The Session Room serves 70 different brews in its large, loft-like indoor space. When weather permits, patrons can take their beer outside to the large beer garden where there’s live music every weekend. 

This westside brewery is easy to miss, but those who do find it are rewarded with a quiet and cozy atmosphere with modern furniture and tabletop fireplaces. It’s a great place to chill and enjoy one of the rotating taps with a friend — whether that’s another beer drinker or a furry four-legged one. 

This historic downtown building started as a brewery in 1853 and has been remodeled with a beautiful combination of modern and rustic touches. The karaoke nights and themed parties are popular draws for the venue, but the real show is on the rooftop patio tucked away from the street. The full views of the sunset and night sky are breathtaking.

The upstairs patio at Southeast Michigan sour beer purveyor Jolly Pumpkin is one of the smaller outdoor dining areas in Ann Arbor, but those lucky enough to score a table are treated to a quiet, secluded hideaway. The menu features options like shoestring truffle fries, sourdough crust pizzas, and burgers.

This rooftop destination is one of the largest outdoor dining spots in Ann Arbor. The menu at Palio del Sole features options like flatbread and pasta that pair well with a glasses of sangria.  

Ann Arbor’s popular Spanish tapas destination Aventura is a good spot to sample a wide range of dishes with friends or split a large-format dish of paella. The meal is best savored with a cocktail on the restaurant’s quiet back patio.

The outdoor patio at Sava’s stretches away from the crowds on State Street, creating a serene dining experience. Customers can choose from options like pork-kimchi nachos, salads, and sandwiches alongside wine and cocktails.

An Ann Arbor favorite dating back to the 1960s, both townies and college students alike flock to Dominick’s patio in the summer months. Porches, balconies, and a large back patio are often filled to capacity with revelers enjoying the restaurant’s famous sangria served in mason jars. In keeping with the festive, social atmosphere, the food menu features shareable appetizers, snacks, and pizza. 

Cultivate is a coffee shop, taphouse, and community gathering spot in Ypsilanti’s historic Depot Town and its large outdoor beer garden is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and listen to live music. All profits and tips from beer and coffee sales are donated to food banks, gardening programs, and other hunger-relief organizations.

Brightly-colored umbrellas and ivy-covered walls make for an enticing al fresco dining space. It’s an ideal spot to sample from Sidetrack’s extensive menu filled with pub favorites like burgers. The patio is adjacent the train tracks that give the restaurant its name.