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Customers seated around a fire pit on the roof of the Monarch Club on a sunny afternoon in downtown Detroit
Customers sit around a fire pit on the roof of the Monarch Club on a sunny afternoon.
Gerard + Belevender

Detroit’s Essential Restaurant and Bar Patios

Where to eat and drink outdoors this summer (and always)

by Mickey Lyons and Eater Staff Updated
View as Map
Customers sit around a fire pit on the roof of the Monarch Club on a sunny afternoon.
| Gerard + Belevender
by Mickey Lyons and Eater Staff Updated

Pack your sunscreen, hat, and shades. It’s time to get ready for patios, alfresco seating, and terraces, offering plenty of outdoor dining and drinking options. Restaurants, breweries, and cafes have poured pandemic resources into more dining choices: service in domes, casual drinking in open-air pavilions, and canal-side picnic areas.

Below, are some of the very best options — both new and venerable — for dining and drinking outdoors. From sunny seasonal gathering spots to secluded backyards to open-air oases, these are Detroit’s most indispensable spots for patio entertaining.

The latest CDC guidance for vaccinated diners during the COVID-19 outbreak is here; dining out still carries risks for unvaccinated diners and workers. Please be aware of changing local rules, and check individual restaurant websites for any additional restrictions such as mask requirements. Find a local vaccination site here.

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Good Times on the Ave

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This buzzing neighborhood hive features a rooftop patio that overlooks the Avenue of Fashion. Find options here like lobster bites, Cobb salad, and grouper po’ boys as well as a handful of red, white, and sparkling wines.

19416 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221
(313) 739-6601
(313) 739-6601

Also featured in:

La Dolce Vita

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La Dolce Vita means "the sweet life" and this Palmer Park area restaurant delivers just that. Dine on classic Italian food in a lush, secluded patio setting. With mimosas and bloody marys in ample supply and dressed up atmosphere, LDV’s Sunday brunch is legendary. Patio seating is first-come, first-served and reservations for indoor dining can be made online.

17546 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48203
(313) 865-0331
(313) 865-0331

Also featured in:

Bumbo's

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Over the years, Bumbo’s in Hamtramck has leaned into its patio seating, adding greenery and a pergola to keep customers dry on not-as-nice days. Grab a Corn and Oil cocktail or a can of beer and head outside to sip in the shade.

3001 Holbrook Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 285-8239
(313) 285-8239
A pair of customers is bundled up outside on an open air patio with heaters at Bumbo’s in Hamtramck. Gerard + Belevender

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The Congregation

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The Congregation in Boston Edison features a gorgeous wood deck and grassy yard, complemented with a seasonal garden. This cafe and bar inside a remodeled church has quickly become a neighborhood hangout with plenty of space to spread out and free Wi-Fi that extends outdoors. Seating is first-come, first-served.

9321 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206
(313) 307-5518
(313) 307-5518

Also featured in:

Old Miami

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The Old Miami is a Cass Corridor bar institution, but its expansive, grassy backyard and fire pits, is the scene of legends, remaining a constant favorite for summer drinking, visiting, or catching a show under the stars.

3930 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 831-3830
(313) 831-3830

Also featured in:

Detroit Shipping Company

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This shipping container food hall features several different options for a meal including Caribbean-style grilled chicken, Thai food, Nepali dumplings, and even ice cream. During the pandemic, Detroit Shipping Company expanded seating outdoors to accommodate safer, socially distanced dining with both covered seating areas and outdoor booths with tall barriers.

474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 462-4973
(313) 462-4973
A blue minibus that appears to be converted for outdoor service sits behind umbrellas and tables on a parking lot patio. Gerard + Belevender

Also featured in:

Eastern Market Brewing Co., Midnight Temple, and Detroit City Distillery

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Eastern Market Brewing Company and Detroit City Distillery has taken full advantage of expanded street seating options, shutting down a large portion of Riopelle. The bars offer first-come, first-served patio seating, making it easy to grab a beer or a boozy ice pop and lounge outside. Folks can even grab food from Indian gastropub Midnight Temple.

Riopelle St & Winder St, Detroit, MI 48207

The Monarch Club

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One of the most picturesque patios in the city is perched atop the recently restored Metropolitan Building. Customers can sip cocktails and snacks at the Monarch Club while enjoying sweeping views of downtown Detroit from three terraces. Each one is decked out with patio seating and fire pits. Walk-ins are accepted depending on availability, but it’s always a good idea to make a reservation: that especially goes for the fire pit areas that require a reservation with a food and drink minimum.

