Farmhaus Cider Co. - Hudsonville, Michigan
· ·

10 Unique Grand Rapids Winter Outdoor Dining Experiences | Heated Patios, Igloo Dining, & More

Would you like to save this full guide?

We'll email this article to you, so you can come back to it later!

If you’re looking for fun things to do this winter in Grand Rapids, you can’t go wrong by going out for a bite to eat. As restaurants have adjusted and adapted in the last few years, many eateries have gone the extra mile to create some truly unique Grand Rapids winter outdoor dining experiences.

As you take in the sights, sounds, and activities that this West Michigan city has to offer, having a unique dining experience will enhance your enjoyment during the winter season.

Excellent Grand Rapids Winter Outdoor Dining Options

Rise Authentic Baking

1220 West Fulton Street, Grand Rapids

This establishment features four greenhouses in the back, each of which is heated by an electric fireplace. Customers are encouraged to dine outside but are asked to order on their phones. Orders are delivered to the doorway of each greenhouse.

The greenhouses are open on a first-come, first-served basis. You can find updates on Rise Authentic Baking’s Facebook page.

Rise Authentic Baking, Grand Rapids - Grand Rapids Winter Outdoor Dinning
Rise Authentic Baking | photo via @riseauthenticbaking

The Friesian Gastro Pub

720 Michigan Street NE, Grand Rapids

At The Friesian, you can enjoy a delicious meal on a covered patio heated by a furnace and cozy space heaters. The canopy of stringed lights adds a festive touch to this Grand Rapids winter outdoor dining experience. Reservations are recommended and can be made at via Open Table.

Friesian Gastro Pub, Grand Rapids - Grand Rapids Winter Outdoor Dinning
Friesian Gastro Pub | photo via @goodvibesgrandrapids

Uccello’s Ristorante

122 Monroe Center or 2630 E. Beltline Ave., SE, Grand Rapids

Not only can you find a dazzling array of delicious food — everything from pizza to burgers to subs to Italian entrees — you can also dine outside at Uccello’s Ristorante. The restaurant has an outdoor patio covered by a structure that blocks the wind with a movable wall.

Propane heaters keep the Grand Rapids Michigan winter outdoor dining space warm, and the patio tables seat up to 60 people. The East Beltine locale also has a covered patio. Tickets for the patio are first come, first served.

Donkey – Taqueria

665 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids

If you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience, check out Donkey-Taqueria for some of the best igloo dining Grand Rapids offers plus delicious Mexican food. The Grand Rapids igloos hold a maximum of six people, and full food and drink menus are available. You can make a reservation on the restaurant’s website.

If you want one-of-a-kind Mexican food, this is the place to be. You’ll find delectable Mexican street food that can be paired with the perfect handcrafted cocktails.

Donkey Taqueria, Grand Rapids - Grand Rapids Winter Outdoor Dinning
Donkey Taqueria | photo via @halleyv_realtor

Bobcat Bonnie’s

1968 Breton Rd SE, Grand Rapids

This casual restaurant is one of the newest additions to the Breton Village Mall in southeast Grand Rapids. Bobcat Bonnie’s offers hungry customers a chance to eat in heated outdoor domes, which need to be reserved in advance and can seat up to six people.

Inside your heated dome, you can sip on a multitude of signature cocktails and enjoy some yummy eats. We recommend the loaded tots and buffalo mega mac and cheese.

Bobcat Bonnie's, Grand Rapids - Grand Rapids Winter Outdoor Dinning
Bobcat Bonnie’s | photo via @the.tiphers

Brass Ring Brewing

2404 Eastern Ave., SE, Grand Rapids

If you go ice fishing in Michigan during the winter, you know all about the shanties that dot the ice and the shanty towns that pop up in some of the most popular spots.

At Brass Ring Brewing, you’ll find colorful craft beer shanties that you can reserve for up to four people. You can pair the brewery’s small-batch beers with some tasty apps and entrees, all while cozying up in heated shanties.

Brass Ring Brewing, Grand Rapids - Grand Rapids Winter Outdoor Dinning
Brass Ring Brewing | photo via @brassringbrewing

The Holiday Bar

801 5th St. NW, Grand Rapids

Visitors here have two Grand Rapids winter outdoor dining options. You can sit in an open patio area that’s warmed by propane heaters. Or, you can sit inside a covered pavilion, which offers two large tables and a full-service bar that are warmed by a mounted gas heater.

The heated patio space is limited to just 25 people and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. You can check for updates on the restaurant’s website.

Furniture City Creamery

958 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids

After you grab a burger and beer, head uptown to Furniture City Creamery to get your ice cream fix without freezing in the cold. You can grab your favorite ice cream or one of several vegan-friendly options. Then, enjoy your treat while sitting at a picnic table inside a heated greenhouse.

Furniture City Creamery, Grand Rapids - Grand Rapids Winter Outdoor Dinning
Furniture City Creamery | photo via @furniturecitycreamery

Greater Grand Rapids Michigan Winter Outdoor Dining Options

Farmhaus Cider Co.

5025 Stanton St., Hudsonville

Just outside Grand Rapids, you’ll find a fantastic place that offers igloo dining. With reservations for igloos, you can enjoy outdoor eating with all the comforts of indoor dining at Farmhaus Cider Co.

Reservations last 50 minutes at $15 per reservation, so make your igloo dining experience count. The tasty sought-after ciders, sure to quench your thirst during your visit.

Farmhaus Cider Co., Hudsonville - Grand Rapids Winter Outdoor Dinning
Farmhaus Cider Co. | photo via @scottys_travels

Third Nature Brewing Company

7733 Childsdale Ave NE, Rockford

Stay warm in an “Igbrew” while enjoying a Third Nature Brewing Company beer and delicious fare outdoors. It’s a fun, 90-minute experience for the whole family, including leashed dogs!

Also, you’ll find outdoor fire pits and tables for your dining pleasure, which are available first come, first served. You can sit and enjoy an agreeable meal while checking out the Biergarten and staying warm by the fire.

If you’re a beer enthusiast, this brewing company specializes in innovative, creative brews, and you’re sure to find something you like.

Third Nature Brewing Company, Rockford - Grand Rapids Winter Outdoor Dinning
Third Nature Brewing Company | photo via @thirdnaturebrewing

More Winter Things to Do in Grand Rapids & Beyond

As you spend time having fun in Grand Rapids this winter, with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding, taking time to stop for an outdoor dining experience is an absolute must. In West Michigan, you’ll find no shortage of Grand Rapids winter outdoor dining options. The only limitation is what kind of outdoor dining experience you want.

Whether you’re huddled in a shanty, enjoying the day in an igloo, warming yourself on an enclosed patio, or sipping a drink in a greenhouse, you’ll have an enjoyable experience and be able to keep the chill of winter at bay … at least for a little while.

A great meal at a Grand Rapids winter outdoor dining restaurant will give you all the fuel you need for winter fun in Michigan.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *