Dining Al Fresco: Best Outdoor Dining in Gaylord & Grayling Dining Al Fresco: Best Outdoor Dining in Gaylord & Grayling

Dining outside on a sunny day with a stunning view is a vacation in itself. Here’s your go-to restaurant list for the Gaylord and Grayling region.

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.

Frederic Outdoor Dining

SWAMP II BAR & RESTAURANT
“Biggest Little Bar In The North” serves their famous sliders inside or outside.

Outdoor Dining in Gaylord

AH-LOY BAMBOO
Order up Thai and Chinese entrées and enjoy on the sidewalk patio.

ALPINE TAVERN & EATERY
Stuffed burgers, craft brews and a fun place to watch the big game.

BENNETHUM’S NORTHERN INN
Longtime dining destination with beautiful patio and backyard seating.

BIG BUCK BREWERY
Big brews, big tastes, big stuffed heads on the wall.

CRAVE
A pub with pasta, pizza and a sidewalk patio.

DUCK BLIND GRILLE AT OTSEGO RESORT
Sandwiches, starters and dinner entrées. Plus, a 27-mile view.

EL PATRON GRILL
Mexican eatery with a colorful interior and patio out back.

FOOD N STUFF
Hearty sandwiches, salads, pizzas and breakfast items.

Photo by Dave Weidner

THE IRON PIG SMOKEHOUSE
BBQ, burgers and comfort food along with a full bar and patio.

THE LOGMARK AT OTSEGO RESORT
The perfect spot for a nightcap and a game of pool.

MARY’S STEIN HAUS
Alpine-inspired German-American restaurant with a charming downtown patio.

MICHAYWÉ INN THE WOODS
Northwoods views and casual dining.

PINE SQUIRREL BAR & GRILL
Family-friendly dining with a patio, tiki bar and softball field (yep!).

PORTER HAUS
A classic bar and restaurant with steaks and burgers.

SNOWBELT BREWING CO.
Downtown hangout with inventive food menu, craft beer and a sidewalk patio.

THE SPORTS BAR AT TREETOPS RESORT
Browse the beer list and enjoy a great view of the surrounding hillside.

THE SUMMIT GRILL AT THE RIDGE GOLF COURSE
Full bar and lunch menu with an extensive deck where diners overlook the golf course.

Grayling Outdoor Dining

DEAD BEAR BREWING CO.
Brewery and restaurant with roomy covered patio.

GATES AU SABLE LODGE
From-scratch breakfast, lunch and dinner served beside the river.

GRAY ROCK PUB & GRUB
Weekend breakfast, pizza, burgers and more pub classics.

GRAYLING RESTAURANT
“Where the locals go.” American bites for breakfast and lunch.

MICHIGAN BREW
Coffee, cocktails, cider, beer, wine, brunch and lunch.

PADDLE HARD BREWING
Rustic, urban brewpub with pizzas, panini, tacos and a sidewalk patio.

Photo by Jesse Green

RAY’S BBQ, BREWS & BLUES
Barbecue and craft beer on the banks of the Au Sable River.

SPIKES KEG O NAILS
Brews, burgers, burritos and other comfort fare to enjoy inside or outdoors.

TINKER’S JUNCTION
Casual dining with live music, full-service bar, volleyball court, cornhole and a patio.

WESTSIDE DINER
Homey spot with a covered patio.

WIMPY’S
Broasted chicken, burgers, hot dogs, fish and ice cream in a barn-style eatery.

Outdoor Dining in Houghton Lake

BACK DOOR SALOON
Home of the Big Bad Wolf Burger, this bar and restaurant has beautiful views of Houghton Lake.

JD’S OLD TOWN TAVERN
Classic sports bar with live music and a Shrimp Shack in the outdoor seating area.

THE FOX DEN RESTAURANT
Inventive home-cooked meals.

Indian River Outdoor Dining

MICHAEL’S TAVERN & STEAKHOUSE
A chef-driven boutique steakhouse with a beautifully decorated patio.

THE GREENSIDE GRILLE AT INDIAN RIVER GOLF CLUB
Upscale dining in a casual setting, with scenic views on the patio beside the golf course.

WILSON’S RIVERS EDGE RESTAURANT
Familiar home-cooked dishes at a timeless neighborhood restaurant with a comfortable patio.

Photo by Indian River Golf Club

Outdoor Dining in Topinabee

BREAKERS
Local fave for craft beer, pizza, burgers and patio dining, with a pristine view of Mullett Lake.

CAFÉ NOKA
Enjoy delicious food of hearty proportions in the cozy café or on the patio with lake views.

Vanderbilt Outdoor Dining

ELKHORN GRILL & TAVERN
Casual dining experience with a pool table inside and a large patio with a firepit and horseshoes.

CORWITH STATION
Craft beer, wine and a chef-inspired menu.

Outdoor Dining in Wolverine

2 WHEEL TAVERN
Serving their own smoked meats, and, yes, homemade potato chips!

THE THIRSTY STURGEON
Wood-paneled tavern serving American eats with a roomy deck and beautiful backyard.

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