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.
From June 1 through September 30, the following downtown streets will be closed to vehicle traffic from Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. through Mondays at 6:00 a.m. each week to support expanded restaurant and retail use: Main Street from William to Washington, West Liberty Street from Ashley to Main Street, East Liberty Street from Main Street to Fourth Avenue, and West Washington Street from Ashley to Main Street.
Venue by 4M
1919 S Industrial Hwy, Ann Arbor. 734-800-0128.
Type of seating? Tables and chairsArgus Farm Stop
1200 Packard St, Ann Arbor. 734-585-5441.
What makes your patio unique? Our patio at our Liberty location is right next to our “greenhouse”, an addition we added on not long after we opened our doors in 2017. Our patios at each location are surrounded by planter boxes growing great herbs and other great crops. Our Packard patio is a great spot to relax in the Burns Park neighborhood.
Happy Hour? Both Liberty and Packard experience Happy Hour Monday – Thursday from 4pm – 6pm. Beer and wine are $1 off during this time.
Patio Size/Capacity?Liberty: 40 || Packard Cafe: 30
Seating Type? There is a mix of chairs with low tops as well as benches
Live Music/Special Events: Packard occasionally has Live Music events indoors. Liberty has food trucks often. Packard hosts a block party once a year. 
Table Service? No
Reservations? No
Must Try Drink: House Made Sangria
Must-Try Dish: We have a variety of great prepared food from local producers and pastries.
Sun Factor: The Liberty patio has some lawn umbrellas that block out the sun for multiple tables. The Packard Patio is completely covered.
Dog Friendly? Our outdoor spaces are dog friendly, with places to “park” your dog with hooks.
Kid-Friendly? Families are encouraged to join us at both of our cafe locations! We have great drinks for kids like our Fairy Latte, and ice cream!
Facebook: facebook.com/argusfarmstop
MAÍZ Mexican Cantina
36 E Cross St, Ypsilanti. 734-340-6010
Facebook: facebook.com/MaizMexicanCantina
More local patios
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
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
RELATED: Late Night Dining in Washtenaw County
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
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 15 sidewalk tables available for service everyday in addition to 15 street side tables available for service, Thursday through Sunday, June through September.
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
The Session Room
This local spot sells 70 beers from around the world along with delicious food. They have a large beer garden for outdoor dining (and drinking).
3685 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor
The Dixboro Project
Enjoy the Dixboro Project experience either indoors or outdoors on their terrace.
5400 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor
The Nest Cocktail Bar and Kitchen
Stop by Robin Hills Farm and enjoy food and drink at the Nest. Their outdoor dining option offers a beautiful scenery to look out on.
20390 M-52, Chelsea
Jerusalem Garden
This downtown restaurant has outdoor seating right out front where guests can enjoy food from this classic Ann Arbor establishment.
314 E. Liberty Street Ann Arbor
