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45+ Affordable and Free Things to Do in Lansing
Free & Affordable Fun Around Lansing Looking for some new family activities that won’t break the bank? Whether you want […]
20+ Mouth-Watering Restaurants with Outdoor Seating near Lansing
cover photo: One North Kitchen & Bar
Top Picks for Outdoor Dining in Lansing
Despite only being able to dine outside for about a third of the year comfortably, many area restaurants embrace the outdoor seating experience.
Amazing food, sunshine and live music provide the perfect combo for one of our favorite summer things to do in Lansing.
Ready to grab a table? We’ve found the top picks for restaurants with outdoor dining in Lansing, DeWitt, East Lansing and surrounding communities.
restaurants with outdoor seating
Lansing
Corey’s Lounge
1511 S Cedar St, Lansing, MI 48910
Corey’s Lounge, family-owned since 1977, is the perfect spot for good food, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for friends, family, and the Lansing community.
Guests can enjoy favorites like baby back ribs, build-your-own-grilled-cheese, chicken fajitas, or their famous hot breadsticks. With indoor dining, an outside patio, and takeout, Corey’s makes it easy to relax and have a good time any way you like.
EagleMonk Pub and Brewery
4906 W Mt Hope Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917
EagleMonk Pub and Brewery is a Lansing brewery where craft beers, wine, ciders, and house‑made pizzas like the Pepperoni, Pesto Veggie, and Supreme.
Guests can also savor paninis, fresh salads, and appetizers like spinach and artichoke dip in a laid‑back setting.
With seasonal patio seating and live music nights, it’s a great place to enjoy good food, drinks, and fun with friends.
Edmund’s Pastime
2101 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
Edmund’s Pastime in Lansing is a laid‑back spot with an enclosed patio that’s great for families with little ones, making it perfect for a casual meal or celebration. It’s also a great place to catch the game with friends while enjoying hearty pub favorites.
Live music on weekends adds to the fun atmosphere, whether you’re out for dinner or drinks.
Horrocks Farm Market
7420 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917
At Horrocks in Lansing, you can sip craft beer or wine while browsing fresh produce, grab a wood-fired pizza, or relax in the lively outdoor beer garden. The market offers everything from sushi and specialty cheeses to fresh flowers and unique gifts, creating a fun place to explore and dine.
The beer garden frequently hosts local musicians and seasonal events like Oktoberfest, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and family-friendly holiday activities.
Lansing Shuffle
325 Riverfront Dr, Lansing, MI 48912
Lansing Shuffle is home to mid-Michigan’s best in food, drink, and entertainment, featuring four unique restaurants—Lalafish, Browndog at The Shuffle, Kin Thai, and Takitos AF—so you don’t have to choose just one type of food!
The venue also offers karaoke, live music, DJ trivia, family game days, and shuffleboard.
Meat BBQ
1224 Turner Rd, Lansing, MI 48906
In the heart of Old Town Lansing, Meat BBQ offers secluded patio dining with a laid-back vibe and friendly, knowledgeable staff. The menu is all about scratch-made barbecue and eclectic eats, with cooks preparing food fresh every day and cocktails crafted with fresh juices.
Come hungry and arrive early—they serve until they run out.
MP Social
313 N Cedar St, Lansing, MI 48912
With amazing views of downtown, MP Social is just across the river from Downtown Lansing and within walking distance of both Lansing Shuffle and Jackson Field.
Known mostly for its mixed drinks, MP Social’s food menu is limited to small plates and charcuterie, or in kids’ terms, fancy lunchables!
Lansing Brewing Company
518 E Shiawassee St, Lansing, MI 48912
Lansing Brewing Company features a spacious patio where, on the right day, you might even hear the Lansing Lugnuts playing nearby. Grab a seat and enjoy house-brewed beer alongside a menu of tasty pub fare.
The brewery also hosts regular events like trivia nights, live music, and lively patio parties.
REOTown Clubhouse
1314 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48910
Nestled in the heart of REO Town, Lansing, REO Town Clubhouse combines delicious Italian cuisine with vibrant entertainment in a historic setting.
