Heated Patios

Food and drinks just taste better outside. But winter always seems to ruin this luxury by making it unbearably cold. Defy Mother Nature this winter by going to any of these four locations that harmonize our love for the outdoors with our love of reasonable levels of body heat.

Whether you want dinner or just a few drinks after work, Vitale's will bring it all to you in the comfort of its Four Season Room, open year round. This nice little medium between the frigid outdoors and the enclosed indoors, Vitale's Four Season Room is fully equipped with flat screen televisions and a new bar. You don't have to sacrifice drinks and watching the game when you want to experience some weather.

Vitale's Sports Lounge
3868 West River Drive, Comstock Park

You don't have to travel to feel like you're in the rustic Pacific Northwest. Grand Woods Lounge is that outdoorsy haven, with a year-round outdoor porch that has a fireplace to make those cold nights a little cozier. The spacious outdoor porch is equipped with two bars where you can order any number of imported, domestic or microbrew beer. Try any of Grand Woods' mixed drinks as well. We recommend the Woodstini.

Grand Woods Lounge
77 Grandville Avenue SW, Grand Rapids
grandwoodslounge.com, (616) 451-4300

Tavern on the Square doesn't cringe in the winds of winter. The restaurant screened its patio to shield you from the blustery cold so that you can enjoy the view of downtown while still relishing the heat of the fireplace. This patriotically themed restaurant provides porch-sitters all the amenities: a 40-inch-screen television, a full menu and a fireplace. And do not fret; the patio is only a matter of feet from the bar.

Tavern on the Square
100 Ionia Avenue, Grand Rapids
tavernonthesq.com, (616) 456-7673

Although Saugatuck gets most of its publicity in the summer for its beaches and tourist attractions, Wally's provides lively entertainment to visitors year-round. Frequent live music on its outdoor patio gives its visitors a luxurious atmosphere, even in the winter. The patio is screened and heated with access to a full menu, bar and television.

Wally's
128 Hoffman Street, Saugatuck
(269) 857-5641