Did we miss your favorite outdoor dining experience downtown? Send a photo and information to ReportIt@woodtv.com and we will add it to our list. Check back frequently — there are dozens more restaurants we plan to add to this guide as their winterized outdoor spaces open.


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Geodesic domes, greenhouses, shanties and chalets are popping up outside Grand Rapids restaurants as the hospitality industry grapples with another indoor dining ban amid dropping temperatures.

“We’ve been open for 93 years and we plan to be open for many more,” said the owner of Grand Rapids’ longest-running restaurant and bar, Cottage Bar.

The most recent order from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services allows igloos, huts or other small enclosures where members of only one household can dine. Servers must “enter fleetingly or not at all,” and the outside structures must follow local government regulations.

The decision to winterize outdoor dining is a difficult one for businesses which have already taken a long-term hit in revenue. Purchasing and installing shelters and heating elements can cost thousands of dollars, and there’s no guarantee there’s enough interest in al fresco dining during winter for the venture to pay off.

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. is trying to ease business’ sticker shock with a $240,000 grant program to help winterize their outdoor spaces. Dozens of bars and restaurants have inquired about the program, which is accepting applications.

Mark Miller, DGRI’s managing director for planning and design, says nearly three dozen businesses have voiced interest in winterizing the al fresco experience. Here are some of the ones already making it happen:

APERITIVO

435 Ionia Ave. SW

(A Dec. 1, 2020 photo shows the outdoor dining area for Aperitivo at Grand Rapids’ Downtown Market.)

Setting: Once MDHHS lifts its restrictions on outdoor dining enclosures, Aperitivo plans to enclose the majority of its patio and add ceiling-mounted radiant heaters to the space. Each of the six tables on the winterized patio will seat up to four guests. Sanitary wipes will be provided at each table.

Rules: Guests must enter the Grand Rapids Downtown Market main building to check in for a table. A maximum of four guests are allowed at each table. Guests must wear face masks at all times except when seated at their table. Visitors cannot walk around the area with drinks. All tables will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Hours: The outdoor dining area will be open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday.


BRASS RING BREWING

2404 Eastern Ave. SE

(A photo Brass Ring Brewing posted on Facebook on Nov. 23, 2020 shows the brewery’s outdoor dining “shanty town.”)

Setting: Master woodworker Allen Spencer, who created many features inside the brewery, brought his expertise outside to create three colorful “beer shanties.” Each insulated shanty includes a space heater and seats up to four people.

Rules: Shanties are available by 90-minute reservation only for groups of four or fewer who should come from the same household, according to MDHHS guidelines. Guests must wear face masks to enter the brewery to check in for their reservation. Orders are taken from the shanty by servers wearing face masks. Each shanty will be cleaned between reservations.

Hours: The shanties are open Tuesday through Sunday. Reservation windows are 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. and 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The brewery says it may expand business hours based on demand. Customers are encouraged to check https://www.brassringbrewing.com/ and the brewery’s Facebook page for updates.


CITY BUILT BREWING COMPANY

820 Monroe Ave. NW

(A Dec. 17, 2020 photo shows “The Welcome Center” outdoor dining area created by City Built Brewing Company.)

Setting: Known for its inventive outdoor dining setups during this pandemic, City Built Brewing Company is taking it a step further this time with “The Welcome Center.” The business is working on heating and electricity inside the large tent located across from its brewery. Inside, visitors will find a newly licensed outdoor bar. Once the space is ready to go, City Built plans to roll up three of the tent sides to abide by the current MDHHS order. The tent can fit up to 60 people under current state capacity restrictions, all seated at tables for groups of up to four people.

Rules: All visitors must wear masks when they’re not seated. Tables are available on a first come, first served basis.

Hours: The outdoor bar will match the brewery’s business hours which were 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday as Nov. 25. Customers are encouraged to check for updates to hours and the business at https://citybuiltbrewing.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/CityBuiltBrewing.


THE COTTAGE BAR & RESTAURANT

18 La Grave Ave. SE

(A photo Lisa Verhil submitted to ReportIt shows the covered outdoor dining area for The Cottage Bar in Grand Rapids.)

Setting: The Cottage Bar has added an enclosure over its alleyway patio between the restaurant and One Trick Pony. The socially distanced tables seat four to six people and are heated by three electric and two propane heaters.

