Outdoor Dining in Grand Rapids & West MI
Hands down West Michigan has some of the best options for outdoor dining!
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!
Downtown Grand Rapids ∙ Outdoor Dining Spots
Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at Founders Brewing Co
Spacious outdoor patio with plenty of seating to enjoy your food and endless options of beer!
About Founders Brewing Co
Famous for its beer, Founders is the perfect destination to meet up with friends or have a fun date night.
Enjoy some pizza, sandwiches and more with your beer while you dine inside or out at this unique place.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Take Out,
OFFERING: American, BBQ, Brewery, Dessert, Pizza, Sandwiches, Soups Salads
Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at Buffalo Wild Wings
Enjoy some yummy wings or tenders on the second-floor deck, giving everyone a great view of the city.
About Buffalo Wild Wings
Perfect place to hang out with friends and have a beer and watch the game, or have a fun dinner out with the family.
Huge menu with lots of choices, including their famous wings.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Take Out,
OFFERING: American, Casual Dining, Chicken, Dessert, Hamburgers, Sandwiches, Soups Salads, Sports Bar
Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at New Holland Brewing Co
Large beer garden with choice of picnic tables, bench seating or small tables.
Overhead heaters and firepits make for a cozy feel on cool evenings. Available to rent for full or half days.
About New Holland Brewing Co
Enjoy a huge variety of world famous beers and spirits in the beautiful and spacious atmosphere.
Pair your drink with a unique pizza or tasty sandwich as you hang out with friends or enjoy a date night.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Take Out, Family Friendly,
OFFERING: American, Brewery, Cocktails, Hamburgers, Pizza, Sandwiches, Soups Salads
Outdoor Seating on the Deck
Outdoor Dining at Rockwell Republic
Rooftop elevated beer garden deck with plenty of tables.
About Rockwell Republic
Enjoy a variety of fresh and unique menu items like sushi rolls and world tacos.
Rockwell Republic is perfect for date night or a fun night out with friends with its warm, comfortable and cozy atmosphere.
Choose from two floors, a screened-in lounge or the outside elevated beer garden.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Take Out, Delivery, Brunch,
OFFERING: Asian, Cocktails, Dessert, Pub, Sandwiches, Soups Salads, Tacos, Wine
Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at Butcher's Union
Street-side patio dining available with tables and umbrellas.
They also have an open-air courtyard that is so delightful.
About Butcher's Union
Perfect for a fun night out with friends with unique and farm-sourced food and tons of drink options.
Enjoy the cool vibe and different seating options - indoor, patio or courtyard.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Take Out,
OFFERING: American, Chicken, Cocktails, Dessert, Farm to Table, Hamburgers, Healthy Fare, Sandwiches, Seafood, Soups Salads, Wine
East Grand Rapids ∙ East Hills ∙ Alger Heights ∙ Outdoor Dining Spots
Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at The Old Goat
Decent-sized outdoor patio with plenty of seating and umbrellas.
About The Old Goat
A fun and eclectic space to enjoy delicious food made from scratch. Perfect place to meet friends and hang out in a restaurant with a community feel.
GREAT FOR: Gluten Free, Outdoor Dining, Take Out,
OFFERING: Chicken, Dessert, Hamburgers, Pizza, Sandwiches, Soups Salads, Steak
Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at That Early Bird
Small covered area of patio seating.
About That Early Bird
Offering breakfast and lunch options in a bright and cozy place with a community feel.
Baked goods, coffee and other drinks make this a perfect meeting place.
GREAT FOR: Gluten Free, Vegan, Outdoor Dining, Take Out, Delivery, Brunch,
OFFERING: Bakery Goods, Coffee, Healthy Fare, Mexican, Tacos, Tea
Patio Dining, Waterfront or Beachside Dining
Outdoor Dining at Rose's
Take in the gorgeous views of Reeds Lake while you feast on pizza, burgers, pasta and more on the enclosed patio. Plenty of umbrellas for shade, too!
About Rose's
Lakeside restaurant offering American, Mediterranean and Italian fare - vegan and vegetarian options are also available.
Enjoy a cocktail, wine or beer while you sit on the outdoor patio overlooking the lake.
