While summer may be coming to a close, it doesn’t mean the end of sunny days best spent outside! One summer activity that can carry into the fall is outdoor dining. Some may even find September temperatures to be more favorable for eating in the open air than the July and August heat!

From rooftop bars with views of the Grand Rapids skyline to beachfront restaurants on Lake Michigan that make you feel like you’re on vacation, West Michigan is full of fun and funky outdoor dining destinations! We’ve put together a list of some of the top outdoor dining spots in West Michigan- even a few where your furry friend can tag along!

Patio Dining:

These outdoor dining hotspots, scattered throughout West Michigan, each offer a fun outdoor setting to enjoy a delicious meal and a craft cocktail. If you’re looking for a city setting, we recommend Rockwell Republic; if you want to feel like you’re on vacation (palm trees included), check out The Score!

 

Rooftops: 

These rooftop bars and restaurants offer great drinks, delicious food, and beautiful views of the Grand Rapids skyline- one even requires a secret password to get in!

 

Waterfront Restaurants:

Enjoy a meal dockside and watch sailboats and yachts cruise by at The BARge or Dockers. If you prefer to hear waves crashing on the shore of Lake Michigan while you dine, check out Boatwerks or The Deck!

 

Dog-Friendly Restaurants:

Why shouldn’t our furry friends be included in the fun of outdoor dining? These restaurants welcome pups on their patios, one even gives them their own menu (bacon strips, anyone?).

 

As a result of previous COVID restrictions, some of these establishments even continue their outdoor dining experiences into the fall and winter- converting their open-air patios into private igloo dining experiences. Be on the lookout for the igloos and “greenhouses” that’ll be popping up throughout the area as temperatures drop!

Hungry for more? Visit the Food & Craft Beer page of our website.