Make Plans for Al Fresco Dining Pronto
Summertime in Michigan is the perfect time to spend all day outside. Luckily, greater Kalamazoo has a bevy of family-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating. Dine out while enjoying the superb summer weather.
From upscale lakeside dining to casual outdoor patios, there are many unique options that are sure to be a hit with the whole crew.
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Southwest Michigan Family-Friendly Outdoor Dining
Soak up the fresh air with this extensive listing of restaurants with outdoor seating options for tasty family dinners or quick bites.
Browse al fresco dining options conveniently organized by location in Southwest Michigan:
Kalamazoo Restaurants
Big Apple Bagel – Westnedge | Facebook
3811 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Running errands? Grab a cup of coffee and a morning snack. The seating area at their Westnedge location has a fenced-in outdoor patio, with a playhouse that is great for kids.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: No
HopCat | Facebook
300 E Water St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Known for their Cosmik Fries, Downtown Kalamazoo’s HopCat restaurant has a great outdoor space.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
Martell’s | Facebook
3501 Greenleaf Blvd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Martell’s is a popular restaurant, nestled in Parkview Hills. They offer daily specials featuring seasonal ingredients. Sit outside on their outdoor patio and enjoy the quiet atmosphere next to the water.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
Martini’s | Facebook
832 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Martini’s Pizza is a classic stop located in the Vine neighborhood of downtown Kalamazoo. Enjoy their beautiful outdoor patio while the kids enjoy pizza, sandwiches, appetizers and delectable desserts.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
Old Dog Tavern | Facebook
402 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Old Dog Tavern is located in downtown Kalamazoo, with outdoor seating near the train tracks. On select Saturday mornings, Old Dog Tavern offers free music by BenJammin Educational Music for kids.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
One Well Brewing | Facebook
4213 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
The outdoor patio is a perfect place to grab one of their board games and enjoy laughs outside. They also have a great inside play-area for kids plus classic arcade games.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
The Root Beer Stand | Facebook
4400 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
3100 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
If you’re looking for a car dining experience, the Root Beer Stand is a fun option. This drive-up restaurant has two locations in the area.
High chairs: N/A | Kids’ Menu: No
University Roadhouse | Facebook
1332 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Right next to Western Michigan University’s campus is the University Roadhouse restaurant. Sit on their large outdoor patio and enjoy the campus-area views.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
Portage Restaurants
Centre Street Tap House | Facebook
3251 Centre St, Portage, MI 49024
Centre Street Tap House in Portage has a great patio option to enjoy the fresh air. Colorful umbrellas and a cozy fire feature make this a fun option for any time of the day.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
CoreLife Eatery | Facebook
6300 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
CoreLife Eatery has a menu full of healthy and tasty food. Families can enjoy their meal on the outdoor patio.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
COVE Lakeside Bistro | Facebook
9110 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
COVE Lakeside Bistro has a beautiful patio that overlooks West Lake, offering spectacular sunset views. To snag an outdoor table, reservations are recommended.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
The Craftsman Chop Co. | Facebook
6905 Sears Dr, Portage, MI 49024
Located right by the Crossroads Mall – sit at their outdoor patio and enjoy a bite from the extensive menu. Kids will love the housemade chips and dip.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
Fieldstone Grill | Facebook
3970 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024
Fieldstone Grill’s outdoor patio area showcases the beautiful scenery near the Moors Golf Club golf course.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
JAC’s Cekola’s Pizza | Facebook
7640 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
JAC’s offers a variety of casual meals, with an emphasis on pizza. Outdoor patio seating is spacious and shaded.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
Latitude 42 Brewing Company – Portage | Facebook
7842 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Latitude 42 offers an outdoor patio in the back, with the fun Hop Garden – offering tons of activities to keep kids busy – Jenga, play area, games, bean bag toss and a fire pit for the adults.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
LoDo Company | Facebook
153 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024
Located in central Portage, LoDo Company offers an outdoor patio space.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
Monelli’s Italian Grill and Sports Bar | Facebook
7141 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
Monelli’s is a family-friendly restaurant with outdoor seating on a patio located out front. The kids’ menu has Italian fare (spaghetti, fettuccine, pizza) as well as other favorites such as chicken tenders.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
Surrounding Communities
La Cantina | Facebook
139 W Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079
La Cantina in Paw Paw offers Italian food in a fun and casual atmosphere. The spacious lower-level patio overlooks the waterfalls. In the summer months, La Cantina has music on the patio.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
Latitude 42 Brewing Company – Oshtemo | Facebook
6101 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Latitude 42’s second location in Oshtemo also offers an amazing patio and dining area.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
NEDS (North End Deli and Spirits) | Facebook
15450 M-43, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
NEDS features slow-cooked barbecue, pizzas, and burgers. With outdoor seating right on Gull Lake, families can kick back and relax on the deck patio.
High chairs: Yes| Kids’ Menu: Yes
Old Mill Brewpub and Grill | Facebook
717 E Bridge St, Plainwell, MI 49080
Old Mill Brewpub and Grill is a full-service restaurant and brewery that was once a flour mill. The pub offers sandwiches, wraps, salads, entrees, and appetizers, and has a covered outdoor seating area.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
Zeb’s Trading Co. | Facebook
7990 S 8th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Live music and daily features are two reasons to make a stop at Zeb’s in Texas Corners. They have an outdoor seating area and a huge menu with something for every taste-bud.
High chairs: Yes | Kids’ Menu: Yes