33 John R St Penthouse, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 306-2380
(313) 306-2380
Customers seated around a fire pit on the roof of the Monarch Club on a sunny afternoon in downtown Detroit Gerard + Belevender

Cøllect

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Cøllect Beer Bar, nestled on a rooftop patio looking out over Gratiot Avenue, is a stellar spot to stop after a cycle or walk through the Dequidre Cut and Eastern Market. The deck is filled out with picnic tables, making it a nice, casual spot to watch the sunset while sipping a sour ale.

1454 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
(586) 850-0205
(586) 850-0205

Also featured in:

Andrews on the Corner

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There are surprisingly few spots in Detroit where you can grab a beer and watch the Detroit River float by. Andrews on the Corner, a restaurant owned by the same family for more than 100 years, offers just that, with burgers, beers from Atwater next door, and stellar chicken wings.

201 Joseph Campau Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 259-8325
(313) 259-8325

Also featured in:

The Skip

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Belt Alley bar the Skip remains one of the hottest spots for outdoor drinking in Detroit. The open-air cocktail lounge features garage doors for all-season service and a menu of progressive, inexpensive cocktails such as frozen Irish coffee alongside boilermakers, tequila, and tropical-style mixed drinks.

The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226
Picnic tables and heaters are surrounded by autumn decor at the Skip in the Belt Alley. Gerard + Belevender

Also featured in:

Lumen Detroit

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Beacon Park’s bold restaurant and beer hall Lumen is known, in part, for its expansive patio space that wraps around the exterior and up onto the roof. That makes it attractive real estate for diners in the summer, made even better with a couple pints of Griffin Claw beer. Frequent outdoor celebrations, exhibitions and DJ events make it a family-friendly summer destination. Drop by, call, or make a reservation online.

1903 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 626-5005
(313) 626-5005
Michelle Gerard

Also featured in:

Batch Brewing Company

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This Corktown brewery has become essential in the local food and drink community. Batch is a consummate neighborhood spot that keeps dozens of beers on rotation and also takes care with its food — turning out everything from nachos to po’boys to Thai chili chicharrones pie stew. The brewery also frequently hosts restaurant pop-ups — including a Monday and Tuesday offering of Taqueria El Rey while the popular restaurant undergoes repairs following a fire — and supports local organizations through its Feel Good Tap program.

1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 338-8008
(313) 338-8008
A pole barn outside of Batch Brewing Company features a flag with the brewery’s logo that says Beer Makes Me Happy. Gerard + Belevender

Ottava Via

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Now open seven days a week, for weekend brunch and dinner and weekday lunch and dinner, Corktown’s Ottava Via serves up classic rustic Italian fare. Ottava Via's patio area gets major points for the fireplace and bocci ball courts. Pair that with Neapolitan-style pizza and a bottle of wine for the full summer dining experience.

1480 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-5500
(313) 962-5500
Michelle and Chris Gerard

Motor City Wine

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This Corktown patio hideaway is filled with tables, benches, and patio games for soaking up some rays with a bottle of pet nat. The bar hosts regular live music and DJs, as well as pop-up dinners. The approachable wine selection includes some nicer boxed wines on the lower-priced end and bottles in the wine shop that can be purchased and sipped on site.

1949 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 483-7283
(313) 483-7283
The patio at Motor City wine is full of people after dar. The fence with ivy is lit up with tiki torches. Michelle Gerard

Also featured in:

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Ima

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Hang out on the heated patio or enjoy some sunshine under an umbrella at Ima’s Corktown restaurant. Share a picnic table and slurp udon noodles while people-watching on Michigan Avenue. Orders can also be placed online for takeout or delivery.

2015 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 502-5959
(313) 502-5959
a man and a woman sit at a picnic table underneath a striped pink umbrella at twilight. Gerard + Belevender

Also featured in:

Supergeil

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Inspired by the Turkish-International Kreuzberg district of Berlin, Supergeil brings fusion food and beverage to Corktown. Think Döner Kebab and dark beer, roasted beets, and eggplant. Supergeil’s patio is bright and spacious and features picnic tables, fire pits and a whimsical mural.

