Hotts Spots: Macomb dining spots moves the party outdoors
With summer’s arrival, the party moves outdoors for many Macomb County dining spots.
Owners of area establishments have worked to provide various amenities for their customers with live entertainment, large-screen TVs for sports viewing and second-floor seating.
Here is a look at popular locations in some Macomb County markets:
• Mount Clemens
As the entertainment capital of Macomb, The Clem has plenty of outdoor places. At the top of the list is Madison’s Pub, 15 N. Walnut, which has created an inviting place with live entertainment Thursday-Saturday in a landscaped environment, with plenty of nooks to cozy up in, a fire pit and a smoking section.
But what makes Madison’s stand out is the second floor, referred to by customers as the “Upper Deck,” with cascading lights setting a relaxed atmosphere.
“On Friday and Saturday nights, there’s a line out the door to get in,” said manager Jessica Vescosky.
Down the street, there’s Bath City Bistro, 75 Macomb Place, featuring couches and chairs with saxophone music on Saturdays by Anton. At Orleans Sports Cafe, 100 Macomb Place, the garage doors and folding windows open up to a jamming patio with a prime view for the city’s outdoor concerts.
Mike’s on the Water owner Mike Lefevre and general manager Robert Tondreau plan to open a second-floor patio in the coming days at this St. Clair Shores haven for seafood and more.
The new kid on the block is O’Halloran’s Public House, 112 Macomb Place, offering live entertainment. The owners have plans to further upgrade this facility for next year.
Other great places to enjoy nights in the Clem include Little Lorraine’s, 86 Macomb Place, Abbibo, 76 Macomb Place, and Three Blind Mice, 100 N. Main Street.
• Roseville
Dooleys Irish Tavern, 32500 Gratiot, and The Spot Bar & Grill, 32456 Gratiot, are located in the same parking lot across from Macomb Mall.
Both have comfortable outdoor settings and have added large-screen TVs for sports viewing and a view of motorists traveling along bustling Gratiot. The Spot also has a laser light show.
• Fraser
At the Vintage House Banquets & Catering, 31816 Utica Road, owner Anthony Jeselnik has created a little oasis with a 5,000-square-foot outdoor garden patio in a wrought iron gazebo that includes a stone fireplace and greenery all around.
• St. Clair Shores
Let’s face it — who can go wrong with a view of Lake St. Clair?
Shores residents have at least three venues to choose from in Mike’s on the Water, 24530 Jefferson Ave., WaterMark Bar & Grille, 24420 Jefferson, and Brownie’s on the Lake, 24214 Jefferson, all with gorgeous water views. Mike’s on the Water recently constructed a second-floor patio, which is expected to open in coming days.
Although there are no water views, Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Cafe, 23722 Jefferson, has a hopping patio, too.
• Sterling Heights
Roger’s Roost, 33626 Schoenherr, has built a little outdoor haven for their customers to escape the interior bustle. A few blocks away, Johnny Black’s Public House, 35000 Moravian Drive, has two outdoor sections, both of which are noteworthy.
• Utica
Hogs Hollow Smokehouse, 45108 Cass, the gateway to downtown Utica, has a handsome patio close to the Hall Road corridor. Red Ox Tavern, 45411 Park Ave., has a dual-sided fireplace visible from inside or out in the outdoor dining area and heaters in the patio for cool nights.