Rules: Guests must wear a mask at all times except when seated. Customers must come into the restaurant to request an outdoor table, which is available only on a first-come, first served basis. The restaurant will text guests when their table is ready. Visitors are asked to follow social distancing rules. Table service is limited to an hour for each group of guests. Customers are encouraged to bring blankets.

Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Check https://cottagebar.biz/ or https://www.facebook.com/TheCottageBarAndRestaurant for updates.


DONKEY TAQUERIA

665 Wealthy Street SE

(A Nov. 18, 2020 photo shows people dining in “igloos” outside Donkey Taqueria.)

Setting: All In Hospitality says the outdoor spaces at its four restaurants including Donkey Taqueria will remain open for the entire winter. At Donkey Taqueria, guests can enjoy the restaurant’s entire menu from a heated “igloo.” Chris Funaro with All In Hospitality says each igloo will offer a “contact-free dining experience” and will be electro-sanitized in between reservations, which are $10 to book online. Traditional outdoor seating is also available.

Rules: Igloos are available by reservation only and are limited to six guests. No pets are allowed in the igloos. Visitors must wear a face mask when they’re not seated.

Hours: Donkey Taqueria is currently open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Check for updates including possible business hour changes at https://www.facebook.com/DonkeyGR.


ELK BREWING

700 Wealthy Street SE

(A Nov. 18, 2020 photo shows Elk Brewing’s outdoor patio, complete with heating elements.)

Setting: The gravel patio area features an outdoor fireplace and standing heaters in between picnic tables. An outdoor tent originally purchased by the business was destroyed in the Nov. 15 windstorm, but wouldn’t be allowed under the current MDHHS order anyway.

Rules: Customers must wear a face mask when they’re not seated at a table. A maximum of 20 people are allowed on the patio and all guests must be seated. Customers must check in for contact tracing purposes before they can purchase beer. Visitors can bring in food from other restaurants if they’d like.

Hours: As of Nov. 19, the patio will be open 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday. Hours are subject to change; check for updated hours by calling 616.228.4853.


FIELD & FIRE CAFE

820 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 100

(A Dec. 1, 2020 photo shows the outdoor greenhouse dining spaces for Field & Fire Cafe on Monroe Avenue NW in Grand Rapids.)

Setting: Four personal greenhouses fill the social zone outside the café. Each greenhouse seats up to four people. Employees say the greenhouses are typically 20 degrees warmer than outside temperatures. They’re also working on obtaining electric heaters, which should be installed in each greenhouse in the near future.

Rules: Greenhouses are available on a first come, first served basis. Each greenhouse should be limited to people from the same household. Visitors are encouraged to scan the QR code on their greenhouse and place their order via smartphone. A server will deliver orders to each greenhouse, handing it off through the doorway. Takeout orders can also be placed inside the café, but customers must wear a mask. Closure signs will be posted on greenhouses when they are being aired out and cleaned between groups of customers.

Hours: The greenhouses will be open during café business hours, which are currently 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. Check https://fieldandfire.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/fieldandfirecafe for updates.


THE FRESIAN GASTRO PUB

720 Michigan Street NE

(An undated photo provided by The Fresian Gastro Pub shows its winterized outdoor dining space.)

Setting: Warmed by space heaters and a furnace, the covered patio contains five socially distanced tables situated under a canopy of stringed lights. The restaurant says it plans to add all-weather curtains to the area soon.

Rules: Guests must wear face masks when not seated at their table. Reservations are recommended and can be scheduled at https://www.opentable.com/. During peak hours, visitors may be limited to 90 minutes at a table so the restaurant can accommodate as many guests as possible.

Hours: Open Wednesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last call is at 8:30 p.m. Check https://www.friesiangr.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/friesiangr for updates.


GRAVITY TAPHOUSE GRILLE

3210 Deposit Dr. NE

(A courtesy photo posted on Gravity Taphouse Grille’s Facebook page shows the heated patio available for outdoor dining.)

Setting: The covered patio features fireplaces and heaters nestled between socially distanced tables.

Rules: Guests must wear facemasks when not seated. Staff are required to wear gloves and masks.

Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check https://www.gravitytaphouse.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/GravityTaphouse for updates.


