Best Patios for a Summer Evening in Rochester & Rochester Hills, MI
Updated September 24, 2026
Rochester gets maybe five good patio months, so it is worth knowing which ones are actually pleasant at 7pm.
## The one with the view
**Ernie's On The Creek** (543 N Main St) is the answer if you only get one evening. It sits on the Paint Creek riverfront with outdoor seating right over the water, serving Greek cooking reimagined for now. Happy hour food and drinks help if you arrive early.
## Rooftop
**423 Main Bar Grill & Rooftop** (423 S Main St) is the only rooftop on this list. It looks down over Main Street, does Mexican and Mediterranean plates alongside burgers and wings, and runs live music and trivia.
## Beer on the patio
**Griffin Claw Clubhouse** (2265 Crooks Rd, Rochester Hills) has well over 100 beers and a proper outdoor patio with sports on inside. It is the easy call for a group that cannot agree on anything.
## Dinner outside
**AURA COSTIERA** (1890 S Rochester Rd) does coastal Italian, pasta and seafood with wine and handcrafted cocktails, and takes reservations — the most grown-up patio dinner in the Hills. **RH House** (2630 Crooks Rd) is the contemporary American alternative a few minutes away, with cocktails and a vegetarian-friendly menu.
## Casual and dog-friendly
**Chomp** (200 S Main St) keeps a dog-friendly patio in the middle of downtown, with burgers, sandwiches and vegan options ordered at the counter. **MESHICO Tacos and Tequila** (2949 Crooks Rd) also welcomes dogs outside and runs late-night food.
## A little further out
**The Corner House** (55100 Shelby Rd) sits near Stoney Creek Metropark, which makes it the natural patio stop after a day on the trails. **Stony Creek Roadhouse** (3000 26 Mile Rd) is nearby with steaks, comfort food and frequent live music.
## Downtown, no fuss
**Paul's On Main Street** (630 N Main St) has patio seating and American comfort food from breakfast through dinner — the low-stakes option when you just want to be outside on Main.
Most of these fill between 6pm and 8pm on a warm Friday. Reservations help everywhere they are accepted.
Related lists
Frequently asked
- Which patio is best with a dog?
- Chomp downtown and MESHICO Tacos and Tequila on Crooks Road both allow dogs in their outdoor seating.
- Is there a patio right on the water?
- Yes — Ernie's On The Creek sits on the Paint Creek riverfront on North Main Street.
