Skip to content

The Graduate Guide to Outdoor Dining

Click to scroll down to Read Article

The Graduate Guide to Outdoor Dining

There are plenty of reasons to love sweet summertime, but at Graduate Hotels we’re partial to patio sessions with ice-cold drinks, seasonal snacks and a close group of friends. Next time you want to sip the day away outdoors, head over to these well-appointed hangouts – we’ve got just the spot for any summer vibe.

Garden House at Graduate Cambridge

Between lovely foliage, charming decor and unparalleled views of the River Cam, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better outdoor dining experience than at Garden House Cambridge. The recently reopened garden is the perfect place to enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon. Unwind with a bespoke cocktail (Garden Bar Martini is our favourite!) and light bites while you take in the picturesque scenery and easy-going crowd. Tables and deck chairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so be sure to plan ahead.

Camp Trippalindee at Graduate Madison

If you’re in the mood to feel like a kid again this summer, Camp Trippalindee is the place to be. This unique rooftop experience channels the spirit and flat out fun of summers past seven floors above Langdon Street. Inspired by 1980s camp movies, iconic Wisconsin taverns and the joy of being a kid, the space is full of kitsch everywhere you look. Plus, in our opinion, fun and easy eats like beer brats, double stacked burgers and frozen slushies are best enjoyed in the sunshine.

Graduate Rock Bar at Graduate East Lansing

Where laid-back meets throwback. Set on the hotel’s top floor, Graduate Rock Bar is the best place to grab dinner, drinks and unmatched views of MSU. This bar + restaurant channels a summer camp feel year-round, with Midwest style and a menu inspired by Michigan classics. You can’t go wrong with any order, but you definitely don’t want to miss the Michigan Beer Dip with pretzel bites. Sound like a great time? Come by to gather round under the summer stars.

Trophy Room at Graduate Charlottesville

There’s nothing better than 360° views of The Grounds. Located right on historic Main Street, Trophy Room rooftop bar and restaurant celebrates the Charlottesville community with a charming, homegrown feel. While you’re enjoying the sprawling scenery from a comfortable perch, order a round of nostalgic Graduate favorites like our signature Smash Burgers and Adult Capri Sun cocktails for your group.

The Mountaineering Club at Graduate Seattle

Take a hike up to Graduate Seattle’s 16th floor to experience Mountaineering Club and its panoramic look at the city. From this unreal vantage point, you can see Mount Rainier, Puget Sound and downtown while relaxing with good food and good vibes. Highlighting the region’s best ingredients, coastal plates and playful cocktails are sure to please hungry hikers and the most daring drinkers. For something that screams summer, we highly recommend the Bitterberry Spritz. While we love adventurers of all ages, trekking up to the 16th floor is reserved for ages 21+ after 6 p.m.

If all this patio talk has you craving time outside, you’re not alone. Toss on some shades, grab your people, and stop by your local Graduate for good times – guaranteed.

Choose a Category or Location to filter the Graduate Blog, then submit

I'd like to see...

More specifically, only at

 
Book Now - opens the booking widget