Longing for a leisurely lunch with a lovely view? Take a table outside at one of these amazing restaurants that offer outdoor dining this summer in Northern Michigan, from Petoskey to Mackinac Island.
This article was first featured in the 2023 MyNorth Vacation Guide. Learn more about this year's guide, order a digital or print copy, or find a complimentary guide on newsstands across Northern Michigan.
Bay Harbor Outdoor Dining
INN AT BAY HARBOR
At this gracious inn, dine beside Lake Michigan at the Vintage Chophouse & Wine Bar, by the golf course at the Bay Harbor Golf Club and poolside at the Cabana Bar.
KNOT JUST A BAR
Elevated tavern fare and outdoor seating by the Bay Harbor Lake Marina.
MAPLE + BATTER
New brunch spot in former Pancake House space with a four-season porch.
NOMAD
Creative small plates with a seasonal focus and craft cocktails, in a stylish waterfront setting.
Photo by Dave Weidner
Maple + Batter in Bay Harbor.
Outdoor Dining in Boyne City
BOPPI’S PIZZA
New York–style thin crust pizza. Dough and sauce made in-house daily. Cute sidewalk tables.
BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM
Inventive tavern fare and a large, shaded patio.
BOYNE RIVER GRILL
Fresh homemade baked goods and soups from scratch. Pretty outdoor area near the creek.
CAFE SANTÉ
Sip Belgian beers and enjoy European classics like wood-fired pizzas, paninis and pastas on either the covered or open-air patios—both with Lake Charlevoix views.
GILDA’S LAKE STREET BAKERY
Sidewalk café tables at this French bakery.
LAKE STREET PUB
A family-friendly pub with comfortable outdoor seating and views of Lake Charlevoix.
RED MESA GRILL
Classic Latin American cuisine with a patio just off the downtown.
STIGGS BREWERY AND KITCHEN
Stiggs’ smoker pumps out the best smoked meats in the area. Stiggs beer brewed right on site. Patio open seasonally.
THE POINTE FISH & GRILL
A great stop for both sailors and food lovers with views of the marina from the patio.
Photo by Rachel Haggerty
Cafe Santé in Boyne City.
Outdoor Dining in Boyne Falls
BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT ON DEER LAKE
Lakefront fixture features Italian and American dishes, Sunday brunch, patio seating and tiki bar.
WHI-SKI INN
BBQ Smokehouse with a Bourbon bar par excellence and outdoor seating all year round.
Cross Village Outdoor Dining
LEGS INN
Dine on housemade Polish cuisine in the outdoor garden at this Northern Michigan icon.
Photo by Dave Weidner
Outdoor Dining in Harbor Springs
COUNTRY CLUB OF BOYNE
Dine outside at the Seminole Pub.
PIERSON’S GRILLE & SPIRITS
Burgers and baby-back ribs to pizza. Eat in or at the large patio with views of Little Traverse Bay.
POLISH KITCHEN
Enjoy pierogis and other Polish dishes on the patio.
POND HILL FARM
Farm-cooked food made from farm-raised produce with plenty of outdoor seating.
RODRIGO’S MEXICAN GRILL
Mexican cuisine and drinks of generous proportions. Outside patio tables.
ROSELAWN DINING ROOM, STAFFORD’S BAY VIEW INN
Bayside outdoor dining at a historic inn.
SMALL BATCH AT THE CUPOLA
From-scratch artisan meals and baked goods. Gracious outdoor gardens and patio.
STAFFORD’S PIER RESTAURANT
Seafood, steaks and more served on the patio beside Little Traverse Bay.
STATE ROAD PROVISIONS
Breakfast, lunch and dinner; dine inside or out on tavern-style comfort food.
THE PAPER STATION BISTRO
Euro-style bistro with sidewalk dining.
TURKEY’S CAFÉ & PIZZERIA
Beloved restaurant and ice cream shop with a shaded patio tucked off Main Street.
VERNALES RESTAURANT
This chophouse also has a sports bar, wine bar and patio.
WILLOW
Modern American cuisine, farm-to-table roots, refined menu. Small outdoor seating area.
Photo by Rachel Haggerty
Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs.
Outdoor Dining on Mackinac Island
1852 GRILL ROOM & ICE HOUSE BBQ
Choose between fine dining and home-style smoked barbecue at Island House Hotel.
BILL’S GRILL
Burgers, wraps and snacks provided in an easy- going outdoor lunch venue at Harbour View Inn.
BISTRO ON THE GREENS & ROUND ISLAND KITCHEN
Fresh, inventive food and views of Round Island lighthouse and Lake Huron from the patios at both of these Mission Point Resort restaurants.
CANNONBALL OASIS
Relaxed stop halfway around the island. Good eats, beautiful scenery, outdoor picnic benches.
CARRIAGE HOUSE, HOTEL IROQUOIS
Classic American cuisine and a view of the Straits.
FORT MACKINAC TEA ROOM
Located inside the walls of Fort Mackinac with a spectacular view of the yacht harbor; lunch here is a treat.
GREAT TURTLE BREWERY & DISTILLERY
Eat on the deck or patio at the island’s only brewery.
KINGSTON KITCHEN AT THE VILLAGE INN
Jamaican-inspired menu with local twists.
MARY’S BISTRO DRAUGHT HOUSE
Pizzas, burgers and a dockside view of the Mackinac Straits.
MIGHTY MAC HAMBURGERS
Freshly made fast food items, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Watch the boats come in on the deck.
