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Whether you’re living in Ann Arbor or considering moving to Ann Arbor, these vibrant restaurant and bar patios offer an unbeatable blend of atmosphere, cuisine, and community spirit. From leafy garden enclaves and rustic beer gardens to chic rooftop terraces overlooking downtown streets, these outdoor dining destinations transform warm-weather evenings into memorable gatherings. Embrace the city’s innovative culinary scene al fresco style, where craft cocktails, locally sourced menus, and inviting seating areas await under string lights and open skies, making every patio visit an essential part of the Ann Arbor experience.
See the season’s hottest patio openings in Ann Arbor with our What’s New in Ann Arbor’s Food Scene guide.
BellflowerYpsi, Facebook
Bellflower
Open: Tue-Thur (11am-3pm, 5-9pm) | Fri-Sat (11am-3pm, 5-10pm) | Sun (10:30am-2:30pm)
209 Pearl St # 202, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Phone: hello@bellflowerypsi.com
Website: Bellflower
Bellflower transforms seasonal, locally sourced fare into dishes that feel both inventive and comforting. Its tropical-inspired patio provides a vibrant backdrop for craft cocktails and shareable plates, from cornmeal-crusted trout to house-made pork boudin paired with tempura sweet potatoes. The ever-rotating menu features farm-fresh salads and daily specials that highlight the best of Washtenaw County’s growers, making each visit delightfully unpredictable. Whether dropping in for a midday sandwich or settling in for a leisurely dinner under string lights, guests enjoy a laid-back yet elevated dining experience just minutes from Ann Arbor.
Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina
Open: Mon-Thur (11am-9pm) | Fri-Sat (11am-11pm) | Sun (12-9pm)
3050 Washtenaw Ave #112, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 971-2442
Website: Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina
Bigalora’s spacious patio, nestled beside a tree-lined ravine and Mallets Creek, provides a serene escape from the bustle of Washtenaw Avenue. Guests can sip a refreshing Aperol spritz under dappled sunlight while enjoying a menu built around authentic Southern Italian traditions. The wood-fired pizza selection ranges from a classic margherita bufala to a bold clam-and-pancetta pie, and entrees include crowd-pleasers like chicken Parmesan and wood-roasted branzino. A must-try side, roasted heirloom carrots with balsamic glaze, goat cheese, and peanuts, showcases the kitchen’s knack for elevating simple ingredients into unforgettable dishes. Whether joining the waitlist, booking ahead, or ordering online for pickup or delivery, Bigalora delivers an inviting blend of rustic charm and modern flair.
Biercamp
Open: Tue-Wed (11am-8pm) | Thur (11am-9pm) | Fri-Sat (11am-10pm) | Sun (11am-6pm)
1643 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 995-2437
Website: Biercamp
Nestled just off State Street, Biercamp’s outdoor beer garden feels more like a cozy woodland lodge than an urban patio. On cooler nights, a crackling fire pit invites guests to linger with a cold craft beer or cider while the glow of string lights dances overhead. The kitchen handcrafts all sausages in small batches, from asparagus-cheddar bratwurst to vegetarian currywurst, and slow-smokes pork for 16 hours before piling it onto brioche buns with tangy barbecue sauce. A selection of baskets, sides and rotating specialty sausages pairs perfectly with a pint, or a half growler to go, making Biercamp a stand-out destination for hearty fare and laid-back patio vibes.
Bill’s Beer Garden
Open: Mon & Sun (5:30-10pm) | Tue-Wed (5:30-10:30pm) | Thur-Sat (5:30-11pm)
218 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 369-8001
Website: Bill’s Beer Garden
Bill’s Beer Garden transforms a simple parking lot into a buzzing, German-style biergarten where long communal tables invite groups of friends, students, and families to kick back under string lights. There’s no kitchen on site, so guests are encouraged to pack a picnic, bring takeout from their favorite Ann Arbor spot, or snag delivery while they sip local beers, wines, and cocktails. The laid-back backyard vibe makes it easy to linger over cold drinks, even during a sudden summer shower, thanks to covered pavilions, while soaking up the communal energy. Bill’s does not offer a Chinese food menu; its focus remains squarely on craft beverages and a bring-your-own-fare policy that keeps the party rolling.
Black Pearl
Open: Mon-Thur (5-10pm) | Fri-Sat (4-11pm) | Sun (4-9pm)
302 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 222-0400
Website: Black Pearl
Black Pearl occupies a prime corner of Ann Arbor’s Social District, where street closures and live music set the scene for its spacious, shaded patio. Guests can sip inventive martinis, natural wines, or local beers while nibbling on award-winning fish tacos, melt-in-your-mouth seafood rolls, and elevated bar snacks. The sushi menu, housed in a separate section of the menu, features creative rolls like the Black Pearl roll, coconut shrimp tempura, torched hamachi, avocado, strawberries, and microgreens, alongside classic sashimi and nigiri. Black Pearl does not offer Chinese cuisine; its focus remains on fresh, Japanese-inspired seafood dishes and craft cocktails.
