Waterfront. Rooftops. Gardens.There is something special about outdoor dining. Dining outdoors provides a canvas that transcribes to a cozy comfy feeling while enjoying the outdoor air.
Michigan summers are far too short, but dining al fresco is a way to savor every last bit of it. And while the menus are important, so are the views, ambiance and atmosphere.Around metro Detroit and beyond, outdoor dining options abound. You will find rooftop bars with stellar and sweeping panoramic views of downtown Detroit and Canada.
Did someone say water? Plenty of places answer the call, offering waterfront and water-view dining, some complete with a view of passing freighters.
And then there are restaurants with patios amid lush vegetable and flower gardens or raised beds of fragrant herbs.So don’t let summer slip by without embracing and savoring dining al fresco.
Here’s a sampling of some favorites around metro Detroit. If you have a favorite not on these lists, send it in an email to food@freepress.com with “outdoor dining” in the subject line.
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Outdoor patio beauties
Café Cortina
30715 W. 10 Mile Road, Farmington Hills
This Italian eatery, owned and operated by the Tonon family, is on the site of a former apple orchard. Café Cortina opened in 1976 and is celebrating 48 years in business this year. The restaurant’s outdoor patio has seating for up to 80 people and areas for private dining amid an intimate setting. There’s a lounge area and a large outdoor fireplace. Near the restaurant’s kitchen is a large vegetable garden, with many items making their way to Café Cortina menu selections. Also from the garden’s bounty is the Chef’s Table, created by Café Cortina’s Ernesto Antopia, its longtime chef. Antopia offers a multi-course, family-style dinner using many of the restaurant’s garden-grown herbs and vegetables.
For info: 248- 474-3033 or cafecortina.com
La Dolce Vita
17546 Woodward Ave., DetroitA hidden gem on Woodward near Palmer Park is known to have one of the best patios in Detroit. Behind a wrought-iron gate is a courtyard-like setting where building walls are covered in ivy, and statues and fountains are nestled amid plants and flowers. Open for lunch and dinner, La Dolce Vita’s menu highlights regional Italian cuisine with a selection of traditional and modern pasta, meat and seafood entrees. The same menu is offered all day, so the salads, such as the caprese with rich and creamy burrata cheese, are a good option for a quick lunch.La Dolce Vita is also well-known for its Saturday and Sunday brunch. On the brunch menu are classics like eggs Benedict with options for shrimp or lobster plus eggs Sardou and Italian French toast.
For info: 313-826-6051 or detroitldv.com
Sylvan Table
1819 Inverness, Sylvan Lake
A true farm-to-table restaurant, Sylvan Table sits on a five-acre property with three acres dedicated to its farm. Sylvan Table’s covered patio has tables and chairs. You can see the barn roof garden from the patio. Reservations for outdoor seating are recommended but walk-ins are welcome. Sylvan Table’s menu offers a chef-curated selection of entrees, many utilizing what’s grown on its farm or other items from local farms its owners and team are committed to reducing food waste and striving to be stewards of the land.
For info: 248-369-3360 or sylvantable.com
Townhouse
500 Woodward, Detroit, and 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham
A highlight of Jeremy Sasson’s Heirloom Hospitality Woodward Avenue eatery is its all-glass dining space with a retractable roof and an outdoor terrace. A few years ago, Townhouse Detroit underwent a complete remodel and renovation offering a new brighter look with softer tones and a revamped menu. Townhouse Detroit’s menu offers lunch, social hour and dinner, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Townhouse Birmingham, on Pierce at the corner of Martin Street, also has an outdoor patio, plus bar seating with large windows that open to the patio.
For info: Birmingham 248-792-5241 or townhousebirmingham.com or Detroit 313-723-1000 or townhousedetroit.com
The Whitney
44421 Woodward, Detroit
Midtown Detroit’s historic and stately Whitney outdoor dining is amid its on-site gardens. Lunch in the garden is Wednesday through Friday, dinner is offered daily. Its regular menu is available by request. On most nights, a lighter menu during happy hour is offered. The Whitney garden party takes place each Thursday and is now in its 35th year and features music entertainment. The Garden opens at 5 p.m. and tickets are $20 for VIP reserve, or $10 general admission tickets in advance. Tickets on the day of or at the door are $15. Food and beverages are an additional cost.
