neighbor. Just don’t go looking for creative cuisine or craft brews. The Old Miami is strictly old-school, right down to the cans of beer. (Photo credit: Chris M. on Yelp)
Slow’s BBQ 2138 Michigan, Detroit; 313-962-9828 Barbeque always tastes best under the open sky, on a sunny day or a starry night. That’s why the enclosed courtyard of this Corktown hot spot is so popular with diners, who come to enjoy their BBQ and brews in Detroit’s great outdoors. (Photo credit: Meagan C. on Yelp)
Small Plates1521 Broadway, Detroit; (313) 963-0702 This downtown dining destination offers the palette a selection of cuisine as diverse as the city itself — and a simple outdoor seating area that’s perfect for when you’re out and about. (Photo credit: Amy D. on Yelp)
Tony V’s Tavern 5756 Cass, Detroit; 313-833-5595 Locals always know the best places to grab a bite, and Tony V’s is that kind of place. Mouthwatering burgers, New York style pizza, and wallet-friendly happy hour specials make the cozy patio at this Midtown bar a popular spot with locals and college students alike. (Photo credit: Tony V’s Tavern on Yelp)
Town Tavern116 West 4th Street, Roayl Oak; 248-544-7300 If there is anyone that can make pub food truly upscale, it is the chefs at Town Tavern where unexpected twists on familiar dishes raise bar classics to a whole new level. An outdoor dining area and a seasonal drink menu make this a perfect spot to kick back and watch the world go by. (Photo credit: Town Tavern on Facebook)
Arbor Brewery Company 114 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-213-1393 A cheerful brewpub with house-brewed suds and good upscale pub food. Arbor Brewing Company has a streetside patio, some picnic-style and some patio-style with umbrellas. (Photo via Anchor Brewing Co, Facebook)
Andiamo Dearborn 21400 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-359-3300Modeled after a contemporary Milan bistro, Andiamo Dearborn offers a menu of classic Italian dishes such as homemade pasta. They also offer an award-winning list of red and white wines. The outdoor deck area provides an elegant and relaxing atmosphere in the heart of downtown Dearborn. (Photo via Andiamo, Facebook)
Aut Bar 15 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor; 734-994-3677In the summer months, historic Kerrytown’s Aut Bar spills out onto a quiet courtyard perfect to enjoy a sunny meal. Functioning as a restaurant and a bar, the second level is 21 and older only. And, since 1986, there’s been a popular Saturday (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and Sunday brunch (10 a.m-3 p.m.). For brunch, Mexican specialties are standouts, including breakfast burritos or huevos motulenos. (Photo via Facebook, Aut)
Brownie’s on the Lake24214 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-445-8080The restaurant, bar, and patio feature a nautical motif throughout, with a comfortable, airy atmosphere, as well as stunning views of Lake St. Clair. (Photo via Brownie’s, Facebook)
Compari’s on the Park 350 S. Main St., Plymouth; 734-416-0100Sister to such dazzling restaurants as the Sardine Room, Compari’s good name is secure. Sip on a cocktail or nibble on appetizers as you enjoy a warm summer’s night. (Photo via Compari’s, Facebook)
Dominick’s812 Monroe St., Ann Arbor; 734-662-5414With a sprawling patio and three different outdoor seating options, sit down and enjoy the deliciously refreshing sangria. A favorite is the chicken quesadilla and tomato bruschetta on a toasted baguette. (Photo via Divya Thakur, Flickr Creative Commons)
Double D’s 240 N. River Rd., Mount Clemens; 586-231-0134 A good-sized bar and grill located on the Clinton River. Double D’s offers the usual bar fare, such as burgers and sandwiches, as well as seafood and pizza. The bar features a wide selection of Michigan-made beers on tap, a list of Michigan-made wines, as well as cocktails made with (you guessed it) Michigan-made liquors. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer plenty of natural light, as well as stunning views of the riverfront. (Photo via Double D’s, Facebook)
Palate 449 N. Main St., Milford; 248-714-5707Open since last year, Palate offers a seasonally changing menu, craft beer flights, and an international wine list. As you’d expect from any eatery with a seasonal focus, an emphasis on local ingredients prevails. Their patio view includes a railroad and water scenes. (Photo via Palate, Facebook)
