The D's Summertime Dining Scene

When you’re hungry and blessed with a mild, sunny day in The D, search out the metro area’s most illustrious dine-and-drink outdoor patios. And who said you can’t hit more than one in one day?

Mercury Burger & Bar, Detroit

Cool off on the patio, admire outdoor art and slurp down the tastiest milkshakes in town. Huge burger selection – try the Southwest Detroit with chorizo and pickled spiced carrots, plus either poutine or garlic fries. Large selection of Michigan craft beers, too.

Parc, Campus Martius Park

A recently remodeled venue, cool place to meet friends and relax in Campus Martius Park. They offer a wood-fired grill, which allows their chef team to create a range of delicious, unique dishes that excite the soul.

Mike’s on the Water, St. Clair Shores

Get the island vibe as you sit on this Nautical Mile hidden gem. The gorgeous tiki bar is right on the canals of Lake St. Clair. The perch dinner is a solid choice. Boaters can drive in and park right next to the patio.

MacRay Harbor on Lake St. Clair

Sail in and dock or drive to MacRay Harbor in Harrison Township, the perfect spot to enjoy tropical drinks and delicious steak, chicken or seafood. The outdoor seating area looks across the sparkling waters of Lake St. Clair for an unbeatable view.

Bar Louie, Novi

The patio is heated on those cooler nights. Drink specials, delicious grub, and an awesome happy hour during the week with martinis under $6 and ½ price apps. Go for a selection of sliders from salmon to chicken parm.

Big Fish Seafood Bistro, Dearborn

Sensational seafood and patio seating. It’s almost like you’re on vacation when you eat at Big Fish Seafood Bistro. Located along the circle of Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn. Start things out with the Hot Rocks & Blue Slaw (spicy shrimp and blue cheese coleslaw).

Summertime is Tigers time in Detroit. So many bars and restaurants cater to Detroiters’ love of professional baseball, with pre-, post- and game-time specials, even shuttles (often free) to and from Comerica Park.

Elwood Bar & Grill, Detroit

Take 56 steps from this bar and you’ll be inside Comerica Park, ready for some Tigers baseball. The Elwood is where hardcore fans congregate before and after a game for burgers and beer.

Hard Rock Cafe, Detroit

The patio is open on warm days with a fab view of Campus Martius Park. Everything you would expect from a Hard Rock with all the menu staples – burgers, wings, nachos. A perfect pre-game stop and after-game party place. Game day shuttles are available.

The Corner Tap Room

Baseball fans and Detroit tourists can revisit Old Tiger Stadium when they dine at new restaurant The Corner Tap Room. The eatery is just to the right of Comerica Park’s main entrance and features mementos of the Tigers’ former ballpark that once stood at Trumbull and Michigan avenues. The Corner Tap Room has a patio, a rotating selection of craft brews and a whole set of menu items that you won’t find offered anywhere else in the stadium. Also open on non-game days.

Fishbone’s, St. Clair Shores

Eat delicious sushi and sip on a tropical drink while you wait for the shuttle bus to take you to Comerica Park. After the game, the bus will drop you off so you never have to get behind the wheel. (Some other downtown Detroit bars with shuttles to and from Comerica Park on Tigers game days: Nemo’s, Harry’s, Old Shillelagh and Bookies Bar & Grille.)

Groundbreakings and grand openings in the metro Detroit restaurant scene are hard to keep track of these days – and so many are already so good. A few of the more recent and intriguing additions:

Calexico

Brooklyn-based chain Calexico is slinging tacos and rolled quesadillas in the former Olga’s Kitchen space off Woodward in One Campus Martius.

Maru Sushi

The menu promises to be sushi-focused with artful presentation, led by co-sushi chefs San Solowy and Ben Wiley, and will also include a selection of Japanese small plates, rice and noodles, grilled items and salads.

Red Corridor Bar

Formerly Casey’s, this Corktown pub offers burgers, fried chicken, cocktails and craft beer.

Brome Burger & Shakes

This burger stop pledges ingredients such as 100% organic beef and non-GMO certified eats, along with a sustainable and eco-friendly work ethic.

Photo Credits: Mercury Burger & Bar, Elwood Bar & Grill, and sushi by Bill Bowen; Mike’s on the Water by A.C. Kuderik; Fishbones by Jay Vaughn