For info: 313-513-2273 or thewhitney.com
Also worth noting:
Coeur, Ferndale: This fine dining spot with a casual atmosphere is rooted in French-inspired traditions. Coeur was named the No. 1 Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Best New Restaurant of 2024. Its patio is behind the restaurants and features tables with umbrellas. Along the patio’s slate stone walkway to the restaurant’s rear entrance are raised beds with fragrant herbs that make their way into the restaurant’s cocktails and other selections.
For info: 330 W. Nine Mile, Ferndale; 248-466-3010 or coeurferndale.com
Parc: Nestled at Campus Martius, Parc is billed as Detroit’s ultimate al fresco dining spot. It’s great for people watching while enjoying its “redefined Detroit cuisine” inspired by Detroit communities. Parc offers lunch, dinner, happy hour menu and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
For info: 800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit; 313-922-7272 or parcdetroit.com
Waterviews
Andiamo Riverfront
400 Renaissance Center, Detroit
On the street level of the RenCen facing Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Andiamo is from the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group. The Italian fare menu offers its handcrafted homemade pasta dishes, seafood options and seasonal offerings. At this location, there’s a complimentary shuttle to some downtown events (there’s a list on its website), and validated parking nearby. Hours are 3-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3-11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and 2-9 p.m. Sunday.
For info: 313-567-6700 or andiamoitalia.com
Coriander Kitchen and Farm
14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit
Head to this women-owned, Detroit Canal district restaurant by bike, boat, car or kayak. The restaurant is in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood on Riverside and near several Detroit parks. Menu inspiration comes from local produce and regional food sources. Led by chef Alison Heeres and farmer Gwen Meyer, the restaurant is as close as it gets to farm-to-table. Meyer operates the Coriander Farm on Scott Street on Detroit’s east side near Eastern Market. While the menu changes with the season and what is harvested, there are burgers, grilled fish, fish and chips and many “vegetable-forward” dishes, according to its website.
For info: 313-822-4434 or corianderkitchenandfarm.com
Joe Muer Seafood
400 Renaissance, Detroit
On the river side of Detroit’s RenCen, this upscale seafood spot has one terrific view of the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. This Joe Muer restaurant (there’s also one in Bloomfield Hills) recently underwent a redesign with new decor plus a new bar and piano lounge area. Joe Muer Seafood is part of the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group, which also operates Andiamo Riverfront and other metro Detroit restaurants. Its outdoor patio has seating for more than 40. Muer traditions of Crab Imperial and Dover sole and modern classics like the lobster corn dog are served. An array of seafood, of course, is the thrust of the menu with highlights of whole lobster to crab-stuffed Atlantic Flounder and broiled Lake Superior whitefish. There’s also a happy hour and a lunch menu.
For info: 313-567-6837 or joemuer.com
Hook
24214 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores
Along St. Clair Shores’ Nautical Mile, Hook is the former Brownie’s on the Lake, and opened in June of 2023. It’s owned by chef Bobby Nahra and Tom Lauzon. Hook’s menu, according to its website, is a blend of Japanese and Mediterranean cuisines. A separate patio menu features seafood options, appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Its main menu showcases chef’s seafood specials, appetizers, salads, main entrees, burgers and a wide array of sushi. There’s also a “Sunday Funday Brunch” menu. An hour before closing, there’s a late menu of burgers, pizzas and sandwiches.
Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Sunday. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday.For info: 586-445-8080 or hookscs.com
It’s A Matter of Taste
2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township
This well-known, upscale spot from chef/owner Tom Traynor is on the shores of Union Lake in Commerce Township. Before building the lakefront restaurant in 2003, Traynor originally started It’s A Matter of Taste in 1990 nearby as a gourmet carryout. For more than 20 years, Traynor, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, has provided a from-scratch menu, gourmet carry out and banquet venue at the lakefront restaurant. The dining room has roll-up doors that open out to the patio with views of Union Lake. It’s American menu features plenty of fish, including its perch and grouper dishes. There’s also a selection of appetizers, salads, pasta, meat and poultry dishes.
Hours: 5-9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 4-8 p.m. Sunday.
