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 to dine out 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.
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SW Michigan Restaurants With Outdoor Seating
Soak up the fresh air with this extensive listing of restaurants with outdoor seating options for tasty family dinners or quick bites. We’ve linked restaurants’ menus and social media sites for ease of reference.
Kalamazoo Restaurants with Outdoor Seating
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 on their recently expanded patio. Kids’ favorites include the twisty macaroni and cheese and meatballs with noodles.
One Well Brewing
4213 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
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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
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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).
University Roadhouse
1332 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
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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 Seating
Centre Street Tap House
3251 Centre St, Portage, MI 49024
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Latitude 42 Brewing Company – Portage
7842 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
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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).
LoDo Company
153 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024
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High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
Located in South Portage near Shaver and Centre, LoDo Company offers an outdoor patio space near the restaurant’s entrance.
Monelli’s Italian Grill and Sports Bar
7141 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
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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.
Presidential Brewing Co.
8302 Portage Road Portage, MI 49002
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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 (a steal at $2/game).
Photo op: many presidents are in attendance (in cardboard form) in the restaurant; be sure to snap a pic with a world leader!
The Craftsman Chop Co.
6905 Sears Dr, Portage, MI 49024
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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 housemade chips and dip.
Travelers Cafe & Pub
5225 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
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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.
Surrounding Cities
La Cantina
139 W Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079
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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.
Latitude 42 Brewing Company – Oshtemo
6101 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
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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
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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
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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
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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 the playground at the farmers market next door after dining.