THE GREEN WELL

924 Cherry Street SE

(A Nov. 18, 2020 photo shows the patio at The Green Well.)

Setting: Heaters scattered between six socially distanced tables that seat up to four people. The current MDHHS order doesn’t allow enclosed patios, but if that restriction is lifted, The Green Well will cover the entire space.

Rules: Customers must wear face masks unless they’re seated and eating. No reservations allowed. If there’s a wait, customers must wait outside or in their vehicle until a table is available.

Hours: The outdoor patio is open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. during the current MDHHS order. Check for updated hours at https://thegreenwell.com/ and see if the patio is open at https://www.facebook.com/thegreenwell.


THE HOLIDAY BAR

801 5th St. NW, Grand Rapids

(A courtesy photo The Holiday Bar posted to Facebook on Nov. 19, 2020 shows its outdoor patio before the addition of propane heaters.)

Setting: Guests have two options: sit inside the covered pavilion, which has a full-service bar with an ceiling mounted gas heater and two large tables, or choose a table in the open patio area, which will soon be warmed by tall propane-fueled radiant heaters. The pavilion area is open on three sides and all seating in socially distanced, as required under the MDHHS order.

Rules: Guests must wear facemasks when not seated at their table, which includes when they check in at the front of the restaurant. All guests must provide contact information for potential contact tracing. Smoking and vaping is prohibited on the patio. Hand sanitizer is available at the entrance. The patio area is limited to 25 people and is available on a first-come, first-served basis only—no reservations. If capacity is reached, guests will be notified via their phone when a table is available for them. Staff will sanitize tables and chairs between each group of guests. Menus are available in paper or on your smartphone via QR code.

Hours: The heated patio area is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Check https://www.theholidaybargr.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/HolidayBarGR for updates.


HOUSE OF WINE

53 Monroe Center NW

(A Dec. 1, 2020 photo shows the dining spaces for House of Wine on Monroe Center NW in downtown Grand Rapids.)

Setting: Wine lovers looking for a unique, personal setting to sip some warm wintertime favorites are in luck here. Each of the four huts has its own design, but all are or will be heated, measure 8 square feet and can accommodate up to four people. Dogs are also welcome inside the enclosures. A server will come out to each structure to take customers’ orders. Popular menu choices during the colder months include hot mulled wine, Irish coffee and a peppermint patty drink made with peppermint Schnapps.

Rules: Huts are available by reservation only. Reservations are a minimum of one hour. There will be an hour gap between each reservation for the same hut to allow employees to clean the structure, which includes sanitizing all surfaces and misting the air with an alcohol solution.

Hours: The huts will be available by reservation during the restaurant’s normal business hours, which are currently Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. – 1- p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Check https://houseofwinegr.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/houseofwine_gr/ for updates.


LOGAN’S ALLEY

916 Michigan Street SE

(November 2020 Facebook photos courtesy Logan’s Alley show the restaurant’s heated outdoor patio.)

Setting: Located along the east side of the restaurant, this patio features a hospital-grade HEPA filter, ceiling-mounted heater as well as propane heaters scattered between socially distanced tables that seat two to six people each. Guests can enjoy watching TV outside on the wall-mounted monitors. Hand sanitizer stations are also available as you make your way from checking in at the front door to the patio.

Rules: Guests must wear a facemask when not seated. Facemasks are also mandatory for staff. Tables and chairs will be sanitized between groups of guests. Guests shouldn’t move tables or chairs. Tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there’s a wait, guests will be asked to wait outside.

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Check https://logansalley.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/logans.alley.gr
for updates.


LYON STREET CAFE

617 Lyon Street NE

(A Nov. 18, 2020 photo shows Lyon Street Cafe’s personal greenhouses lining the sidewalk.)

Setting: A half dozen small greenhouses with heaters line the sidewalk outside Lyon Street Cafe, which has shifted to walk-up ordering from the storefront window. The business plans to add cleaning stations outside the greenhouses so customers can clean the space before settling in. Lyon Street Cafe is also working on obtaining a license that would allow it to serve alcoholic cocktails to go.

Rules: Up to two people are allowed in each enclosure. Chairs should not be moved in or out of the greenhouses. Dogs are not allowed in the enclosures. Customers are asked to keep the door closed at all times to conserve energy and keep in the heat.

