20+ Spectacular SWMI Restaurants with Outdoor Seating that are Kid-Friendly

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 restaurants with outdoor seating that are family-friendly.

While many bundled up for igloo dining this winter, we can now enjoy the fantastic summer weather while eating at our favorite spots- minus the puffy coats and mittens.

From upscale lakeside dining to casual outdoor patios, there are many unique options that are sure to be a hit with the whole crew.

Soak up the fresh air with this extensive listing of restaurants with outdoor seating options for tasty family dinners. We’ve linked restaurants’ menus and social media sites for ease of reference.

Known for their Cosmik Fries, Downtown Kalamazoo’s HopCat restaurant has a great outdoor dining with colorful tables.

Nestled in Parkview Hills, Martell’s offers daily specials featuring seasonal ingredients. For prime rib fans, this is an easy choice for dinner.

Sit outside and enjoy the quiet atmosphere next to Willow Lake. Kids’ favorites include the twisty macaroni and cheese and meatballs with noodles.

More Outdoor Dining Options: The Terrace at Martell’s

Martell’s now offers walk up outdoor dining at the Terrace: find pizza, a fully-stocked bar, salads and gelato by the green chairs outside. The Terrace opens for the season May 15, 2023 (weather permitting).

Grab a seat on a picnic table (inside or out), and have a family game night at One Well from their board game collection. They also have many classic arcade favorites inside, including an impressive selection of Pinball machines.

Adults love their extensive vegan and vegetarian options; kids love their pizzas, available in cheese or pepperoni.

If you’re looking for a car dining experience, the Root Beer Stand is a fun option. These restaurants with outdoor seating serve up hotdogs, root beer and other tasty fares on both Westnedge and Portage Street (open seasonally).

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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. 

Colorful umbrellas and a cozy fire feature make Centre Street Tap House in Portage a fun option for any time of the day.

Little ones are fans of “breads and spreads” on the kids’ menu: peanut butter, jelly, marshmallow fluff, carrots & celery.

Known for its customizable bowls, CoreLife Eatery has a menu full of healthy and tasty food. Families can enjoy their meal on the outdoor patio near Southland Mall.

The Cove has a beautiful patio that overlooks West Lake, offering spectacular sunset views on the water. Seafood is popular here, with crabcakes as a favorite among diners.

Marked by its signature, massive stone fireplace inside, Fieldstone Grill’s outdoor patio area showcases the beautiful scenery near the Moors Golf Club golf course.

Order the cheese fondue to share as a family; many kids opt for their cheese ravioli meal.

JAC’s offers a variety of casual meals, with an emphasis on pizza. Outdoor patio seating is spacious and shaded with cozy, cushioned seating.

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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. 

Kids’ meals come with a “dirt cup” for dessert, complete with gummy worms (parents can also swap for fruit).

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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.

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Presidential Brewing Co. regularly rotates its offerings of fun, presidential-themed food and beverages. Enjoy dining on their beautiful patio outside while playing a round of miniature golf.

Photo Op: many presidents are in attendance (in cardboard form) in the restaurant; be sure to snap a pic with a world leader!

Date Night Idea: Try their summer concert series on their new outdoor stage, sponsored by Honor Credit Union.

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Located right by the Crossroads Mall – sit at their outdoor patio and enjoy a bite from the extensive menu. Kids will love the in-house made chips and dip.

This travel-themed cafe and pub is located near the Kalamazoo airport and serves up tasty, American-style, family-friendly dishes.

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Outdoor Dining in Surrounding Cities

Venture outside of Portage and Kalamazoo, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants with outdoor seating in Paw Paw, Texas Corners, Oshtemo and more.

Located in Galesburg, Gull Lake Distilling Co invites visitors outside with patio and picnic tables and frequently hosts live music.

GLDC’s kid-friendly meals include grilled cheese and hotdogs. Kids Eat Free on Wednesdays (meals are $1 with the purchase of an adult’s meal).

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.

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Latitude 42’s second location in Oshtemo also offers an amazing patio and dining area. 

These restaurants with outdoor seating are known for their Kids Meal “dirt cup,” complete with gummy worms (parents can also swap for fruit).

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. NEDS also delivers to docked boats, for an alternative “outdoor dining” experience.

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.

Live music and daily features are two reasons to make a stop at Zeb’s in Texas Corners. Kids’ favorite: four cheese bowtie pasta.

Play time next door: Kids will want to stop by Pocket Park (the playground at the farmers market) next door after dining.

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Where is Your Favorite Spot for Outdoor Dining?

Did we miss an awesome patio in SW Michigan? Leave us a comment with your top picks for restaurants with outdoor seating near Kalmaazoo.

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