For info: 248-360-6650 or matteroftaste.net
JP’s Waterfront Food and Spirits
13400 Gibraltar Road, Gibraltar
On the grounds of and behind Humbug marina, JP’s Waterfront sits on the shore of the Detroit River not far from the mouth of Lake Erie. Arrive by car or dock your boat at its many transient boat slips. There are also smaller slips for jet skis and kayaks. Its outdoor bar patio has a lounge section where you can hang out while waiting for a table. There’s plenty of patio seating plus another covered area with a rooftop seating, all overlooking the water. Garage doors open to the patio. Inside there is dining room and bar seating. The menu offers a wide variety including sandwiches, burgers, shareables, wings and pizza. JP’s is known for its fish and seafood options of cod, perch, walleye, salmon and shrimp and steak and chicken entrees.
For info: 734-672-6299 or jpswaterfront.com
MacRay Harbor
30675 North River Road, Harrison Township
On Lake St. Clair’s Anchor Bay, MacRay Harbor dining option The N42 Bar and Grill is on the pool deck. There is breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, a lunch and dinner and a happy hour menu. Happy hour features shareables and drink specials are served 3-5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The main menu has shareables, sandwiches, salads and pizzas. Its tiki bar menu has signature cocktails and rotating drink and food specials.
For info: 586-468-1900 or macray.com
Mike’s on the Water
24530 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores
Billed as a burger and seafood bar, this spot along what’s known as the Nautical Mile is also home to the lobster roll. Owned by Michael LeFevre, Mike’s on the Water opened in 2011 along what’s known as the Nautical Mile. Inside, there’s seating for more than 150; outside, the deck seats 75. Rooftop seating was added in 2017 and a food truck was hoisted on the roof in 2018 offering a smaller menu. Its menu features burgers, perch sandwiches, a grilled bologna sandwich, plenty of fish options, salads and appetizers. How about that lobster roll? On the menu since 2013, the lobster roll is so popular the restaurant keeps track of how many are served each year. This year, the restaurant sold its 100,000th lobster roll. A museum/banquet room is next to the restaurant that LeFevre built in 2023 and houses his vast collection memorabilia of the beloved Peanuts character Snoopy. LeFevre has been collecting Snoopy memorabilia since 1965 and has amassed a collection of more than 16,000 pieces. A display of chef figurines that LeFevre collected from the more than 144 countries he’s visited is also on display. To visit the museum, donations are accepted, which LeFevre donates each month to a select charity. In June, LeFevre said, $3,000 was donated to Meals on Wheels.
Hours: Kitchen hours are 11:30 a.m.- 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sundays. The bar stays open later.
For info: 586-872-2630 or mikesonthewater.com
River Crab
1337 River Road, St. Clair
This scenic spot at the Blue Water Inn overlooks the St. Clair River with a view of the Blue Water Bridge, connecting the U.S. and Canada. It’s here where you can enjoy close views of enormous freighters passing by. The River Crab restaurant offers lunch and dinner menus with a vast selection of seafood main dishes, catch of the day, steaks, pasta and salads. There’s a separate happy hour menu with cocktail and food specials.
For info: 810-329-2261 or rivercrabbluewaterinn.com
Sindbad’s Restaurant and Marina
100 St. Clair St., Detroit
Arrive by boat or car to this riverside marina restaurant that’s been around since 1949 on Detroit’s riverfront. Founded by Prudent “Buster” Blancke, Sindbad’s celebrated 75 years in business in February. The restaurant is known for its views of the Detroit River from inside the restaurant; there’s no outside dining. On the menu are plenty of fish options, especially perch, plus other seafood dishes and its famous housemade clam chowder. For nonfish diners, there are steaks, sandwiches and salads. There’s also a full bar.
Hours: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.
For info: 313- 822-8000 or sindbads.com
The Beach Tiki Bar and Boil
142 E. Walled Lake Dr., Walled Lake
Specializing in seafood boils, the Beach Tiki Bar and Boil is also where sports and beach meet. Its patio with tables and umbrellas faces Walled Lake and there’s an open-air covered patio. There’s also boat dockage. Its menu leans toward many fish options including ahi tuna, shrimp and beer-battered cod tacos, market-priced seafood boils and a selection of fish entrees. Sandwiches, salads, sandwiches, burgers and pizzas also dot the menu. Happy hour runs 3-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri with drink specials. Brunch is served 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There’s music every Friday and Saturday. Hours are: 11-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.) and 11 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday (kitchen closes at 11 p.m.)
