January 2016 | Hour Magazine

Midwestern winters TOWNHOUSE BISTRO (Birmingham) might not allow us to has been voted by Hour Detroit readers as dine outside all year the best deck/outdoor seating in the sub- long like our friends urbs. Here you’ll find red umbrellas, trendy down south or on the restaurant-goers, and the signature burger
West coast, but us Michiganders sure know they are known for. If you’re headed down-
how to enjoy the good weather while we can. Here are just a handful of the area’s best restaurants to enjoy a meal outdoors.
town, check out the restaurant’s newest addition, TOWNHOUSE DETROIT, located at One Detroit Center. After opening just last summer, it’s quickly become one of the city’s most popular restaurants largely because of the stunning 3,000-square-foot glass atrium with a retractable roof and sidewalls. You’ll also find a live wall made of ferns and moss, real trees, and beautiful décor that make the space a place you can’t miss.
BIG ROCK CHOPHOUSE boasts having the most historic and largest patio in Birmingham. Here you’ll find a variety of outdoor gazebos and patios to host small or large parties.
Hour Detroit readers have often pegged the courtyard patio at LA DOLCE VITA (Detroit) as the best deck/outdoor seating in the city. Its space is dominated by floral gardens and lush greenery, with old-fashioned lampposts and checkered tablecloths that will transport you to Italy for brunch or dinner.

Local favorite EL BARZON RESTAURANTE (Detroit) gives you the choice of both upscale Mexican and Italian fare on the menu. White tablecloths and a stone waterfall are sure to put you in a roman- tic mood on their incredibly unique covered brick patio.
In the heart of Detroit’s Campus Martius Park, enjoy American food with a French twist as you sit next to the fountain on the covered patio at FOUNTAIN BISTRO. This patio is perfect for people-watching in the middle of summer or winter, since heaters allow you to enjoy the outdoor space all year long.
While the restaurant itself looks just like a castle, the spacious, elegant outdoor patio at TRE MONTI RISTORANTE (Troy) is just as beautiful. Surrounded by trees, a water foun- tain, and beautiful landscaping, this space is perfect for large events or date night.
TOASTED OAK GRILL & MARKET
(Novi) offers a more casual atmosphere with picnic tables just outside the Baronette Renaissance Hotel. Stay shaded under an umbrella or dine by torchlight in the evening.
Enjoy the quaint downtown of Grosse Pointe on the patio at THE HILL SEAFOOD & CHOP HOUSE (Grosse Pointe Farms), where bright blue chairs and striped umbrellas cre- ate a classic dining experience.
THE WHITNEY (Detroit) takes pride in creating a vibrant sanctuary with its beautiful, well-kept gardens located in the iconic man- sion’s backyard, ideal for an intimate dinner or extravagant celebration.
Pair locally sourced menu items with a specialty cocktail at LOCAL KITCHEN & BAR (Ferndale) on one of their two patios — the open exterior or the covered interior featuring a fireplace.
Soak in the vibe of downtown Royal Oak at TOM’S OYSTER BAR, where blue-and-white checked tablecloths keep a casual yet unique atmosphere. Right next door you’ll find ALE MARY’S (Royal Oak), known for its beer selec- tion and burger. The sidewalk patio seats extend into the dining room for an open-air feel.
Savor some of the best Italian cuisine found in Michigan at BACCO RISTORANTE (Southfield). Their seasonal patio features live music all summer long.

For a more laid-back experience, admire the colorful mural overlooking the patio at MERCURY BURGER BAR (Detroit) by day and bask under the hanging lights at night.
“Drink now, repent later” at ST. CECE’S PUB in Corktown, where wooden picnic tables and metal patio furniture make for a relaxed experience perfect for corralling all your friends.
Long, wooden tables and bright yellow umbrellas provide seating in the sun or shade at ATWATER IN THE PARK’S (Grosse Pointe Park) outdoor “biergarten.” What was once a church has been transformed into a popular bar, so sip on beer brewed onsite and enjoy tasty bites that appeal to all.
Sip a glass of wine while overlooking the beautiful river and taking in views of the Canadian skyline on the patio of the upscale ANDIAMO in downtown Detroit. Andiamo also has a number of other locations outside the city with patios to enjoy.
Heading to downtown Northville? Stroll along Main Street and choose from a host of quaint patios and cuisine including: LUCY AND THE WOLF, GENITTI’S HOLE-IN-THE- WALL, EDWARD’S CAFÉ AND CATERER, TABLE 5, BRICKS OF NORTHVILLE, or GARAGE GRILL AND FUEL BAR.
For those looking to enjoy the outdoors without completely hanging out in the sun, check out the sleek BISTRO 82 (Royal Oak), where seats by floor-to-ceiling picture win- dows that open completely allow you to enjoy a refreshing breeze.