Dining outside on a beautiful day with a stunning view is a vacation in itself. Here’s your go-to list for outdoor dining in the Chain of Lakes region from Bellaire to Charlevoix for your perfect mini getaway!

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.

Alden Outdoor Dining

ALDEN MUFFIN TIN
Amazing baked goods, espressos, breakfasts and lunches on the flower-filled deck.

TORCH LAKE BEER CO.
Burgers, Mexican and pizza, plus a sweet patio. Located across from the Torch Lake boat launch.

Outdoor Dining on Beaver Island

CIRCLE M BAR & RESTAURANT
Historic island landmark now family-friendly restaurant serving burgers, seafood, steaks. Small patio.

DALWHINNIE BAKERY & DELI
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1997, plus pastries, doughnuts and espresso. Handful of picnic tables outdoors.

BEAVER ISLAND LODGE AND SUNSET RESTAURANT
French cuisine and regional specialties in a casually elegant setting. Patio seating with sunset views.

PARADISE BAY COFFEE SHOP
Onsite-roasted coffee, delightful food options, peaceful meadow view while dining on the deck.

SHAMROCK RESTAURANT & PUB
Beaver Island’s oldest pub. Patio with Paradise Bay views. Regular live entertainment.

WHISKEY POINT BREWING CO.
Craft beer, wine and light snacks with sidewalk seating and a terrific view of Paradise Bay.

Bellaire Restaurants with Outdoor Dining

CORNER BISTRO
True bistro fare and patio.

DOCKSIDE TORCH LAKE
Pull your boat up and grab a seat on their Torch Lake–side deck and tuck into classic Mexican and American tavern fare.

Photo by Dave Weidner

HELLO VINO
Inventive food pairings with a wide-ranging wine list and cocktails.

LUNCH BOX
Great breakfasts, legendary sandwiches. Sidewalk tables.

M88 MORNING GRIND
Terrific local coffee shop with baked goods (quiche!) and a charming covered patio.

RUTHIE’S DAIRY TWIST
Full food menu and your fave soft and hand-dipped ice cream flavors.

SHORT’S BREWING COMPANY
Famous for its craft beer, but also the kicked-up bar food.

TERRAIN
Carefully crafted farm-to-table dining.

THE PELICAN’S NEST
Sports bar with delish food. Outdoor sand pit for kids.

TOONIES FISH & STEAKHOUSE
Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that offer something for everyone.

Central Lake Outdoor Dining

CENTRAL LAKE TAVERN
Classic burgers and brews.

PROVIDENCE ORGANIC FARM & CAFÉ
Charming farm market, café and natural foods store with patio overlooking their farm.

THE BLUE PELICAN INN & RESTAURANT
A something-for-everyone menu and a lively tiki bar.

TORCH LAKE CAFÉ
Pizzas to full dinners, great live music and plenty of patio space.

TOUCH OF CLASS CAFÉ & BAKERY
Breakfasts and lunches range from fish fry to burgers and soup. Sidewalk tables.

Charlevoix Outdoor Dining

BRIDGE STREET TAPROOM
Take a seat overlooking Round Lake—32 beer taps and an American bistro-style menu.

Photo by Tess Crowley

CHARLEVOIX DAIRY GRILLE
Enjoy ice cream and fresh-grilled burgers.

ESPERANCE
Purveyor of fine food and wine with dinners Tuesday thru Saturday on the patio, weather permitting.

GREY GABLES RESTAURANT & CATERING
Gracious old house-turned-restaurant with a lovely outdoor area and views of Round Lake.

HARBOR VIEW CAFÉ
Serving breakfast all day.

HARWOOD GOLD
Warm outpost offering sandwiches, baked goods, coffee, pure maple syrup. Sidewalk tables.

HOTDOGGERS CONEY CAFÉ
A fun, café-like diner with famous regional Coney dogs and outdoor picnic tables.

JAX NORTHSIDE FOOD & SPIRITS
Restaurant and bar with porch dining overlooking the 6th green of the Charlevoix Golf Course.

MY GRANDMOTHER’S TABLE
Bakery, café and coffee bar serving international foods with Old World goodness.

PIGS EATIN’ RIBS
The street-side patio at this award-winning BBQ- joint gives you plenty of elbow room to dig in.

SCOVIES GOURMET
American-style food with deli, bakery and bistro tables.

SMOKE ON THE WATER
Humble haunt serving old-school smoked meats and classic American grub. Sidewalk seating.

STAFFORD’S WEATHERVANE RESTAURANT
Located on the Round Lake Channel with incredible views of passing boats.

THAT FRENCH PLACE
Enjoy French crêpes, coffee and pastries at charming sidewalk bistro tables.

THE ARGONNE HOUSE
Make a reservation for the large patio and dine on seafood, steaks and wood-fired pizzas with a Lake Charlevoix view.

THE BACK LOT CHARLEVOIX
A full bar and your favorite food trucks. Eat inside, on the screened porch or at outside tables.

THE CANTINA – TACOS & TEQUILA
Mexican eatery with a large outdoor eating space tucked just off downtown.

THE LANDING
Dock your boat at this relaxed Lake Charlevoix restaurant and take a table on the spacious deck.

THE VILLAGER PUB
’50s-themed tavern with comfort food dining and sidewalk seating area.

East Jordan Outdoor Dining Spots

FOUNDRY BAR & GRILL
Elevated pub eats in a setting where large garage doors open to a spacious patio.

LAS MARACAS
Vibrant Mexican restaurant in the downtown proper.

Outdoor Dining in Elk Rapids

CELLAR 152
Euro-feeling menu with dining on the back deck.

Photo by Tess Crowley

CHEF CHUCKS
Busy pizzeria (honoring the late Chef Charles Egler of Chef Charles pizza) featuring imaginative toppings.

PEARL’S NEW ORLEANS KITCHEN
New Orleans of the North with a covered patio for dining and a porch for drinks.

RIVERWALK GRILL & TAPROOM
Craft beer, seafood, grill fare and a waterside deck.

Outdoor Dining in Ellsworth

FRONT PORCH CAFÉ
A non-profit café to nourish the community.

GOLD NUGGET BAR & GRILL
Lunch, dinner, beer garden with a patio bar and umbrella-covered seating.

ROYAL FARMS
Farm market, winery, baked goods, lunch offerings with patio and tent-covered seating.

Photo(s) by Tess Crowley