If you’re searching for the best outdoor dining in Lake Country and Waukesha County, from lakefront restaurants with stunning views to family-friendly patios, beachside bites, heated winter igloos, and year-round outdoor dining, this guide has you covered. Lake Country Family Fun has curated the top local spots for eating outside in Oconomowoc, Delafield, Hartland, Pewaukee, Waukesha, and beyond. Whether you want brunch on the lake, a sunset dinner on a patio, or cozy winter dining in a warm igloo, these are the must-try outdoor dining destinations in southeastern Wisconsin.
Restaurants in bold are Lake Country Family Fun partners—be sure to tell them we sent you when you enjoy their patios, lake views, or outdoor dining experiences!
Where is the best outdoor dining?
On the lake? With amazing patio views?
Where can I eat outside? Outdoor dining even in the winter?
Want to know more about the Lakes of Lake Country? We have a guide for that!
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This Outdoor Dining & Dome Dining Guide is organized into five easy-to-browse categories so you can quickly find the best patios, lakefront restaurants, heated outdoor dining, and igloo dining in Lake Country and Waukesha County.:
Tap on the section you want to be taken to:
- Best on-the-lake dining – top lakefront restaurants with waterfront views
- Lakefront dining with a beach – sandy, family-friendly outdoor spots
- Best outdoor seating/patios (not on-the-lake) – great patios, courtyards, and deck dining
- Patios with outdoor heated dining for fall/winter (seasonal) – fall and winter outdoor dining options
- Outdoor Dome Dining or Igloo Dining Options (seasonal) – seasonal igloos, domes, greenhouses & more
If we missed your favorite patio dining spot, lakefront restaurant, or igloo dining location, share it with us in the comment section below so we can keep this guide up to date for local families.
Best On-the-Lake Dining in
Lake Country & Waukesha County
Looking for the best lakefront restaurants in Lake Country and Waukesha County? These local favorites offer incredible waterfront views, outdoor patio seating, and a true “Wisconsin summer” dining experience. From casual lakeside bars to family-friendly restaurants with docks, these spots are perfect for sunsets, boat-up dining, and picturesque meals right on the water.
- AJ’s Bar and Grill on Muskego Lake
- Artisan 179 on Pewaukee Lake
- Bass Bay Brewhouse on Bass Bay Lake
- Smoke on the Water on Okauchee Lake
- Chocolate Factory on Pewaukee Lake
- Coco’s Seafood and Steakhouse on Fowler Lake
- Copper Dock on Friess Lake
- Curly’s on Pewaukee Lake
- Doc’s Dry Dock on Pewaukee Lake
- Edgewater on Pewaukee Lake
- Foolery’s on Okauchee Lake
- Gina’s Sports Dock on Pewaukee Lake
- Golden Lake Pub on Golden Lake
- Golden Mast on Okauchee Lake
- Fishbones on Nagawicka Lake
- Hollywood’s on Okauchee Lake (cannot get to via boat)
- Kim’s Lakeside on Pewaukee Lake
- Lago Su Bella on Lac La Belle (no patio seating-just pretty views)
- Lucky Chucky’s Beach Bar and Grill on Silver Lake
- Panga Bar & Grill on Upper Nemahbin Lake
- Seesters on Pewaukee Lake
- Splash Martini Bar on Lac La Belle
- The Etcetera on Fowler Lake – rooftop seating!
- The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant on Nagawicka Lake
- 5 O-Clock Club on Pewaukee Lake
Lakefront Dining With a Beach
(Family-Friendly Outdoor Spots)
These lakefront restaurants with beach access are some of the most family-friendly outdoor dining options in the area. Enjoy a meal steps from the sand while kids play nearby, soak up lake views, and relax in a casual, laid-back atmosphere. If you’re searching for restaurants on the beach or a spot where everyone can unwind outside, this list has you covered.
- Foolery’s on Okauchee Lake
- Gina’s Sports Dock on Pewaukee Lake
- Buddy’s Beach Bungalow (newly remodeled in 2025) is a snack shop at City Beach in downtown Oconomowoc on Lac La Belle.
- The Pewaukee downtown lakefront restaurants are across the street from the beach.
- Twisted Vine Wine Shop
- The Beach House Bistro
- Artisan 179
- Seester’s Mexican Cantina
- The Chocolate Factory
- Brewer’s Two Cafe and Coffeehouse
Best Outdoor Patios & Deck Dining
(Not on the Lake)
If you love fresh air dining but don’t need lake views, these non-lakefront patios and outdoor seating areas offer fantastic food, great ambiance, and plenty of sunshine. From modern courtyards and rooftop-style decks to cozy garden patios, these restaurants deliver some of the best outdoor dining experiences across Lake Country and Waukesha County.