MUSTANG LOUNGE
Classic fare served up on the covered porch of this historic tavern.
PINK PONY
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, extensive drink menu and a waterside patio.
SMOKEY JOSE’S
Tequila and BBQ! On Star Line Dock #1.
THE GATE HOUSE
Lunch, dinner and outdoor seating with awesome views.
THE JOCKEY CLUB AT THE GRAND STAND
Lunch and dinner spot located at the Jewel Golf Course with a magnificent view of the island.
WATERCOLOR CAFÉ
Art studio by night, café by day. Located on the waterfront.
Photo by The Pink Pony
The Pink Pony on Mackinac Island.
Mackinaw City Outdoor Dining
BIÈRE DE MAC BREW WORKS
Craft beer, woodfired pizza, beer garden with picnic tables and fire pits.
BRIDGEVIEW DINER
Nostalgic American bites, fresh burgers and a beautiful outdoor seating area.
DIXIE SALOON
Iconic roadhouse dishes up hearty American grub in a rustic setting. Relaxing outdoor dining.
KEYHOLE BAR & GRILL
Staples like ribs and seafood in this American diner and bar in an old saloon.
MACKINAC ISLAND BREWHOUSE
Cocktails, locally crafted subs, grinders, pizza and pet-friendly outdoor seating.
RUSTED SPOKE BREWING CO.
Bar-style comfort food with a patio.
SCALAWAGS WHITEFISH & CHIPS
Fish from the Straits and memorable fries. Outdoor seating in front.
THE HISTORIC DEPOT RESTAURANT
Burgers, sandwiches, seafood and more. Enjoy the historic setting inside or the outside tables.
THE WHITE BUFFALO BAR & GRILLE
Fresh American and Native American cuisine with rooftop dining available in the warmer months.
WIENERLICIOUS
Quality hot dogs, hamburgers and, yes, chili- cheese waffle fries! Lots of outdoor seating.
Photo by Dave Weidner
Biére de Mac Brew Works in Mackinac City.
Best Outdoor Dining in Petoskey
1911 RESTAURANT
Casual fine dining within The Terrace Inn. Enjoy your meal on the beautiful porch.
THE BACK LOT
Backyard beer garden and food trucks.
BAYSIDE RESTAURANT
Serving up American food with a delicious twist. Cozy interior and pretty patio seating.
BEACON BISTRO
Enjoy upscale bistro fare on the newly expanded patio with views of Little Traverse Bay.
BEARDS BREWERY
Craft beer, elevated bar food and views of Little Traverse Bay from the patio.
CHANDLER’S RESTAURANT
Euro-style dining including an intimate patio steps from downtown.
CITY PARK GRILL
Kicked-up tavern fare and a sidewalk-side patio at this downtown icon.
DUFFY’S GARAGE & GRILLE
A range of beers on tap, pizza, burgers and a patio with a view of Little Traverse Bay.
JULIENNE TOMATOES
Beloved eatery that serves breakfast and lunch and offers outdoor seating.
LOST VILLAGE PIEROGI
Fresh hand-crafted artisan pierogi and other authentic Polish food. Roomy patio seating.
MIM’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
Classic Mediterranean dishes and patio seating.
NOGGIN ROOM PUB
Convivial hangout with a patio and relaxed vibe, serving cocktails, beer and comfort eats ’til late.
PALETTE BISTRO
Mediterranean-inspired dishes, pizza, great wine selection and a large patio.
PETOSKEY BREWING
Find fab craft beer selections, a menu to match and a lovely patio.
POUR KITCHEN AND BAR
Hip, elevated bar menu with a seasonal street- side deck.
ROAST & TOAST
Cafe and roastery serves carefully sourced coffee and light lunch fare.
ROSE GARDEN VERANDA, STAFFORD’S PERRY HOTEL
Casual outdoor dining with gardens and a lake view.
SAM’S GRACES CAFÉ
Bright, quaint bakery and café serving breakfast, pizzas and other light eats. Pretty outdoor space.
SIDE DOOR SALOON
A classic saloon-style pub with indoor and outdoor dining.
TAP 30
Streetside outdoor seating at this shrine to craft beer and great bar food.
Photo by Rachel Haggerty
Beards Brewery in Petoskey.
Dining Outdoors in St. Ignace
BUOYS BY THE BAY
Whitefish from the Straits, patio views of the Straits.
JAVA JOE’S CAFE
Breakfast like you’ve never had it—served up beachside all day.
JOSE’S CANTINA
Award-winning Mexican fare (fish tacos!) served up beachside.
LEHTO’S PASTIES
Two locations, and family-run since 1947! Specializing in stuffed meat pasties.
MACKINAC GRILLE & PATIO BAR
Whitefish and other classic fare served up with a water view. Outside seating.
THE DRIFTWOOD MOTEL RESTAURANT & SPORTS BAR
A casual restaurant with a covered terrace serving American-style fare. There’s also a sports bar.
THE GANGPLANK
The entire dining area of this eatery is a covered patio with a waterfront view.
Photo by Allison Jarrell
Lheto’s Pasties in St. Ignace.
Outdoor Dining in Walloon Lake
BARREL BACK RESTAURANT
Pasta, ribs, pizza, burgers and a covered deck above Walloon Lake.
JUNCTION BAR & GRILL
Over 125 years old, a local favorite and a historic gem of the community. Some outdoor tables.
WALLOON LAKE INN
Gracious dining in a historic inn with a lovely patio.
Photo by Dave Weidner
Walloon Lake Inn in Walloon Lake.