Outdoor dining options abound in the Twin Cities. We know, because we’ve discovered 55 great restaurant patios in St. Paul, Minneapolis and their suburbs.
Whether you’re looking to commune with nature or be the center of the action in a bustling scene, consider these spots. Count on pretty outdoor landscapes and food and service that is just as reliable. In addition to restaurant patios, we included some of our favorite breweries and wineries for taking it outside.
(* = new listing, changed or improved patio).
ALONG THE WATER/SCENIC
4 BELLS, 1610 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, 612-904-1163: An open-air patio with tables lining the side maximizes views of Loring Park. Shift a few degrees, and you’ll also catch pretty skyline views. Or, head to the four-season atrium with a full bar, televisions and fireplace, also on the second level. The first floor gives additional outdoor dining options. Choose between sidewalk seating in the front or a quaint area in the back alleyway.
6SMITH (Boat Works Building), 294 E. Grove Lane, Wayzata, 952-698-7900: Pull up to one of the patio seats off the main floor or head to the rooftop patio. Either way, this sleek, contemporary spot on Lake Minnetonka’s Wayzata Bay is a place to watch the waves and boats docking.
ACQUA, 4453 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake, 651-407-7317: You can’t go wrong dining outside at this Italian dinner spot overlooking White Bear Lake. Nab a seat on one of the quaint patios on either floor of this duplex restaurant, or cross the street and enjoy the restaurant’s more spacious lakeside patio. The Forest Lake location (8241 North Shore Trail, Forest Lake; 651-464-6130) is also picturesque and overlooks the water.
ADMIRAL D’S WATERFRONT TAVERN, 4424 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake, 651-330-3101: The casual, come-one, come-all vibe makes it a welcoming spot for enjoying views of White Bear Lake.
*ALEXIS BAILLY VINEYARD, 18200 Kirby Ave. S., Hastings, 651-437-1413: Wine connoisseurs, picnic lovers and those looking for a place to chill amid a sprawling estate will find a trip to this vineyard right up their alley. Create your own picnic basket with local artisan cheeses, grab a bottle of Alexis Bailly vino from the on-site shop and find a seating nook on the lawn or patio. Stroll the sculpture garden or play a game of bocce ball while you’re at it. In July and August, live jazz is featured on Sunday afternoons.
*BIRCH’S ON THE LAKE, 1310 W. Wayzata Blvd., Long Lake, 952-473-7373: This brew house and supper club with an expansive wood deck on a hill has pristine views overlooking Long Lake and is a place to grab a decent brewski and gastro pub fare. For another outdoor seating option, walk to the bottom of the hill where a fire pit surrounded by chairs sits right up next to the lake.
COMO DOCKSIDE, 1360 N. Lexington Parkway, St. Paul, 651-666-9491: Lake Como’s restaurant offers a pavilion with lake views and picnic tables overlooking Hamm Memorial Water Falls. But wait, there’s more! Head to the shoreline and dine on the dock, order from the New Orleans-inspired menu inside the pavilion, or head to the outdoor walk-up window with casual American fare.
CURRENT, the Afton House Inn Hotel, 3291 St. Croix Trail S., Afton, 651-436-8883: Restaurant with a quaint patio situated a few hundred yards from the St. Croix River offers views of the pristine water and marina. The area’s charming small-town vibe makes for a nice getaway.
DOC’S LANDING PUB AT MISSISSIPPI DUNES, 10351 Grey Cloud Trail, Cottage Grove, 651-768-7611: Take in the tranquil backwaters of the Mississippi River while dining at the restaurant on the grounds of a golf course. There is plenty of greenery to enjoy. And you might even spot an eagle or deer. Burgers and sandwiches are the thing to order here.
DOCK CAFE, 425 Nelson St., Stillwater, 651-430-3770: This grown-up restaurant with a patio on the water’s edge provides direct views of the St. Croix River, Lift Bridge and river valley.
FREIGHT HOUSE, 305 Water St. S., Stillwater, 651-439-5718: Thanks to a recent revamp, one of downtown Stillwater’s most popular and sizable patios is now a place to grab a decent burger and local tap beer. Choose seating on the main patio, gazebo with wrap-around bar or beer garden. Take in vistas of the St. Croix River and historic Lift Bridge. Challenge your dining mate to a game of bocce ball.
