OUTDOOR DINING

Outdoor dining isn’t just a thing in Detroit, the metro area has tons of cool places to check out!

It’s decision time.

Cute, Colorful, and full of crave-worthy food. Detroit Fleat has it all and then some as a restaurant, food truck rally hybrid.

You can sit fire-side as you chow down on fresh, farm-to-table fare while watching boats leisurely make their way out to the Detroit River. We Dine In The D at Coriander Kitchen and Farm.

Ready to turn your outdoor space into the perfect spot for dining, entertaining or just kicking back and relaxing?

DETROIT – With indoor dining services put on hold for months in Michigan, restaurants have found creative ways to remain open while following coronavirus safety protocols. Throughout Metro Detroit, several restaurants have adopted igloo structures as a way to offer dining services outside amid the ban on indoor dining. But one restaurant in particular is doing things a bit differently, offering a more unique dining experience that’s specific to southwest Detroit, while still following state orders. “Which is a Spanish-style lantern that’s used traditionally for outdoor celebrations.”The new structures, called luminarias, offer restaurant patrons a unique dining option with a Mexicantown flare. Beginning Feb. 1, Michigan restaurants will be allowed to resume indoor dining services, but with several restrictions in place.

Today we’re heading over to Birmingham as they celebrate Birmingham Restaurant Week. You can also get some big rewards from participating in Restaurant Week. When you purchase food from a participating restaurant, you should take a picture of your receipt to receive money back as Birmingham Bucks. You can use your Birmingham Bucks to shop around Downtown Birmingham. Birmingham Restaurant Week runs until February 7th.

NORTHVILLE, Mich. – It may not be your normal New Year’s Eve celebration, but many are still ready to bring in 2021 in Downtown Northville -- whether outside in the cold or something a little more warmer. “We’re just going to go home and have some dinner, just alone with our little puppy,” said Carol Seneker. “Well we did a little shopping in Downtown Northville today and we’re going to go home and spend it with my wife and family and bring in the new year,” said Sean Carlson. We are, I think, all ready for 2021,” said Mayor Turnbull. “Oh yes, yes.

NORTHVILLE, Mich. – There has never been a more anticipated end to the year than in 2020 -- and even amid the pandemic, Metro Detroiters are not missing the opportunity to say kiss the year goodbye. New Year’s Eve celebrations in Michigan look different this year due to COVID restrictions, but some Metro Detroiters took to downtown Northville on Dec. 31, where outdoor businesses were ready to welcome them. Businesses and restaurants in downtown Northville have taken advantage of outdoor structures and heaters to continue offering services amid the state’s coronavirus restrictions. More: Heated outdoor ‘pods’ installed to keep downtown Northville businesses goingLocal 4′s Larry Spruill visited Northville on New Year’s Eve and found crowds of people enjoying the outdoor space with their friends and family. LIVE STREAM: 2021 New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop virtual event

ANN ARBOR – Downtown area associations have joined an annual campaign to encourage visitors to continue shopping and dining in the city throughout the month of January. Typically a slow time of year for business, the pandemic has only exacerbated the lack of customers at local establishments. The Main Street Area Association, State Street District, Kerrytown District Association, and South University Area Association have partnered with the getDowntown Program for “Conquer the Cold - Pandemic Edition.”The annual challenge by getDowntown -- in partnership with the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide), the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and the City of Ann Arbor -- is designed to encourage and educate commuters to use alternative modes of transportation during the cold winter months. Many restaurants will be participating in the Comfort Food Challenge, and users can get prizes for dining outdoors, ordering curbside and shopping downtown. “The Downtown Districts are excited to be partnering with GetDowntown for Conquer the Cold this year,” Sandra Andrade, executive director of the Main Street Area Association said in a statement.

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – In midst of Michigan’s current COVID-19 restrictions, many Metro Detroit businesses are utilizing outdoor dining this holiday season. While there is a Christmas atmosphere at the Village of Rochester Hills, things are different such as visiting Santa Claus by appointment at a 6-foot distance. Meanwhile, outdoor dining popped up this week at many of the restaurants at the Village. “We’ve got all of the Christmas lights up. While it may be a different feel, people are still excited that it’s the holidays,” said Zach Carlson with Kruse & Muer.

Detroit – For over 100 years people have been meeting at this old church in the Atkinson Avenue neighborhood of Detroit, but now people are gathering for a new reason, delicious food and drinks! In March of this year, the church opened its doors again, as The Congregation, a café. One of the major features you see in the space is a large organ. You will also spot beautifully restored stained glass around the building, as well as old pews, and other church furniture. Out front their sign says “Café, Coffee, Cocktails, and Community” and that is exactly what they offer.

PLYMOUTH, Mich. – As restaurants work to stay afloat amid a COVID-19 three-week pause that restricted indoor dining, another concern is winter weather affecting outdoor dining. But Plymouth is extending outdoor dining and even chipping in some carryout parking lots. “Just trying to do whatever we can to keep our doors open but (also) our patio open,” said John Thompson with The Post Local Bistro. Go buy some long johns and bring your own blanket if they don’t have them.”So far, it’s been just enough to keep the Post and others in Plymouth open, and owners are thankful. “This industry is hanging on by a thread,” Rosalie Vicari said.

Beacon Park Its summer, the weather has been gorgeous, and with people social distancing, many are opting to dine outdoors. When DTE was creating Beacon Park, they built a restaurant to be a part of it, but they needed someone to run it. Thats where Norm and Bonnie LePage, owners of Birmingham based Griffin Claw Beer, came in. They also have Griffin Claw Beer on draft, a wine list, and a host of signature cocktails. They offer all of their drinks to-go and you can sip them anywhere in Beacon Park.

LAKE ORION, Mich. With case of coronavirus (COVID-19) on the decline in southeast Michigan, the hope is that more businesses will soon be allowed to reopen. READ: Michigan retailers begin reopening slowly, cautiously amid COVID-19 pandemicIn the case of restaurants, one local township is already making plans to expand outdoor dining once they get the green light. Watch the full report above.