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A Parade Of Patios: The Best Outdoor Bar Spots In Michigan

ByJoel Heckaman Last Updated
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Michiganders know how to make the most of each of the four seasons, and in the summer that often means a lot of time outside. Thanks to the Great Lakes and a thriving craft brewing industry, this usually involves a trip to the beach with a beer in hand. We do eventually have to return to work and other responsibilities, but come Happy Hour you’ll find us right back outside on a sunny bar patio.

With our long, sometimes brutal winters, it’s no surprise that we celebrate the release of spring and summer-only seasonal beers as if they were state holidays. There are several great choices, but my warm-weather favorite is Short’s Soft Parade. Although it’s available year-round, the months when grocery stores and farmers’ markets start overflowing with fresh berries are when I daydream about Soft Parade’s refreshingly sweet, fruity flavor.

For me, that flavor is best served in a cold pitcher on a hot day with a patio umbrella and a group of friends, and this is why Soft Parade is the perfect choice — because it can be shared with just about anyone. The tart blend of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries provides a familiar taste for wine and cocktail lovers, and at 15 IBU the taste is crisp and malty enough as to not offend those who “don’t get” IPAs. Meanwhile, Short’s Brewing Company‘s local-centric culture and Soft Parade’s 7.5% ABV appeal to my friends who take their craft beer very seriously.

Summer is officially here, so whether you’re looking for the best outdoor drinking spot nearby or you’re interested in another great Michigan pastime — road tripping — these are the patios and beer gardens where you’ll find me enjoying the sunshine and a Soft Parade:

Southeast Michigan

Take a minute to relax with a burger and a beer in the sun without leaving Downtown Detroit, as Checker Bar is just a block from Campus Martius. Photo courtesy of Chick in the Mitt
Take a minute to relax with a burger and a beer in the sun without leaving Downtown Detroit because Checker Bar is just a block from Campus Martius. Photo courtesy of Chick in the Mitt.

Checker Bar
124 Cadillac Square
Downtown Detroit

 

Brown Iron Brewhouse is worth the drive to Washington Township for one of the best patios in Metro Detroit. Photo courtesy of The Source
Brown Iron Brewhouse is worth the drive to Washington Township for one of the best patios in Metro Detroit. Photo courtesy of The Source.

Brown Iron Brewhouse
57695 Van Dyke Ave.
Washington Twp.

 

Life's a party at the beach! Enjoy great food and views during the day and a hopping night life at Brownie's on the Lake. Photo courtesy of Detroit Metro Times
Life’s a party at the beach! Enjoy great food and views during the day and a hopping night life at Brownie’s on the Lake. Photo courtesy of Detroit Metro Times.

Brownie’s on the Lake
24214 Jefferson Ave.
St. Clair Shores

 

The railroad-related name and decor are no coincidence, as Sidetrack sits beside the tracks in Depot Town of Yspilanti. Photo courtesy of Michigan Exposures
The railroad-related name and decor are no coincidence, as Sidetrack sits beside the tracks in Depot Town of Yspilanti. Photo courtesy of Michigan Exposures.

Sidetrack
56 E. Cross St.
Depot Town Ypsilanti

Also worth mentioning:

West Michigan

The Score is a tropical vacation without leaving Grand Rapids. Photo courtesy of GR Pulse
The Score is a tropical vacation without leaving Grand Rapids. Photo courtesy of GR Pulse.

The Score
5301 Northland Dr. NE
Northview Grand Rapids

 

Take in the calming scenery of Reeds Lake from the dockside patio at Rose's Restaurant in Grand Rapids. Photo courtesy of Experience GR
Take in the calming scenery of Reeds Lake from the dockside patio at Rose’s Restaurant in Grand Rapids. Photo courtesy of Experience GR.

Rose’s Restaurant
550 Lakeside Dr. SE
East Grand Rapids

 

Old Dog Tavern's "Star Paper Co." facade will draw you in, but it's the relaxed beer garden and stage area that will make you want to stay. Photo courtesy of Old Dog Tavern
Old Dog Tavern’s “Star Paper Co.” facade will draw you in, but it’s the relaxed beer garden and stage area that will make you want to stay. Photo courtesy of Old Dog Tavern.

Old Dog Tavern
402 E. Kalamazoo Ave.
Kalamazoo

Also worth mentioning:

Mid Michigan

The Peanut Barrel is an MSU student favorite and a cozy escape tucked between campus and Downtown East Lansing. Photo by Joel Heckaman
The Peanut Barrel is a Michigan State University student favorite and a cozy escape tucked between campus and Downtown East Lansing. Photo by Joel Heckaman.

The Peanut Barrel
521 E. Grand River Ave.
Downtown East Lansing

 

Take a break from the beach at Lake Lansing with a spot on the rooftop patio at Blue Gill Grill in Haslett. Photo by Joel Heckaman
Take a break from the beach at Lake Lansing with a spot on the rooftop patio at Blue Gill Grill in Haslett. Photo by Joel Heckaman.

