What are some of the best waterfront restaurants in the Great Lakes Bay?

There are plenty of great places to eat on the water when you Go Great Lakes Bay, including: Real Seafood Company, H2O's Waterside Grill, Riverfront Grille & Lounge, and Drift Shoreside Beer Garden on the Saginaw River in Bay City; Castaways on the Kawkawlin River in Bay City; and Frankenmuth Brewery on the Cass River in Frankenmuth.

Skip to:

What are some of the best outdoor dining patios in the Great Lakes Bay?

There are plenty of restaurants with great outdoor dining patios to enjoy when you Go Great Lakes Bay, including: Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie, Beaver's Pub, and North Peak Brewing Company in Bay City; Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie, Tiffany's Food & Spirits, and The Rooftop @ The Station 100 in Frankenmuth; ONe eighteen, Cafe Zinc, and Midland Brewing Company in Midland; and Saginaw Old Town Junction Restaurant & Pub and Harvey's Grill & Bar in Saginaw.

Skip to:

Drift Shoreside Beer Garden | @driftbaycity
Best Restaurants For
Waterfront Dining
Read More +

What are some of the best places to eat on the water in Bay City, Michigan?

  • H2O's Waterside Grill With picnic table seating down by the river and an inviting deck with an indoor/outdoor bar, dine right next to a bustling marina. Choose from seafood to specialty pizzas, burgers, and prime-grade steaks — and sip a fishbowl cocktail while watching boats float by!
  • Real Seafood Company Decide on one of two levels of decks overlooking the Saginaw River, and be ready for premium seafood selections, fresh Great Lakes catches, and an exquisite dining experience.
  • Riverfront Grille & Lounge Take your cocktails on the patio and enjoy casual upscale dining at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bay City - Riverfront. Linger for gorgeous sunsets over the Saginaw River, on cozy lounge seating by the fire bar.
  • Drift Shoreside Beer Garden Explore a whole new shoreside experience! Relax dockside with buckets of cold beer, wine, and summery cocktails, and choose your street fare from food trucks regularly on-site.
  • Castaways Dock & dine for casual eats on the deck, located on the scenic Kawkawlin River. Feast on specialty pizzas & burgers, keep watch for Catch of the Day specials, and enjoy live entertainment on weekends.
Frankenmuth Brewery | @frankenmuthbrewery

What are some of the best places to eat on the water in Frankenmuth, Michigan?

  • Frankenmuth Brewery Sip on seasonal suds at Michigan's oldest microbrewery, on your choice of two levels of outdoor decks, all while overlooking the Cass River! Maybe order a Brew Haus Entree or build your own burger — definitely enjoy a pint and the view!
Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie | @prostwinebar
Best Restaurants For
Outdoor Dining
Read More +
Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie | @prostwinebar

What are some of the best restaurants with outdoor dining patios in Bay City, Michigan?

  • Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie A short stroll off the Riverwalk in Uptown, experience this warm & whimsical patio. Relax in the shade of sun umbrellas, and listen to live music on the patio with tap wines & house cocktails, regional charcuterie, and Salmon Beurre Blanc to Tenderloin Medallions.
  • North Peak Brewing Company Slow down & unwind on this streetside patio and be instantly transported to Up North. Sip pints of Havoc Fresh Coast IPA while snacking on hearth-baked pizza, a Peak Burger, or Pub Reuben.
  • Beaver's Pub Take your pick of two streetside patios — and find yourself feeling summery! With seasonal, smoked craft cocktails, sip something refreshing alongside your (Lobster Mac & Cheese, Cajun Shrimp Tacos) meal.
  • Tavern 101 Steps from waterfront Wenonah Park, this sidewalk patio is the place to be at the center of it all. And with 54 taps pouring mostly Michigan craft beers? It’s also the place for brews, juicy burgers, and signature flatbreads this summer!
  • Old City Hall Experience casual gourmet on this streetside patio — and your choice of 150 wines from around the globe! Taste Seabass Spumante to Filet Mignon, and consider something from their creative menu of martinis & mules.
Harless + Hugh Coffee | @harlessandhughcoffee
  • Harless + Hugh Coffee Sip your favorite beverage in a chic courtyard. Order a charcuterie board or artisan toast to pair with your hand-poured coffee, craft beer, natural wine, or hard cider — or an Aperol Spritz or fresh-squeezed mimosa.
  • Vinny's Pizzeria With live music on the patio all summer long, handcrafted cocktails, homemade pasta, and brick-oven pizzas, unwind at this inviting spot in Uptown Bay City.
  • O's Pub & Grill Gather on the patio for specialty burgers (O’s grinds their own daily), Black Angus steaks, local Michigan Lake Perch dinners, and microbrewed beer. Relax by the fire bar and enjoy live music on the weekends!
  • Meaty's Roadhouse BBQ & Sausage Shack Post up at a picnic table outside this casual, homestyle shack — and get your fill of award-winning barbecue, USDA Prime Burgers, and mouthwatering sides.
  • Tri-City Brewing Company With a lineup of rotating food trucks that pop up, spend some time in the comfort of a classic outdoor beer garden at Bay City's hometown brewery.
Prost! | @prostwinebar

What are some of the best restaurants with outdoor dining patios in Frankenmuth, Michigan?

  • Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie Cozy up on this intimate patio in Downtown Frankenmuth, sharing regional charcuterie and sipping handcrafted cocktails, brews, and tap wines — before indulging in Pesto & Prosciutto Rigatoni to Cauliflower Risotto.
  • Tiffany’s Food & Spirits Time it right to enjoy front-row seating to many Downtown Frankenmuth events on this sprawling front patio! (If their Original Pasta Pizza doesn’t bring you back, Tiffany’s Pale Ale will!)
  • The Station 100 Linger over an elegant European dining experience on the outdoor patio area. Enjoy prime-grade steaks & seafood selections, paired with the perfect wine by an in-house, internationally certified sommelier.
  • The Rooftop @ The Station 100 Take your outdoor dining experience to new heights at this chic, open-air rooftop bar overlooking Frankenmuth. Savor elevated bites, curated fine wines, and artfully crafted cocktails.
Michigan on Main Bar & Grill | @bavarianinn
  • Michigan on Main Bar & Grill Grab a seat on the patio outside the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and taste dishes sourced locally in Michigan. With fresh air all around, choose from a robust menu of German beers or 17 Michigan craft brews on tap.
  • Zehnder's Restaurant Treat yourself to one of the best seats in town on this relaxing front patio! Bask in golden sunshine, bite into golden fried chicken, and enjoy the buzzing busyness of Main Street, along with 20 craft beer selections.
  • Slo’ Bones BBQ Smokehaus With soulful (ribs, chicken, pork) barbecue every day and live blues music every Friday & Saturday, this spot is not to be missed! Neither is their wide-open patio where the tunes & tastes spill over all summer!
  • Poblano's Mexican Grill & Cantina Sip your margarita or mojito in the shade on this welcoming patio and taste fresh, homemade Mexican cuisine (including specialty street tacos, enchiladas, and more).
ONe Eighteen | @oneeighteenmidland

What are some of the best restaurants with outdoor dining patios in Midland, Michigan?

  • ONe eighteen With imaginative, Midwest-inspired American tavern fare, dine al fresco in a stunning courtyard setting. Enjoy lounge seating & lush florals, heat lamps for cooler evenings, and fire bars that complete the ambiance.
  • Cafe Zinc Soak up vibrant cityscape views, and savor refreshingly creative dining. With Steak Frites to Pan-Seared Salmon, enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner on this impressive terrace at The H Hotel.
  • Whichcraft Taproom Drink local on the front or back patio, and take your pick of 80+ craft brews, ciders, meads, and wines — all made in Michigan! Enjoy share plates & paninis while you sip on artisan brews in the relaxed atmosphere.
  • Midland Brewing Company Serving pub-style food and inventive craft beers, this brewery is home to a sprawling backyard beer garden! Or, it’s the place to be for lawn games, live entertainment, and summer nights around the fire pit!
  • D’Alessandro’s Italian Cuisine Indulge in flavors of Italy beneath the pergola. Savor Parmigiana, Piccata, Marsala, or specialty pizzas, all made-from-scratch, while sipping on Italian beer & wine. Ciao!
  • Big E’s Sports Grill With dozens of big-screens inside, you won’t miss the score. And with 30 beers on tap, burgers & wings, and live music on the patio, you won’t miss any part of a good time, either!
Three Bridges Distillery & Taproom | @three_bridges_distillery