2442 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 462-4133
(313) 462-4133

Also featured in:

Takoi

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Takoi’s trendy space and Northern Thai-influenced food is complemented by an active outdoor patio shaded by big, leafy trees. Customers can hang out at drink rails or grab a seat in one of the colorful Miami-style patio chairs. Seating is first-come, first-served outside and the full menu (with the exception of one or two items) is available outside. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged and can be made online.

2520 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 855-2864
(313) 855-2864
Michelle and Chris Gerard

Also featured in:

Ladder 4 Wine Bar

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Built in a meticulously restored old firehouse, Southwest’s Ladder 4 wine bar has a spacious rooftop seating area with long banquettes for intimate for beautiful evening views of West Grand Boulevard.

3396 Vinewood St, Detroit, MI 48208
(313) 638-1601
(313) 638-1601
People seated at booths, a bar, chandelier lighting, and large window doors that open up
Ladder 4 is a converted Detroit fire house with ample rooftop seating, a spacious backyard, and, pictured here, an entryway that opens up when weather permits to bring a cool breeze inside.
GB in Detroit

Also featured in:

El Barzon Restaurante

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El Barzon’s gorgeous bricked-in patio oasis is one of the top al fresco dining spots in the city. The white tablecloth eatery is a perfect special occasion spot with a mixture of expertly prepared Italian and Mexican dishes (not fusion). The patio roof provides just enough shade while still letting in a cool breeze and is best enjoyed with a margarita in hand. Make a reservation online.

3710 Junction St, Detroit, MI 48210
(313) 894-2070
(313) 894-2070
Customers sit at patio tables tables covered in white tablecloths in the afternoon. Bill Addison

Also featured in:

Norma G's Detroit

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Norma G’s brings Caribbean hospitality and laidback vibes to the East Jefferson corridor with loads of spacious outdoor seating. It’s the ideal setting to enjoy the quiet solitude of Jefferson Chalmers with a Caribbean mule and curry goat. Both takeout and dine-in service are available.

14628 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48215
(313) 290-2938
(313) 290-2938
A sunny patio outside Norma G’s with a wood plank fence. Gerard + Belevender

Also featured in:

Coriander Kitchen and Farm

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The sunny, spacious canalside patio at Coriander Kitchen & Farm is a stellar spot to grab a bite and some drinks and enjoy the outdoors. Because of the restaurant’s close proximity to Jefferson Chalmers waterways, diners can easily drive, bike, walk, or even paddle in. Coriander accepts reservations for indoor and covered patio service, with a waitlist for the outdoor fire pits or tables.

14601 Riverside Blvd, Detroit, MI 48215
(313) 822-4434
(313) 822-4434
An overhead view of the grill setup and socially distance picnic tables at Coriander on a sunny day. Gerard + Belevender

Also featured in:

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Good Times on the Ave

19416 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221

This buzzing neighborhood hive features a rooftop patio that overlooks the Avenue of Fashion. Find options here like lobster bites, Cobb salad, and grouper po’ boys as well as a handful of red, white, and sparkling wines.

19416 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221
(313) 739-6601
(313) 739-6601

La Dolce Vita

17546 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48203

La Dolce Vita means "the sweet life" and this Palmer Park area restaurant delivers just that. Dine on classic Italian food in a lush, secluded patio setting. With mimosas and bloody marys in ample supply and dressed up atmosphere, LDV’s Sunday brunch is legendary. Patio seating is first-come, first-served and reservations for indoor dining can be made online.

17546 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48203
(313) 865-0331
(313) 865-0331

Bumbo's

3001 Holbrook Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212

Over the years, Bumbo’s in Hamtramck has leaned into its patio seating, adding greenery and a pergola to keep customers dry on not-as-nice days. Grab a Corn and Oil cocktail or a can of beer and head outside to sip in the shade.

3001 Holbrook Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 285-8239
(313) 285-8239
A pair of customers is bundled up outside on an open air patio with heaters at Bumbo’s in Hamtramck. Gerard + Belevender

The Congregation

9321 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206

The Congregation in Boston Edison features a gorgeous wood deck and grassy yard, complemented with a seasonal garden. This cafe and bar inside a remodeled church has quickly become a neighborhood hangout with plenty of space to spread out and free Wi-Fi that extends outdoors. Seating is first-come, first-served.

