Outdoor Dining | A Day in The D

Savor a perfect cup of freshly roasted coffee with a pastry, and contemplate your day under the awning of the Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co. in Detroit’s Midtown. Once fully caffeinated, head to the Detroit International RiverWalk for a leisurely stroll and stunning views. Up for a little more exercise? Rent a bike at Wheelhouse Detroit and explore the Dequindre Cut, a nearly two-mile recreational path, well known for its urban artwork and graffiti.

On warm summer days, think waterfront dining for lunch. Try the nautically inspired Mike’s on the Water in St. Clair Shores or Bumpers Landing and MacRay Harbor in Harrison Township for a casual meal and an up-close view of Lake St. Clair’s boating scene. Prefer to stick to downtown D, Joe Muer Seafood in the GM Renaissance Center is great for surf and sunshine on the riverfront.

Root for the home team at a Detroit Tigers game, and search out the outdoor patio at the new Corner Tap Room at Comerica Park. Also open on non-game days, it includes mementos from Old Tiger Stadium and offers a selection of rotating craft beers and food that far exceeds the standard ballpark fare. On certain summer weekends, Greektown at Sundown is where the party’s at. Monroe Street blocks off traffic on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings to create a pedestrian plaza with live entertainment, music, interactive art installations and outdoor seating at several restaurants. Among them: Santorini Estiatorio, PizzaPapalis and Red Smoke Barbeque. Room for dessert? Choose your sweet at Astoria Pastry Shop. You could also get lucky enough to be in town for one of the Infinity/Ovation luxury yacht themed summer evening cruises. The strolling gourmet cuisine, open premium bar, live entertainment and a cruise along the Detroit River combine for one of Detroit’s most memorable open-air experiences.

Photo Credits: Riverwalk by Vito Palmisano; Great Lakes Coffee and Greektown at Sundown by Bill Bowen; Mike’s on the Water by A.C. Kuderik / Kuderik.com; Infinity and Ovation Cruises by Jason Vaugh