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.
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.
Note: Some of these locations include kids’ play areas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of these spaces may be closed currently. For those that are open, parents must supervise their children at all times.
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.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hours of operation may fluctuate; we recommend verifying with the restaurant before heading out for your delicious meal outside.
Did we miss one of your favorite restaurants with outdoor seating? Please leave us a comment.
Kalamazoo Restaurants
Martell’s
3501 Greenleaf Blvd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
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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.
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
One Well Brewing
4213 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
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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 some classic arcade favorites inside, including an extensive selection of Pinball machines.
Adults love their extensive vegan and vegetarian options; kids love their pizzas, available in cheese or pepperoni.
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
The Root Beer Stand
4400 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
3100 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
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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
1332 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
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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.
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
Portage Restaurants
Centre Street Tap House
3251 Centre St, Portage, MI 49024
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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.
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
CoreLife Eatery
6300 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
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Known for their 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.
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
Cove Lakeside Bistro
9110 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
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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.
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
Fieldstone Grill
3970 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024
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Known for their 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 family; many kids opt for their cheese ravioli meal.
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
JAC’s Cekola’s Pizza
7640 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
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JAC’s offers a variety of casual meals, with an emphasis on pizza. Outdoor patio seating is spacious and shaded with cozy, cushioned seating.
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
Latitude 42 Brewing Company – Portage
7842 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
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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).
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
LoDo Company
153 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024
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Located in South Portage near Shaver and Centre, LoDo Company offers an outdoor patio space near the restaurant’s entrance.
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
Monelli’s Italian Grill and Sports Bar
7141 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
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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.
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
Presidential Brewing Co.
8302 Portage Road Portage, MI 49002
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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 (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!
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
The Craftsman Chop Co.
6905 Sears Dr, Portage, MI 49024
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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 housemade chips and dip.
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
Travelers Cafe & Pub
5225 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
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This travel-themed cafe and pub is located near the Kalamazoo airport and serves up tasty, American style, family friendly dishes.
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
Surrounding Cities
La Cantina
139 W Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079
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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
6101 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
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Latitude 42’s second location in Oshtemo also offers an amazing patio and dining area.
Kids’ meals come with a “dirt cup” for dessert, complete with gummy worms (parents can also swap for fruit).
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
NEDS (North End Deli and Spirits)
15450 M-43, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
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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.
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
Old Mill Brewpub and Grill
717 E Bridge St, Plainwell, MI 49080
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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.
7990 S 8th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
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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.
High Chairs: Yes
Kids’ Menu: Yes
More to Explore