GREAT FOR: Vegan, Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Take Out,
OFFERING: American, Cocktails, Dessert, Hamburgers, Healthy Fare, Italian, Pizza, Sandwiches, Soups Salads, Wine
Ada ∙ Cascade ∙ Lowell ∙ Outdoor Dining Spots
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.
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.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining,
OFFERING: European
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.
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.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Curbside Pickup,
OFFERING: American
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.
About Cascade Roadhouse
Rustic, vintage-inspired restaurant offering beer and comfort food in a laid-back atmosphere.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Family Friendly,
OFFERING: American
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.
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!
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining,
OFFERING: Wine
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.
About JT’s Pizza
JT's pizza is a popular sports bar hang out offering top-notch pizza, italian dishes, beer and dessert.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Take Out,
OFFERING: Italian, Pizza
Cedar Springs ∙ Rockford ∙ Plainfield Township ∙ Outdoor Dining Spots
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.
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.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Take Out,
OFFERING: Brewery
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.
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.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining,
OFFERING: Pizza, Steak, Wine
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.
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.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Take Out,
OFFERING: Bakery Goods, Dessert, Farm to Table, Sandwiches
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.
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.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Family Friendly,
OFFERING: American, Sports Bar
Patio Dining, Waterfront or Beachside Dining
Outdoor Dining at Bostwick Lake Inn
Large lakeside patio with great views offers beachy breezes and music to accompany the fresh-food menu and drinks.
Sandy beach area with dock makes for a fun place to hang out while waiting for your table.
About Bostwick Lake Inn
Beautiful lakefront restaurant with a homey feel, offering burgers, pizzas, salads and more, all made with fresh and delicious ingredients.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Take Out,
OFFERING: American, Cocktails, Ice Cream, Pizza
Outdoor Seating on the Deck
Outdoor Dining at Bud & Stanley's Pub & Grub
Leashed dogs are welcome on the deck.
The awning means shade even on sunny days. Live music on occasion.
With nightly food features beginning at 4 pm, you can enjoy your meal on their covered deck even if it’s raining!
About Bud & Stanley's Pub & Grub
A friendly, pub-style restaurant with a large menu full of a variety of foods from Mexican to burgers to seafood and more.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Take Out,
OFFERING: American, Casual Dining, Cocktails, Hamburgers, Pub, Sandwiches, Soups Salads
Outdoor Seating on the Deck
Outdoor Dining at Cheers
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 (non-pandemic times) there is live music every Tuesday and Friday, and a weekly car show every Tuesday.
About Cheers
Music, karaoke, sports, and trivia are on the menu in addition to sandwiches, wraps, burgers and entrees like Dad's Pot Roast or Mama Edna's Meatloaf.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Take Out, Family Friendly,
OFFERING: American, Hamburgers, Sports Bar
Outdoor Seating on the Deck, Waterfront or Beachside Dining
Outdoor Dining at Blue Water Grill
Large concrete patio with open and covered sections overlook Versluis Lake.
Bar, patio heaters, and portable fire pits add to the ambiance.
About Blue Water Grill
Beautiful waterfront restaurant with a menu full of unique American cuisine made with fresh ingredients and lots of drink choices.
Unique Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture, a stunningly massive fireplace, and some of the best water views in West Michigan.
Perfect for a family dinner out or a romantic date night.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Take Out,
OFFERING: American, Chicken, Cocktails, Dessert, Farm to Table, Hamburgers, Pizza, Seafood, Wine
Comstock Park ∙ Sparta ∙ Walker ∙ Outdoor Dining Spots
Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at Shots
The open air patio features plenty of seating with some seating under umbrellas.
About Shots
Casual, family-friendly restaurant offering a variety of menu items plus a full bar.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Take Out, Family Friendly,
OFFERING: American, Cocktails, Dessert, Hamburgers, Mexican, Pizza, Pub, Sandwiches, Soups Salads, Sports Bar, Steak
Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at Vitale's
Patio available for outdoor dining, complete with heated floors.