For info: 248-669-3322 or thebeachtikibar.com
Waterfront Wyandotte
507 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte
Located at the north end of Wyandotte, this waterfront restaurant on the Detroit River opened in spring 2016. You can arrive by boat, as several docks are available. Outdoors, there’s a lower patio bar and seating with about 25 tables. There’s also a rooftop bar with lounge seating. Indoors, there’s seating for nearly 200, and one side of the bar area features roll-up-style garage doors. On the menu is a variety of starters, build-your-own pizzas, chicken and fish main dishes. You can also hop on one of the Aloha Tiki Tour boats for a river cruise from the restaurant.
Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
For info: 734-286-9046 or thewaterfrontwyandotte.com
Watermark Bar and Grille
24420 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores
Watermark opened more than a decade ago at Safe Harbor Jefferson Beach Marina. The outside deck, which includes a full-service tiki bar, has seating for 125. It’s known for its char-grilled octopus with lemon oil sauce served on a bed of mixed greens and its 12-ounce tomahawk grilled pork chop. Surf and turf, pizza, salads, main dishes, paninis, handhelds, appetizers and an array of specialty cocktails, beer and wine. Watermark’s surf-and-turf options range from fish and chips to sauteed perch to lamb chops. Offers Sunday brunch.
For info: 586-777-3677 or watermarkbarandgrille.com
Zef’s Dockside Bar + Kitchen
24026 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores
Here, the second-floor patio of Zef’s Dockside has views of Lake St. Clair. The rooftop patio features a separate menu from the main dining room including appetizers, sandwiches, salads and several entrees. The dining room menu offerings are vast, including tacos, sandwiches, burgers, soups, sliders, starters, main dishes and plenty of fish options, from fish and chips to crab cakes and salmon. A Sunday brunch is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and takes place inside the restaurant; it’s not served on the upper patio. Brunch features a build-your-own Bloody Mary and mimosa bar and a menu that includes build-your-own omelet, chicken and waffles and breakfast bowls.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday.
For info: 586-879-6279 or zefsdockside.com
Zukey Lake Tavern
5011 Girard Drive, Pinckney
The roof deck of this spot in Pinckney on Zukey Lake opened in 2005 and, according to its website, provides a “Key West atmosphere for relaxation and fun” with tropical drinks and plenty of draft beer. Here, with panoramic views of Zukey Lake, the roof deck can seat more than 200 people. A limited menu is offered, and the roof deck is seasonal, open spring through fall weather permitting. On the menu are some of the tavern’s most popular food items grilled and/or prepared on the upstairs deck. You can also order pizzas, which are brought up from the tavern’s main restaurant.
Hours: noon-10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, noon-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Roof deck hours are 4-10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-10 p.m. Sunday, weather permitting.
For info: 810-231-1441 or zukeylaketavern.com
Rooftop eateries
Atwater Brewery
237 Jos Campau, Detroit
Around since 1997, Atwater Brewery in Detroit’s Rivertown neighborhood offers a portfolio of award-winning craft beers including favorites like Dirty Blonde, Atwater IPA and the Detroit Hustles Harder line. The upper deck is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. The restaurant’s menu of bar classics such as Bavarian pretzels, wings, nachos, salads, hand-helds and Detroit deep-dish pizza.
For info: 313-877-9205 or atwaterbeer.com
Fly Leaf
92 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms
Fly Leaf offerings are three-fold. It’s part bookshop, part bistro and cafe, and part bar. Along with its selection of books, you can enjoy coffee, cocktails and quiche, avocado toast and wagyu flatbread. Its rooftop is open all day, weather permitting with service offered beginning at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and at 11 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Cocktail hour is 3-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
For info: 313-771-5544 or flyleafgp.com
Good Times on the Avenue
19416 Livernois, Detroit
This restaurant has rooftop indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion. The area seats about 80 in total. Here the menu includes starters, salads, sandwiches and main entrees. Favorites include lamb chop, chicken stuffed with housemade spinach dip, seafood mac and cheese, and chicken and waffles.Happy hour is 5-7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday with appetizers and drink specials. Friday’s happy hour features half off drinks.
For info: 313-739-6601 or goodtimesontheave.com
I/O Rooftop Lounge
1401 Michigan Ave., Detroit
At the Godfry Hotel, I/O (for indoor/outdoor) rooftop spot has expansive and some of the best views of Detroit’s trendy Corktown neighborhood. The rooftop lounge overlooks Michigan Avenue and has views of Detroit’s skyline. Its menu features small plate offerings. I/O opens at 5 p.m. daily.