9321 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206
(313) 307-5518
(313) 307-5518

Old Miami

3930 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

The Old Miami is a Cass Corridor bar institution, but its expansive, grassy backyard and fire pits, is the scene of legends, remaining a constant favorite for summer drinking, visiting, or catching a show under the stars.

3930 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 831-3830
(313) 831-3830

Detroit Shipping Company

474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201

This shipping container food hall features several different options for a meal including Caribbean-style grilled chicken, Thai food, Nepali dumplings, and even ice cream. During the pandemic, Detroit Shipping Company expanded seating outdoors to accommodate safer, socially distanced dining with both covered seating areas and outdoor booths with tall barriers.

474 Peterboro St, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 462-4973
(313) 462-4973
A blue minibus that appears to be converted for outdoor service sits behind umbrellas and tables on a parking lot patio. Gerard + Belevender

Eastern Market Brewing Co., Midnight Temple, and Detroit City Distillery

Riopelle St & Winder St, Detroit, MI 48207

Eastern Market Brewing Company and Detroit City Distillery has taken full advantage of expanded street seating options, shutting down a large portion of Riopelle. The bars offer first-come, first-served patio seating, making it easy to grab a beer or a boozy ice pop and lounge outside. Folks can even grab food from Indian gastropub Midnight Temple.

Riopelle St & Winder St, Detroit, MI 48207

The Monarch Club

33 John R St Penthouse, Detroit, MI 48226

One of the most picturesque patios in the city is perched atop the recently restored Metropolitan Building. Customers can sip cocktails and snacks at the Monarch Club while enjoying sweeping views of downtown Detroit from three terraces. Each one is decked out with patio seating and fire pits. Walk-ins are accepted depending on availability, but it’s always a good idea to make a reservation: that especially goes for the fire pit areas that require a reservation with a food and drink minimum.

33 John R St Penthouse, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 306-2380
(313) 306-2380
Customers seated around a fire pit on the roof of the Monarch Club on a sunny afternoon in downtown Detroit Gerard + Belevender

Cøllect

1454 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207

Cøllect Beer Bar, nestled on a rooftop patio looking out over Gratiot Avenue, is a stellar spot to stop after a cycle or walk through the Dequidre Cut and Eastern Market. The deck is filled out with picnic tables, making it a nice, casual spot to watch the sunset while sipping a sour ale.

1454 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
(586) 850-0205
(586) 850-0205

Andrews on the Corner

201 Joseph Campau Ave, Detroit, MI 48207

There are surprisingly few spots in Detroit where you can grab a beer and watch the Detroit River float by. Andrews on the Corner, a restaurant owned by the same family for more than 100 years, offers just that, with burgers, beers from Atwater next door, and stellar chicken wings.

201 Joseph Campau Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 259-8325
(313) 259-8325

The Skip

The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226

Belt Alley bar the Skip remains one of the hottest spots for outdoor drinking in Detroit. The open-air cocktail lounge features garage doors for all-season service and a menu of progressive, inexpensive cocktails such as frozen Irish coffee alongside boilermakers, tequila, and tropical-style mixed drinks.

The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226
Picnic tables and heaters are surrounded by autumn decor at the Skip in the Belt Alley. Gerard + Belevender

Lumen Detroit

1903 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Beacon Park’s bold restaurant and beer hall Lumen is known, in part, for its expansive patio space that wraps around the exterior and up onto the roof. That makes it attractive real estate for diners in the summer, made even better with a couple pints of Griffin Claw beer. Frequent outdoor celebrations, exhibitions and DJ events make it a family-friendly summer destination. Drop by, call, or make a reservation online.

1903 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 626-5005
(313) 626-5005
Michelle Gerard

Batch Brewing Company

1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI 48216

This Corktown brewery has become essential in the local food and drink community. Batch is a consummate neighborhood spot that keeps dozens of beers on rotation and also takes care with its food — turning out everything from nachos to po’boys to Thai chili chicharrones pie stew. The brewery also frequently hosts restaurant pop-ups — including a Monday and Tuesday offering of Taqueria El Rey while the popular restaurant undergoes repairs following a fire — and supports local organizations through its Feel Good Tap program.

1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 338-8008
(313) 338-8008
A pole barn outside of Batch Brewing Company features a flag with the brewery’s logo that says Beer Makes Me Happy. Gerard + Belevender

Ottava Via

1480 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Now open seven days a week, for weekend brunch and dinner and weekday lunch and dinner, Corktown’s Ottava Via serves up classic rustic Italian fare. Ottava Via's patio area gets major points for the fireplace and bocci ball courts. Pair that with Neapolitan-style pizza and a bottle of wine for the full summer dining experience.