Hours: The greenhouses will be available to customers during regular business hours, which are currently 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.


MADCAP COFFEE

98 Monroe Center NW | 1041 E. Fulton Street

(An undated photo provided by Madcap Coffee Company shows the heated patio area outside its Fulton Street café.)

Settings: Visitors to the Fulton Street café can sip their orders while seated at one of the six picnic tables situated on the patio. Four of the tables in front of the café have accompanying patio heaters provided by Kids’ Food Basket; the remaining two tables are under a decorated tent. The Monroe café, which currently offers social zone seating, is working to add electric pillar heaters and its own patio furniture. The plans call for two tables that can seat two people.

Rules: Customers can order takeout online at either café or place their order at the front door of the Fulton Street café. Guests are asked to practice social distancing and strongly encouraged to wear face masks when not seated and drinking. The Monroe café offers hand sanitizer at the drink pickup station and masks for guests who need them to walk around downtown safely. Restrooms and indoor seating are not available during the current MDHHS order.

Hours: The Fulton Street Café’s outdoor space is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. The Monroe Center patio is open during regular business hours, which are currently 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Check https://madcapcoffee.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/madcapcoffee for updates.


NEW HOLLAND BREWING CO. – THE KNICKERBOCKER

417 Bridge Street NW

(A courtesy photo posted on New Holland Brewing Co.’s Facebook page for The Knickerbocker shows the brewery’s pop-up beer garden in Grand Rapids.)

Setting: The brewery’s semi-enclosed pop-up beer garden includes firepit tables, heaters and patio tables covered by umbrellas. Guests can enjoy drinks and food from a special beer garden menu.

Rules: Heated bar areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors can find the beer garden entrance at the back of the brewery’s building. Guests are encouraged to wear masks when not seated at their table.

Hours: Beer garden days and hours vary. Check https://www.newhollandbrew.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/newhollandknickerbocker for updates.


ONE. TWENTY.THREE.

123 Ionia Ave. SW

Setting: This Studio Park restaurant is working to open a heated outdoor dining experience in the piazza area on Dec. 3. Six to seven patio tables that seat up to four people will be situated under a tent that’s open on three sides, as required under the MDHHS order. One.Twenty.three is adding heaters that hang from the outdoor tent and palm-tree style heaters near each table to keep visitors warm.

Rules: Guests are asked to wear face masks when seated. Walk-ins and reservations are welcome.

Hours: The outdoor dining area’s initial hours will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Check https://123gr.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/OneTwentyThreeGR for hours and status updates.


OUTSIDE COFFEE CO.

734 Wealthy Street SE

(A Nov. 18, 2020 photo shows geodesic domes at Outside Coffee on Wealthy Street SE in Grand Rapids.)

Setting: Gravel paths cut through this dog-friendly green space at the corner of Wealthy Street and Charles Avenue SE. A few geodesic domes are scattered amongst traditional outdoor seating that includes fire pits. Reserve a Geo-dome at https://outside-coffee-co-grand-rapids.resos.com/booking.

Rules: Face masks are required to enter the garden patio area. All staff wear face masks. Credit or debit cards are preferred over cash. Orders must be placed and picked up at the truck.

Hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check https://outsidecoffeeco.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/OutsideCoffeeCo for updates.


RESERVE WINE & FOOD

201 Monroe Ave. NW

(A December 2020 photo posted to Reserve Wine & Food’s Facebook page shows the heated chalets the business has created for private outdoor dining.)

Setting: The wine bar and restaurant took its propane heater-filled patio up a notch with personal enclosed “chalets.” Five chalets fill the patio area facing Monroe Avenue. Four of the structures seat up to four people; the remaining chalet is slightly larger and seats up to six visitors.

Rules: Guests must remain outside at all times except if they need to use the restroom. Customers are asked to wear a face mask at all times when they are not seated. QR codes are available to view the menu via cellphone. Reservations and walk-ins are accepted for the current heated patio and future chalets.

Hours: Outdoor dining will be available from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Check https://www.facebook.com/ReserveGR or https://www.instagram.com/reservegr/ for updates.


RISE AUTHENTIC BAKING

1220 West Fulton Street

(A photo posted to Rise Authentic Baking’s Facebook page on Nov. 27, 2020 shows the greenhouses available for outdoor dining.)

