Sweet Spots Where Families Can Eat Outside on Patios in Lansing
I finally get it – why my mom would make us play outside until the very last second every day. Now that I’m a mom and going through Michigan seasons, once summer hits, being and playing outside is a huge priority. We want to soak up as much natural vitamin D as possible. Especially after such a long winter, I want to be outside as much as possible.
The great news is that Lansing restaurant owners do outdoor seating superbly and creatively. I can think of more than 40 spots with outdoor seating options. Even though we can only eat outside for about 1/3 of the year, all types of places join in the outdoor seating fun.
Thank you, Lansing patio owners! You make it easy and fun for families to eat out during the summer.
What Type of Patio Dining Experience Are You Going For?
We are all parents – so we can be real with each other right? There are days.
Good Vibe Patio Days: When all is well and eating anywhere is a dream.
Fast and Convenient Patio Days: When eating inside is NOT an option because my two year old is in a “mood” and will not sit still. Can I get an AMEN!?
Yummy/Fun Food Patio Days: When we want to experience something fun or just down right great food.
BONUS: Quite a few of these places are on our “Kids Eat Free” guide!
Good Vibes – Patios/Outdoor Seating in Lansing
We think these places are a good time with good food and nice atmosphere.
El Azteco
Rooftop dining under stringing lights + chips and salsa in East Lansing = good vibes.
They now have a patio at their west side location and it’s on my bucket list this summer.
Locations: West Lansing, East Lansing
Red Haven
DELICIOUS food + covered patio + farm to table = good vibes.
Location: Okemos
Meat
Mouth watering bbq + Old Town + secluded patio = good vibes.
Location: Turner Street, Old Town, Lansing
MP Social
Beautifully aesthetic + amazing view of downtown + yummy dessert = Good vibes
Location: Marketplace, Lansing
Lansing Brewing Company
Kids menu + lawn games + surrounding art/graffiti + lights + sometimes music = good vibes.
Location: Downtown, Lansing
The Creole
Old Town + picky eater options = good vibes.
Location: Turner Street, Old Town, Lansing
Maru Sushi
Sushi + lowered patio + lights = good vibes.
Location: East Lansing
Jolly Pumpkin
Great kids menu + yard games+ fun street scene = good vibes.
Location: East Lansing
Blue Owl
Quick food + Reo Town or EL + sometimes live music + friendly staff = good vibes.
Location: Reo Town, Lansing & East Lansing
The Peanut Barrel
MSU Campus + fenced area + food kids actually eat = good vibes.
Location: Grand River Strip, East Lansing
Bravo
Two patio options + lights + comfort food = good vibes.
Location: Eastwood Towncenter
Sushi Ya
Sushi + lights + campus fun = good vibes.
Location: Grand River Strip, East Lansing
The Cosmos/Zoobies Patio
Pizza + lights + tons of seating options = good vibes.
Location: Old Town, Lansing
Harpers
Energetic location + large patio + street fun = good vibes.
Location: East Lansing
Fast and Easy – Patios/Outdoor Seating in Lansing
We think these places are fast and easy for outdoor dining.
Horrocks
Grab food as you walk through the store + picky eater options + umbrellas and lights = fast and easy.
Location: West Lansing
Chipotle
Quick + tasty + gated patio + 3 options across town = fast and easy.
Locations: West Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos
Fresh Thyme
Deli + fresh = fast and easy.
Location: Trowbridge, East Lansing.
Whole Foods
Deli + fresh = fast and easy.
Location: Grand River, East Lansing
Flour Child Bakery
Made from scratch + allergy friendly + treats = fast and easy.
Location: Grand Ledge
Old Town General Store
Ready to eat refrigerated options + enclosed seating in the back = fast and easy.
Location: Old Town Lansing
Grand Traverse Pie Company
Yummy + walk up ordering + 3 area locations = fast and easy.
Locations: Downtown Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos
Sir Pizza
Pizza + walk up ordering = fast and easy.
Location: Old Town Lansing
South Lansing Farmers Market
Farmers market + walk up restaurants = fast and easy.
Location: Barnes St., Lansing
Blaze Pizza
Walk up ordering + pizza + wood fired + allergy friendly + enclosed seating = fast and easy.
Locations: Frandor, Lansing
Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant
Walk up ordering + kids menu + allergy friendly = fast and easy.
Location: West Lansing & Holt
Panera Bread
Walk up ordering + kids menu + amazing smell = fast and easy.
Locations: 3 across Lansing + East Lansing & Okemos
Food Trucks: El Oasis, Marias, The Purple Carrot, Picnic A Food Truck, Shove It Pizza, Krystal’s Kitchen and other favorites in your area.
Walk up ordering + delicious = fast and easy.
Locations: All over Lansing
Woody’s Oasis
Walk up ordering + delicious = fast and easy.
Location: Trowbridge, East Lansing
Culvers
Walk up ordering + fresh ingredients + FREE custard w kids meal = fast and easy.
Locations: All over Lansing
Yummy/Fun Food – Patios/Outdoor Seating in Lansing
We think these places have good food and/or are fun to visit for outdoor dining.
Saddleback BBQ
Picnic tables + family style seating + amazing aroma = yummy fun food.
Locations: Reo Town, Lansing & Okemos
Renos
Pizza + great patio + lights + dance-able music = yummy fun food.
Locations: Lansing & East Lansing
Hop Cat
Food kids love + food and drinks parents love = yummy fun food.
Locations: East Lansing
Pablos
View of Old Town + music + chips and salsa = yummy fun food.
Location: Old Town, Lansing
Good Truckn’ Diner
Breakfast food and more + Reo Town vibes = yummy fun food.
Location: Reo Town, Lansing
Gump BBQ
Picnic tables + hidden gem = yummy fun food.
Location: Near Reo Town, Lansing
Midtown Brewing Company
Downtown + a great burger = yummy fun food.
Location: Downtown Lansing
Mitchell’s Fish Market
Seafood + lights + Eastwood Towne Center = yummy fun food.
Location: Eastwood Towncenter, Lansing
iScream (Allergy Friendly), Scoops, MSU Dairy Store, and Any Other Ice Cream Shop
Ice Cream + outside + family hangs = yummy fun food.
Location: All over Greater Lansing
For Crepe Sake
Crepes (yum!) + savory and sweet and gluten free options + Downtown = yummy fun food.
Location: East Lansing
Los Tres Amigos
Chips + Salsa + fun decor = yummy fun food.
Location: All over Greater Lansing
Patio Season is Here – Where Will You Sit?
Do you have an awesome patio to share? Let us know in the comments where you like to eat outdoors. Lansing is better when we spread the word!