Feature photo is Burn ‘Em Brewery. Photo by Christiana Howton.
Okay this was a hard one. There are so many awesome breweries and wineries in our area and almost all of them have some sort of patio or outdoor dining. We picked some of our favorites, but if your favorite is not on the list it doesn’t mean we don’t love them. We wanted to give you a range of different places. Remember, every brewery & winery in NWI and SW Michigan is worth checking out! We’ve got a great list in our “Cool Digs” directory!
Here we go…(in no particular order).
18th Street Brewery, Hammond – Named the top brewery by USA Today, we know the beer is delicious. When you can drink it outside on a summer day it tastes even better! The large patio has picnic tables, umbrellas…and you can bring your pup! More info here.
Hunter’s Brewery, Chesterton – The small patio out front of Hunter’s Brewery caught our attention because of it’s small town feel. Order food & beer from the bar at this family run spot and relax out front with friends. Hunter’s is NWI’s only 100% vegetarian-vegan brewpub. More info here.
Shoreline, Burn Em AND Zorn, Michigan City. Michigan City has the trifecta! We love all THREE breweries and their patios in Michigan City. Shoreline Brewery was the first in town. Their renovation now allows for a large patio including a stage (opening soon). Zorn Brew Works has a nice enclosed spot with a fire pit and Burn ‘Em...well, it’s open all year round and they throw some amazing parties, so we’ve got to include them! Zorn and Burn ‘Em are dog friendly.
Shady Creek Winery, Michigan City – Shady Creek’s outdoor patio sits alongside a small lake. Enjoy a glass of wine and some charcuterie under the stars. They recently started a live music series that is wonderful. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash. More info here.
Anderson’s Winery, Valparaiso – Nestled along the vineyard off of Hwy. 6, Anderson’s Winery patio is the perfect place to while away a Sunday afternoon. They have live music on occasion and are now serving frosé! Look for their special events and workshops, held weekly. Dogs are allowed on the patio. More info here.
Photo courtesy of Anderson’s Winery
Beer Church Brewing Co., New Buffalo – The patio is open and the pizza Napoletana is now available at Beer Church. This is where you want to go after a day at the beach! All are hailing the large and bustling Beer Church Garden. More info here.
Ghost Isle Brewery, New Buffalo – One of the newest breweries in town, you can’t ask for a better patio. There’s a bar outside and it overlooks the 156 acres of wetlands. Full menu, wine and cocktails. More info here.
Greenbush Annex. Photo taken by Laura Niemiec
Greenbush Annex, Sawyer – Across the street from Greenbush Brewery is the Annex. This spacious outdoor patio also has outdoor games. Order your beer at the counter, grab an Italian sausage or something from the deli, and enjoy! More info here.
Haymarket Taproom, Bridgman – Haymarket is one of our favorites! Live music, delicious pizza and amazing beer. Spend the day playing outdoor games or just relaxing in the shade. Dog friendly. More info here.
photo courtesy of Haymarket Taproom
Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant, Buchanan – You will feel like you are on the California wine trail when you are out on this patio. Gorgeous views of the vineyard, a wonderful selection of wine and a full menu is what got this long-standing winery on our list. More info here.
Round Barn Winery, Distillery & Brewery, Baroda – Beer, wine, live music, food, rolling hills, a vineyard, family friendly, dog friendly. Need we say more? Round Barn has fun events throughout the summer and a little something for everyone! More info here.
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