Outdoor Dining in Grand Rapids & West MI
Hands down West Michigan has some of the best options for outdoor dining during the summer months! From Grand Rapids to the Lakeshore, it will be a treat anywhere you decide 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.
Here is our list by community of the best beach, waterfront, patio and deck dining spots across West Michigan. Cheers!
Ada ∙ Cascade ∙ Lowell ∙ Outdoor Dining Spots
Outdoor Dining, Wine
Cork Wine and Grille in Cascade, MI
Great Restaurant for Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at Cork Wine and Grille
The patio dining is set against Watermark Country Club’s golf course for a lovely backdrop.
Fire pits set in stone planters help keep guests toasty when it's cooler outside.
More About Cork Wine and Grille
Conveniently located in Cascade Township, Cork offers a great selection of fresh, quality food from artisan sandwiches to hand-cut steaks, and one of the most extensive wines list in the Grand Rapids area!
Outdoor Dining, Family Friendly, American
Cascade Roadhouse in Cascade, MI
Great Restaurant for Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at Cascade Roadhouse
Their open-air, enclosed brick patio is home to wooden tables with umbrellas. It has a courtyard feel.
More About Cascade Roadhouse
Rustic, vintage-inspired restaurant offering beer and comfort food in a laid-back atmosphere.
Outdoor Dining, Take Out, Italian, Pizza
JT’s Pizza in Cascade, MI
Great Restaurant for Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at JT’s Pizza
Delicious homemade pizza, pasta, and more.
Open-air patio, complete with a fireplace and multiple big screen TVs.
More About JT’s Pizza
JT's pizza is a popular sports bar hang out offering top-notch pizza, italian dishes, beer and dessert.
Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Curbside Pickup, American
Flat River Grill in Lowell, MI
Great Restaurant for Patio Dining, Waterfront or Beachside Dining
Outdoor Dining at Flat River Grill
Beautiful seating on the riverside patio along the Flat River.
Enjoy the ambiance of an upscale waterfrontt eatery without the big price tag.
More About Flat River Grill
The Flat River Grill in Lowell is part of the Gilmore Collection.
Favorites include wood-fired pizzas and flavorful farm-fresh creations.
Try the Chicken Michael and be sure to get a glass of wine to go with it.
Outdoor Dining, European
Nonna's: The Trattoria in Ada, MI
Great Restaurant for Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at Nonna's: The Trattoria
Eat on the porch at Nonna's!
Enjoy weekly specials, interesting pastas and starters, flavorful, satisfying main courses, and handmade European desserts.
Patio heaters when needed.
Call to reserve your spot.
More About Nonna's: The Trattoria
Nonna's: The Trattoria is located in the heart of Ada, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
They're an authentic European restaurant with a focus on thoughtfully developed flavors using fresh local ingredients.
Reservations are recommended but not required.
Cedar Springs ∙ Rockford ∙ Plainfield Township
Outdoor Dining, Family Friendly, American, Sports Bar
The Score in Plainfield Township, MI
Great Restaurant for Patio Dining, Waterfront or Beachside Dining
Outdoor Dining at The Score
Eat outdoors at the beach sand dining area or the upper-level deck, both overlooking the lake.
More About The Score
Every day is a party at The Score!
Catch the big game on one of the 70 HD TVs, listen to your favorite local band under the shade of a palm tree, or enjoy delicious homemade menu items at this destination sports bar.
Outdoor Dining, Pizza, Steak, Wine
Reds in Plainfield Township, MI
Great Restaurant for Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at Reds
Located in Plainfield Township, this restaurant features a two-tier patio – with cozy firepits – overlooking the Thousand Oaks Golf Course.
More About Reds
Reds at Thousand Oaks provides a modern, warm, friendly atmosphere. Enjoy hand-cut steaks, seafood, specialty pizzas, and hand-crafted appetizers, and an extensive wine list.
Outdoor Dining, Take Out, Bakery Goods, Dessert, Farm to Table, Sandwiches
Ramona's Table in Rockford, MI
Great Restaurant for Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at Ramona's Table
Eat vibrant farm-to-table food while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of downtown Rockford.
Be seated outside on the gorgeous patio overlooking the Rockford Dam and White Pine Trail while you enjoy your meal.
More About Ramona's Table
One of the best places to find boutique meals, desserts, and cocktails in West Michigan.
Their entrées, sandwiches, soups, and made-from-scratch bakery items are built around time-tested family recipes.
Outdoor Dining, Take Out, Brewery
Cedar Springs Brewing Company in Cedar Springs, MI
Great Restaurant for Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at Cedar Springs Brewing Company
Just feet from the White Pine Trail, you can enjoy dining outdoors in the Biergarten or Wintergarten, depending on the season.
More About Cedar Springs Brewing Company
Located in the heart of Cedar Springs, Cedar Springs Brewing Co offers freshly crafted beers and a flavorful menu, featuring fresh pub fare and a traditional German Bavarian menu.