All of the Restaurants above on the “Lakefront Dining with a Beach” list have great patios or sidewalk seating, plus the following:
- Rivalry Pub in Oconomowoc at the Club at Lac La Belle
- AJ O’Brady’s in Menomonee Falls
- Americas Continental
- Andreas Red Rooster in Waukesha
- Angelina’s in Delafield
- Beer Snobs in Hartland
- Bel Air Cantina at Corners of Brookfield
- Expanded outdoor seating overlooking their Market Square
- Belfast Station in Sussex
- Belfre in Delafield
- Bryants on the Round in Okauchee
- Bullwinkles in Brookfield
- Butler Inn in Pewaukee
- Café Hollander at Corners of Brookfield
- Shoppers Respite First Floor Patios & Rooftop
- Open-Air Four Seasons Private Dining Room
- Indoor Open-Air Garage Door Dining
- Cafe Manna in Brookfield
- Carlee’s Bar & Grill in Pewaukee
- Clean Juice in Oconomowoc
- Cornerstone Oconomowoc
- David Alan Alan’s Smokehouse & Saloon in Mukwonago
- Delafield Brewhaus
- Ella’s Public House in Wales
- Grill 164 in Oconomowoc
- Grill Junkies in Delafield
- I.d. in Delafield
- Joe Mamas in Colgate
- Kick Switch in Okauchee
- Kim’s in Stonebank
- Kurt’s Steakhouse in Delafield
- Lou Malnati’s full-service location in Brookfield
- Main Mill in Menomonee Falls
- Mama D’s in Wales
- Margaritas Mexican grill in Waukesha
- Mazatlán in Delafield
- Mr. Brew’s in Menomonee Falls
- Nettie’s Irish Pub in Pewaukee
- North Lake Bear Trap in North Lake
- North Star American Bistro in Brookfield
- Overboard at Sam’s in Okauchee
- Park Avenue Pizza in Pewaukee
- Parkside 23 in Brookfield
- People’s Park in Waukesha
- The Terrace at Raised Grain Brewery in Waukesha
- Revere’s in Delafield
- Ron’s Cozy Corner in Oconomowoc
- Rumor’s Sports Bar & Grille in Sussex
- Senior Tomas in Hartland
- Sobie’s in Oconomowoc
- SOCIAL HAUS in Menomonee Falls
- Steel Tank Brewery in Oconomowoc
- Stoll’s Olde 109 in Lebanon
- Tekila in Sussex on Main Street
- The 5 O’Clock Club in Pewaukee
- Thirsty Duck in Sussex
- Thunder Bay Grille in Pewaukee
- Twisted Fire in Oconomowoc
- Twisted Vine Wine Bar in Pewaukee
- Vino Cappuccino in Brookfield
- Vintage Grounds patio in Muskego
- Zesti in Hartland
- Zin in Delafield
Just outside of Waukesha County, check out Old Germantown, offering craft beer and craft made sausages and pizza among other things.
Heated Patios & Winter Outdoor Dining
(Fall/Winter Seasonal Options)
Outdoor dining doesn’t have to end when temperatures drop. These restaurants offer heated patios, covered outdoor seating, tents, and warm dining setups, making them perfect for fall color season, chilly evenings, and even winter nights out. If you’re searching for winter outdoor dining near me, this list highlights the coziest heated options in the area.
Note: This section was updated on November 18, 2025.
1. Bass Bay Brewhouse in Muskego has an outdoor patio tent that is heated.
2. Tabi’s Winebar in Downtown Hartland has an outdoor patio and even better it is heated! They are kid-friendly and have games and NA fun drinks.
3. Mr. Brews Taphouse in Menomonee Falls has a great patio for outdoor seating that also has multiple heaters ready to go for the cooler weather.
4. Fall-fresco dining is easy at The Corners of Brookfield, where patrons can enjoy outdoor dining comfortably thanks to dozens of patio heaters being set up at BelAir Cantina, Café Hollander, Goddess and the Baker, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, and Silverspot Cinema. Four fire pits with lounge furniture are also being installed at the town center to provide added seating and comfort for guests.
Hollander Globes and Domes:
- Hollander Winter Experience diners will enjoy a complimentary welcome beverage of their choice. Options include Lowlands Brewing Collaborative’s High Speed Wit, Fizzy Framboise, or Spiked Peppermint Hot Cocoa. Two N/A options are also available. Additional beverage packages are available for purchase, including a customizable Candyland Champagne Punch Bar, complete with an assortment of candy fixings to make your drink even sweeter. Other packages include a Tiramisu-tini Tree and The Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar.
- All Hollander Winter Experiences have exclusive food offerings for purchase as well. Diners are welcome to order from the regular food and drink menus in addition to, or in lieu of, any of the exclusive offerings.
5. Magellan’s on Main in Waukesha has outdoor seating! They currently have seven booths outside, and their bar is open-air. They can open the front of the building entirely on both the bar side and the dining side. They have an open-air booth on the dining side where you can still be indoors but enjoy the outdoors!
6. Bilda’s Freiss Lake Pub in Hubertus has heaters on both of their decks.
7. Stolley’s Hogg Alley in Oconomowoc has out an outdoor heated patio.
8. Stoll’s Olde 109 in Lebanon has an outdoor heated patio.
9. Artisan 179 in Pewaukee has outdoor, heated seating. They have four heaters, two on each patio & 2 fireplace tables as well that seat 6-8 guests at each.
