OUTDOOR DINING FOR FAMILIES IN WEST MICHIGAN
It’s a treat to eat outside on a gorgeous Michigan summer day.
Not only do we get to enjoy the fabulous weather, but outdoor dining is easier for families with wiggly kids. The kids won’t be as disruptive to other diners when outdoors and mom and dad can relax just a little more.
Use our list of beach, waterfront, patio and deck dining spots across greater Grand Rapids to find your next meal out.
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Outdoor Dining Guide 2017 (40)
GRAND RAPIDS AREA
84th Street Pub & Grill in Byron Center | This restaurant with outdoor seating boasts over 100 menu items including burgers and most pub favorites. 8282 Pfeiffer Farms Dr,
Byron Center, MI 49315. (616) 583-1650
Angela’s Italian Restaurant in Sparta | This Italian restaurant also offers pizza and outdoor dining. 240 East Division Street, Sparta, MI 49345. (616) 887-1913
Big Joe’s Bar & Grille in Sparta | This casual bar & grille offers burgers, pizza, seafood and more and has outdoor seating available. 33 Applewood Dr, Sparta, MI 49345. (616) 887-1750
Blue Water Grill in Plainfield Township | This restaurant and bar offers an eclectic assortment including pastas, wood fired pizzas, and seafood. Seating options include inside views of Versluys Lake as well as outside dining. 5180 Northland Dr, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. (616) 363-5900
Bostwick Lake Inn in Rockford | On the shores of Bostwick Lake, this cozy, rustic restaurant offers both inside views of the lake as well as outside seating. The menu features burgers and pizza as well as fancier fare. 8521 Belding Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341. (616) 874-7290
Bud & Stanleys Pub & Grub in Grand Rapids | Smaller deck, but it’s covered so you can eat out there anytime. 1701 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. (616) 361-9782
Buffalo Wild Wings in downtown Grand Rapids | 8 Ionia Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4114. (616) 454-9464
Butcher’s Union on the NW side of downtown GR | Meat, whiskey and a whole lot of yummy food. Long waits on the weekend. Hit them up for lunch in the courtyard on a weekday for quicker seating or save for date night. 438 Bridge St NW. (616) 551-1323
Cascade Roadhouse | Their protected patio is a delight for diners. 6817 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. (616) 259-7439
Cheers in Grand Rapids | Big deck, often playing live music. 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. (616) 363-1188
Cork in Cascade | Patio dining set against Watermark Country Club’s golf course. Fresh food, with a great wine list. 5500 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. (616) 949-0570
Backyard Fun Zone – all they sell is Fun!
Playsets – Trampolines – Basketball Hoops – Ziplines
Backyard Fun Zone has been in the business of building childhood memories for 21 years.
Derby Station in Gaslight Village | An Irish/English pub with a local flair offering outdoor seating and specials from overseas. 2237 Wealthy Street, Suite 130, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506. (616) 301-3236
DJ’s Pizza in Hudsonville | Lounge on this gorgeous, new outdoor patio (complete with fireplace) while you enjoy yummy pizza. 3471 Kelly St, Hudsonville, Michigan. (616) 669-9550
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Donkey Taqueria in Wealthy Neighborhood | This casual Mexican restaurant offers outdoor seating. 665 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Flat River Grill in Lowell | Offering outside seating along the Flat River, this quality dining restaurant features Gilmore Collection favorite dishes including woodfired pizzas. 201 East Main St, Lowell, MI 49331. (616) 897-8523
Founders in downtown GR | Chips and salsa, cheesy garlic bread and french bread pizzas keep the kids happy while mom and dad sample delicious, local craft beer on the deck. 235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan. (616) 776-1195
Houlihan’s in Grand Rapids | Located in Breton Village, this modern restaurant and bar offers outdoor seating. 1968 Breton Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. (616) 957-1638
Nonna’s Trattoria in Ada | Enjoy slow food on the porch at Nonna’s. 584 Ada Dr SE, Ada, Michigan. (616) 920-7028.
Jose Babushka’s in East Grand Rapids | A sunny outdoor patio in the heart of East Grand Rapids waits for you at Jose’s. 2232 Wealthy St SE, East Grand Rapids, Michigan. Call (616) 272-4472.
