Picasso Café 39915 Grand River Ave., Novi; 248-427-0600; picassocafeinc.com: Picasso Café is not your ordinary sandwich café. Their special-recipe tuna, chicken and turkey salads are made from scratch every day. Deli sandwiches are made from the highest quality meats and are served on breads baked fresh daily. They have quite an assortment of soups, salads, sandwiches and espresso beverages — as well as a patio with a few tables you can park it on outside. It seats about 15 to 20 out there. But the highlight of Picasso is by far the ever-changing local art that changes on the first of every month.

Pronto! 608 S. Washington St., Royal Oak; 248-544-7900; prontorestaurant.com: If you're going to Royal Oak to eat, but you want to avoid the pricey, overcrowded Main Street restaurants, go to Pronto!, where brightly colored walls add to the lively feel of this often bustling restaurant. The sandwich menu is creative and fun. Settle into a sidewalk table and enjoy.

Seva 314 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-662-1111; sevarestaurant.com: A few steps above the street, the raised patio offers diners a bit of respite from downtown Ann Arbor's bustle. The eclectic dishes change weekly and range the globe, converting traditional meat-based fare into vegetarian or vegan. They also offer a full bar and juice bar, smoothies and cocktails, with a long wine list.

Shores Inn 23410 Greater Mack, St. Clair Shores, 586-773-8940; shoresinn.com: Shores Inn specializes in regional and creative American cuisine. Featuring a huge dark wood bar. Enjoy one of more than 150 beers from around the world (ask about their "Hall of Foam"). About 60 diners can fit in their outdoor dining area.

Slows Bar-BQ 2138 Michigan Ave., Detroit, 313-962-9828; slowsbarbq.com: Featuring a slew of sauces and sandwiches, brews and appetizers, Slows Bar-B-Q has some dynamite baby-back pork ribs. Customers can sit outside and enjoy service surrounded by beautiful decor and live music once summer kicks into gear.

Special thanks to editorial intern Jackie Rollin for her assistance fact-checking this column.

See anything missing? Know of an off-the-hook patio we should include? Let us know! Send comments to letters@metrotimes.com.

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