Grab a fresh Neapolitan pizza at The Pizza Shop or enjoy authentic dishes in The Ristorante. It’s the perfect spot for great food, fun, and a lively atmosphere.
Saddleback Barbecue
1147 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48910
Located in REO Town just south of Downtown Lansing, Saddleback Barbecue is a brisket lover’s haven known for its authentic Southern-style barbecue with a Midwestern twist. Since opening in June 2015, the restaurant has focused on scratch-made dishes, thoughtful sourcing, and consistent flavor.
A 2025 renovation refreshed the space while keeping its neighborhood charm and added a year-round Mooville Ice Cream, making it a favorite spot for families and barbecue fans alike.
The Cosmos
1200 N Larch St, Lansing, MI 48906
The Cosmos is a chef-driven, wood-fired restaurant serving out-of-this-world pizzas that are anything but ordinary.
Families will love Sunday specials, where kids 12 and under can enjoy a free cheese or pepperoni pizza with the purchase of a gourmet pizza. NOTE: This delicious offer is available for dine-in only, making it a perfect spot for a family meal.
Pablo’s Old Town
311 E César E. Chávez Ave, Lansing, MI 48906
Although Pablo’s in Old Town has limited outdoor seating, it offers some of the best people-watching in Lansing.
Are you in the mood for something special? We suggest a Torta. A specialty at Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant, tortas are made with fresh bread, creamy avocado, zesty onion, juicy tomato, spicy jalapeno, and shredded cheese, creating a sensational Mexican sandwich.
Midtown Brewing Company
402 S Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933
Midtown Brewing Company is a low-key local craft brewery serving house drafts and locally sourced pub grub from a full scratch kitchen. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, salads, wraps, seasonal soups, and even rotating scratch-made cheesecakes.
Their patio on Washington Square provides a prime spot for people-watching while enjoying great food and drinks.
One North Kitchen & Bar
5001 W Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917
One North is a mid-Michigan restaurant with a cozy, sports-themed atmosphere and a full scratch kitchen serving a large variety of dishes. Its extra-large patio makes it a favorite spot for outdoor dining.
On Tuesdays, families can enjoy special nights like Kids Eat Free for children 12 and under.
Reno’s North Sports Bar & Grill
16460 S US Hwy 27 Lansing, MI 48906
Reno’s is the neighborhood sports bar where great food, cold drinks, and all the games come together.
Enjoy live music, DJ trivia, pool tables, games, and fan-favorite bites like wings, smash burgers, and homemade pizza—all served with unbeatable vibes.
DeWitt
Looking Glass Brewing Co.
115 N Bridge St, DeWitt, MI 48820
Looking Glass Brewing Co., located near the corner of Bridge and Main Streets in downtown DeWitt, offers a unique brewery experience inside a historic church with stunning stained glass windows.
Their seasonal menu and elevated pub fare ensure there’s always something new to try, paired with a wide selection of locally brewed beers, ciders, seltzers, mocktails, and wine.
Guests can enjoy seasonal patio dining, and on Sundays for Family Day, children 12 and under eat free from the kids menu, making it a perfect spot for families.
Relli’s Sports Bar
202 E Main St, DeWitt, MI 48820
Relli’s Italian Restaurant in DeWitt serves up classic Italian favorites like pizza, pasta, Stromboli, and calzones, alongside brats, burgers, and sandwiches—there’s truly something for everyone. All the dishes are made from scratch using the family recipes of Norma “Mama Relli” Coscarelli.
The patio and outdoor dining at Relli’s are perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family, and afterward, you can enjoy fresh ice cream from Scoops, their seasonal ice cream shop.
Dimondale
Dimes Brewhouse
145 Bridge St, Dimondale, MI 48821
Dimes Brewhouse offers a wide selection of craft beer, cider, wine, mead, kombucha, and soda, paired with snacks, apps, and sandwiches—including Build Your Own Grilled Cheese, Sandwich, or Wrap.
Guests can enjoy live music and other special events while dining, making it a lively spot for friends and family.
