by Elyse Wild | photo by Richelle Kimble

In the summer, Grand Rapidians love to spend as much time outside as possible — we have to enjoy it while we can, after all. While the sun is shining and temperatures rise, we flock outdoors for almost everything:  listening to live music, watching movies, exercising, shopping — and eating. When the weather finally turns the last corner of spring, restaurants across the city invite patrons to enjoy their fare in the shining sun. While many eateries offer outdoor dining, we bring you a list of establishments that take it one step higher. Here are five places in Grand Rapids that offer rooftop and upper deck dining. 

Rockwell Republic, 3rd Floor
45 Division Ave S
Mon-Tue: 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
Wed-Fri: 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Sat: 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
Sun: 10 a.m.-1 a.m.

This downtown gastropub is located in the Heartside District and features a menu that includes everything from sushi to beer cheese dip. The rooftop deck has more than a dozen seating options, and the surrounding trellises make for an intimate dining experience right under the city sky. 

Haute at New Hotel Mertens (rooftop lounge), 9th Floor
35 Oakes St SW
Mon-Thurs: 4 p.m.-late
Fri: Noon-2 p.m., (buffet lunch) 4 p.m.-late
Sat-Sun: Noon-2 p.m., (buffet brunch) 4 p.m.-late

Fans of New Hotel Mertens will be pleased to know their popular rooftop lounge is once again open for the summer. Haute offers stunning views of the city and a casual European-like lounge seating for 40 where you
can enjoy charcuterie, seafood, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and drinks. Get the jump on the crowd by adding your name to the waiting list up to an hour before Haute opens. 

The Friesian Gastro Pub, 2nd FLoor
720 Michigan St NE
Mon-Tue: 3 p.m.-10 p.m.
Wed-Fri: 11 a.m.-Midnight
Sat: 10 a.m.-Midnight
Sun: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

One of Grand Rapids’ newest restaurants and the latest addition to the Michigan corridor of eateries and watering holes, Friesian features a full bar and a rotating menu of “comfort food with an eclectic twist.” Located in a former chapel, their rooftop deck is the first of its kind in the Midtown district and seats 50 people.

the sky deck Bobarinos, 2nd floor
20 Monroe Ave NW
Mon: closed
Tue-Thu: 4 p.m.-11 p.m.
Fri: 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Sat: 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.
Sun: Closed
Open Sundays for shows at 20 Monroe Live.

This Gilmore Restaraunt Collection staple’s south-facing upper deck offers a view of the bustling activity on Fulton St and is lined with planters featuring herbs
and vegetables. 

Harmony Hall, 2nd FLoor
401 Stocking Ave NW
Mon: Closed
Tue-Thu: 11-10 p.m.
Fri-Sat: 11 a.m.-Midnight
Sun: Noon -9 p.m. 

This German-style beer hall serves up original beers, a dynamic menu ranging from sausage plates to wood-fired pizza and a pretzel that weighs more than a pound. Their second floor features an open-air dining area with seating for 35 and a view of the rapidly expanding West Side. 

For a full list of outdoor dining in Grand Rapids, please visit womenslifestyle.com. 

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When she is not editing for WLM, Elyse enjoys traveling to far off lands, taking photos, listening to live music and spinning records.