JT’s Pizza in Cascade | Their extensive remodeling job produced a really cool open air patio complete with fireplace and multiple big screen TV’s. And of course, the pizza is really good here. 6716 Old 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. (616) 942-1552
Mangiamo! in Grand Rapids | This converted mansion offers modern Italian fare and seasonal outdoor seating. 1033 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. (616) 742-0600
Maru Sushi in Grand Rapids | Enjoy lunch or dinner on their seasonal patio on Cherry Street. 927 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. (616) 458-1900
On the Border in Grandville | 3676 Potomac Cir SW, Grandville, MI 49418-3156. (616) 710-3990
Osgood Brewing in Grandville |Craft beer, wine, pizza, sandwiches – all served outdoors if you’d like! 4051 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville, MI 49418 (616) 432-3881
Ramona’s Table in Rockford | 17 Squires Street Square NE; Rockford, MI 49341. (616) 951-7100
Red Robin in Grand Rapids | Known for burgers and endless steak fries, Red Robin has seasonal outdoor seating. 3195 28th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512. (616) 957-1430
Reds in Grand Rapids | Located at Thousand Oaks Golf Course, this restaurant features a two-tier patio – with firepits – overlooking the golf course. 4100 Thousand Oaks Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. (616) 447-7750 x1
Rockwell/Republic in Grand Rapids | This Heartside restaurant serves up fresh, unique flavors on their beautiful rooftop patio. 45 Division Ave S Grand Rapids, Michigan. (616) 551-3563
Rose’s On Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids | Offering both great views of Reeds Lake and outdoor seating, Rose’s specializes in modern Italian and Mediterranean foods. 550 Lakeside Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. (616) 458-1122
Sakura in Grandville | Eat your Japanese, Chinese, or Thai food on the nice outdoor deck at Sakura. 3540 Rivertown Point Ct SW, Grandville, MI 49418. (616) 647-5581
Terra in Grand Rapids | Locally sourced food on Lake Drive SE. Patio seating.
That Early Bird in Grand Rapids | Formerly the Kava House, this newer establishment offers coffee and whole food fare. Lovely covered patio, street-side. 1445 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
the Old Goat in Alger Heights | Neighborhood charm is yours when dining on the patio at the Old Goat. Expect Polish, German, Cajun and Southern fare fused with New American presentation. 2434 Eastern Avenue SE, Grand Rapids MI 49507 (616) 288-6976. (616) 258-8350
The Score in Plainfield Township | This casual sports bar & grill offers burgers, pizza and more. Seating capacity is more than doubled during the summer months when the outside deck is utilized along a beach and near volleyball courts. 5301 Northland Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. (616) 301-0600
Vitale’s in Hudsonville | The shaded patio provides ample room to relax and enjoy your pizza. 5779 Balsam Drive, Hudsonville, MI. (616) 662-2244
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LAKESHORE
Bil-Mar Restaurant in Grand Haven | This upscale seafood restaurant on the beach offers unparalleled sunset water views as well as outdoor seating. 1223 S Harbor Dr,
Grand Haven, MI 49417. (616) 842-592
Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant in Holland | Enjoy pizza and burgers at this water’s edge restaurant. Eat inside or out. 216 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, Mi 49423. (616) 396-0600
Butler in Saugatuk | This restaurant provides outdoor dining and live entertainment on the deck Memorial Day through Labor Day, featuring burgers and flatbread pizzas. 40 Butler St, Saugatuck, MI 49453. (269) 857-3501
Mermaid Bar & Grill in Saugatuck | Dine by the docks at Mermaid Bar & Grill. 340 Water St, Saugatuck, MI 49453. (269) 857-8208
Old Boys’ Brewhouse in Spring Lake | Old Boys’ Brewhouse is located on the shore of beautiful Spring Lake. They offer a wide variety of foods, including. pizza, burgers, steak and burritos to name a few. 971 Savidge St, Spring Lake, MI 49546. (616) 850-9950
Ottawa Beach Inn in Holland | Ottawa Beach Inn has a beautiful beach-side location, adjacent to the Holland State Park and boasts views of Lake Macatawa. They offer a casual dining experience. 2155 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI 49424. (616) 399-9220
Sandy Point Beach House in West Olive | Great atmosphere for families. Live bands, dancing and outdoor bocce ball. 7175 Lakeshore Dr, West Olive, MI 49460. (616) 796-8210
Snug Harbor on the Grand Haven Boardwalk | Offering Harborview seating, at the right time of night it’s a great place to watch the musical fountain. Features an eclectic menu a little on the fancy side. 311 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417. (616) 846-8400
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Did we miss any? Please leave a comment and we’ll add them to our list. Thanks!
The Deck in Muskegon on Lake Michigan.
Thank you for this. My Husband and I actually just had a conversation trying to figure out where we could eat outside with a two year old. Thank you!