My Favorite Places to Dine Outdoors in Grand Rapids

Warmer weather has arrived, which means dining outdoors is a must. Many of you reached out on social media asking me where I love to dine outdoors. There are a ton of great options for restaurants to dine alfresco in West Michigan! Here is a round-up of my favorite spots to sip a cocktail, enjoy a date night, grab dinner with my family, have brunch on a patio, and get coffee outside. Leave a comment below with your favorite places to dine outdoors in Grand Rapids!

Where to Sip a Cocktail Outdoors

Looking to grab a drink outdoors with friends or for a date night? Here are some of my favorite spots in West Michigan to sip a cocktail outside.

Post Off

The drinks at Post Off are fabulous, and they have a great patio in the back. I would suggest this spot to enjoy drinks with friends or grab a drink after dinner.

Mertens Rooftop

Drinks with a view? Yes, please! You’ll love the view of downtown GR from Mertens Rooftop. Enjoy a spritz or glass of wine with your girlfriends on a nice summer day. You can also order food and dessert on the rooftop.

Knoop

For more great views of Grand Rapids and amazing craft cocktails head to Knoop. Knoop is located in the Canopy hotel in downtown Grand Rapids. The cocktails are really good, and the pretzel flight is my favorite.

I Don’t Care

For drinks with friends check out I Don’t Care in the Amway Grand Hotel. I love the views of downtown and the cocktails.

The Score

Pretend you’re someplace tropical with the sand and palm trees at The Score. This sports bar is a good option for meeting up with friends this summer.

Jdek at Margaux

For great views of the river and a good cocktail head to the Jdek at Margaux located in the JW Marriott. I would suggest coming here to watch the sunset.

Dine Outdoors in Grand Rapids for Date Night

Planning a date night and want to sit outside? Here are my favorite restaurants with an outdoor patio to enjoy with your significant other.

Reserve

Cory and I LOVE date nights at Reserve. Reserve has a patio on Monroe/Lyon street and also a second floor terrace. Either spot is great to enjoy the warm weather with a cocktail and some delicious food. We love ordering a charcuterie board, oysters and any of the homemade pasta dishes.

Butcher’s Union

You can’t go wrong with a date night at Butcher’s Union. Cory and I love the drinks and food on their outdoor patio during the summer months. Butcher’s Union doesn’t take reservations, but it’s totally worth the wait! You can also check out their new beverage cart to grab a drink while you wait.

Bistro Bella Vita

Bistro Bella Vita is another great spot for a date night downtown. We love sitting on their outdoor patio when the weather is warm to enjoy some good food and drinks. The pizzas here are really good, and I’m also a fan of the salmon.

Ando Sushi + Bar

Craving sushi? You’ll love the food and patio at Ando Sushi + Bar downtown. I’m a big fan of the wok-seasoned edamame and the rolls are delicious!

Donkey Taqueria

When I’m in the mood for tacos and a margarita I’m all about Donkey Taqueria. They have a wonderful patio and really good margaritas + tacos. I always order the guacamole (it’s a must) and any of their vegetarian tacos.

Bowdie’s Chophouse

Cory and I always enjoy date night’s at Bowdie’s Chophouse in East Grand Rapids. The patio is perfect for warm summer nights and you can enjoy a walk by the lake after dinner. We always order the grilled caesar salad, and I love the Faroe Island Salmon.

Outdoor Dining Spots for Families

Dining outdoors with your family? Here are great spots to enjoy a meal with kids.

Hancock

Great food and a large outdoor space can be found at Hancock. Hancock has something for everyone on their menu, and even some great vegetarian options that my sister and I love. Order a variety of sides to share (I recommend the jalapeño cheddar corn bread), and enjoy the great weather outside.

The Green Well

My family loves The Green Well, and they have a great patio to enjoy with the warm weather. We always order the breads and spreads which is so good!

Where to Enjoy Lunch Outside

Looking to grab lunch outside? Check out these great restaurants serving lunch outside.

Rose’s on Reeds Lake

You can’t go wrong with Rose’s for great views of Reed’s Lake and good food. I always order the housemade root chips and the farro salad for lunch. And the caramel popcorn is the best!

The Winchester

For a wonderful lunch outside check out The Winchester. You’ll find a diverse menu with lots of yummy options for lunch. PS you can also dine here for dinner or brunch on the weekend!

Aperitivo

Cory and I love going to the Downtown Market to enjoy some lunch at Aperitivo. You’ll find a great patio at Aperitivo to enjoy some light bites and a drink. I can’t get enough of their grilled cheese.

That Early Bird

You’ll love the food and patio at That Early Bird! They have a diverse menu with lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. I’m a big fan of their avocado toast.

My Favorite Outdoor Brunch Restaurants

Brunch is the best when you can enjoy it outside. Am I right?! Here are some wonderful restaurants to have brunch alfresco.

The Sovengard

I’m obsessed with the brunch menu at The Sovengard! I really like the full scan (below) that comes with smoked whitefish. Enjoy brunch in their beergarden on a warm summer day! PS you can also enjoy dinner or drinks here with friends or a date night.

Paddock Place

Paddock Place has a wonderful patio and a new brunch menu. Cory and I had our rehearsal dinner at Paddock Place so we always love coming here for drinks or dinner to sit on the patio.

Terra

You guys know how much we love Terra, and their brunch + patio is fantastic. The patio is one of my favorite places to dine outdoors in Grand Rapids. Also, Terra has my favorite pizza in GR and an amazing kale caesar salad. This restaurant is perfect for families, meeting up with friends or a date night.

Royals

Check out Royals for brunch with your family and a great patio. They have a diverse menu with so many options for everyone in your family to enjoy.

Field & Fire

Cory and I love the breakfast options at Field & Fire. They have the BEST bread and croissants. Enjoy their patio for breakfast or lunch or some dessert.

Morning Belle

If you’re looking for a great brunch option downtown check out Morning Belle. You’ll find a menu with lots of yummy options and a fun patio to enjoy with your friends.

Nonna’s the Trattoria

Head to Ada to enjoy a delicious brunch on the patio at Nonna’s the Trattoria. Cory and I love sitting on this patio during the summer months. They also have a great dinner menu (their pasta is amazing) and lunch options.

Where to Enjoy Coffee Outside

Outside Coffee Co.

Outside Coffee Co. is my favorite place to grab coffee with a friend. I love their outdoor space (which is open all year) and the coffee is delicious.

Madcap

Cory and I love walking to the farmers market and grabbing a coffee outside at Madcap during the summer. You can’t go wrong with their coffee and great outdoor space.

Mudpenny

If you’re in Ada I love the coffee and outdoor patio at Mudpenny. They have great coffee and light bites to enjoy outside.

Where do you enjoy to dine outdoors in Grand Rapids?