Blue Gill Grill
1591 Lake Lansing Rd.
Haslett

 

REO Town in Lansing is starting to boom again, and you can get a front row seat on the spacious patio at REO Town Pub. Photo courtesy of REO Town Pub
REO Town in Lansing is starting to boom again, and you can get a front row seat on the spacious patio at REO Town Pub. Photo courtesy of REO Town Pub.

REO Town Pub
1145 S. Washington Ave.
REO Town Lansing

Also worth mentioning:

Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

LegsInn
drive through the Tunnel of Trees along M-119 is just the beginning, as Legs Inn has handmade wood carvings inside and a scenic view of Lake Michigan outside. Photo courtesy of Northern Swag” width=”740″ height=”490″ /> A beautiful drive through the Tunnel of Trees along M-119 is just the beginning, as Legs Inn has handmade wood carvings inside and a scenic view of Lake Michigan outside. Photo courtesy of Northern Swag.

Legs Inn
6425 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Cross Village

 

Why not get a Soft Parade right from its source? Short's Brewing Company in Bellaire recently added a patio to take the live music and fun outdoors. Photo courtesy of Short's Brewing Company
Why not get a Soft Parade right from its source? Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire recently added a patio to take the live music and fun outdoors. Photo courtesy of Short’s Brewing Company

Short’s Brewing Company
121 N. Bridge St.
Bellaire

 

Located on the northern tip of Keweenaw Peninsula, The Fitz offers not only great food and views of Lake Superior but also one of the deepest craft beer menus in the state. Photo courtesy of The Fitz
Located on the northern tip of Keweenaw Peninsula, The Fitz offers not only great food and views of Lake Superior but also one of the deepest craft beer menus in the state. Photo courtesy of The Fitz.

Fitzgerald’s Restaurant (The Fitz)
5033 Front St.
Eagle River

 

The patio of patios, The Little Fleet is an open-air bar in Traverse City that invites food trucks to serve their unique fares to hungry patrons. Photo courtesy of Roaming Harvest
The patio of patios, The Little Fleet is an open-air bar in Traverse City that invites food trucks to serve their unique fares to hungry patrons. Photo courtesy of Roaming Harvest.

The Little Fleet
448 E. Front St.
Traverse City

Also worth mentioning:

East Michigan

Watch everything from jet skis to freighters passing by on the beautiful St. Clair River from the patio at Rix's on the Rocks in Port Huron. Photo courtesy of Merchant Circle
Watch everything from jet skis to freighters passing by on the beautiful St. Clair River from the patio at Rix’s on the Rocks in Port Huron. Photo courtesy of Merchant Circle.

Rix’s on the Rocks
3136 Military St.
Port Huron

 

Catch up with friends, book an event, or just get away for a minute on the new Rooftop Terrace at the Flint Farmer's Market. Photo courtesy of Michigan Homes
Catch up with friends, book an event, or just get away for a minute on the new Rooftop Terrace at the Flint Farmer’s Market. Photo courtesy of Michigan Homes.

Flint Farmer’s Market
300 E. 1st St.
Downtown Flint

 

You probably wouldn't guess that the best patio in the area would be at a Ramada, but prepare to be surprised by the hidden gem of Rainmakers in Saginaw. Photo courtesy of Rainmakers
You probably wouldn’t guess that the best patio in the area would be at a Ramada, but prepare to be surprised by the hidden gem of Rainmakers in Saginaw. Photo courtesy of Rainmakers.

Rainmaker’s
3325 Davenport Ave.
Saginaw

Do you have a favorite bar patio that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll be sure to visit!

A Parade Of Patios: The Best Outdoor Bar Spots In Michigan story

Social media and marketing professional. Founder of the Middle of the Mitten local music nonprofit and festival. Hockey player and occasional runner. MSU alum and lifelong fan of the Spartans and Red Wings.

8 Comments

  1. Gypsy Nickel in Big Rapids has a nice patio overlooking the Muskegon River. Great place to hang out and watch the canoes and tubes float by. Good beer selection too!

    Reply

  2. Brewery Becker in Brighton Michigan is in a beautiful historic building in downtown. And the craft brews are delicious!

    Reply

  3. Wok Asian Bistro, 144 Mary Alexander Court in historical downtown Northville has a beautiful patio that sits a few feet away from the gazebo/stage in the square. Killer food and drinks!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Deb, I’ll have to check it out! I had Brick’s and Poole’s on my original list, but there are SO MANY great patios in our area.

      Reply

  6. We recommend taking a drive up through the thumb of Michigan and visiting Michigans forgotten coast. 2 1/2 hours from Metro Detroit on Lake Huron. Port Austin has several great patio bar and restaurants Lake Street Local, Bird Creek Farms, PAKS and so does the town next to it Caseville. You’re leaving out a pretty big part of Michigan in this article by not visiting the thumb.

    Reply

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