Outdoor Spaces for Downtown Diners
There's no better way to enjoy summer in Downtown Ludington than with a great meal outdoors. As the days grow longer and the waterfront comes to life, local restaurants are welcoming guests with seasonal menus, patio seating, and plenty of hometown hospitality. Here are some of our favorite spots to relax, dine al fresco, and make the most of a beautiful Michigan summer.
Keeper’s Fish Shack is open for the season, where you can grab fish or seafood to go and enjoy it in the adjacent Legacy Plaza. This restaurant, opened in 2021, has become a very popular stop!
Enjoy a Cluck Bucket sandwich or Cluck N Pits at its new location at Legacy Plaza. This is the perfect grab-n-go lunch spot that also serves specialty drinks including coffees and smoothies.
From the deck of Jamesport Brewing Company, sip a Blueberry Wheat or Badger Brown with dinner as you watch the SS Badger come into port. Jamesport is also opening its beer garden, where you can hang out and play games as you wait for your food.
You will often find live music to accompany your dinner on the patio at Ludington Bay Brewing Company. This 1,500-square-foot patio is a great place to enjoy some homemade pizza or po boy sandwich with a locally made Badger Blue or one of the other 24 beers on tap.
Grab a bucket drink and some lobster nachos at Over the Moon, Blu Moon Bistro’s rooftop patio. It’s now open for the season, and sushi, salads, sandwiches and a full bar are available.
For a quick burger or perch dinner, try Ludington Pub with two outdoor patios that are dog-friendly.
Timbers Bar & Grill has deck seating on James Street that overlooks the harbor. Try delicious dishes like fish tacos, Mediterranean chicken, or a bourbon-glazed pork chop.
Trail’s End Baking Company has also added outdoor seating for to-go orders. Grab a salad or grilled sandwich and enjoy it there.
For a quiet corner, head to Cafe 106 for a delicious brunch at an outside table (open 8 a.m.-2 p.m.).
Nearby, Table 14 has outdoor tables for the season as well. This establishment has a more upscale menu with small plates or entrees like filet mignon, sea scallops and Charleston Shrimp & Grits.