For info: 313-385-0000 or hilton.com
Kamper’s
1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit
From the 14th floor of the historic Book Tower is Kamper’s Rooftop Lounge with expansive views of the Detroit skyline. Patio tables are first come, first served. Offered are a mix of snacks, pintxos, tapas and desserts including Basque cheesecake, according to its online menu.
The more than 4,300 square foot space has outdoor seating for 86 plus inside for 40 people plus bar seating. The menu includes snacks plus pintxos, tapas and desserts including Basque cheesecake.
Recently they’ve extended summer hours opening earlier in the week and on weekends. Hours are 4 p.m.-midnight Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday, noon to 1 a.m. Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.
For info: kampersrooftop.com
Lumen
1903 Grand River Ave., Detroit
This crown jewel of Detroit’s Beacon Park, Lumen Detroit has a cool rooftop patio and an expansive ground-floor outdoor patio. It’s a hot spot year-round overlooking Beacon Park along with views of downtown Detroit and its across-the-street neighbor the Grand Army of the Republic Building. The modern American restaurant offers a menu of starters, salads and main entrees and desserts. There’s a variety of beers, cocktails and a huge wine menu. Happy hours is 4-6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 3-5 pm. Friday and is available for dine-in only at Lumen’s main bar and bar side patio.
For info: 313-626-5005 or lumendetroit.com
Johnny Noodle King
2601 W. Fort Street, Detroit
You can slurp down Johnny Noodle King’s specialty ramen dishes on its rooftop lounge and enjoy views of downtown Detroit and Corktown, including the historic Michigan Central Station and Ambassador Bridge. There’s also a variety of snacks from bacon fried rice to lobster rangoon and seaweed salad. Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.
For info: 313-309-7946 or johnnynoodleking.com
Monarch Club
33 John R St., Detroit
Detroit’s premier rooftop bar atop the Metropolitan Building is a hot spot and noted for its grand view of Detroit. There’s also indoor seating. Here, the menu features cold and warm plate offerings and rotating desserts. A charcuterie board, rosemary truffle fries, brisket sliders and spicy margherita flatbread are offered, according to its online menu. Imbibe on Monarch’s signature cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine and spirits offerings. Hours are 5-11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m.-midnight Friday, 4 p.m.-midnight Saturday and 2-8 pm. Sunday.
For info: 313-306-2380 or monarchclubdetroit.com
Motor City Brewing Works
470 Canfield, Detroit
In Midtown since 1994 Motor City Brewing Works is one of Detroit’s oldest operating breweries. The brewery is also known for its rooftop patio plus ground-level patio seating. A highlight of their bar food-forward menu is build-your-own brick-oven pizzas plus specialty pizzas including Margherita and barbecue chicken.
For info: 313-832-2700 or motorcitybeer.com
Rooftop at Gilly’s
1550 Woodward, Detroit
A downtown Detroit sports bar, Gilly’s is in memory of and the idea of Nick Gilbert, who died in 2023 and is the son of Rocket Mortgage founder Dan Gilbert. Gilly’s rooftop bar is the upper level of the sports bar and is “hacienda-inspired,” its website says. It has a glass ceiling and retractable doors to a rooftop terrace offering views of Detroit’s skyline. The menu features Mexican street food classics. Its lower level is spacious and also has an outdoor patio. Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday.
For info: 313-651-7050 or gillysrooftop.com
Social
225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham
From Zack Sklar’s Peas and Carrots Hospitality, Social is the group’s flagship restaurant. Social is billed as offering refined comfort food in its main dining room, rooftop and sidewalk seating. Its rooftop in downtown Birmingham is where you can enjoy craft cocktails and lunch, dinner and brunch offerings of starters, salads, main entrees. The rooftop also hosts private events.
Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 9-9 p,.m. Sunday’s.
For info: 248-594-4200 or socialkitchenandbar.com
Tin Roof
47 E. Adams, Detroit
Across from Comerica Park, Tin Roof has three levels plus a rooftop seating area. It’s a busy spot on Tigers and Lions game days. Tin Roof is known for its Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich. The buttermilk fried chicken is rubbed with cayenne and served on Texas toast with ranch potato salad and pickles, according to its online menu. There are also tacos, burgers and other sandwiches on the menu.
For info: 313-262-6114 or tinroofdetroit.com. Contact Detroit Free Press food writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on X (formerly Twitter.) Support local journalism and become a digital subscriber to the Free Press.
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