A Breath of Fresh Air Outdoor Dining in Greater Flint

There is still plenty of time to enjoy the warm breeze, a refreshing cocktail and a delicious meal al fresco at one of the many local restaurants offering patio dining. Here are a few Greater Flint eateries offering patrons a seat outside … with a breath of fresh air.

Brick Street of Grand Blanc

Once again, our readers voted Brick Street into the top spot for “Best Outdoor Patio” in the 2020 My City Magazine City’s Choice Awards. Driving by the restaurant on Grand Blanc Road, colorful umbrellas shade the tables on the large front patio surrounded by a black, wrought iron fence. Patrons laugh and chat while enjoying a refreshing beverage and some good food, lively music or live entertainment. Owner Michael Jablonski, a longtime local restaurateur, offers two patios – a space in the back is used for small gatherings such as graduation parties, open houses, wine tasting, family get-togethers, showers and corporate events. The front patio is a great place to have a drink after a hard day’s work or to just sit and people-watch.

Cork on Saginaw

Since reopening for diners following lockdown, Cork on Saginaw has enjoyed a brisk outdoor dinner crowd on their patio in Downtown Flint, according to Darci Racette, Manager. “We have an extended patio during the summer; it’s pretty big,” she says, adding there is seating for 40 people. The wrought iron tables are shaded by bright red umbrellas and surrounded by a wrought iron fence. Cork on Saginaw is open Tuesday-Friday from 4-9pm, with live entertainment every Wednesday. Guests can enjoy a delicious seasonal menu, refreshing handcrafted cocktails, wine, beer and a weekly sangria. “It’s a beautiful space to enjoy the fresh air,” Racette says.

Flint Farmers’ Market Rooftop Terrace

A lot of market-goers enjoy eating lunch while overlooking Downtown Flint. Located on the Market’s west side, the Rooftop Terrace is furnished with patio furniture, Adirondack chairs and beautiful flower boxes that create a relaxed but elegant ambiance.

Steady Eddy’s Café

A longtime Farmers’ Market favorite, the patio at Steady Eddy’s is enclosed by wrought iron fencing with seats for 24 guests. According to Nikki Bormann, the seating is at half capacity in order to meet state safety guidelines. It’s the perfect place, however, to enjoy a hand-squeezed lemonade and a sandwich – or a South of the Border omelet, one of their most popular breakfast items. The cafe is open on Market days: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8am-2pm.

Andiamo

Enjoy the view of Downtown Fenton while eating authentic Italian food. The beautiful patio has five tables topped with brilliant red umbrellas (set apart to meet safety guidelines) and can accommodate 20 guests. The inviting space has flowers, plants and gas heaters to keep diners cozy on cool evenings. “The patio is very popular right now,” states the restaurant manager. Full dining service and a full bar are available for outdoor diners. Andiamo is open 3-9pm Mon.-Thurs., 3-10pm, Fri., 4-10pm Sat. and 4-8pm Sun.

Corner Bar & Grill

Owner Justin Knight offers full-service outdoor dining on the patio with seating for 24 patrons. The gastro pub is open at noon Monday-Friday, and at 9am Saturday and Sunday for their delicious Brunch.

Fenton Fire Hall

Well known for its barbecue fare and beer selection, this popular eatery offers rooftop dining with a fabulous view of Downtown Fenton. The space has eight tables, colorful umbrellas, music and full dining and bar service. Outdoor seating is also available outside the basement and on a main floor patio with a view of bustling Leroy Street.

Fenton Hotel Tavern & Grille

On the canopy-covered patio, outdoor diners find 13 tables (seating for 35-40), a comfy couch and a fire pit. It’s a great place for people-watching, and patrons clamor for a seat on the patio. “During this COVID period, the patio’s been great!” exclaims Owner Nick Sorise. “Everyone wants to sit outside.” With abundant flowers and a service area to help better accommodate patio diners, it’s perfect for enjoying some wonderful food and full bar service. “It’s a great dining experience,” says the owner. “It’s nice being outside enjoying a little bit of nature.”

The Fireplace Bar & Grill

The patio at this family-friendly Fenton mainstay has seating for 25, which is set currently at 50 percent to meet COVID-19 safety guidelines, according to Bartender, Kelly Staneff. Surrounded by plants and trees, the space has an inviting ambience for enjoying refreshing beverages, appetizers or a meal. The Fireplace has also gone over and above to make sure patrons are safe, having recently installed a sanitization machine (see p. 58). The system detects a mask, checks body temperature and has touch-free hand sanitizer and a disinfecting mist. “It gives people peace of mind,” Staneff adds.

Outdoor Dining Options Galore!

Clio

Lucky’s Steakhouse

Davison

Black Rock Bar & Grill
Downtown Flint
501 Bar & Grill
Blackstone’s Smokehouse
Cafe Rhema
Flint Crepe Company

Fenton

Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar
Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Ciao Italian Bistro & Wine Bar
CRUST – A Bakery
Fenton Coney Grill
Joe & Lewie’s Penalty Box
The Laundry
Legends Bar & Grill
The Meeting Place
Ponemah Lakeside Lodge
Sagebrush Cantina