Casa Dominick’s
Open: Mon-Sun (11am-9pm)
812 Monroe St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 662-5414
Website: Casa Dominick’s
Casa Dominick’s has been an Ann Arbor institution since 1960, drawing a mixed crowd of townies, students, and families to its sprawling second-story patio and shaded ground-level seating around a bubbling fountain. Its signature sangria arrives in oversized mason jars, setting the festive tone for a menu built around shareable Italian-inspired fare, from meatball subs to thin-crust pizzas and classic appetizers, that’s perfect for grazing under the summer sky. Whether guests snag a sunny spot upstairs or retreat to the picnic tables below, Casa Dominick’s delivers a laid-back, communal vibe that keeps the drinks flowing and the conversations lively. Online ordering and ample outdoor space ensure everyone can join the fun without missing a beat.
The Circ Bar, Facebook
The Circ Bar
Open: Tue-Sat (6pm-2am)
210 S 1st St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 277-3656
Website: The Circ Bar
Housed in a thoroughly renovated historic building, The Circ Bar combines four distinct bars, including a rooftop deck with unobstructed sunset views, and an enchanting outdoor alley patio strung with lights. The industrial-chic interior flows seamlessly to the open-air spaces, making it an ideal venue for craft cocktails, karaoke nights, and private events of up to 550 guests. Guests can drift from the main bar to the tiki lounge or rooftop lounge while enjoying rotating weekly specials and light bites from the order-online menu. The Circ Bar does not offer a Chinese food menu; its focus remains on inventive cocktails, entertainment, and memorable gathering spaces.
The Dixboro Project
Open: Mon-Tue, Thur-Fri (11am-10pm) | Wed (11am-2:30pm) | Sat-Sun (9am-10pm)
5400 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: (734) 669-3310
Website: The Dixboro Project
Housed in a beautifully restored barn just northeast of Ann Arbor, The Dixboro Project brings together three distinct dining experiences under one roof. Guests can start their day at The Boro Café, enjoying wood-fired pizzas, freshly baked pastries, and specialty coffees on the wraparound deck overlooking rolling lawns and Fletcher Creek. For a more refined evening, Dixboro House offers an elevated menu in an elegant setting, with artisanal cocktails and chef-driven entrees highlighting seasonal produce. New to the lunch lineup this year is a standout eggplant sandwich, layers of tangy marinara, fresh basil, and melted provolone on house-made focaccia, that perfectly captures the project’s blend of rustic charm and culinary innovation. Reservations are available for Dixboro House via Tock, and The Boro Café accommodates online orders and made-to-order cakes.
For a deeper dive into outdoor dining across southeast Michigan, check out our Ultimate Guide to Metro Detroit Patio Dining.
HOMES Brewery – Campus
Open: Mon-Thur (4-10pm) | Fri-Sat (11am-11pm) | Sun (11am-9pm)
2321 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (734) 954-6637
Website: HOMES Brewery
HOMES Campus is a dynamic multi-concept destination on Ann Arbor’s west side where guests can linger at communal picnic tables in the sprawling beer garden, swing by the taproom for rotating small-batch brews and batched cocktails, or grab a handcrafted espresso at Dozer Coffee. The on-site Campo Pizza kitchen serves crisp, Roman-style pies Wednesday through Saturday, while Smooj hard smoothies made with real fruit puree cool you down on hot summer afternoons. Beyond food and drink, the calendar is packed with live music nights, game evenings, and even sunrise yoga, ensuring there’s always a reason to return. HOMES Campus does not offer a Chinese food menu; its focus remains on craft beverages, wood-fired pizza, specialty coffee, and community-driven events.
Jolly Pumpkin
Open: Mon-Thur (4-10pm) | Fri-Sat (11:30am-11pm) | Sun (11:30am-10pm)
311 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 913-2730
Website: Jolly Pumpkin
Jolly Pumpkin’s leafy rooftop patio, hidden from street view, offers shaded tables and twinkling string lights that transform summer evenings into a cozy retreat. The focus here is on oak-aged “Michigan wild” ales brewed on-site, from the funky Oro de Calabaza to the bright Flanders-style La Roja, each fermented in barrels for weeks to years. Guests can sip a hazy IPA like Lolo while sampling wood-fired pizzas or rotating small plates under the open sky. Jolly Pumpkin does not offer Chinese cuisine; its specialty remains craft beers and artisanal American fare.
Mothfire Brewing Company
Open: Mon-Thur (4-10pm) | Fri-Sat (12-10pm) | Sun (12-8pm)
713 W Ellsworth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone: (734) 929-4087
Website: Mothfire Brewing Company
Mothfire Brewing’s southside patio features long, communal picnic tables ideal for gathering over small-batch beers brewed on site using Michigan-grown grains and hops. Its signature hazy IPA, Lolo, has earned a devoted following and often appears on tap lists throughout the region. While Mothfire doesn’t operate a full kitchen, a rotating roster of food trucks, from Thai to wood-fired pizza, ensures there’s always something delicious to pair with your pint. Guests can also enjoy live Jazz Wednesdays, when local musicians fill the outdoor space with smooth, laid-back vibes. Mothfire does not offer a Chinese food menu; its focus remains on craft beer and diverse truck-style eats.
