Places to Dine Outdoors This Winter

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

If you’re not feeling like cooking from home —or are 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.

Note: Under the three-week pause, some forms of outdoor dining is prohibited. Tents, canopies and other temporary structures have been dubbed “indoors” by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Domes, huts and other small spaces are still allowed as long as groups are limited to six people from the safe household and if staff can only “enter fleetingly or not at all.”

Check with each establishment on their outdoor set-up before heading out.

Cork & Gabel

• Address: 2415 Michigan Ave., Detroit
• Phone: 313-638-2261

This Corktown eatery blends Irish, Italian and German cuisine together for a mouthwatering experience. They are currently working on heating their outdoor patio to allow for outdoor dining and are planning on outdoor igloos when it gets super cold.

Detroit Fleat

• Address: 1820 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
• Phone: 248-607-7611

Detroit’s top food trucks gather daily at this Oakland County eater, which remains open during the three-week pause for carry-out and igloo dining, with adjusted hours.

Detroit Shipping Company

• Address: 474 Peterboro, Detroit
• Phone: 313-462-4973

This spot has removed the sides of their heated outdoor tent to allow for outdoor dining and are planning on back lot fire pits for the colder months. Masks are still mandatory. Options from the eats from six individually-operating restaurants that offer their unique take on street food, custom cocktails and a rotating draft beer selection.

EastEats

• Address: 1018 Navahoe, Detroit

This tiny-dining outdoor eatery bridges “the Eastside with the Eastern Hemisphere.” Reservations are required for $45/person and include 5 menu items for guests. Diners are served in their outdoor, heated domes.

Frame and Joebar Hazel Park

• Address: 23839 John R. Road, Hazel Park
• Phone: 248-291-5711

Frame and Joebar of Hazel Park are located in the same building (in suites 1 and 2). Swing by Joebar for classic cocktails and sandwiches or ethnic eats including Mexican, French and Italian at Frame under heated yurts or on the heated patio. Take-out options available, too.

Grand Tavern Rochester Hills

• Address: 3512 Marketplace Circle, Rochester Hills
• Phone: 248-289-1350

This sports bar offers a fun atmosphere and a menu filled with burgers, salads and more. The patio is open and heated for guests, weather permitting.

Mercury Burger Bar

• Address: 2163 Michigan Ave., Detroit
• Phone: 313-964-5000

Classic burgers, poutine, old-school milkshakes and beer are all on the menu at this local spot, which is open on the patio, weather permitting.

Modern Greek & Salad Bar

• Address: 22001 Michigan Ave., Suite 120, Dearborn
• Phone: 313-751-1111

Enjoy a taste of Greece at this Dearborn eatery, which offers individual heated tents for diners.

Motor City Brewing Works

• Address: 470 Canfield St., Detroit
• Phone: 313-832-2700

This spot’s heated Beer Garden is the perfect place to sip Detroit-made brews and pizza.

Paradise Biryani Dearborn

• Address: 22001 Michigan Ave., Suite 130, Dearborn
• Phone: 313-406-2806

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

Sava’s Restaurant

• Address: 216 S. State St., Ann Arbor
• Phone: 734-623-2233

This café-style dinner offers options link black bean chili, fusilli pasta and roasted salmon on their heated outdoor patio.

Selden Standard

• Address: 3921 2nd Ave., Detroit
• Phone: 313-438-5055

Make your reservations to explore shared plates on the heated patio.

Slow’s Bar BQ

• Address: 2138 Michigan Ave., Detroit
• Phone: 313-96209828

Get your barbecue fix at the Corktown location, which is offering service in their covered patio each weekend.

The Post Local Bistro

• Address: 844 Penniman Ave., Plymouth
• Phone: 313-319-7070

Enjoy delicious apps, soups, salads and sandwiches from the comfort and safety of this spot’s heated patio. They offer a special kids’ menu, too

Truago Restaurant

• Address: 2775 W. Jefferson Ave., Trenton
• Phone: 734-676-2233

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.

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.