Places to Dine Outdoors This Winter in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Michigan’s brutal winters can put a damper on outdoor dining, but since the coronavirus pandemic many establishments have tweaked their patios to be both warm and safe for potential patrons. 

So, if you just don’t feel like cooking from home tonight — or if you’re looking for ways to support your favorite local eateries — consider braving the snow and hitting up one of these great places to dine outdoors this winter. 

Detroit Fleat

• Address: 1820 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale 

Detroit’s top food trucks gather daily at this Oakland County eatery where they offer outdoor dining in igloos with optional s’mores kits or hot chocolate bars. Well-behaved pets are welcome.

Detroit Shipping Company

• Address: 474 Peterboro, Detroit 

Offers six individually-operating restaurants with a unique take on street food, custom cocktails and a rotating draft beer selection. Dine in the Winter Lodge, no reservations needed!

Paradise Biryani Dearborn

• Address: 22001 Michigan Ave., Suite 130, Dearborn

This eatery is 100 percent Halal and offers a menu that features tikka masala, vindaloo, kachori and more. Eat outdoors on their covered and heated patio.

Truago Restaurant

• Address: 2775 W. Jefferson Ave., Trenton

The full menu, which includes crab cakes, pizza, chicken, salmon, salad and more is offered via pick-up, delivery or on the covered and heated patio. Reservations are encouraged.

Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina

• Address: Four Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit locations

These Italian restaurants offer indulgent small plates, wood-fired pizzas with ingredients made in-house, rich desserts and an extensive wine list. Bring your kiddos to one of their trendy outdoor patios with floor-to-ceiling windows where they can share a specialty pizza.

The Grotto 

• Address: 303 S Ashley St., Ann Arbor

This industrial chic bar is serving up local craft brews in a charming patio setting that is heated during the winter months. Since the Grotto doesn’t have a kitchen, guests are allowed to bring in snacks or order from one of the the delivery menus provided by nearby restaurants.

Do you know of other restaurants that offer outdoor dining in the winter months? Share them with us in the comments so we can add them to our list. 

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