Summertime and the living’s easy in your Sanctuary of the Great Lakes!

PIFCider is also part of Alpena's downtown social district!

PIFCider is also part of Alpena’s downtown social district!

Nothing like relaxing on the patio with some good eats and a cold beverage, right? If you want to skip the effort and mess of cooking at home this summer, here are some great spots for outdoor dining in Alpena:

Downtown Alpena: 

  1. The Bulldog – Conveniently located downtown right next door to Bob’s Bullpen comic shop, this place has every hot dog you can imagine!
  2. Cabin Creek Coffee – Tables and chairs are set up for you to enjoy a custom latte with a delicious lunch. 
  3. Thunder Bay Winery- Offers prime outdoor seating in downtown Alpena- and you can order cuisine from the neighboring Samantha’s on 2nd while sipping wine!
  4. Mangos Tequila Bar- Has a cute and quiet outdoor space in the Chisholm St. pocket park with a fantastic view of the ‘Make a Splash’ fish mural!
  5. HopSide Brewery – A brand new brewery located in the heart of downtown Alpena, with outdoor seating available in the back of the building.
  6. Red Brick Tap & Barrel – A recently renovated outdoor patio space is now available to eat and drink during the warmer months at Red Brick Tap & Barrel in downtown Alpena.
  7. 808 Bowlz – Food truck/outpost located in the River Street Vault next to Red Brick Tap & Barrel, except this one serves up flavors of the Hawaiian Islands.
  8. Fresh Palate Playback – Another food truck located in the River Street Vault next to Red Brick Tap & Barrel, offering all the fan favorites from the lunch menu at the former Fresh Palate.
  9. PIFCider – Serving up 12 different rotating taps of farm-fresh hard cider, Presque Isle Farms Cider is more similar to wine than the traditional sweet ciders you may be used to. Hungry? Try out a Birch Hill Grocery pizza, some fresh baked goods.
  10. Black Sheep Pub – Drink and load up on Black Sheep’s famous fish & chips and burgers in front of this English-style pub.
  11. Thunder Bay Winery – Specialty drinks and a wide selection of Thunder Bay wine can be enjoyed at the winery’s outdoor space on 2nd Avenue. You may also order your lunch/dinner from Fresh Palate, next door, and eat at the winery.
  12. Rusty Petunia’s Marketplace – Enjoy a cocktail, wine, or beer from the bar at Rusty Petunia’s outdoor space in the alley.
  13. The Old Polish Corner – Still in the downtown area, just a few blocks out, this new restaurant serves up authentic Polish and American cuisine and just added a beautiful outdoor space for dining in the warm weather months.
  14. Knaebe’s at The Water Street Commons – Sip on some delicious Knaebe’s hard cider without the drive to Rogers City at the tiny shops on Water Street!
  15. BluBlends – While you’re at the tiny shops at The Water Street Commons, try out a healthy and delicious smoothie or acai bowl from BluBlends.
  16. Samantha’s on 2nd – Indulge in upscale dining on the patio sidewalk in front of Samantha’s on 2nd, the former location of The Fresh Palate inside the Center Building.
  17. Downtown Scoops – Enjoy a shipwreck-themed sundae, soft serve, and rotating flavors outdoors at this downtown ice cream shop.

Alpena City Limits:

The Fresh Palate Playback

  1. The Owls Nest-  A great variety of gourmet hamburgers and appetizers (need we say more?!)
  2. The Court Yard – A newly constructed patio for outside dining awaits at this popular dinner spot.
  3. Herbie’s Scoop Shack– A fun ice cream shop carrying bubble teas, smoothies, and ice cream.
  4. Austin Brothers Beer Company – Enjoy your Michigan craft beer in the beautiful weather in their newly renovated outdoor section at Austin Brothers Beer Company.
  5. Nowicki’s Sausage Shoppe – Serving up high-quality, handmade specialty brats on a bun with a variety of toppings. 
  6. Pompeyos – A brand new outdoor deck for patrons to enjoy Mexican cuisine, along with a Lake Huron view.
  7. Uncle Mike’s food truck – A family-owned & operated food trailer serving delicious eats to N.E. Michigan. This food truck rotates in locations; just check their Facebook page for up-to-date daily locations. Seasonal.

Hubbard Lake:

Throwback to when Sasquatch himself enjoyed outdoor dining in Alpena for the filming of Major League Fishing

  1. Churchill Pointe Inn- A beautiful restaurant and inn with outdoor seating that overlooks pristine Hubbard Lake. Open seasonally, May – October.

Ossineke:

  1. Connie’s Cafe – Enjoy a famous Connie’s breakfast or lunch in their screened patio section.

Long Lake:

  1. Sandbar & Grill – Drive up by car or by boat to the Sandbar & Grill docks and enjoy a pizza, burger, or a delicious appetizer after a day in the sun.

Did we miss you? Email ni****@*********na.com to get added to the list!

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