10 new spots to dine outdoors in Metro Detroit
Summer is finally on the horizon, so pull up a chair and enjoy a meal in the sun at one of Metro Detroit’s newer patios or decks.
HopCat Royal Oak:Opened on May 20, this 500-capacity restaurant is the sixth HopCat in Michigan and the 13th nationwide. The three-level casual beer bar has a rooftop patio that can seat 180 patrons at the bar, at tables or in a lounge area. 208 W. Fifth, Royal Oak. (248) 556-2202.
Sedona Taphouse: The first of this national chain to open in Michigan, this Troy restaurant offers 500 craft beers, wines, small plates, gluten-free options, seafood and steaks. There’s a small ground-level patio open now, and a larger rooftop patio is scheduled to open later this month. 98 E. Big Beaver, Troy. (248) 422-6167.
Patio perfect: Detroit eateries heat up for summer
Calexico: Sip margaritas and watch the QLine go at this California-Mexican downtown Detroit spot, which opened last summer. They have roll-up front windows and a large seating area right on Woodward. 1040 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 262-6361.
The Morrie: This music-themed restaurant in downtown Royal Oak has a bit of a Hard Rock Cafe vibe but with more chef-driven food options. The spring menu recently debuted with a barbecue chicken salad, mushroom and ricotta ravioli, and the Italian Job, a loaded sandwich with salami, prosciutto picante, mortadella and provolone. Chomp into one on the Morrie’s 24-seat sidewalk patio. 511 S. Main, Royal Oak. (248) 216-1112.
joebar: Casual and cool, this new Hazel Park spot has an open-air dining space that faces a sleepy strip of John R. Enjoy a craft cocktail and one of their new vegetarian pulled “pork” sandwiches in the breeze. (joebar is a hot spot, so if you can’t find a seat, casual sports pub House O’ Shamrocks has a spacious outdoor bar and patio, too; it’s just a five-minute walk south.) 23839 John R, Hazel Park. (248) 291-5711.
Livernois Tap: The newest gem on this list is Ferndale’s Livernois Tap, a tap room and production facility for Axle Brewing. Besides 12-15 choices of freshly made craft beer of all sorts, this family friendly spot serves fried bologna corn dogs, gourmet chicken wings and other snacks. This new neighborhood spot, which opened Saturday, has a large beer garden with a fireplace and seating for several dozen. Park your bike or stroller out front. 567 Livernois, Ferndale. (248) 268-3496.
Otus Supply: This architecturally stunning and thoughtful Ferndale restaurant has outdoor seating and garage-style doors that roll up to allow a breeze to reach some of the tables inside. 345 E. Nine Mile, Ferndale. (248) 291-6160.
Joe Muer Seafood Bloomfield Hills: A second location for Joe Vicari’s Joe Muer restaurant will debut Monday with a patio enclosed with greenery and large doors leading into the restaurant. 39475 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills. (248) 792-9609.
Mike’s on the Water: This casual lakefront spot has always had some outdoor seating, but it is upping the ante by building a 50-seat rooftop deck, which should be ready for boat-drink-sipping patrons in the next few weeks. 24600 Jefferson, St. Clair Shores. (586) 872-2630.
O’Halloran’s Public House: One of downtown Mount Clemen’s newest hangouts, this Irish pub will debut their patio this weekend. 112 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens. (586) 329-1252.
Is your business or favorite restaurant adding an outdoor dining space? Drop me a line and tell me about it.
mbaetens@detroitnews.com
(313) 222-2402
Twitter: @melodybaetens