1480 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-5500
(313) 962-5500
Michelle and Chris Gerard

Motor City Wine

1949 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

This Corktown patio hideaway is filled with tables, benches, and patio games for soaking up some rays with a bottle of pet nat. The bar hosts regular live music and DJs, as well as pop-up dinners. The approachable wine selection includes some nicer boxed wines on the lower-priced end and bottles in the wine shop that can be purchased and sipped on site.

1949 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 483-7283
(313) 483-7283
The patio at Motor City wine is full of people after dar. The fence with ivy is lit up with tiki torches. Michelle Gerard

Related Maps

Ima

2015 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Hang out on the heated patio or enjoy some sunshine under an umbrella at Ima’s Corktown restaurant. Share a picnic table and slurp udon noodles while people-watching on Michigan Avenue. Orders can also be placed online for takeout or delivery.

2015 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 502-5959
(313) 502-5959
a man and a woman sit at a picnic table underneath a striped pink umbrella at twilight. Gerard + Belevender

Supergeil

2442 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Inspired by the Turkish-International Kreuzberg district of Berlin, Supergeil brings fusion food and beverage to Corktown. Think Döner Kebab and dark beer, roasted beets, and eggplant. Supergeil’s patio is bright and spacious and features picnic tables, fire pits and a whimsical mural.

2442 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 462-4133
(313) 462-4133

Takoi

2520 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Takoi’s trendy space and Northern Thai-influenced food is complemented by an active outdoor patio shaded by big, leafy trees. Customers can hang out at drink rails or grab a seat in one of the colorful Miami-style patio chairs. Seating is first-come, first-served outside and the full menu (with the exception of one or two items) is available outside. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged and can be made online.

2520 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 855-2864
(313) 855-2864
Michelle and Chris Gerard

Ladder 4 Wine Bar

3396 Vinewood St, Detroit, MI 48208

Built in a meticulously restored old firehouse, Southwest’s Ladder 4 wine bar has a spacious rooftop seating area with long banquettes for intimate for beautiful evening views of West Grand Boulevard.

3396 Vinewood St, Detroit, MI 48208
(313) 638-1601
(313) 638-1601
People seated at booths, a bar, chandelier lighting, and large window doors that open up
Ladder 4 is a converted Detroit fire house with ample rooftop seating, a spacious backyard, and, pictured here, an entryway that opens up when weather permits to bring a cool breeze inside.
GB in Detroit

El Barzon Restaurante

3710 Junction St, Detroit, MI 48210

El Barzon’s gorgeous bricked-in patio oasis is one of the top al fresco dining spots in the city. The white tablecloth eatery is a perfect special occasion spot with a mixture of expertly prepared Italian and Mexican dishes (not fusion). The patio roof provides just enough shade while still letting in a cool breeze and is best enjoyed with a margarita in hand. Make a reservation online.

3710 Junction St, Detroit, MI 48210
(313) 894-2070
(313) 894-2070
Customers sit at patio tables tables covered in white tablecloths in the afternoon. Bill Addison

Norma G's Detroit

14628 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48215

Norma G’s brings Caribbean hospitality and laidback vibes to the East Jefferson corridor with loads of spacious outdoor seating. It’s the ideal setting to enjoy the quiet solitude of Jefferson Chalmers with a Caribbean mule and curry goat. Both takeout and dine-in service are available.

14628 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48215
(313) 290-2938
(313) 290-2938
A sunny patio outside Norma G’s with a wood plank fence. Gerard + Belevender

Coriander Kitchen and Farm

14601 Riverside Blvd, Detroit, MI 48215

The sunny, spacious canalside patio at Coriander Kitchen & Farm is a stellar spot to grab a bite and some drinks and enjoy the outdoors. Because of the restaurant’s close proximity to Jefferson Chalmers waterways, diners can easily drive, bike, walk, or even paddle in. Coriander accepts reservations for indoor and covered patio service, with a waitlist for the outdoor fire pits or tables.

14601 Riverside Blvd, Detroit, MI 48215
(313) 822-4434
(313) 822-4434
An overhead view of the grill setup and socially distance picnic tables at Coriander on a sunny day. Gerard + Belevender

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