Borrowed from the Italian phrase for “in the cool/fresh air,” al fresco dining became increasingly popular in the last few years as an alternative way to dine while maintaining social distancing practices. Since 2020, throughout the county outdoor dining options have gained traction with places with New York City increasing outdoor dining options by 1,000 percent.

In Flint & Genesee there are plenty of places where locals and visitors can experience al fresco dining in the summer with patio and sidewalk seating available.

Here are a few of the places you can dine outdoors in Flint & Genesee:

The 411 Pub

In Goodrich, The 411 Pub is a restaurant and bar featuring craft beer, cocktails and great food. The local establishment also has a great outdoor patio for guests to dine al fresco.

The Agitated Grape Bar & Bistro

In Davison, this local bar exclusively features Michigan beer, wine, whisky and cocktails. Known for its huge bloody marys, the local establishment offers outdoor seating on its patio.

Blackstone’s Smokehouse

In downtown Flint, Blackstone’s Smokehouse offers outdoor seating out front of its Saginaw Street location and features great drinks and food including house-smoked barbeque and wood-fired pizzas.

Blondie’s Food & Spirits

Local favorite, Blondie’s Food & Spirits, boasts an extensive menu including vegetarian and vegan options and which can be experienced on their outdoor patio.

Churchill’s Food & Spirits

A Flint institution, Churchill’s offers an upscale bar menu and features the city’s largest whiskey menu. With a small outdoor dining section, visitors can experience the vibe of downtown while sipping on an Old Fashioned.

Da Edoardo North

In Grand Blanc, Da Edoardo North is an upscale Italian restaurant featuring a large menu of classic favorites along with beer, wine and cocktail options from its full bar. The location also has outdoor dining on its patio.

Fenton Fire Hall

A part of the Union Joints, the Fenton Fire Hall serves up amazing food and drinks featuring delicious barbeque and the Union’s award-winning mac and cheese. The Fenton Fire Hall has multiple outdoor spaces including two patios and a rooftop bar looking over downtown Fenton.

Kathy’s Restaurant & Lounge

In the historic town of Flushing, Kathy’s is a local favorite. The local downtown restaurant features great food and drinks and has outdoor seating with great views of Flushing’s main street.

The Laundry

With a newly paved outdoor patio, the Laundry in Fenton is a great place to go for brunch or dinner in the fresh air. The local restaurant has several outdoor seating areas both covered and uncovered making is a great place for sun and shade lovers. 

Little Joe’s Tavern

Located in downtown Grand Blanc, Little Joe’s has a long history in the area. Opened in July of 1935, the family restaurant serves great drinks and food and has seasonal outdoor seating.

Ponemah Lakeside Lounge

In Fenton, Ponemah Lakeside Lounge located on Lake Ponemah provides picturesque views of the lake on its back patio and is a great place to dock up and grab a bite to eat and a drink after hanging out on the lake.

Simmer Rooftop Lounge

Flint’s tallest rooftop bar, Simmer Rooftop Lounge located at the Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown, offers an open-air, seasonal bar with a focus on craft cocktails and farm-to-table bites. The restaurant and bar bring a great dining experience with a greater view.

Find more outdoor dining options in Flint & Genesee in the restaurants section of ExploreFlintandGenesee.org.

More al fresco dining options in Flint & Genesee

The Agitated Grape Bar & Bistro

The Agitated Grape is truly a “Made in Michigan” business located in a 140 year-old historical brick... Read More

The Barn

Enjoy this a California surf barn hidden in beautiful Fenton. The Barn offers fresh gourmet meals,... Read More

Da Edoardo North

Located in the Grand Ridge Galleria Shopping Center, Da Edoardo offers a cozy and elegant atmosphere... Read More

The Fenton Fire Hall Kitchen & Taproom

Located in an historical fire station built in 1938, the Fenton Fire Hall Kitchen & Taproom offers... Read More

Fenton Winery & Brewery/Dream Machine Distillery

Founded in 2007, the Fenton Winery & Brewery is a destination location with many amenities including... Read More

Grand Blanc Tap Bar & Grill

Enjoy great food and cold beverages at one of Flint/Grand Blanc's newest restaurants offering... Read More

The Laundry

Enjoy this casual bistro atmosphere restaurant serving lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch with... Read More

Little Joe’s Tavern

Little Joe’s Tavern was born during the dark days of the Great Depression. Unable to find work,... Read More

M.D’s Sports Tavern & Grill

Brothers Doug and Marty Madden opened M. D.'s Sports Tavern & Grill in November of 2013 with the... Read More

Market Tap

Located on the second floor of the Flint Farmers Market, enjoy Flint's only rooftop bar serving... Read More

RailYard Fenton

RailYard is a unique food park, entertainment and pub featuring activities for all ages including... Read More

Redwood Steakhouse Brewery & Grill

Enjoy Flint and Genesee County's first Micro Brewery and Restaurant offering upscale dining in a... Read More

Sauce Italian American Kitchen

Located in Flint's Downtown Entertainment District, Sauce Italian American Kitchen is a unique... Read More

Signature Chop House

Signature Chop House offers handcrafted rustic dishes and Italian classics, as well as signature... Read More

Simmer Rooftop Lounge

Simmer is Flint’s premiere open-air, seasonal rooftop bar at Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown with a... Read More

STIX at The Captain's Club

Located at the Captain's Club at Woodfield overlooking Grand Blanc's Raymond Floyd signature golf... Read More

Sweetwater Tavern

Sweetwater Tavern in downtown Flint serves traditional as well as modern American fare along with an... Read More

The Corner Bar & Grill

Corner Bar & Grill is Fenton's rock 'n roll gastro pub featuring homemade food, craft beer, and... Read More

Twisted Burger Diner

Twisted Burger Diner is truly a Classic American Diner with stainless steel siding, counter seats... Read More