Blue Water Grill in Plainfield Township | This restaurant and bar offers an eclectic assortment including sandwiches, wood fired pizzas, and seafood. Seating options include inside views of Versluis 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. The kids can enjoy the beach area next to the patio after dinner! 8521 Belding Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341. (616) 874-7290
Bud & Stanleys Pub & Grub in Plainfield Twp. | With nightly food features beginning at 4pm, you can enjoy your meal on their covered deck even if it’s raining! 1701 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. (616) 361-9782
Cheers in Plainfield Twp. | They offer an enormous deck big enough to host a full band and still have plenty of room for the audience to comfortably enjoy the atmosphere. During the summer there is live music every Tuesday and Friday, and a weekly car show every Tuesday. 3994 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. (616) 363-1188
Comstock Park ∙ Sparta ∙ Walker
Shots in Standale | Great place to enjoy a delicious meal and kick back with a beverage on the summer patio. 4259 Lake Michigan Drive Grand Rapids, MI 49534
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
Vitale’s in Comstock Park | an extensive menu that includes salads, burgers, seafood, subs, pasta, and of course our award-winning pizza. Hang outdoors on their patio completed with a heated floor! 3868 W River Dr NE, Comstock Park, Michigan (616) 784-5011
East Grand Rapids ∙ Easthills ∙ Alger Heights
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
Donkey Taqueria in Wealthy Neighborhood | Grand Rapids’ one-of-a-kind Mexican Street Food concept with Mexican flavors and finely crafted cocktails like you’ve never had before. Outdoor patio right out front along Wealthy Street. 665 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Houlihan’s in Grand Rapids | Located in Breton Village, this modern restaurant and bar with many food and drink specials, also offers outdoor seating. 1968 Breton Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. (616) 957-1638
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
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
Terra in Eastown | Seasonal, fresh, health-filled ingredients from the region’s most dedicated growers. Outdoor patio. 1429 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids MI 49506 (616) 301-0998.
That Early Bird in Eastown | Focused on seasonal and local products to create a fresh and healthy eclectic menu with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, and of course coffee! Lovely covered patio, street-side. 1445 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. (616) 258-8350
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
Byron Center ∙ Grandville ∙Hudsonville
DJ’s Pizza Pub 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
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
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
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
Vitale’s in Hudsonville | The shaded patio provides ample room to relax and enjoy your pizza. 5779 Balsam Drive, Hudsonville, MI. (616) 662-2244
Downtown Grand Rapids
Buffalo Wild Wings in downtown Grand Rapids | Enjoy some yummy wings or tenders on the second-floor deck, giving everyone a great view of the city. | 8 Ionia Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503. (616) 454-9464
Butcher’s Union in Grand Rapids’ West Side | 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, Grand Rapids, Michigan (616) 551-1323
Founders in downtown GR | Munchies, sandwiches, and pizzas can keep the kids happy while sampling delicious, local craft beer at one of the highest recognized breweries in the United States. Very open beer garden, with room for the kids to move around. 235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan. (616) 776-1195
Rockwell/Republic in downtown GR | Located in the Heartside district, this lively gastropub with made-from-scratch, seasonal cuisine as eclectic as the environment itself. Dine casually in a three-season screened-in-lounge or an elevated outdoor beer garden. 45 Division Ave S Grand Rapids, Michigan. (616) 551-3563
The Knickbocker in Grand Rapids’ West Side | Hang outside in the beautiful beer garden with plenty of games for the young and old to enjoy. Food, beer, and spirits are all well prepared at this urban beer hall. 417 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 | 616-345-5642
Lakeshore
Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant in Holland | Enjoy pizza and burgers at this Lake Macatawa’s water edge restaurant. Eat inside or out. 216 Van Raalte Ave, Holland, Mi 49423. (616) 396-0600
Butler in Saugatuck | Casual waterfront dining with spectacular views of Lake Kalamazoo harbor, boardwalk and boats. Providing 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
The Deck in Muskegon | Truly like eating on the beach! Only open during the summer season and often offers live music. 1601 Beach St, Muskegon, MI 49441. (231) 755-5022
Mermaid Bar & Grill in Saugatuck | Serving fresh fish and other favorites. This dockside eatery has patio seating that overlooks the Kalamazoo River. 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 | Family-friendly restaurant known for its casual atmosphere, generous portions, and beachside location. Adjacent to the Holland State Park, and boasts views of Lake Macatawa. 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 | A wide variety lunch and dinner menu, check out the views from the newly renovated three season outdoor covered deck. Offering channel-view seating, and at the right time of night it’s a great place to watch the musical fountains. 311 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417. (616) 846-8400
Did we miss any? Please leave a comment and we’ll add them to our list. Thanks!
Dockers in Muskegon. Outside deck and entertainmen right on the water. You can also get to it by boat from Muskegon Lake. Very nice!
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!