Portofino3455 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; 734-281-6700A fine riverfront restaurant offering a menu of Italian cuisine and seafood, as well as a selection of global wines and a full-service bar. During the summer, weather permitting, patrons can dine on the patio or cruise the river on Portofino’s U.S. Coast Guard-approved vessel, the Friendship. (Photo via Portofino, Facebook)
Republica1999 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley; 248-268-3175The small but ambitious restaurant, whose tagline is “Food & Drink Revolution,” styles itself a gastropub, serving a selection of craft beers and cocktails. They offer Greek and Mediterranean dishes, but also items like barbecued ribs, a pork chop sandwich, and fish and chips. (Photo via Republica, Facebook)
Sindbad’s100 St. Clair St., Detroit; 313-822-8000Celebrating 65 years in business, Sindbad’s offers a basic menu of fresh seafood dishes, homemade soup and chili, and mouthwatering sandwiches. Drink selections include an extensive wine list as well as bottled beers; assorted craft beers are also available upon inquiry. Sindbad’s deck overlooking the marina provides a great view of the Detroit riverfront. (Photo via Sinbad’s, Facebook)
Sky Deck Detroit Opera House 1526 Broadway, Detroit; 313-287-3284No ticket? No problem. The Sky Deck atop the Detroit Opera House is open on a first-come, first-served basis for every Tigers game during the summer, offering a full view of the game without having to be inside Comerica Park. The Sky Deck features a full bar as well as well ballpark fare, including hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken wings. (Photo via Sky Deck Detroit Opera House, Facebook)
Social Kitchen225 E. Maple Rd., Birmingham; 248-594-4200Plenty of local restaurants have embraced upscale comfort food, but few have made it feel as creative. There’s a subtle thread of Americana running through each dish, though the influences are widespread: The sandwich menu, for example, features grilled cheese on naan, falafel, and a sizable variation of a classic Reuben. The rooftop lounge is a beautifully appointed space with a fine view of Maple and Old Woodward. (Photo via Social Kitchen, Facebook)
3Fifty Terrace350 Madison St., Detroit; 343-687-4350Situated high atop the Detroit Music Hall Center for Performing Arts, the 3Fifty Terrace features a 10,000-square-foot open-air patio space with a full-service restaurant and bar. (Photo via Duriajaiye Lewis, Instagram)
Motor City Brewing Works470 W Canfield St, Detroit; (313) 832-2700Kick back with a glass of Detroit’s own beer. Take in the views of Canfield street whilst enjoying a glass or bottle of Ghettoblaster, which was brewed right behind you. Detroit’s first microbrewery turned restaurant, Motor City Brewing Works serves brick oven baked pizza to go along with your cold, Michigan-brewed beer. (Photo via Dea A. on Yelp)
Selden Standard3921 2nd Ave, Detroit; (313) 438-5055 The award-winning Midtown eatery’s patio is intimate and inviting. Not to mention it’ll be perfect for the backdrop your next Instagram post. (Photo via Latia W. on Yelp)
Detroit Beer Company1529 Broadway St, Detroit; (313) 962-1529Eat some classic American cuisine at Detroit Beer Company. Located right in the middle of Downtown Detroit, the restaurant and brewery is steps away from Ford Field, Comerica Park and the Detroit Opera House. Order some waffle fries and a juicy burger to complete your summer patio dining experience. (Photo credit: Rebel H on Yelp)
El Barzon Restaurante3710 Junction, Detroit; 313-894-2070 When it comes to a patio with atmosphere, no one can top El Barzon. This restaurant doesn’t just have tables outside; it has a courtyard fit for a Tuscan villa, complete with waterfall and flowers trailing down from brick planters. (Photo credit: Melissa B on Yelp)
Atwater in the Park1175 Lakepointe Street, Grosse Pointe Park; 313-877-9205Housed in the former Grace United Church, Atwater in the Park has an indoors that’s almost as awesome as its outdoor patio. With tons of umbrellas to shield you from the blazing sun (and keep your beer cool, of course), you’ll be saying Cheers to the good life for sure. (Photo courtesy Atwater in the Park)
Madison’s Mt. Clemens 15 N. Walnut St, Mt. Clemens This downtown Mt. Clemens bar is great in the winter and fall, but once summer arrives the patio is always a great spot to drink the night away. (Photo via Facebook.)

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