Looking for the best spots in Washtenaw County to have a drink with friends and the sun on your face? Look no further – here’s a list to inspire you. Top recommendations in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, and Saline.
When the weather is nice in Michigan, there is a magnetic pull to sit outside with an ice cold drink and fantastic company. But, where are the best places to grab an al fresco after-work or happy hour drink in Washtenaw County? We’ve done the work for you – our list of the top 21 spots for outdoor drinks in the Ann Arbor area. *Be sure to confirm patio hours and possible weather disruptions before visiting.
In alphabetical order:
Arbor Brewing Company – Corner Brewery (Ypsilanti)
720 Norris St., Ypsilanti
Open Monday – Sunday starting at 10am (Happy Hour Mon-Thurs 3pm-5pm)
arborbrewing.com/location/cornerbrewery
Located in Ypsilanti, Arbor Brewing offers a unique selection of craft beers and a wide range of food options, like burgers and vegan sandwiches, that pair exceptionally well with a locally brewed IPA.
Ashley’s (Ann Arbor)
338 S. State St., Ann Arbor
Open Monday – Sunday starting at 11:30am
www.ashleys.com
The Beer Grotto Dexter (Dexter)
8059 Main St., Dexter
Open starting at 12pm
Dextergrotto.com
Bigalora Woodfired Cucina (Ann Arbor)
3050 Washtenaw, Ste. 112 Ann Arbor
Open Monday – Sunday starting at 11am (Happy Hour is Monday – Thursday 2pm-5pm)
bigalora.com
Bigalora offers a selection of fine-wines, wood-fired pizzas, pastas and salads to make for a classics summer dinner.
Bill’s Beer Garden (Ann Arbor)
218 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor
Summer Hours Monday – Sunday starting at 5:30pm
www.billsbeergarden.com
The Boro (Ann Arbor)
5400 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor
Open Monday – Sunday starting at 7am
www.theborotogo.com
Charley’s (Good Time Charley’s) (Ann Arbor)
1140 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor
Open Monday – Sunday starting at 5pm
www.charleysannarbor.com
Charley’s offers feel-good comfort style food like burgers, nachos and wings to satisfy any appetite. Right in the heart of U-M’s campus and popular with the students, paired with a nice cocktail, Charley’s has much to offer Ann Arbor.
Happy Hour is 3pm – 6pm, with 50% off drinks and appetizers from 3pm – 4pm.Â
Circ Bar (Ann Arbor)
210 S. First St., Ann Arbor
Open Tuesday – Saturday starting 6pm
www.thecircbar.comÂ
Circ Bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, IPAs and wine to pair perfectly with any slider or order of mozzarella sticks during a night out. Circ offers multiple areas and bars both inside and outside for any mood.
Happy Hour is Thursday-Saturday 6pm – 9pm, with $6 Long Islands, $5 Green Teas, and Lemon Drops​ plus 20% off all food menu items.
Condado Tacos
401 E Liberty St #200, Ann Arbor
Open Monday – Sunday starting at 11am
condadotacos.com
From margaritas to beef soft-shelled tacos, Condado Tacos has much to offer a crowd hungry for Mexican cuisine and tequila.Â
Condado offers Happy Hour on Monday-Friday 3pm – 6pm, with $5 Signature Margaritas, $7 Gran Classic, $20 House + Sparkling Pitchers and $1 off Cervezas and Bud Light Beers.
Dexter’s Pub
8114 Main St., Dexter
Open Monday – Sunday 11am – 11pm
dexterspub.com
(Casa) Dominicks (Ann Arbor)
812 Monroe St., Ann Arbor
Open Monday – Saturday 10am-10pm
casa-dominicks.business.site
Grateful Crow (Chelsea)
420 N. Main St., Chelsea
Open Tuesday – Saturday starting at 11:30am
The Grotto Watering Hole (Ann Arbor)
303 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor
Open Monday – Thursday starting at 3pm & Friday – Sunday starting at 11am
thegrottobar.com
The Grotto Watering Hole offers patrons a selection of draft beers, wine, spirits and cocktails to make any summer evening special.Â
The Grotto’s Happy Hour is from Monday-Friday 3pm – 6pm.
HOMES Brewery (Ann Arbor)
2321 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor
Open Tuesday – Thursday starting at 4pm & Friday – Sunday at 11am
www.homesbrewery.com
Knight’s Downtown (Ann Arbor)
600 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
Open Tuesday – Sunday, most days at 11:30am
knightsrestaurants.com
Palio Rooftop (Ann Arbor)
347 S. Main St., Ann Arbor
Open Monday – Sunday, starting on weekdays at 5pm and weekends at 4pm.
palioannarbor.com
Paesano (Ann Arbor)
3411 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor
Open starting at 11:30am M-F & 12pm on Saturday – Sunday
www.paesanoannarbor.com
Session Room (Ann Arbor)
3685 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor
Open Tues – Sat. starting at 11am. Closed Sunday – Monday
www.sessionrooma2.com
Salt Springs Brewery (Saline)
117 S. Ann Arbor St. Saline
Open Tuesday – Sunday starting at 11:30am
www.saltspringsbrewery.com
Located in downtown Saline, Salt Spring Brews has a variety of dining options and drinks to complement every meal.Â
Salt Spring’s Happy Hour is Monday-Friday 3pm – 6 pm, $2 off draft beer, appetizers, wine, and cocktails.
Thompson & Co. (Ypsilanti)
400 N. River St., Ypsilanti
Open Monday – Friday at 11:30am & Sunday at 2pm
www.thompsondepot.com
YORK (Ann Arbor)
1928 Packard St., Ann Arbor
Open Tuesday – Sunday starting at 8am
www.yorka2.com
Where are your favorite spots for an outdoor cocktail? Is there another one we should add to the list? We’d love to hear! Comment below or email annarboreditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com.