Setting: Four greenhouses fill the back patio of the business, each warmed by an electric fireplace. The three smaller greenhouses fit two people and the larger greenhouse can seat up to six people. As part of the no contact experience, customers order via phone using the QR code posted on their greenhouse. A staff delivers the order to the doorway of the respective shelter.

Rules: All customers should order and dine outside. Visitors can access the indoor bathroom by enterin the back hallway of the business. Customers are asked to wear masks when a server delivers their order and if they come inside to use the restroom. Greenhouses are available on a first come, first served basis. Staff sanitize greenhouses between each of group of customers. Guests in need of additional assurance can also clean the spaces with supplies provided on the patio.

Hours: The greenhouses are open during the bakery’s hours, which are currently 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Check or https://www.facebook.com/riseauthenticbaking or https://www.instagram.com/riseauthenticbaking/ for updates.


ROYALS

701 Wealthy Street SE

(A Nov. 18, 2020 photo shows igloo dining outside Royals in Grand Rapids.)

Setting: Guests get a complete view outside as they dine inside a private heated “igloo.” The contact-free experience starts with customers ordering and paying from their phone. A server drops off each order outside the igloo, where guests can pick it up and take it inside to dine. Each igloo will be electro-sanitized in between reservations, which are $5 to book online.

Rules: Igloos are available by reservation only and are limited to six guests. No pets are allowed in the igloos. Visitors must wear a face mask when they’re not seated.

Hours: Royals is currently open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Check for updates including possible business hour changes at https://www.royalsgr.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/royalsgr.


THE SOVENGARD

443 Bridge Street NW, Suite 1

(A photo posted by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. on Facebook shows one of the heated bell tents at The Sovengard, located on Bridge Street NW.)

Setting: The Sovengard’s “Wintergarten” features fire pits and tables with patio heaters, but the star of the outdoor dining space is the chicly furnished heated bell tents, which welcome up to six people.

Rules: The bell tents are available by reservation for up to two hours per party. Each group inside the tent should be from the same household, as outlined by the MDHHS order. The Sovengard says each tent will be aired out and sanitized between reservations. Seating is first-come, first served for all other areas. Guests are required to ear masks when not seated.

Hours: Temporary dining hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check https://www.sovengard.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/thesovengard for updates.


SPECIATION CELLARS

928 Wealthy Street SE

(A Nov. 18, 2020 photo shows the outdoor patio complete with heaters alongside Speciation Cellars.)

Setting: Speciation Artisan Ales has transformed a corner of its parking lot into a patio, complete with barrel dividers, wooden bars with partitions and propane heaters. The business plans to keep the space open all winter.

Rules: Customers must order inside the taproom. Masks are required while inside. Canned beverages are only allowed on the patio.

Hours: The outdoor patio is currently open Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Check https://speciationartisanales.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/speciationartisanales for updates.


UCCELLO’S RISTORANTE

122 Monroe Center NW | 2630 E. Beltline Ave. SE

(A Dec. 1, 2020 photo shows the outdoor patio for Uccello’s on Monroe Center NW in downtown Grand Rapids.)

Setting: The outdoor patio is covered by a structure with one moveable wall to block the wind. Eight standing propane heaters warm the space, which has 14 tables that can seat 60 people total in groups of up to six people. Uccello’s East Beltline location also has a covered patio area with heaters where guests can dine.

Rules: Tables are available on a first come, first served basis. Guests are asked to send one person from their party inside to ask the host for a table. All customers must maintain six feet of social distancing from other groups, wear a mask inside the restaurant and when moving about outside, and limit their party to six people.

Hours: The outdoor patio has the same hours as the restaurant: 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Customers can get updates at https://www.uccellos.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/UccellosRistorante.


THE WINCHESTER

648 Wealthy Street SE

(A photo posted on The Winchester’s Facebook page on Nov. 28, 2020 shows the restaurant’s outdoor “Winnie Wonderland.” )

Setting: The “Winnie Wonderland” at The Winchester brings the outdoors inside with private heated “igloos” that seat up to six people. The contact-free experience starts with customers ordering and paying from their phone. A server drops off each order outside the igloo, where guests can pick it up and bring it into their igloo. Each dining space will be electro-sanitized in between reservations, which are $10 to book online.

