Best Detroit patios for spring drinks, coffee
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Roar Brewing's outdoor space. Photo: Annalise Frank/Axios
It's the first day of spring, and we're already craving that first patio beer.
Why it matters: It's been a long winter. We deserve a local drink out in the sunshine without wind or snow pummeling us.
- This applies to nonalcoholic indulgences, too — coffee, mocktails, iced matcha …
Our picks for spring outdoor dining season, which we hope comes soon:
🦁 Roar Brewing: 2026 will be the first full patio season for this Black-owned brewery that opened in July. Its flagship offering is a honey oat stout, but it also has a pilsner, IPA and amber.
- There's also food — tater tots, burgers and more.
- Roar's roll-up garage door transitions into a big patio that joins with nearby restaurants, per Eater.
- 666 Selden St. in the Cass Corridor
🐦 Two Birds: With stiff cocktails, guest chef pop-ups and ice cream next door, Two Birds' wraparound patio is a hotspot for both weekend and weeknight revelry during the fair-weather months.
- 8130 Kercheval Ave. in West Village
👁️ Kamper's Rooftop Lounge: We had to include a high-rise downtown option, because sometimes you just need the feeling of looking out across an entire city.
- Expect immaculate views 14 floors up in a Barcelona-inspired bar setting with snacks, small plates and a notable cocktail menu.
- 1265 Washington Blvd., downtown
🍕 Tenacity Craft: Come for the beer and seltzer, stay for the Detroit-style pizza with hot honey drizzle.
- Tenacity is a chill spot with a small interior and large, grass patio with picnic tables. Plus, pizza is half off Wednesdays, per Tenacity's instagram.
- 8517 2nd Ave. around the Piety Hill neighborhood, north of New Center
For more of a morning vibe, try:
☕ Saturn Coffee: This new, independent cafe opened in August in the Albert Kahn-designed Abington building, along a tree-lined residential street. Outdoor seating comes out starting Friday for the first day of spring.
- 700 Seward Ave., Suite 2 in New Center
🚲 Red Hook Greenway: This location of the local Red Hook coffee shop chain is near the riverfront, along its highly connected walking and cycling route. It's an ideal spot to sit outside and sip coffee along a morning journey.
- 2761 E. Jefferson Ave., near Rivertown