East Lansing
El Azteco East
225 Ann St, East Lansing, MI 48823
El Azteco East offers a premier rooftop dining experience, taking patio dining to the next level with stunning views of downtown East Lansing.
They serve authentic Mexican dishes made with natural ingredients, alongside handcrafted drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Located near MSU, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy great food and good vibes.
Harper’s Restaurant & Brew Pub
131 Albert St, East Lansing, MI 48823
Harper’s Restaurant & Brew Pub features fresh craft beers brewed on-site and made-from-scratch foods. Guests can enjoy everything from appetizers and salads to sandwiches and stone-fired pizzas.
Their large outdoor patio offers a relaxed spot to savor great food and drinks. During the summer, listen for live music from the Ann Street Plaza just down the road.
HopCat East Lansing
300 Grove St, East Lansing, MI 48823
HopCat East Lansing is home to hearty burgers, their famous Cosmik Fries, and so much more!
Try the Truffle Parm Cosmik Fries, tossed with parmesan, parsley, red pepper flakes, and finished with truffle oil, or go all out with Loaded Cosmik Fries topped with cheese sauce, bacon, red onions, and pickled jalapeños.
With a spacious outdoor dining area, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy your meal and drinks while taking in the lively East Lansing atmosphere.
The Peanut Barrel
521 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
The Peanut Barrel is an East Lansing icon, serving up burgers, drinks, and all-time favorites for 41 years.
Pull up a chair for front-row people-watching along Grand River Ave, and on home football days, you might even catch the Michigan State Marching Band if the wind is right. It’s the perfect spot for great food, drinks, and a fun neighborhood vibe.
Grand Ledge
Cugino’s Italian Restaurant
306 S Bridge St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837
Cugino’s Italian Restaurant has been a staple in downtown Grand Ledge since 2001, featuring a main dining room, lounge with plasma TVs, a well-stocked bar, and a patio.
They’re known for award-winning pizzas, flavorful pastas, and a large menu that includes vegetarian and gluten-free options.
It’s a great spot for a casual meal, drinks, or outdoor dining with friends and family.
Holt
Gravity Smokehouse
2440 Cedar St, Holt, MI 48842
Gravity Smokehouse Brew & Que in Holt is a BBQ restaurant and bar where bold, slow-smoked meats and house-made sauces bring friends and family together over great food and drinks.
Guests can enjoy daily menu specials including Mondays where kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal, all day long.
Mason
BAD Brewing Company
440 S Jefferson St, Mason, MI 48854
BAD Brewing is a popular craft brewery known for its wide range of locally brewed beers, including seasonal and specialty brews.
The brewery offers a cozy taproom and a welcoming outdoor beer garden, making it a favorite spot for gatherings.
Okemos
Red Haven Farm to Table
4480 Hagadorn Rd #103, Okemos, MI 48864
Red Haven Farm to Table offers pop-up style dining with chef-inspired menus made from the finest local ingredients whenever possible.
Dining here is about more than just the food—it’s a full experience. Every visit promises something fresh, creative, and memorable.
Portland
ConfluxCity Brewing Company
110 N Water St, Portland, MI 48875
ConfluxCity Brewing Company is a microbrewery in downtown Portland, Michigan, where the Grand and Looking Glass Rivers meet. Their eclectic menu features smoked favorites from the Smoke Shack, including pulled pork, chicken, smoked burgers, ribs, wings, tacos, nachos, and more.
Guests can enjoy patio dining in-season and easily reach the brewery by road or river trail, with bike racks available at the entrance for those combining great brews, food, and exercise.
St. Johns
Ryan’s Roadhouse
902 E State St, St Johns, MI 48879
Ryan’s Roadhouse in St. Johns offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a large menu featuring classic American dishes, including burgers, steaks, and seafood.
Known for its welcoming environment, the restaurant provides a comfortable dining experience for all ages, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone in the family.
Share Your Favorite Lansing Outdoor Dining Spot
Do you know of a restaurant with an awesome patio? Let us know in the comments where you like to eat outdoors. Lansing is better when we spread the word!
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