Rules: Igloos are available by reservation only and are limited to six guests. No pets are allowed in the igloos. Visitors must wear a face mask when they’re not seated.

Hours: The Winchester is currently open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Check for updates including possible business hour changes at https://www.winchestergr.com or https://www.facebook.com/thewinchestergr.


OUTSIDE GRAND RAPIDS

MAIN ST. PUB

11240 University Pkwy, Allendale

(A Nov. 27, 2020 courtesy photo provided by Jay Johnson on Facebook shows Main St. Pub’s outdoor dining area.)

Setting: Igloos encircle tables on the restaurant’s outdoor patio. Each igloo can seat up to eight people and comes with a small space heater to help visitors stay warm even on cloudy days.

Rules: Reservations for igloos are free and recommended, but not required. Reservations can be made by calling 616.895.1234. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis when an igloo is not already reserved.

As of Dec. 3, igloos are only available to customers ordering takeout and delivery. All customers are encouraged to social distance from other groups and may use contactless payment options. Staff will be wearing face masks.

Hours: As of Dec. 3, Main St. Pub is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Check https://www.mainstpub.com or https://www.facebook.com/MainSt.PubAllendale for updates.


ROSE’S RESTAURANT

550 Lakeside Dr. SE, East Grand Rapids

(A photo posted to Rose’s Facebook Page shows heated outdoor seating overlooking Reeds Lake.)

Setting: Heating lamps loom above four socially distanced tables overlooking Reeds Lake.

Rules: Guests must wear facemasks unless seated. Visitors are asked to maintain a six foot distance from outside groups. Staff must wear face coverings at all times. All surfaces will be regularly cleaned and sanitized.

Hours: Open daily from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Check https://www.thegilmorecollection.com/roses/ or https://www.facebook.com/RosesOnReedsLake/ for updates.


THE SAND BAR AND GRILL

11368 M-179, Middleville

(Icy shanties in front of the Sand Bar and Grill in Barry County on Dec. 16, 2020.)

Setting: The parking lot turned “Shanty Land” features three heated shanties equipped with a Bluetooth speaker available for rent. Customers can also bring their own shanties. The restaurant also has traditional outdoor seating and a fireplace.

Rules: Shanties available for rent are sanitized between each use. Servers try to keep their distance by handing food and drinks through the door. Customers bringing their own shanties should call 269.205.2525 to reserve their spot, since there is a limit of 10 shanties on the lot.

Hours: The Sand Bar and Grill is open Monday through Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. Check https://sandbargunlake.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/SandBarandGrillGunLake for updates.


THIRD NATURE BREWING CO.

7733 Childsdale Ave. NE, Rockford

(An undated photo sent to ReportIt shows Third Nature Brewing Co.’s winterized outdoor patio.)

Setting: Six heated “IgBrews” dot the 8,000-square-foot biergarten outside Third Nature Brewing Company. String lights hang from the outdoor space, which also features three fire pits and propane heaters for customers to warm themselves.

Rules: IgBrews are by reservation only, require a $50 deposit and are limited to 90 minutes for each reservation. Ten dollars of the deposit will go toward cleaning the dome; the remaining $40 will be refunded at check-in. No more than six people are allowed in an IgBrew, and they should all come from the same household, as mandated by MDHHS. Customers should dress for outdoor conditions even if they’ve reserved a heated dome. Orders should be made online and will be dropped off on the barrel outside each IgBrew.

Hours: Third Nature Brewing Co. is open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Check thirdnaturebrewing.com for updates.

THORNAPPLE BREWING COMPANY

6262 28th Street, Cascade Township

(A courtesy photo Thornapple Brewing Company posted on Facebook shows one of the heated huts available to guests.)

Setting: Heated huts and igloos dot the parking lot outside the brewery.

Rules: Reservations are required. Call 616.288.6907 to schedule a time.

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hours vary during the holidays. Check https://www.thornapplebrewing.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/ThornappleBrewingCompany for updates.


Did we miss your favorite outdoor dining experience downtown? Send a photo and information to ReportIt@woodtv.com and we will add it to our list. Check back frequently — there are dozens more restaurants we plan to add to this guide as their winterized outdoor spaces open.