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!?
Good Vibes – Patios/Outdoor Seating in Lansing
We think these places are a good time with good food and nice atmosphere.
| El Azteco Locations: East Lansing, West Lansing Striving to offer only the finest Mexican food, El Azteco uses only natural ingredients to create their authentic dishes that are both fresh and delicious. |
| Red Haven Location: Okemos Farm-to-table is more than just a concept at Red Haven, it’s a way of life. Red Haven is now open by reservation-only. |
| Meat Location: Turner Street, Old Town, Lansing Secluded patio dining in the heart of Old Town. |
| MP Social Location: Lansing along the Riverfront Beautifully aesthetic with an amazing view of downtown. |
| Lansing Brewing Company Location: Lansing Kids’ menu, lawn games, surrounding art/graffiti, plus nearby baseball. |
| The Creole Location: Turner Street, Old Town, Lansing Mouth-watering burgers to satisfy any craving plus over 150 whiskeys to choose from. |
| Maru Sushi Location: East Lansing Sushi under the stars. |
| Jolly Pumpkin Location: East Lansing As part of Albert El Fresco, Jolly Pumpkin has front row seating for large scale yard games, live music, and other East Lansing festivities. Plus kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal on Sundays. |
| Blue Owl Locations: REO Town, Old Town, & East Lansing Great place to grab a bagel and a cup of java. |
| The Peanut Barrel Location: East Lansing along Grand River Avenue This East Lansing icon is the classic neighborhood bar serving up specials, all-time favorites, and slinging your favorite mixed drinks and beers. |
| Bravo! Italian Kitchen Location: Eastwood Towne Center You can’t go wrong with a restaurant that serves noodles! Fine Italian dining with two outdoor patios to choose from. |
| Sushiya! Location: East Lansing along Grand River Avenue Daily specials and authentic Asian cuisine make this a must-eat-at restaurant. |
| The Cosmos/Zoobies Location: Old Town Choose from out of this world pizza or mouth-watering “bar food”. Trust us – this is some of the best bar food around. |
| Saddleback BBQ Locations: REO Town and Okemos A brisket, a basket, all of the food served at Saddleback is fantastic! |
| Reno’s Locations: Lansing & East Lansing On warm days, Reno’s rolls-up their windows offering more patio space that you can fathom. Tack on sports on TV, live music, menu specials, and more, this makes for a fun outing for your family. |
| HopCat Locations: East Lansing Did someone say brunch? Which ever time of day you dine at HopCat, you are bound to find something delicious on this menu. |
| Pablo’s Location: Old Town, Lansing Pablo’s Old Town location offers patio seating with a view of Old Town. Great for people watching. Plus, their chips and salsa are seriously THE BEST. |
| Good Truckin’ Diner Location: REO Town Eclectic diner offering breakfast and lunch items. Gluten free and vegan options available. |
| Midtown Brewing Company Location: Downtown Lansing Perfect location to people watch! Brunch options on Sundays. |
| Mitchell’s Fish Market Location: Eastwood Towne Center, Lansing Choices for both with their sea-legs and those without! |
| Harper’s Brewpub and Restaurant Location: East Lansing Large patio with a street-view of downtown East Lansing. Harper’s menu offers a variety of food to choose from no matter your appetite. |
Fast and Easy – Patios/Outdoor Seating in Lansing
We think these places are fast and easy for outdoor dining.
| Horrocks Location: Lansing Grab food as you walk through the store + picky eater options + umbrellas and lights = fast and easy. |
| Chipotle Locations: Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos Quick and easy ordering with 4 locations to choose from. |
| Fresh Thyme Location: East Lansing Build your own lunch with all the choices that Fresh Thyme has to offer. Great spot for train spotting too! BONUS: Save room for dessert from Gigi’s Cupcakes just across the parking lot. |
| Whole Foods Location: East Lansing Ready to eat soup, salad, and snacks. |
| Flour Child Bakery Location: Grand Ledge Everything is made from scratch daily plus they are allergy-friendly! |
| Old Town General Store Location: Old Town Lansing Ready to eat refrigerated options make this a quick and easy stop in Old Town. |
| Grand Traverse Pie Company Locations: Downtown Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos Walk-up ordering, patio-seating, and people-watching. Choose from fresh made pies, quiche, soups, salads, and more. |
| Sir Pizza Location: Old Town Lansing Pizza made-to-order. Great views of the Grand River and Old Town. Stop by the Brenke Fish Ladder after dinner for walk along the river. |
| Blaze Pizza Location: Lansing Build-your-own personal pizza means everyone gets what they want! No more picking off what you don’t like. |
| Zaytoon Mediterranean Locations: Lansing & Holt Allergy-friendly. Vegan. Fast-paced, easy ordering, and a kids’ menu make a great choice for everyone. |
| Panera Bread Locations: Lansing, Okemos Large menu offering bagels, sandwiches, flat-bread pizza, soup, muffins, quiche, we could go on and on. |
| Culver’s Locations: All over Lansing Walk up ordering + fresh ingredients + FREE custard w kids meal = fast and easy. |
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!
Thank you! This is amazing! I would also add Bad Brewing in Mason. They have a food truck and a great patio space under rope lights with a lot of seating options set beneath a beautiful wall mural.
Fiesta Charra on Park Lake Rd has a great patio.