BEST PATIOS IN DETROIT

That burst of heavenly weather we had did more than lift our spirits: it lifted up the umbrellas and put the seats around the table at our favorite patios! Let the sun, cocktails and craft beer flow. It is officially spring time in the world of dining. Where’s your first stop?

The Alley Deck: FINALLY! With the Garden Bowl and Populux below, this patio offers an unbelievable covered option to dine and drink in the heart of Midtown. Not sure what to do for the night? Take a seat on the deck and decide over a drink.

Bookies Bar & Grille: Your game day stop can transform to your all-the-time stop with their three levels of seating, including the patio that overlooks it all. So come on by and drink up!

The Bronx Bar: Reasonably priced beers and standard cocktails make this small, but mighty patio always packed. Take a break from your round of pool inside and take in Cass Ave. from the patio.

Detroit Beer Company: Just steps from Comerica Park, Detroit Brewing Company is the perfect place for a pre-or-post-game beer on the patio. With a broad selection of American cuisine and their own beer on tap, this is the perfect place to kick back and relax with friends.

Fountain Bistro: Located in the heart of Detroit’s Campus Martius, Fountain Bistro offers a delicious menu that can be enjoyed on their extensive patio. If you’re looking for good food and a central location, this is the bistro for you!

Gold Cash Gold: There are no frills at Gold Cash Gold, where the food is prepared country-style, with a city feel. If you’re looking for a homey dinining experience outdoors, head to the back of GCG for picnic tables in the heart of Corktown.

Grand Trunk Pub: Built in the 1800’s, Grand Trunk’s venue has a rich history accompanied by a lengthy drink menu. This is the perfect place to enjoy Detroit’s rich history while enjoying some good drinks al fresco.

Green Dot Stables: We know the sliders kept you warm and full all winter long, so why not thank Green Dot for getting you through the gray? Pay the patio a visit and grab a beer and some of those cool cucumber slices to tide you over until you’re ready to take down some sliders.

Hopcat: A perfectly excessive amount of beer taps and fresh air come together to celebrate Hopcat’s first summer in Detroit, so don’t miss a trip to their patio on the upper deck level!

Jolly Pumpkin: A few outdoor picnic tables make Jolly Pumpkin’s patio hard to get, but it is worth the wait to enjoy your pizza and beer with a view of Shinola, Nest and the hustle and bustle of Cass Avenue.

Le Petit Zinc: If you’re looking for some authentic French food with a quaint ambiance, Le Petit Zinc is the perfect place. Beautiful garden dining will make you forget you’re actually in the motor city, and just for a moment take you to Paris.

Los Galanes: It’s something like Detroit’s Margaritaville, but with a load of authenticity at Los Galanes and the margarita’s taste even better when you’re under the patio lights outside.

McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey: Our city likes its history and McShane’s is right across the street from the famous old Tiger Stadium. So grab a good drink and a new friend and bask in the warm air outside.

Mercury Burger Bar: These burgers and boozy milkshakes did you right in the cold and now you can take ‘em on out to the patio. Soak in view of the Train Depot, as you escape the hustle of Michigan Avenue in this secluded patio!

Motor City Brewing: This is right smack dab in the middle of what’s coming up in the city’s beer corridor. The pizza and the celebration of 20 years of pure dedication to delight is enough reason to visit the patio.

Nancy Whiskey: More whiskey means more parties and Nancy Whiskey is a Corktown favorite. The old yard behind the bar hosts some of the most classic and friendly parties you’ll ever attend.

The Old Miami: With its large backyard and open sun space, The Old Miami makes for a relaxed stop on your bar crawl. It’s also a Detroit staple so do your bar night right and come chill in Detroit’s backyard bar.

The Old Shillelagh: You may have stumbled into one of the city’s best Irish pubs on St. Patrick’s Day but did you think about the fact that they have a rooftop hangout spot? Come refresh your memory.

Ottava Via: Ottava Via is the perfect place to have a little taste of Italy while enjoying the patio view. Best part of all, they have bocce ball courts in the back – so get there early and reserve a court for some fun, games and great food.

PJ’s Lager House: If you’re looking for a low-key night right in the heart of everything Detroit, head to PJ’s and grab a beer or two on the outside patio. Check out what live talent is headed our way here.

Selden Standard: Focused on serving fresh, local foods, Selden Standard aims to offer guests a fun experience to share with family and friends. And as one of the most awarded restaurants in the city, the new addition of the patio means more seats for us all to enjoy!

Seva: Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, you can still appreciate Seva’s gorgeous patio, delicious foods and specialty cocktails. They also do a killer brunch.

SLOWS BAR BQ: What is better than beer and BBQ? A Detroit staple, SLOWS is known for it’s fantastic food, that you can now enjoy on their patio, as well.

Small Plates: If your group is split on what they want for dinner, Small plates is the perfect place, producing a diverse menu with cuisines and drinks from all of the world that is perfect for sharing out on their patio.

Traffic Jam & Snug: While you’re perusing all that West Canfield has to offer, stop over for classically good eats and even better drinks at Traffic Jam & Snug’s patio spot while the sun is shining.

UFO Factory: That alien sign means something larger than life at UFO Factory. The outdoor space allows for a massive party and an out-of-this-world time to kick back and relax.

Vincente’s: If you’re looking to add some Cuban spice to your life, Vincente’s is the place to do it! They pride themselves on the authenticity of the food and cocktail menu.

The Whitney: Celebrating a special occasion? Or just looking for a nice and different dining experience? The Whitney Garden offers a romantic and whimsical ambiance, often times with live music. Here you’ve got history and delicious delicacies with a gorgeous setting.

24grille: Self-titled as “Detroit’s Premier Social Spot,” 24grille has a lengthy wine list and a delicious menu. Open late on the weekends, this is the perfect spot downtown to socalize outside.

Already in the suburbs? Here are our picks in Royal Oak:

Bastone Brewery: Peep down Main Street with this spot while you indulge in some of Michigan’s finest beers and bites.

Monk Beer Bar: Monk Beer Abbey has a new patio and it seats about 30 people. The brewery focuses on the brew history of Belgium’s monasteries as well as the Monks who invented the styles and taste the all new food menu!

Vinotecca: This one is exclusive with only three tables available on the patio. Plan ahead, folks…especially if you want to taste that chicken and chorizo pizza, which we know you do.

Erica N. Rakowicz/After 5