Warmer days are here, and there’s no better way to enjoy them than dining outdoors at one of Greater Lansing’s inviting patios. Whether you’re sipping cocktails with friends, sharing a romantic meal, or grabbing a bite with family, al fresco dining adds a fresh twist to any outing. With more than 100 restaurants offering outdoor seating, we’ve rounded up a few local favorites that deliver great food, great vibes, and that perfect patio atmosphere.

Local Favorites

BAD Brewing Company's patio, filled with peopleBAD Brewing Company

Located in Mason, MI, BAD Brewing Company was one of the first and most popular patios among Lansing-area craft breweries. The space takes up an alley between buildings, and each year it gets a fantastic new upgrade. 

A reuben sandwich and potato chips sits on a picnic table next to a golden colored beer. The background is blurred but shows a restaurant patio setting.Dimes Brewhouse

Located in downtown Dimondale, Dimes Brewhouse just revamped its back patio. Enjoy a custom made grilled cheese with locally brewed beer on one of many picnic tables (with umbrellas) or in a comfy chair in the grass. Prefer a street view? Dimes has outdoor seating in front of the restaurant as well!

People and dogs sitting and standing around tables in the beer garden at EagleMonk Pub and BreweryEagleMonk Pub and Brewery

EagleMonk Pub and Brewery is a microbrewery that offers craft beer, wine, soda, and scratch-made food, including some of the best pizza in Lansing. The beer garden is spacious, relaxed, and dog-friendly. Stop by on a Wednesday for live music!

An exterior view of the English Inn's back entrance and patio.The English Inn

Tucked away just outside the lower level of the English Inn's Pub in Eaton Rapids is this sweet cobblestone terrace that overlooks the expansive grounds situated on the banks of the Grand River. Both pub and dining room menus are available.

People hanging out at the Graduate Rock BarThe Graduate Rock Bar

Graduate Rock Bar, perched atop the Graduate Hotel in downtown East Lansing, is a stellar rooftop patio spot. Think panoramic views of MSU’s campus, Spartan Stadium, and the city skyline. With its craft cocktails, local beers, and light bites, Graduate Rock Bar delivers a relaxed yet stylish vibe perfect for sunsets or game day hangouts.

Brunch served alfresco on the charming backyard patio at Graham Vineyard and Winery.Graham Vineyard and Winery

Graham Vineyard, located in Laingsburg, is a family-owned winery offering wine tastings, hard cider, and wine by the glass. Visitors can enjoy pizza, sandwiches, charcuterie, and salads in a cozy tasting room or on the spacious outdoor patio with yard games and entertainment. The spot is both kid- and pet-friendly, making it ideal for family outings! Check ahead for current hours before you visit.

A tray of food, including a colorful salad with berries on it and a bowl of fried pita bread, sits on a table along with a light purple lemonade drink on an outdoor patio.Grand Grillin

Grand Grillin doesn't just serve delicious, fresh, made-from-scratch food. It also boasts an adorable patio complete with flowers, umbrellas, a kids' station, and a warm, hospitable atmosphere. The patio is dog-friendly, and you won't want to miss out on the fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Two women making tabletop s'mores on the patio at Harrison Roadhouse.Harrison Roadhouse

Harrison Roadhouse in East Lansing just dropped its new summer burger menu, featuring out-of-this-world smash burgers that are big on flavor and perfectly crispy on the edges. Grab a spot on the patio, where you can toast marshmallows and make s’mores right at your table, a sweet way to celebrate summer with friends and family.

A group of friends cheers-ing their drinks at a picnic table at Horrocks' beer garden.Horrocks Beer Garden

Horrocks in Lansing offers the perfect blend of food, drinks, and atmosphere on its spacious beer garden patio. Sip a craft brew from nearly 50 taps, enjoy a snack from their market, and take in the laid-back vibes, often with live entertainment on nights and weekends. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike!

Ladies toastingLansing Brewing Company

Situated downtown in Lansing's Stadium District, Lansing Brewing Company boasts a spacious outdoor area ideal for enjoying lawn games or cozying up by the large gas fire pit as the night falls. You might even catch the excitement of the crowd cheering after a fantastic play at nearby Jackson Field, home of the Lansing Lugnuts.

People sitting on a patio with their dogsLansing Shuffle

Choose a bite from one of Lansing Shuffle’s unique eateries in downtown Lansing, grab a drink in a social district cup, and head to the riverfront patio for scenic views of the Grand River, River Trail, and downtown Lansing. Play a round of shuffleboard or catch live trivia, karaoke, and other weekly events.

Dancers in the street with colorful clothes

Visitor Inspiration Guides

Every year Choose Lansing puts together a free and totally comprehensive guide of everything to see and do in the area…

Two ladies drinking on the Looking Glass Brewing Company patioLooking Glass Brewing Company

The Looking Glass Brewing Company patio is set back from the sidewalk in downtown DeWitt, a neighboring community of Lansing. You can truly feel the small-town atmosphere as families stroll by on their way to the nearby ice cream shop. The brewery is located inside an old, repurposed church.

MEAT Southern BBQ patioMEAT. Southern B.B.Q. & Carnivore Cuisine

MEAT. Southern B.B.Q & Carnivore Cuisine's courtyard tucked away from the sidewalk in Old Town Lansing is the perfect spot for people-watching. Whether you're here for a festival, to shop or just to dine, you don't want to skip a visit to MEAT.

People smiling and drinking outside on a sunny day at the patio of One North in Lansing. Orange umbrellas are visible over the tables.One North Kitchen & Bar

One North Kitchen and Bar is a casual dining restaurant featuring scratch cooking, craft beers, and cocktails, live entertainment, and more. Both the Lansing and East Lansing locations offer patio seating, plus plenty of TVs for cheering on your favorite sports team.

View from the patio at River House Inn. A couple of people sitting at tables, drinking and chatting.River House Inn

Nestled on the banks of the Red Cedar River in Williamston, the River House Inn features an outstanding menu and great drinks. The inn has a scenic outdoor patio and gazebo for the warmer months and features intimate dining and fireplaces inside.

Loaded tater tots, pretzel bites, a beer, and a pink cocktail in a martini glass sit on a black patio table. Other tables and chairs are visible in the background.Sidecar Slider Bar

The patio at Sidecar Slider Bar has it all: great food, well-crafted beverages, a fireplace, views of downtown Lansing, and, if you time your visit right, you can enjoy a great view of the fireworks after a Lansing Lugnuts game at Jackson Field.

Two people clinking glasses togetherToscana Kitchen & Wine Market

Toscana is a Tuscan steakhouse that offers a taste of Italy right here in Lansing! The patio provides ample seating for dinner and fire pits that make for a perfect evening enjoying a craft cocktail or two.

Zoobie's Old Town Tavern

The food from The Cosmos and the large beer garden out back add up to a great outdoor experience at Zoobie's Old Town Tavern. Meet up with some friends and order some cocktails, some duck fat fries to share (or not), or an artisan pizza, and let your cares slide away.

Browse this list of all our member restaurants and filter by amenities like outdoor dining, carry-out, delivery, and more.

Photo credits: Tom Gennara, James Lenon, Looking Glass Brewing, BAD Brewing Company, Zoobie's Old Town Tavern, River House Inn, MEAT Southern BBQ, The English Inn, and Choose Lansing. Big thanks to our #lovelansing community for their awesome imagery and social media posts.