Dining Al Fresco: Best Charlevoix Region Outdoor Dining SpotsDining Al Fresco: Best Charlevoix Region Outdoor Dining Spots

by Olivia Fellows and Lissa Edwards | Jun 1, 2023 | Counties, Food & Drink, Towns | 0 comments

Dining outside on a beautiful day with a stunning view is a vacation in itself. Here's your go-to list for outdoor dining in the Chain of Lakes region from Bellaire to Charlevoix for your perfect mini getaway!

This article was first featured in the 2023 MyNorth Vacation Guide. Learn more about this year's guide, order a FREE digital or print copy, or find a complimentary guide on newsstands across Northern Michigan.

ALDEN MUFFIN TINAmazing baked goods, espressos, breakfasts and lunches on the flower-filled deck.

TORCH LAKE BEER CO.Burgers, Mexican and pizza, plus a sweet patio. Located across from the Torch Lake boat launch.

CIRCLE M BAR & RESTAURANTHistoric island landmark now family-friendly restaurant serving burgers, seafood, steaks. Small patio.

DALWHINNIE BAKERY & DELIServing breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1997, plus pastries, doughnuts and espresso. Handful of picnic tables outdoors.

BEAVER ISLAND LODGE AND SUNSET RESTAURANTFrench cuisine and regional specialties in a casually elegant setting. Patio seating with sunset views.

PARADISE BAY COFFEE SHOP Onsite-roasted coffee, delightful food options, peaceful meadow view while dining on the deck.

SHAMROCK RESTAURANT & PUBBeaver Island's oldest pub. Patio with Paradise Bay views. Regular live entertainment.

WHISKEY POINT BREWING CO.Craft beer, wine and light snacks with sidewalk seating and a terrific view of Paradise Bay.

CORNER BISTROTrue bistro fare and patio.

DOCKSIDE TORCH LAKEPull your boat up and grab a seat on their Torch Lake–side deck and tuck into classic Mexican and American tavern fare.

Photo by Dave Weidner

HELLO VINOInventive food pairings with a wide-ranging wine list and cocktails.

LUNCH BOXGreat breakfasts, legendary sandwiches. Sidewalk tables.

M88 MORNING GRINDTerrific local coffee shop with baked goods (quiche!) and a charming covered patio.

RUTHIE’S DAIRY TWISTFull food menu and your fave soft and hand-dipped ice cream flavors.

SHORT’S BREWING COMPANYFamous for its craft beer, but also the kicked-up bar food.

TERRAINCarefully crafted farm-to-table dining.

THE PELICAN’S NESTSports bar with delish food. Outdoor sand pit for kids.

TOONIES FISH & STEAKHOUSE Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that offer something for everyone.

CENTRAL LAKE TAVERN Classic burgers and brews.

PROVIDENCE ORGANIC FARM & CAFÉ Charming farm market, café and natural foods store with patio overlooking their farm.

THE BLUE PELICAN INN & RESTAURANT A something-for-everyone menu and a lively tiki bar.

TORCH LAKE CAFÉPizzas to full dinners, great live music and plenty of patio space.

TOUCH OF CLASS CAFÉ & BAKERY Breakfasts and lunches range from fish fry to burgers and soup. Sidewalk tables.

BRIDGE STREET TAPROOMTake a seat overlooking Round Lake—32 beer taps and an American bistro-style menu.

Photo by Tess Crowley

CHARLEVOIX DAIRY GRILLEEnjoy ice cream and fresh-grilled burgers.

ESPERANCEPurveyor of fine food and wine with dinners Tuesday thru Saturday on the patio, weather permitting.

GREY GABLES RESTAURANT & CATERING Gracious old house-turned-restaurant with a lovely outdoor area and views of Round Lake.

HARBOR VIEW CAFÉ Serving breakfast all day.

HARWOOD GOLDWarm outpost offering sandwiches, baked goods, coffee, pure maple syrup. Sidewalk tables.

HOTDOGGERS CONEY CAFÉA fun, café-like diner with famous regional Coney dogs and outdoor picnic tables.

JAX NORTHSIDE FOOD & SPIRITSRestaurant and bar with porch dining overlooking the 6th green of the Charlevoix Golf Course.

MY GRANDMOTHER’S TABLEBakery, café and coffee bar serving international foods with Old World goodness.

PIGS EATIN’ RIBSThe street-side patio at this award-winning BBQ- joint gives you plenty of elbow room to dig in.

SCOVIES GOURMETAmerican-style food with deli, bakery and bistro tables.

SMOKE ON THE WATERHumble haunt serving old-school smoked meats and classic American grub. Sidewalk seating.

STAFFORD’S WEATHERVANE RESTAURANTLocated on the Round Lake Channel with incredible views of passing boats.

THAT FRENCH PLACEEnjoy French crêpes, coffee and pastries at charming sidewalk bistro tables.

THE ARGONNE HOUSEMake a reservation for the large patio and dine on seafood, steaks and wood-fired pizzas with a Lake Charlevoix view.

THE BACK LOT CHARLEVOIXA full bar and your favorite food trucks. Eat inside, on the screened porch or at outside tables.

THE CANTINA – TACOS & TEQUILAMexican eatery with a large outdoor eating space tucked just off downtown.

THE LANDINGDock your boat at this relaxed Lake Charlevoix restaurant and take a table on the spacious deck.

THE VILLAGER PUB’50s-themed tavern with comfort food dining and sidewalk seating area.

FOUNDRY BAR & GRILLElevated pub eats in a setting where large garage doors open to a spacious patio.

LAS MARACASVibrant Mexican restaurant in the downtown proper.

CELLAR 152Euro-feeling menu with dining on the back deck.

Photo by Tess Crowley

CHEF CHUCKSBusy pizzeria (honoring the late Chef Charles Egler of Chef Charles pizza) featuring imaginative toppings.

PEARL’S NEW ORLEANS KITCHEN New Orleans of the North with a covered patio for dining and a porch for drinks.

RIVERWALK GRILL & TAPROOM Craft beer, seafood, grill fare and a waterside deck.

FRONT PORCH CAFÉA non-profit café to nourish the community.

GOLD NUGGET BAR & GRILLLunch, dinner, beer garden with a patio bar and umbrella-covered seating.

ROYAL FARMSFarm market, winery, baked goods, lunch offerings with patio and tent-covered seating.

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