About Vitale's
Casual, sports bar dining with a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. Variety of menu items including Mexican, Italian and American choices.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Take Out, Family Friendly,
OFFERING: American, Hamburgers, Italian, Mexican, Pizza, Sandwiches, Soups Salads, Sports Bar, Wine
Byron Center ∙ Grandville ∙Hudsonville ∙ Outdoor Dining Spots
Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at Osgood Brewing
Pergola topped patio with plenty of tables and umbrellas.
Fairly shaded for hot days and heaters available for cooler nights.
About Osgood Brewing
Casual style with a pub feel, Osgood Brewing is perfect for date night or a night out with friends to enjoy some food and drinks.
With a decent kids' menu, it's also a solid destination for family dinner night.
GREAT FOR: Gluten Free, Outdoor Dining, Take Out,
OFFERING: American, Brewery, Casual Dining, Chicken, Cider, Pizza, Sandwiches, Soups Salads, Wine
Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at DJ's Pizza Pub
Patio is fenced in with plenty of tables, umbrellas and heaters for cooler evenings.
About DJ's Pizza Pub
Family-owned with a casual atmosphere, enjoy pizza, wings, subs and more while hanging out with family or friends.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Take Out,
OFFERING: Casual Dining, Pizza, Sandwiches, Soups Salads
Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at Vitale's Hudsonville
Fenced in patio dining with tables, umbrellas and cozy fireplace for cool evenings.
About Vitale's Hudsonville
Family-owned with a cozy atmosphere, Vitale's is perfect for night out with family and friends, or even for date night.
A full menu, with award-winning pizza, is available, along with a full bar.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Take Out,
OFFERING: American, Chicken, Dessert, Hamburgers, Mexican, Pizza, Sandwiches, Seafood, Soups Salads
Outdoor Seating on the Deck
Outdoor Dining at 84th Street Pub & Grille
A big deck is available with plenty of seating with umbrellas for shade.
About 84th Street Pub & Grille
A lively sports bar perfect for a fun night out with family and friends.
Enjoy tons of local beer selections along with a huge menu!
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Take Out,
OFFERING: American, Chicken, Cider, Hamburgers, Pizza, Pub, Sandwiches, Soups Salads, Sports Bar
Outdoor Seating on the Deck
Outdoor Dining at Sakura Japanese Steakhouse
Tables with umbrellas available on the deck.
About Sakura Japanese Steakhouse
Enjoy endless options of sushi, hibachi, rolls and more at Sakura with its authentic vibe.
Perfect for both a fun date night or a casual dinner with family or friends.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Take Out,
OFFERING: Asian, Chinese, Japanese, Soups Salads, Thai Food
Lakeshore ∙ Outdoor Dining Spots
Waterfront or Beachside Dining
Outdoor Dining at Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant
Waterfront covered patio with lighting, fans, plenty of seating and beautiful scenery.
About Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant
Waterfront dining with incredible views while you feast on pizza, steak, fish and more.
Choose an adult beverage from the huge drink menu and enjoy the spacious indoors or the gorgeous covered patio.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Take Out, Delivery, Family Friendly,
OFFERING: American, BBQ, Cocktails, Dessert, Pizza, Sandwiches, Seafood, Soups Salads, Steak, Wine
Patio Dining, Waterfront or Beachside Dining
Outdoor Dining at Mermaid Waterfront Bar & Grill
Riverfront views from an outdoor deck with plenty of seating and umbrellas.
About Mermaid Waterfront Bar & Grill
Eat indoors in the casual, comfortable and cozy space, or enjoy dinner and drinks on the riverfront deck. Ideal for date night or catching a night out with friends.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night,
OFFERING: BBQ, Cider, Cocktails, Hamburgers, Sandwiches, Seafood, Soups Salads, Steak, Wine
Outdoor Seating on the Deck, Waterfront or Beachside Dining
Outdoor Dining at Old Boys' Brewhouse
Waterfront dining on the deck with plenty of tables and umbrellas.
