Guide To Outdoor Dining: Best Patios In Mid-Michigan

What better way to spend some time than sitting on a patio, eating good food and drinking good drinks?

Michiganders, with the temperatures on the rise, it's time to bid adieu to our winter hibernation and embrace the great outdoors. After all, who wants to stay cooped up indoors when the sun is shining?

The Best Patios in Mid-Michigan for Outdoor Dining

And what better way to relish the sunshine than by lounging on a patio with a cool drink in hand? I'm not just talking about any old backyard patio – though no shade thrown if that's your vibe. I'm talking about hitting up your go-to local joint, soaking up some rays, and indulging in some prime people-watching.

If you're like me and live for those sunny patio vibes, fret not, because I've got your back. I've scoured the nooks and crannies of Mid-Michigan, from Lansing to Jackson, and back again, to uncover the absolute best spots to soak in the warmth while sipping on your favorite beverages and nibbling on some grub.

Get our free mobile app

So, before you and your crew venture out to bask in the sunshine, let's game plan. Check out the list below to discover which of your favorite local haunts made the cut for the ultimate patio experience in the Mitten State.

Mid-Michigan Bars & Restaurants with Great Patios

Get ready to kick back, relax, and soak up all that Vitamin D – because patio season in Michigan is about to be lit!

El Azteco in East Lansing

Screenshot courtesy Google Maps Streetview

Blue Gill Grill in Haslett

One North Kitchen & Bar in Lansing

Photo courtesy McConnell Adams/TSM Lansing

The Peanut Barrel in East Lansing

Horrocks Farm Market in Lansing

Photo courtesy of McConnell Adams/TSM Lansing

Lansing Brewing Company in Lansing

Grand River Brewery in Jackson

The Wooden Nickel II in Dansville

Boss Cider in Leslie

BAD Brewing Company in Mason

Gravity Smokehouse & BBQ in Holt

Photo courtesy of Chris Tyler/TSM Lansing

The Tipsy Nickel Bar & Grille in Mason

Lansing Area Bars and Restaurants That Serve Amazing Mocktails

Whether you are a pregnant person, a sober person, an underage person, or just a person who doesn't feel like drinking alcohol at the moment, there's got to be something out there for us, right? That's when I discovered the beauty of a mocktail. If you don't drink alcohol, for whatever reason, there are some fantastic restaurants and bars in Lansing that serve up more than pop and lemonade. Check out these spots that have amazing mocktails.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews

10 Best Bars in Jackson

No matter what your poison is (beer, wine, or a nice mixed drink or cocktail), these bars could make for the perfect pit stop before or after a fun night out on the town in Jackson. Whether you call Jackson home, or it's your first evening there, we did the leg work and put together a list of the best bars and breweries in Jackson to grab a drink at. Check out the list in the gallery below. And if we're missing a must-stop bar, let us know. You can always send us a message using the free app.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews

Bars and Restaurants Participating in Lansing's Social Districts

Have you ever heard of a "social district"? It's an area that allows you to enjoy booze while out in the great outdoors. And by great outdoors, I mean some city blocks downtown. Lansing has officially decided to make the once temporary social districts a permanent fixture. Now, you can enjoy your favorite beer, wine, or cocktails in certain public areas in Lansing. You can find Lansing's social districts in Downtown, REO Town, and Old Town. Check out the list below to see which bars and restaurants are participating.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews