Dining Al Fresco: Best Outdoor Dining in Gaylord & Grayling Dining Al Fresco: Best Outdoor Dining in Gaylord & Grayling

Aug 14, 2023

by MyNorth/Traverse Magazine Staff | Jun 6, 2023 | Counties, Food & Drink, Towns, Vacation | 0 comments

Dining outside on a sunny day with a stunning view is a vacation in itself. Here's your go-to restaurant list for the Gaylord and Grayling region.

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.

SWAMP II BAR & RESTAURANT"Biggest Little Bar In The North" serves their famous sliders inside or outside.

AH-LOY BAMBOOOrder up Thai and Chinese entrées and enjoy on the sidewalk patio.

ALPINE TAVERN & EATERYStuffed burgers, craft brews and a fun place to watch the big game.

BENNETHUM’S NORTHERN INNLongtime dining destination with beautiful patio and backyard seating.

BIG BUCK BREWERYBig brews, big tastes, big stuffed heads on the wall.

CRAVEA pub with pasta, pizza and a sidewalk patio.

DUCK BLIND GRILLE AT OTSEGO RESORTSandwiches, starters and dinner entrées. Plus, a 27-mile view.

EL PATRON GRILLMexican eatery with a colorful interior and patio out back.

FOOD N STUFFHearty sandwiches, salads, pizzas and breakfast items.

Photo by Dave Weidner

THE IRON PIG SMOKEHOUSEBBQ, burgers and comfort food along with a full bar and patio.

THE LOGMARK AT OTSEGO RESORTThe perfect spot for a nightcap and a game of pool.

MARY’S STEIN HAUSAlpine-inspired German-American restaurant with a charming downtown patio.

MICHAYWÉ INN THE WOODSNorthwoods views and casual dining.

PINE SQUIRREL BAR & GRILLFamily-friendly dining with a patio, tiki bar and softball field (yep!).

PORTER HAUSA classic bar and restaurant with steaks and burgers.

SNOWBELT BREWING CO.Downtown hangout with inventive food menu, craft beer and a sidewalk patio.

THE SPORTS BAR AT TREETOPS RESORTBrowse the beer list and enjoy a great view of the surrounding hillside.

THE SUMMIT GRILL AT THE RIDGE GOLF COURSEFull bar and lunch menu with an extensive deck where diners overlook the golf course.

DEAD BEAR BREWING CO.Brewery and restaurant with roomy covered patio.

GATES AU SABLE LODGEFrom-scratch breakfast, lunch and dinner served beside the river.

GRAY ROCK PUB & GRUBWeekend breakfast, pizza, burgers and more pub classics.

GRAYLING RESTAURANT"Where the locals go." American bites for breakfast and lunch.

MICHIGAN BREWCoffee, cocktails, cider, beer, wine, brunch and lunch.

PADDLE HARD BREWINGRustic, urban brewpub with pizzas, panini, tacos and a sidewalk patio.

Photo by Jesse Green

RAY’S BBQ, BREWS & BLUESBarbecue and craft beer on the banks of the Au Sable River.

SPIKES KEG O NAILSBrews, burgers, burritos and other comfort fare to enjoy inside or outdoors.

TINKER’S JUNCTIONCasual dining with live music, full-service bar, volleyball court, cornhole and a patio.

WESTSIDE DINERHomey spot with a covered patio.

WIMPY’SBroasted chicken, burgers, hot dogs, fish and ice cream in a barn-style eatery.

BACK DOOR SALOONHome of the Big Bad Wolf Burger, this bar and restaurant has beautiful views of Houghton Lake.

JD’S OLD TOWN TAVERNClassic sports bar with live music and a Shrimp Shack in the outdoor seating area.

THE FOX DEN RESTAURANTInventive home-cooked meals.

MICHAEL’S TAVERN & STEAKHOUSEA chef-driven boutique steakhouse with a beautifully decorated patio.

THE GREENSIDE GRILLE AT INDIAN RIVER GOLF CLUBUpscale dining in a casual setting, with scenic views on the patio beside the golf course.

WILSON’S RIVERS EDGE RESTAURANTFamiliar home-cooked dishes at a timeless neighborhood restaurant with a comfortable patio.

Photo by Indian River Golf Club

BREAKERSLocal fave for craft beer, pizza, burgers and patio dining, with a pristine view of Mullett Lake.

CAFÉ NOKAEnjoy delicious food of hearty proportions in the cozy café or on the patio with lake views.

ELKHORN GRILL & TAVERNCasual dining experience with a pool table inside and a large patio with a firepit and horseshoes.

CORWITH STATIONCraft beer, wine and a chef-inspired menu.

2 WHEEL TAVERNServing their own smoked meats, and, yes, homemade potato chips!

THE THIRSTY STURGEONWood-paneled tavern serving American eats with a roomy deck and beautiful backyard.

More Northern Michigan Outdoor Dining Guides:

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