What are some of the best restaurants with outdoor dining patios in The Commons Pedestrian Plaza & Refreshment Area in Downtown Midland?

  • Three Bridges Distillery & Taproom On a cozy front patio with comfortable seating, taste local suds & handcrafted spirits. Sip your Hazy IPA or Raspberry Hibiscus Lemonade in the summer sun and indulge in a wood-fired pie from Pizza Baker.
  • Molasses Smokehouse & Bar Dive into delicious, streetside, this summer and taste St. Louis-style barbecue, cooked low & slow. Enjoy your Creamsicle Mule and the view — you’re right at the heart of The Commons!
  • Gratzi Select a table out front for cityscape views, or in back on the Mezzanine balcony. Chefs will work to serve you the perfect Italian meal, changing the menu seasonally.
  • Beatniks "Eat. Drink. Groove." on the intimate sidewalk patio of this retro-inspired eatery. Enjoy elevated comfort food and handcrafted seasonal cocktails — and maybe try the Margarita of the Month!
The Maple Grille | @rachelwazhere

What are some of the best restaurants with outdoor dining patios in Saginaw, Michigan?

  • The Maple Grille Restaurant & Microbrewery Grab farm-to-table eats (cooked in a wood-fired open kitchen) at this casual counter-service restaurant — and enjoy at a countryside picnic table, with a wood-fired microbrew!
  • Saginaw Old Town Junction Unwind at an umbrellaed table — or under the pet-friendly pavilion — on the largest patio in Saginaw's historic Old Town neighborhood. Bite into sandwiches or tasty burgers and keep watch for live music!
  • Harvey’s Grill & Bar Pick a place where the patio is open all year! Dine under a sun umbrella, or Harvey's covered patio, and enjoy a chef-crafted, seasonal menu.
  • Loggers Brewing Company Sip cold beer in the sunshine at a picnic table on this laid-back patio. Grab street eats from the on-site food truck to enjoy with a brew, wine, cider, or hard seltzer — and toss bags at the cornhole area!
  • Jake’s Old City Grill Select this small sidewalk patio in Old Town for award-winning charbroiled steaks, seafood, and an extensive martini & wine list.
  • Timbers Bar & Grill Dine under the string lights at an umbrellaed table, on steak & seafood selections from the grill, house favorites, or hand-tossed pizzas & flatbreads.
Like This? You Might Also Like:
Things To Do
Inviting Outdoor Beer Gardens in the Great Lakes Bay

Nothing goes with a cold brew better than fresh air & sunshine! Find yourself feeling carefree at these memorable outdoor spaces that will quench your thirst for good brews & great times when you Go Great Lakes Bay in Michigan.

Read More +
Summer Trip Ideas
Favorite Food Trucks in the Great Lakes Bay (and Where to Find Them)

Read on to meet our growing fleet of food trucks and discover spots to feast when you Go Great Lakes Bay in Michigan!

Read More +
Author
Jen W. O'Deay + Go Great Lakes Bay

By: Jen W. O'Deay | Updates: Go Great Lakes Bay | Jen is a Saginaw native and owner of Feel These Words, an independent copywriting studio & home to the free "5 Day Website MiniBoost". Jen specializes in writing that connects, delivered through website copy, branded content articles, and WingWoman writing services. You'll find Jen camping with her family, laughing, and at feelthesewords.com