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
Checker Bar
124 Cadillac Square
Downtown Detroit
Brown Iron Brewhouse
57695 Van Dyke Ave.
Washington Twp.
Brownie’s on the Lake
24214 Jefferson Ave.
St. Clair Shores
Sidetrack
56 E. Cross St.
Depot Town Ypsilanti
Also worth mentioning:
- Mudgie’s, Corktown Detroit
- Clubhouse BFD, Rochester Hills
- The Old Miami, Midtown Detroit
- Ashley’s Beer & Grill, Westland
- Bill’s Beer Garden, Downtown Ann Arbor
- The Beer Grotto, Downtown Ann Arbor
- The Sardine Room, Plymouth
- Island Grill Clubhouse, Fair Haven
West Michigan
The Score
5301 Northland Dr. NE
Northview Grand Rapids
Rose’s Restaurant
550 Lakeside Dr. SE
East Grand Rapids
Old Dog Tavern
402 E. Kalamazoo Ave.
Kalamazoo
Also worth mentioning:
- The Kirby House, Grand Haven
- Harvey’s on the Mall, Kalamazoo
- Donkey Taqueria, Grand Rapids
- The Winchester, Grand Rapids
Mid Michigan
The Peanut Barrel
521 E. Grand River Ave.
Downtown East Lansing
Blue Gill Grill
1591 Lake Lansing Rd.
Haslett
REO Town Pub
1145 S. Washington Ave.
REO Town Lansing
Also worth mentioning:
- Crunchy’s, East Lansing
- Tavern & Tap, Downtown Lansing
- Wrought Iron Grill, Owosso
- The Pointe Bar & Grill, Clarklake
Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
Legs Inn
6425 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Cross Village
Short’s Brewing Company
121 N. Bridge St.
Bellaire
Fitzgerald’s Restaurant (The Fitz)
5033 Front St.
Eagle River
The Little Fleet
448 E. Front St.
Traverse City
Also worth mentioning:
- The Franklin, Traverse City
- Dockside Torch Lake, Bellaire
- Duck Blind Grille, Gaylord
- Barrel Back, Walloon Lake
- 7 Monks Taproom, Boyne City
East Michigan
Rix’s on the Rocks
3136 Military St.
Port Huron
Flint Farmer’s Market
300 E. 1st St.
Downtown Flint
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!
