25+ Spectacular SWMI Restaurants with Outdoor Seating, Listed

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 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, many unique options are sure to be a hit with the whole crew.

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

The Terrace at Martells

Where high-end meets dive bar is where you’ll find this fun restaurant. Located downtown, you’re in for a good time.

Known for their Cosmik Fries, Downtown Kalamazoo’s HopCat restaurant has plenty of tables outside.

In business for over 100 years, Kalamazoo’s oldest bar offers a patio outside for dining.

Grab a burger, pizza or adult beverage while you take in the sights and sounds in downtown Kalamazoo.

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 also offers walk-up outdoor dining at the Terrace.

There, you can find pizza, a fully stocked bar, salads and gelato by the green chairs outside.

The Terrace opens for the season in May (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 appreciate their extensive vegan and vegetarian options; kids love their pizzas, available in cheese or pepperoni flavors.

Revel & Roll West levels up your typical bowling alley food with Grown Up Grilled Cheese (served on Texas Toast), pork meatloaf, and Street Dogs (bacon-wrapped hot dogs with fajita vegetables).

Other offerings include burgers, pizza and munchies.

The Root Beer Stand is a fun option if you’re looking for a car dining experience.

These restaurants with outdoor seating serve up hot dogs, root beer and other tasty fare on both Westnedge and Portage Street (open seasonally).

University Roadhouse is right next to Western Michigan University. 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.

The Cove has a beautiful patio that overlooks West Lake, offering spectacular sunset views on the water.

Seafood is popular here, with crab cakes as a favorite among diners.

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.

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 a stone baked pizza 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.

The outdoor patio seating is spacious and shaded, featuring cozy, cushioned seating with TVs.

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).

Monelli’s is a family-friendly restaurant with outdoor seating on a patio located out front.

The kids’ menu features Italian fare, including spaghetti, fettuccine, and pizza, as well as other favorites like chicken tenders.

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 the outdoor stage, sponsored by Honor Credit Union.

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.

Play, eat & drink on seven fenced-in acres with games and activities for children of all ages. There’s an indoor play area for those days you can’t play outside.

You’ll find live music and special events fit for the whole family on their Facebook page.

Casa Tequila’s patio offers a great view to complement their extensive menu.

Kids have a wide variety of dining options too, including both Mexican fare and comfort staples like mac and cheese and chicken tenders.

Fletchers upgraded their Texas Corners digs by moving across West Q to their current location in 2020. You’ll find pub style favorites here: burgers, pizza and nachos are popular offerings. Kids will enjoy the ice cream sundae that comes with their meals.

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

GLDC’s kid-friendly meals include grilled cheese and hot dogs. 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.

Louie’s Trophy House added a second location in Texas Corners in 2020, featuring a very similar menu and its outdoor patio.

Be sure to try out music bingo or trivia nights.

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

Newcomer Nanny’s Family Restaurant opened in the former Michelle’s spot in Mattawan in early May 2024.

Serving breakfast and lunch, this family-friendly spot is open daily from 7:00 AM to 1:30 PM.

NEDS features slow-cooked barbecue, pizzas, and burgers. 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.

Visit Paw Paw Brewing Company for a full-service, family-friendly restaurant, brewery, distillery, and entertainment venue. This restaurant regularly hosts music bingo and has live music.

Residing in a former church, Texas Corners Brewing Company prides itself on making its food from scratch with as many locally sourced ingredients as possible.

The patio outside is spacious and has umbrellas to help beat the heat.

Pull up a chair on Vickers’ patio on Sunset Lake, where you’ll find both covered and uncovered seating on Sunset Lake.

Live music and daily features are two reasons to visit Zeb’s in Texas Corners. The kids’ favorite is the buttered noodles.

Playtime 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 incredible patio in SW Michigan? Leave us a comment with your top picks for restaurants with outdoor seating near Kalamazoo.

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