Enjoying delicious food and drinks with friends and family in the warm daylight is one of the best ways to spend a summer afternoon. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic pretty much robbed us of that last year, unless you happened to have a nice private patio to enjoy takeout. For the rest of us, Lansing has a number of restaurants with great patios, and we have years’ worth of Top of the Town voting data to sort out the best of the best. Here are a few of the most popular spots to check out this summer.
El Azteco East Lansing
El Azteco’s East Lansing location regularly wins a high spot in City Pulse’s Top of the Town contest. Being located on the restaurant’s second story is a distinct bonus and it provides diners with a cool aerial view of the college town. Not to mention that Mexican food is readymade for summer, and the crushed ice and citrus flavor of a well made margarita is an obvious favorite to be enjoyed in the heat.
El Azteco East Lansing
225 Ann St., East Lansing
Daily, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
(517) 351-9111
Horrocks Farm Market
A date to Horrocks is a great to kill time on its own. Who hasn’t lost track of time wandering the aisles and checking out the labyrinth of wine and beer, or perusing massive selection of organic fruits and vegetables. And let’s not get started on that giant cheese wheel. But when you’re finished with your shopping, you can sit down in a gorgeous outdoor setting and enjoy a fine menu of food, beer, wine and frozen treats like gelato.
Horrocks Farm Market
Daily, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
7420 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing
(517) 323-3782
Looking Glass Brewing Co.
Looking Glass Brewing Co. in DeWitt has a stunning patio thanks to the stained glass and brick exterior of the renovated historic church the restaurant operates out of. Looking Glass has a wide selection of craft beers and also features wine, cider and hard seltzer. The food is delicious as well, thanks to the handy culinary work of head chef Josh Moyer.
Looking Glass Brewing Co.
Tuesday to Thursday, 3 to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.
115 N. Bridge St., Dewitt
(517) 668-6004
lookingglassbrewingcompany.com
Peanut Barrel
The Peanut Barrel’s outdoor dining area is an East Lansing staple. It’s so essential that people were even willing to brave the winter — the heating lamps helped — to hang out with friends and enjoy a meal. It also has the benefit of being situated right along Grand River Road, which is great for people watching and shopping.
Peanut Barrel
521 E. Grand River Road, East Lansing
Daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
(517) 351-0608
Sanctuary Spirits
Sanctuary Spirits in Grand Ledge has made a name for itself thanks to its massive drink menu. From wine, craft beer and just about any cocktail you can name, you should be able to find the perfect drink for your summer, no matter how stubborn your taste buds might be. If you can’t enjoy a drink without a meal to go with it, Sanctuary regularly partners with neighboring restaurants such as Pancho’s Taqueria Food Truck. And what better way to enjoy your personal tailored summer drink with a beautiful patio?
Sanctuary Spirits
902 E. Saginaw Hwy., Grand Ledge
Monday-Thursday, Noon to 10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, Noon to 11 p.m.
Sunday, Noon to 6 p.m.
(517) 925-1930
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