Looking for restaurants with outdoor seating in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan? From garden patios and winery terraces to classic drive-ins and downtown dining, Sault Ste. Marie offers plenty of places to enjoy a meal outdoors during the warmer months. Here are some of the best spots for patio dining, scenic views, and fresh air.

I know you’ve heard it time and time again, but there is nothing else like a summer in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. When the weather warms up, the only place to be is outside. Everywhere you go, people are riding bikes, walking, getting ready to take their boats on the water, taking in as much summer as possible- it only makes sense to eat outside, too!

If you’re looking for the best places to enjoy outdoor dining, start with these local favorites.

If someone asked me where to send a visitor looking for the most unique dining experiences in Sault Ste. Marie, Bird’s Eye Outfitters would be near the top of the list. 

Located on Portage Avenue, Bird’s Eye has two options for outdoor seating: a few tables out front along the road, and a “beer garden” out the back door. The “beer garden” area is my go-to spot when I go there! 

Their menu is a unique mix, and so is the atmosphere inside! The Bird’s Eye operates as a cafe, bar, and restaurant and offers outdoor gear and watercraft rentals, as well as the Fox Hole Bike and Ski Shop, which offers bike rentals, too! It really is a one-stop shop for those visiting the Soo!

Another one would be Motown Nate’s, which has become one of those places locals recommend because it consistently delivers exactly what people want: good food, friendly service, and a comfortable place to enjoy it.

The outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a meal on a sunny day, but there are also unique covered options for when it’s not so sunny. It’s hard to miss Motown Nate’s other seating options: a teepee and a trolley!

No matter what you order, you won’t be disappointed. Mootown Nate’s is known for their delicious homemade meals, quality meat smoked out front daily, and delicious milkshakes! This is a local favorite for a reason!

Sometimes you’re not looking for a quick meal. You’re looking for a place to slow down. That’s where Soo Brewing Company and 1668 Winery shines.

Their rooftop dining patio creates a different vibe from other restaurants in town. Instead of rushing through dinner, guests tend to settle in with a glass of wine or draft beer with amazing views and good conversation. Not to mention the fire pit area and twinkle lights down by the street.

Ask longtime visitors and locals where they’ve been eating during summer for decades, and Clyde’s or West Pier almost always enter the conversation. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about grabbing a burger and a malt and enjoying it in your car with the windows down or outside on a warm evening. You won’t find a trendy rooftop patio here. What you’ll find is a piece of Sault Ste. Marie’s history that generations of residents and visitors continue to enjoy.

Of course, these aren’t the only places to enjoy a meal outdoors in Sault Ste. Marie. Local favorites like Oh Crepe, Maloney’s Alley, Cup of the Day, Superior Cafe, and Zorba’s Greek American Restaurant also offer outdoor seating during the warmer months, giving visitors even more options to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks in the fresh Upper Peninsula air. Whether you’re looking for a cozy café, a casual pub, or Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, there’s a patio waiting for you in the Soo.