Palio Del Sole
Open: Mon-Thur (5-10pm) | Fri-Sat (4-11pm) | Sun (4-9pm)
347 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 212-1089
Website: Palio Del Sole
Perched atop Palio’s historic Main Street locale, Palio Del Sole boasts Ann Arbor’s largest rooftop patio, complete with its own open-air cucina and panoramic views of downtown’s vibrant streetscape. The space is sheltered by a translucent awning that keeps guests cool in summer and warm in cooler months, making it a year-round haven for Tuscan-inspired dining and socializing. Expect classic country-style Italian fare, think wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and pitchers of legendary sangria, served in a rustic-chic setting that honors the spirit of Siena’s famed horse race. Palio Del Sole does not offer Chinese cuisine; its focus remains on authentic Tuscan dishes and the convivial atmosphere of its rooftop gathering spot.
Sam Hill, Facebook
Sam Hill
Open: Mon-Thur, Sun (11am-9pm) | Fri-Sat (11am-10pm)
5827 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (877) 325-6439
Website: Sam Hill
With lawn games, sprawling picnic tables, and live music filling the air, Sam Hill’s expansive patio transforms into a backyard playground for families and friends alike. Guests can linger over craft cocktails or local beers while savoring shareable bites like mini tomato pies, roasted beet salad, and the indulgent Hot Brown, an open-faced turkey sandwich drenched in cheesy Mornay sauce. The vibrant atmosphere kicks into high gear on Wednesday Happy Hour in the Yard and other special events, making it the go-to spot for a laid-back summer evening. Online ordering and reservations ensure every guest can join the fun without missing a beat.
Sava’s
Open: Mon-Thur (10am-10pm) | Fri (10am-11pm) | Sat (9am-11 pm) | Sun (9am-10pm)
216 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 623-2233
Website: Sava’s
Sava’s outdoor patio offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of State Street, with ample seating shaded by mature trees and softly glowing string lights. The globally inspired menu is crafted with refined presentations and service, highlighting summer favorites like the crisp Greek salad, tangy watermelon-and-feta salad with a kick of Fresno chile, and the hearty Hippie Bowl of tempeh, wild rice, seasonal vegetables, and tahini dressing. Guests can reserve their table on Tock to enjoy elevated yet approachable dishes in a serene alfresco setting. With its blend of international flavors and polished hospitality, Sava’s patio is an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner under the open sky.
Salt Springs Brewery
Open: Tue-Thur, Sun (11:30am-8:30pm) | Fri-Sat (11:30am-9:30pm)
117 S Ann Arbor St, Saline, MI 48176
Phone: (734) 295-9191
Website: Salt Springs Brewery
Housed in a beautifully restored former church complete with stained-glass windows, Salt Springs offers a warm, inviting atmosphere for both brunch and dinner. The kitchen turns out elevated pub fare, from house-made sandwiches to wood-fired pizzas, paired with small-batch craft beers brewed on site, including a standout scotch ale. Weekend brunch runs until mid-afternoon before transitioning to a snack-focused “half-time” menu and full dinner service under the glow of its colorful glass. Salt Springs does not serve Chinese cuisine, instead concentrating on American-style pub dishes and artisanal brews.
York Ann Arbor
Open: Tue-Wed, Sun (8am-9pm) | Thur (8am-10pm) | Fri-Sat (8am-11pm)
1928 Packard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 662-0798
Website: York Ann Arbor
York’s hidden wine garden sits just behind its bottle shop, where shaded picnic tables and string lights set the scene for a laid-back summer gathering. Guests can select from a rotating list of natural wines, local brews, and inventive cocktails before pairing their drinks with artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards featuring house-made spreads and locally cured meats. The on-site Ricewood BBQ concept brings a Pacific-influenced twist to Texas-style barbecue, serving tender smoked meats in rice bowls and sandwiches alongside rotating market-driven small plates. With online ordering available and a welcoming backyard vibe, York balances elevated wine-bar offerings with casual comfort fare for an all-day patio experience.
Families will love our tips on the best kid-friendly patios in Metro Detroit.
Whether you’re living in Metro Detroit or planning on moving to Metro Detroit, exploring Ann Arbor’s top patios is a must for anyone who loves great food and fresh air. These outdoor dining spots showcase the region’s commitment to craft ingredients, inventive cocktails, and warm hospitality, all set against charming backdrops and lively cityscapes. From tranquil garden oases to bustling beer gardens and sky-high terraces, each patio experience adds a unique chapter to your summer story. Embrace the season by claiming your favorite corner of Ann Arbor’s al fresco scene and discover why these patios are celebrated destinations for locals and newcomers alike.
For location and Directions, please see the interactive map below
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