As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to venture outdoors and explore Ann Arbor’s vibrant food scene. From intimate patios to expansive beer gardens, here are our top Ann Arbor outdoor dining picks.

Downtown

1. Aventura

   • Address: 216 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
   • Phone: (734) 369-3153
   • Aventura specializes in Spanish cuisine, offering tapas, paella, and an extensive selection of wines, cocktails, and beer. Their patio behind the restaurant is a perfect retreat, with great happy hour deals.

2. Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery

   • Address: 311 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI
   • Phone: (734) 913-2730
   • Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery is on Main Street and has a cozy upstairs patio, a hidden gem for outdoor dining enthusiasts. While relatively small, this space offers a sunny patio where you can enjoy shoestring truffle fries, sourdough crust pizzas, and burgers.

3. Bill’s Beer Garden

It’s often busy at the Bill’s Beer Garden outdoor patio.

1. • Address: 210 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI
   • Phone: (734) 369-8001
   • Transforming the parking lot of a home and garden store into a popular gathering spot, Bill’s Beer Garden is a go-to destination for beer and good times on summer evenings. Although they do not serve food, guests are welcome to bring their own or opt for carry-out delivery.

2. Black Pearl

   

   Source: Black Pearl Instagram

   • Address: 302 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
   • Phone: (734) 222-0400
   • Black Pearl is a sleek Main Street restaurant with a good happy hour as well as lots of seafood and vegetarian dishes. It has an outdoor seating area right along Main Street with umbrellas during the summer and greenhouse seating during the winter.

3. Sava’s

   • Address: 216 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI
   • Phone: (734) 623-2233
   • Sava’s offers a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences. From small plates and vegetarian/vegan options to meat and seafood dishes, there’s something for everyone at Sava’s. Their outdoor patio provides a breezy dining experience, allowing guests to escape the hustle and bustle of State Street.

Kerrytown

6. Zingerman’s Deli

   

   • Address: 422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
   • Phone: (734) 663-3354
   • Zingerman’s Deli is renowned for its generous deli sandwiches and specialty groceries. During the warm months, guests can enjoy their fare on a sprawling patio shared with the deli and bakery, offering an outdoor area to enjoy sandwiches, coffee, and baked goods.

7. Detroit Street Filling Station

    

   

   Detroit Filling Station’s Patio is full of plants and good vibes.

   • Address: 300 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
   • Phone: (734) 224-8262
   • Located just steps from Kerrytown Market & Shops, the Detroit Street Filling Station is a vegan comfort food restaurant with a beautiful covered outdoor patio adorned with lush plants, some of which are available for purchase. Additionally, they host Music Mondays featuring New Orleans-style duos and trios on the patio from 6-8 pm throughout the warm months.

Westside

8. HOMES Brewery

   • Address: 112 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
   • Phone: (734) 929-5212
   • HOMES Brewery’s westside location offers ample space to enjoy a variety of brews, whether it’s a craft beer from the taproom or an in-house roasted cup of joe from Dozer Coffee. Their Smooj hard smoothies, made with all-natural fruit purees, are perfect for hot days. HOMES also hosts a nightly food truck or pop-up, providing a rotating selection of culinary delights.

9. Sam Hill

   • Address: 5827 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
   • Phone: (734) 369-8202
   • A newcomer to Ann Arbor’s west side, as of fall 2023, Sam Hill is designed to be a welcoming gathering spot. Offering a diverse menu with options ranging from Upper Peninsula pasties to Mexican queso and Southern shrimp and grits, Sam Hill features spacious outdoor areas equipped with plenty of seating. They also host live music, stand-up comedy, and various bar games and outdoor activities like cornhole.

10. The Session Room

    • Address: 3685 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
    • Phone: (734) 585-7300
    • The Session Room offers a vibrant beer garden and restaurant experience, with a selection of over 70 beers and a comfort food menu. Whether you’re looking to catch the game or enjoy a meal outdoors with friends and family, The Session Room provides a lively atmosphere for both.

Southside

11. York

    

    York’s funky patio.

11. • Address: 1928 Packard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
    • Phone: (734) 662-0798
    • York’s wine garden offers a secluded and spacious retreat to enjoy artisanal wine and chill vibes. Guests can choose from an eclectic selection of drinks and pair them with a charcuterie plate, sandwich, or barbecue from Ricewood. It’s a good place to hang out with friends or get work done on your laptop. They also often have live music, DJs, and local art installations.

12. Mothfire Brewing Company

    • Address: 713 W Ellsworth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
    • Phone: (734) 929-4087
    • Mothfire Brewing Company, originally a tiny, hard-to-find brewery, has expanded to a new facility on the south side of town. Featuring a tasting room and outdoor patio, patrons can enjoy an ever-changing selection of brews and hard seltzer cocktails paired with cuisine from local food trucks.

Ann Arbor offers an outdoor dining experience for every palate and preference. So, as the days grow longer and the weather warmer, gather your friends, head to one of these fantastic spots, and make the most of the warm weather!

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