About Old Boys' Brewhouse
Enjoy your meal in the casual dining room, or head outside on the deck to enjoy the waterfront view. Perfect for an evening out with friends and family or for a fun date night.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Take Out, Family Friendly,
OFFERING: American, Casual Dining, Cocktails, Hamburgers, Pizza, Sandwiches, Seafood, Soups Salads, Wine
Patio Dining
Outdoor Dining at Ottawa Beach Inn
Pergola-topped lighted patio area with plenty of tables.
About Ottawa Beach Inn
Enjoy burgers, BBQ and more on the beautiful patio or in the casual and comfortable indoor dining area. Great for date night or a fun evening out with friends to grab a bite to eat with some adult beverages.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Take Out, Delivery, Family Friendly,
OFFERING: American, BBQ, Cocktails, Hamburgers, Sandwiches, Seafood, Soups Salads, Wine
Patio Dining, Outdoor Seating on the Deck
Outdoor Dining at Sandy Point Beach House
Patio area available as well as deck dining area. Patio area features a bar and live bands.
About Sandy Point Beach House
Dine inside or outside and enjoy delicious and fresh menu items from tuna tacos to ribeyes to buddha bowls. Brunch is also available. Perfect for a family dinner or an evening out with friends to enjoy some food and adult beverages.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Take Out, Family Friendly, Brunch,
OFFERING: American, Chicken, Dessert, Hamburgers, Sandwiches, Seafood, Soups Salads, Steak
Patio Dining, Waterfront or Beachside Dining
Outdoor Dining at Snug Harbor
Covered patio with beautiful lakeside views.
About Snug Harbor
Enjoy seafood, steaks and more inside the casual dining room or outside on the waterfront covered patio. Spend a perfect date night complete with gorgeous views, cocktails and delicious food, or take the whole family out for a nice dinner.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Take Out, Family Friendly,
OFFERING: American, Cocktails, Hamburgers, Mexican, Sandwiches, Seafood, Soups Salads, Steak
Waterfront or Beachside Dining
Outdoor Dining at Dockers Fish House
Waterfront patio with plenty of lighting, tables and umbrellas.
About Dockers Fish House
Dine on the waterfront patio and enjoy a cocktail with seafood, burgers, salads and more.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Take Out, Family Friendly,
OFFERING: Casual Dining, Cocktails, Hamburgers, Sandwiches, Seafood, Soups Salads, Steak, Tacos, Wine
Waterfront or Beachside Dining
Outdoor Dining at The Butler
Deck dining with waterfront views. Plenty of tables with umbrellas and a covered bar area.
About The Butler
Feast on burgers, seafood, prime rib and more on the waterfront deck or the cozy dining room.
Choose from a variety of adult beverages while you enjoy the beautiful marina views.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Family Friendly,
OFFERING: American, Casual Dining, Cocktails, Hamburgers, Sandwiches, Seafood, Soups Salads, Steak, Wine
Outdoor Seating on the Deck, Waterfront or Beachside Dining
Outdoor Dining at The Deck
Beautiful beachfront dining on the deck complete with lights, plenty of tables and umbrellas. Enjoy live music on the deck, too!
About The Deck
Super casual, beachfront restaurant with amazing views and great food.
Grab some tacos, mac-n-cheese, BBQ, hot dogs and more after hitting the Pere Marquette beach, or make The Deck your date night destination.
Also perfect for grabbing a cocktail and hanging out with friends before or after enjoying the beach. The only things required are shoes, shirts and shoes - and you can even bring along the furry members of your family!
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining, Date Night, Family Friendly,
OFFERING: American, BBQ, Casual Dining, Chicken, Cider, Cocktails, Dessert, Hot Dogs, Mexican, Sandwiches, Seafood, Soups Salads, Tacos, Wine
Outdoor Seating on the Deck, Waterfront or Beachside Dining
Outdoor Dining at The BARge
Upper deck and main level patio dining area along the Kalamazoo River in Saugatuck MI.
Large portions and live music at times.
About The BARge
The BARge is Saugatuck’s Ultimate waterfront bar and restaurant!
This place is wildly popular, plan on long wait times if visiting on a holiday or weekend.
GREAT FOR: Outdoor Dining,
OFFERING: Cocktails
Did we miss any? Please leave a comment and we’ll add them to our list. Thanks!
More to Explore
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
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!