Belle’s Lounge in Ferndale is one of metro Detroit’s newest patios.
The arrival of nice weather in Detroit marks the start of our too-short patio season. While you probably already have your favorites, here are some new-ish spots to try this summer for al fresco experiences. Enjoy them while you can! (Did we miss any? Hit us up: tips@metrotimes.com.)
The Townsend Hotel’s Rugby Grille has updated its summer menu thanks to a new chef, Paul Jackman, as well as revamped its patio with more seating and improved sightlines for downtown Birmingham. New additions also include the Aperol Spritz Tree, which features Aperol, club soda, and Prosecco and provides six cocktails per group.
This European-inspired spot recently opened in Corktown’s former Lady of the House space. It will launch a live music series on its patio space starting in June.
The former Valentine Distilling Co. Cocktail Lounge and Tasting Room has been rebranded as Belle’s Lounge, following the company moving its production facility down the street to a larger warehouse. You’ll still be able to sip Valentine’s vodka, gin, and whiskeys, just in a larger, reimagined patio setting.
Located in the historic Eddystone building near Little Caesars Arena, Basan serves up high-end Japanese-inspired fare. It recently opened a 40-seat patio space decorated with tropical plants.
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Courtesy photo
Eastern Palace Club 21509 John R Rd., Hazel Park; 248-850-8165; epchp.com
This former private club reopened to the public under new ownership and a Key West theme. It includes a patio space furnished with repurposed barrels and spools as tables.
After Ima Noodles moved into the former Gold Cash Gold, the Japanese-inspired noodle chain transformed its original Corktown spot down the street into Summertown Fresh Bar, which promises “patio vibes for people of all ages.” Its menu includes coffee, smoothies, tea, wellness shots, wraps, salads, and frozen treats.
This seasonal beach-themed bar returned in May, transforming Detroit’s Campus Martius Park into a tropical getaway (complete with sand) where guests can enjoy lunch, dinner, and island-inspired cocktails. It’ll remain open through September, weather permitting.
After closing four years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, Northern Lights Lounge finally reopened to the public during Memorial Day weekend. New updates include a new shelter over its patio space.
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Lee DeVito
Beppé 703 N. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-607-7030; eatbeppe.com
This Italian spot opened in the former Niki’s diner. It has a spacious patio with a pergola.
The beloved DiB bagel joint recently reopened in the space formerly occupied by Astro Coffee and Ochre Bakery, along with Cafe Prince, a health-focused coffee spot that drew attention for its “nude raw carrot” menu item. You can enjoy food and drink from both in the nearby Core City Park, a creation from eccentric developer Philip Kafka that includes outdoor art installations and trees.
This charming canal-side spot reopened in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood with a new springtime farm-to-table menu and renovations, including a new mini-market that sells salads and sandwiches as well as a new upstairs event space that will host live music and yoga.
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Lee DeVito
HopCat Royal Oak 430 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-744-2544; hopcat.com
This Grand Rapids-based beer bar chain recently reopened in Royal Oak following a landlord dispute at its former location. The new spot
has three garage doors that can be rolled up during the warmer months, as well as a dog-friendly patio along Main Street and 5th Avenue. HopCat also participates in Royal Oak’s social district, which allows guests to order to-go drinks to take for a stroll.
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Courtesy photo
The Nest Cocktail Bar & Kitchen 20390 M-52, Chelsea; 248-246-0532; robinhillsfarm.com
Located on Robin Hills Farm’s 129-acre property, The Nest serves up made-from-scratch food and handcrafted cocktails with seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. In addition to its large outdoor patio, it also features live music, comedy, trivia, and other entertainment.
Slated to open in July in a former downtown office building, this new venture by the Elia Group will include the Asian-inspired Experience Zuzu and a second-floor lounge called Upstairs Bar.
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Nicole St. John
Brine Oyster House 15033 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Park; brineoysterhouse.com
Slated to open this summer in the former Janet’s Lunch, Brine Oyster Bar’s menu will include “tide-to-table” fare and “sea-cuterie” boards. The space is being renovated with a New Orleans vibe, including two stories with patios on both levels.
HopCat is getting ready to open another metro Detroit location in July in Livonia’s former Claddagh Irish Pub. The new space will include two outdoor patios.
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Rendering courtesy of Synecdoche Design
Mothfire Brewing Co. 713 W. Ellsworth Rd., Ann Arbor; mothfire.com
Slated to open later this summer, this new brewery and taproom’s patio will include fire pits, live music, and immersive rotating art installations.
Billed as Detroit’s first combination dog park and beer garden, Barkside plans to open later this summer. Aside from an outdoor play area for the pups, humans can enjoy craft beers, cocktails, and coffee.
While the restaurant industry has been facing especially difficult headwinds lately, that hasn’t stopped a number of exciting new establishments from opening…
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