Warm weather opens up a whole new world of dining in West Michigan: Patios and decks.
The joy of fresh air and sunshine enhances both food and conversation, which is why outdoor seating so often fills up first when the option is available. It’s also why nearly every eatery in town has, at the very least, a few tables parked out on the walkway.
Because there are so many options, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite spots. Pro tip: Add this list to a note in your phone so next time friends ask, “Where should we eat? Who has a good patio?” you can play the expert.
The Sovengard | 1232 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids
The Sovengard’s biergarten at the original location was iconic, with its herb wall, outdoor bar and lively events, and they’ve
brought that same lovely energy (and spacious seating) over to the new spot.
Hancock | 1157 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
Hancock’s turf lawn perfectly fits its retro historic vibes. Eating fried chicken and sides while sipping a slushy cocktail in the sun on perfectly green “grass”? That’s the dream (not to mention the games). And from the same owners nearby, Donkey Taqueria has a sizable patio too, as does The Winchester!
The Mitten Brewing Co. | 527 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids
Last year, Mitten Brewing gave a total makeover to The Outfield, their parking lot turned patio out back. It now has a paved ground with patches of grass for cornhole, along with shade canopies and cooling fans. It’s a little baseball-themed oasis on Leonard.
The Green Well | 924 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids
Nestled against a verdant plant and pollinator education garden, The Green Well’s patio is a well-shaded, gorgeous little hidden gem among East Hills.
Knoop Rooftop Cocktail Lounge | 131 Ionia Ave. SW 8th Floor, Grand Rapids
Rooftop patios can give you a new perspective, and Knoop offers a lovely elevated experience at roughly 8 stories up. Enjoy bites and cocktails while overlooking the Grand Rapids skyline.
Graydon’s | 1223 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
Graydon’s (formerly of Crossing fame) has a wonderfully cozy patio, fitting a lot of charm in a small space, reminiscent of a big-city hidden gem.
Chicago Beef Joint | 822 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
To say Chicago Beef Joint has a patio is an understatement. It’s a huge space, with room enough for tons of tables, outdoor sofas, a shipping container bar, concert stage and more.
Bell’s Eccentric Café | 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo
If you’re new to West Michigan, consider this an assignment: You need to visit Bell’s Beer Garden. Not only is it an incredible concert venue, it’s a sprawling, beautiful patio that really does feel like a garden.
WATERFRONT
The Deck | 1601 Beach St., Muskegon
Located in Muskegon directly on the shores of Lake Michigan, The Deck is the granddaddy of patios. It’s incredibly spacious with decks that wrap around the restaurant and sprawl out toward the beach. There are swings, games, and volleyball, as well as live music. What’s not to love?
The Score | 5301 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids
When you want to visit paradise—a self-described “Michigan’s Own Key West”—close to home, The Score is the place to be. They have it all: Sand, actual palm trees, beach volleyball, live music, great food, cocktails and lots of beer, together on a small lake.
Blue Water | 5180 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids
Just down the road from The Score, Blue Water sits right on the edge of Versluis Lake. The tables here at this Gilmore institution are about as close to water as you’re going to get without needing a bathing suit. The patio is also loaded with flowers and plants, including a garden that contributes to the meals you eat here.
Rose’s | 550 Lakeside Dr. SE, East Grand Rapids
Another Gilmore establishment, Rose’s is practically famous for its lakeside deck. In the summer, you can enjoy classic dishes and drinks while watching people boat, kayak, fish and more out on the serene Reeds Lake.
Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant | 216 Van Raalte Ave, Holland
It’s right there in the name: Boatwerks is waterfront, specifically overlooking Lake Macatawa, which spills out into Lake Michigan nearby. There’s plenty of room to enjoy local seafood and drinks on this patio.
Muskegon Brewing Co. | 500 Adelaide Circle, Muskegon
The newest addition to the waterfront scene is Muskegon Brewing, which built a fantastic two-story deck specifically to enjoy the views of Lake Muskegon. Craft beer and fresh water—that’s what West Michigan is all about.
Bostwick Lake Inn | 8521 Belding Rd NE, Rockford
East of Rockford, out on Belding, you’ll find the delightfully historic Bostwick Lake Inn and its signature red lakefront deck—along with a little beach that’s perfect for dancing, frolicking, and getting a nice tan.
WIDE OPEN SPACES
Archival Brewing | 6266 W River Dr. NE, Belmont
Archival has patios upon patios, with its large biergarten, as well as wraparound, covered deck, all overlooking an open field and distant woods. It’s perfect for families, dogs, and everyone else—especially if you enjoy yard games, including corn hole and bocce ball.
The Backyard of Kalamazoo | 10441 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo
Foosball, ping-pong, billiards, corn hole, playhouses, inflatable slides, a playground, frisbee, fowling, volleyball and so much more—The Backyard of Kalamazoo is basically heaven for families, offering every type of activity you could hope for across a sprawling 7-acre patio.
Third Nature Brewing & Eastern Kille Distillery
7733 Childsdale Ave. NE, Rockford | 7755 Childsdale Ave. NE, Rockford
Right down the street from each other are Third Nature Brewing and the relatively new Eastern Kille Distillery, both of which have a substantial space outdoors, right off the extensive White Pine Trail. Head here with friends or family to enjoy great food, beer and cocktails, along with fire pits, yard games and play areas for the kiddos. And if you need one more reason, Rockford Brewing is just a few miles off, also sporting a pleasant patio!
