Patio Guide: Where to Dine Outside Around Ann Arbor

May 25, 2024

Local patio view — Courtesy of Palio del Sole

What makes an excellent patio for enjoying food and drink outside can vary a bit. Is it a great view? The décor and vibe? The feeling that you can sit back and stay awhile?

To be sure everyone has something they like and feels included, it’s also important for an outdoor space to offer a little something for everyone: sun and shade, plus a great menu and delicious drinks (nonalcoholic included). Here are a few local restaurants, brewpubs and cafés with patios and more for those looking to dine al fresco.

In addition to these restaurants with outdoor dining, many places offer patio seating downtown from 4 p.m. Thursdays through 6 a.m. Mondays. Closures will be at Main Street from William to Washington, West Liberty Street from Ashley to Main, East Liberty Street from Main to Fourth and West Washington Street from Ashley to Main.

RELATED: Late Night Dining in Washtenaw County

Argus Farm Stop Packard Café

A community hub for local food, a coffee shop, a café and a hangout zone all wrapped into one. The outdoor picnic area is a great place to sit a bit and enjoy what’s in season.

1200 Packard Rd., Ann Arbor

Big City Small World Bakery

This neighborhood oasis features vegan baked goods and custom cakes, and when the weather is good, the seating area out front is a great place to take a little break for breakfast (or seconds).

500 Miller Ave, Ann Arbor

Table on a local patio — Courtesy of Palio del Sole

Corner Brewery (Arbor Brewing Company)

Corner Brewery has a cozy beer garden and picnic tables where you can enjoy the latest in tasty beverages (nondrinkers included) and classic pub fare.

720 Norris St., Ypsilanti

HOMES Campus

A brewery, coffee shop and restaurant wrapped into one with a sunny, modern, covered patio area that also features pop-up events, including food trucks.

112 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor

Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery

This restaurant has a secluded upstairs patio that delivers for those looking for something more chill. It can be hard to score a table, so if the weather is good, get there early!

311 S. Main St., Ann Arbor

Palio del Sole

They deliver on the classic rooftop deck vibe and is a great place to go for sipping and snacking on Tuscan delights that appeal to all ages while you feel like you’re floating around in the downtown Ann Arbor tree canopy.

347 S Main St., Ann Arbor

Salt Springs Brewery

Housed inside a former church, this reimagined indoor space makes a visit already worth a trip. Outdoors, a new (heated!) pergola enhances the summertime experience.

117 S. Ann Arbor St., Saline

The Sidetrack Bar & Grill

With its side patio along the Ypsi railroad tracks and more seating on Cross Street, Sidetrack is a long-time destination for train-watchers and nosh-ers.

56 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti

TAQ

Enjoy delicious tacos inside or out at TAQ. They have 12 sidewalk tables available for service everyday in addition to 12 street side tables available for service, Thursday-Sunday.

106 E Liberty St., Ann Arbor

Thompson & Co.

In the renovated 1861 Thompson Block building, Thompson & Co features updated southern-style cooking with a front patio that looks out over Depot Town.

400 N. River St., Ypsilanti

Vertex Ypsi

This is the newly opened Ypsi branch of the beloved Ann Arbor coffee roaster, in the former Cultivate space. Offering food and community events in addition to coffee drinks.

307 N. River St., Ypsilanti

Zingerman’s Roadhouse

The covered patio at Zingerman’s Roadhouse is great for all ages, and brings the feeling of indoors to outside with overhead fans for extra comfort.

2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor

Casa Dominick’s

Enjoy Italian food at this Ann Arbor restaurant which has become a local favorite among the community. They have a patio for outdoor seating.

812 Monroe St, Ann Arbor