10. 5 O’Clock Club in Pewaukee has heaters on the patio and will use them when the weather permits.
11. Zesti in Hartland has outdoor heaters on their patio.
12. Mama D’s Genesee Depot/ Wales location has plenty of seating by their fireside hangout! It is the perfect atmosphere for sipping a hot drink, enjoying one of our grilled panini sandwiches, or munching on a sweet treat!
13. Splash Martini Bar in Oconomowoc has three fire pit tables and a few heaters.
14. Beer Snobs Ale & Eats in Hartland has outdoor heating.
15. Palmer’s Steakhouse in Hartland has outdoor heating.
16. The Etcetera Bar and Grill in downtown Oconomowoc has Domes and Igloos on their rooftop seating.
- An extremely cozy dining experience awaits you atop our rooftop when you book one of two lit-up igloos this chilly winter season.
- Book today by calling: 262-569-2734
- *All Reservations are for 90 minutes for up to 6 people; a purchase is required. No smoking is allowed.
Outdoor Dome Dining & Igloo Dining in Wisconsin
(Seasonal Experiences)
Looking for a unique winter experience? These locations offer igloo dining, dome dining, greenhouse huts, and other outdoor bubble-style options—perfect for date nights, special celebrations, or a magical family outing. Igloo dining fills fast each season, so check availability early. These are the top igloo dining spots in Waukesha County and Southeast Wisconsin.
THE DOMES AT BELFRE IN DELAFIELD — will not be setting out their domes in winter 2025-2026. If you have questions about this, you can call them at 262-303-5066.
ZIN UNCOMMON IN DELAFIELD – SNOW GLOBES – Call to book. No additional fee.
THE ETCETERA BAR AND GRILL IN OCONOMOWOC
CAFE HOLLANDER AT THE CORNERS OF BROOKFIELD – Will be back for Winter Fun in 2025-2026
BASS BAY BREWHOUSE IN MUSKEGO – BUBBLES ON THE BAY – Book Now
PALMER’S STEAKHOUSE – PRIVATE WINTER IGLOO – Book now
Note: Their “Igloo” is what they refer to when they close off the entire patio. It seats 10-15 people
FISHBONES IN DELAFIELD GLOBES – They are currently available on the outdoor deck on Lake Nagawicka. They are full-service with heaters included, and there is no charge to reserve one. They seat a maximum of 8 people. If you would like to reserve one, please give Fishbone’s a call at 262-646-4696.
SMOKE ON THE WATER – No longer offers igloos due to wind damage.
WAUKESHA / BROOKFIELD TAPYARD WINTER WONDERLAND – Book Now!
MENOMONEE PARK – Book Now!
THE RIDGE HOTEL IN LAKE GENEVA – Available November 22, 2025 to March 2026
Frost yourself in an illuminated Snow Globe at Lodge Geneva National and enjoy wintry libations & apps while cuddled up amidst the glow and snow. The private Snow Globes are part stargazing observatory, part gondola carriage, part secluded conclave for making memories with friends and family.
Seating up to eight people and are outfitted with an overhead infrared heater and under bench forced air system to ward off the chill of the Wisconsin winter. A server will provide you with our exclusive menu featuring apps to share and festive beverages and all our smokehouse favorites. No outside food or beverages will be permitted.
Please come prepared, dressed in your winter wear, and with extra blankets to amp up the coziness. Although the Snow Globes are outfitted with two heating units, once the sun goes down, the Wisconsin winter nights can be chilly! (Please note: smoking in the snow globes is prohibited by Wisconsin law, and although we love our furry friends, they are not allowed in the snow globes.)
The Details…
90-minute Dining Experience
Sunday – Thursday 4-8 pm | $100 Food & Beverage Minimum
Friday, Saturday & Holidays 4-8pm | $200 Food & Beverage Minimum
A maximum of eight people per snow globe. If you have more than eight in your party, please reserve a second snow globe.
You and your party have 90 minutes in your private snow globe. Please check in 15 minutes before your reservation. Please keep in mind that if you arrive late, your reservation time will not be extended.
Pricing does not include tax or gratuity.
LAKE LAWN RESORT IN DELEVAN – Book Now
Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm – check their Facebook page for 2025 reservation dates and times.
Cozy Igloo Rentals – the perfect way to elevate your holiday experience! 
1 Hour in the Igloo
Your choice of hot cider, hot chocolate, or hot coffee served in our NEW 2024 holiday cup
A delicious chocolate chip or sugar cookie
A warm box of popcorn
A heated igloo with cozy furniture
A deck of cards for endless fun
Each rental lasts 1 hour, giving you plenty of time to relax and soak in the festive vibes.
Igloos are first-come, first-served. Upon arrival, visit Smitty’s Beverage Garden and create a holiday tradition to remember!
Ps. Dogs are not permitted in the igloos. 
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