Food & Drink The 32 Best Detroit Bars for Outdoor Drinking

Nicole Rupersburg/Thrillist

As cracks in Detroit’s seemingly impenetrable silver lining (aka, the sky) start to appear, it seems that we’re ready to rush out and enjoy the few fleeting and sweet months of Bob Seger’s favorite season. While holing up in a dark, dank dive may have its appeal in the light-deprived winter months, by the time spring hits, it’s imperative to recharge batteries with some sunlight, a patio, and numerous pints. With this in mind, these are Detroit's finest bars that let you imbibe in the fresh (or fresh-ish) air.

Green Dot Stables

Corktown Shores

You’ve probably been shuffled out to the patio before while waiting for a table, but in the summer, you should request it. McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey

Corktown

A sports bar across the street from what used to be Tiger Stadium, this is THE place to go if you want to try and tan those pale Irish legs of yours. Nancy Whiskey

Corktown

This yard rivals Old Miami's in size and hosts a few great parties each summer, as well as the city’s most famous fish fry.



UFO Factory

Corktown

This extraordinarily hip new spot occupies excellent real estate and offers up plenty of patio space for outdoor tomfoolery. PJ’s Lager House

Corktown

It may not win any pageants, but the Lager House’s Tiki patio can be a nice little oasis for catching up with friends over a wide selection of brews. Mercury Burger Bar

Corktown

This patio is literally a hidden gem in Corktown. Slows Bar BQ

Corktown

You may have better luck finding a spot on this patio for day-drinking than in the restaurant for dinner. Don't let the suburbanites scare you -- this is a great spot for a drink or four.

TV Lounge

Downtown

A very cool yard with live music and booty-shaking.



Bookies Bar & Grille

Downtown

Lots of bros, lots of brews, lots of pre-game, midday sun. Campus Martius Park

Downtown

If you've never visited Campus Martius in the summer, you may be surprised to find that you can actually sit in a lawn chair with your feet in the sand and enjoy a cocktail in the middle of Downtown. Yes, an adult sandbox with booze and occasionally live music. It's almost as strange as it sounds, but definitely a great place to come and not take things so seriously. Cheli's Chili

Downtown

With a prime view of Tiger Stadium, this rooftop bar has all the sports-bar charm you need. It's also probably the best place to bring your dad. Very dad-approved. Foran's Grand Trunk

Downtown

Known for an impressive Michigan beer selection and all things fried, Foran's has a great, albeit small and highly coveted, patio for Downtown people-watching -- inside and out of this character-filled pub.

Nicole Rupersburg/Thrillist

The Old Shillelagh

Greektown

As if you haven’t already made enough bad decisions, there’s always the Old Shillelagh. They have a rooftop -- who knew? Exodus Rooftop

Greektown

This super-swanky joint is newly renovated and has some of the best views of the city at night. If you aren’t good looking enough, read on for more options.

Whiskey In the Jar

Hamtramck

A solid fenced-in patio never lacking in excitement -- about as good as it gets in Hamtramck. Kelly’s Bar

Hamtramck

It ain’t fancy, but if you need a space to drink outside in Hamtramck, consider these plastic chairs.