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

Outdoor Dining Gull Lake

cover image: Gull Lake Distilling Company

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.

Portage Outdoor Dining
Centre Street Taphouse in Portage MI

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.

Kalamazoo Restaurants with Outdoor Seating


HopCat 

300 E Water St, Kalamazoo MI 49007
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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


Martell’s

3501 Greenleaf Blvd, Kalamazoo MI 49008
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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).

image: Martell’s


One Well Brewing

4213 Portage St, Kalamazoo MI 49001
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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.


The Root Beer Stand

4400 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo MI 49008
3100 Portage St, Kalamazoo MI 49001
Facebook
High Chairs: N/A
Kids’ Menu: No

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).

image: The Root Beer Stand


University Roadhouse 

1332 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo MI 49006
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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. 

Portage Restaurants with Outdoor Patios


Centre Street Tap House

3251 Centre St, Portage MI 49024
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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.

CoreLife Eatery

6300 S Westnedge Ave, Portage MI 49002
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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.


Cove Lakeside Bistro

9110 Portage Rd, Portage MI 49002
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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.


Fieldstone Grill

3970 W Centre Ave, Portage MI 49024
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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 Cekola’s Pizza

7640 S Westnedge Ave, Portage MI 49002
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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

image: Jac’s


Latitude 42 Brewing Company – Portage

7842 Portage Rd, Portage MI 49002
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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).

image: L42


Monelli’s Italian Grill and Sports Bar

7141 S Westnedge Ave, Portage MI 49002
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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.

image: Moneli’s


Presidential Brewing Co.

8302 Portage Rd, Portage MI 49002
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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.

image: Presidential Brewing Co


The Craftsman Chop Co.

6905 Sears Dr, Portage MI 49024
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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.


Travelers Café & Pub

5225 Portage Rd, Portage MI 49002
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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

image: Travelers Café & Pub

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.


Gull Lake Distilling Company

92 E Michigan Ave, Galesburg MI 49053
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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

139 W Michigan Ave, Paw Paw MI 49079
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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.

image: La Cantina


Latitude 42 Brewing Company – Oshtemo

6101 W Main St, Kalamazoo MI 49009
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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 (North End Deli and Spirits)

15450 M-43, Hickory Corners MI 49060
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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

717 E Bridge St, Plainwell MI 49080
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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.


Zeb’s Trading Co.

7990 S 8th St, Kalamazoo MI 49009
Facebook
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes

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.

image: Zebs

Kalamazoo Park, Farmers Market Pocket Park
Pocket Park in Texas Corners

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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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