MUDDY WATERS BAR & GRILL, 231 Broad St., Prescott, Wis., 715-262-5999: This outdoor hot spot has become a destination for its expansive, multitiered patio. Its primo views of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers make it one of the prettiest riverfront restaurants around. The patio has an outdoor bar and a covered deck area to keep patrons dry when there’s rain.
*RED RIVER KITCHEN AT CITY HOUSE, 258 Mill St., St. Paul: This riverside food truck restaurant and event space is making its first full-season debut with a splash. With both indoor and outdoor seating of up to 160, dining here is rain or shine. Seats include an open-air patio with tables directly overlooking the Mississippi River, Harriet Island and charming old-timey paddleboats. A pavilion with benches adds more seating options, majestic views of the river and a nice breeze when the garage doors are open. The chef-driven menu of salads, sandwiches and rice bowls doesn’t disappoint. Nor does the draft-only beverage program featuring cold-press coffee, soda, beer, cider and wine. Even cocktails are served out of kegs. Play a game of bean-bag toss while there.
SANDCASTLE, 4955 Lake Nokomis Parkway W., Minneapolis, 612-722-5550: The outdoor dining action is in full swing at this bright-blue lakeside walk-up eatery. Bar stools face Lake Nokomis, and a picnic-bench area easily accommodates large groups.
THE GREEN ROOM, 215 Main St. S., Stillwater, 651-342-0215: The bird’s-eye views of the St. Croix River and historic Lift Bridge make getting a seat on this small rooftop deck worth your while. The contemporary, reliable menu also makes the place a gem.
PSYCHO SUZI’S, 1900 Marshall St. N.E., Minneapolis, 612-788-9069: Tiki-themed deck and Polynesian cocktails at this spot overlooking the Mississippi River inspire rest and relaxation.
PIER 500, 500 First St., Hudson, Wis., 715-386-5504: Contemporary dining spot, with its great views of the pier and St. Croix River, offers one of the best decks in downtown Hudson.
SEA CHANGE (Guthrie Theater), 806 Second St. S., Minneapolis, 612-225-6499: If the contemporary, design-savvy, open-air patio isn’t enough to impress, check out the pretty views of the Mississippi River and Stone Arch Bridge.
SEA SALT EATERY, 4801 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, 612-721-8990: Legions line up at this pavilion restaurant inside Minnehaha Park, and it’s easy to see why. The spot not only dishes up some of the best seafood around, but it also has a picturesque dining area amid parkland and near a roaring waterfall.
WATER STREET INN, 101 S. Water St., Stillwater., 651-439-6000: This landscaped patio is a favorite for the spectacular backdrop of the St. Croix River and Lift Bridge. The menu of pub fare is cranked up a notch.
NEIGHBORHOOD
*BANG BREWING, 2320 Capp Road, St. Paul, 651-243-2264: Small, 100 percent organic brewery in a grain silo can fit plenty more patrons on warm weather days. A recent expansion of the existing brick patio now includes a steel-covered pavilion area providing some shade and additional picnic-bench seating. A fire pit with chairs is another new seating option. While there, enjoy the rain gardens, natural prairie and wildflowers. If your timing is right, you might catch chef Hai Truong of Ngon Bistro’s food cart, featuring hot dogs made with pork from Red Table Meat Co., or fare from Peeps Hotbox, the two food residencies at Bang for this season.
*BAUHAUS BREW LABS, 1315 Tyler St. N.E., Minneapolis: Large outdoor area includes plenty of picnic tables to enjoy a Bauhaus brewski. Just look for artsy murals and poppy colors on everything from the building to the furniture, and you’ll know you’ve arrived at this brewery just steps away from the Northeast Minneapolis arts district.
BRIT’S PUB, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-332-3908: Multitiered expansive rooftop patio accommodates large groups that come to eat fish and chips, and lawn bowl. Others can pull up to the sidewalk cafe in front and catch the Nicollet Mall street action.
BURGER MOE’S, 242 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, 651-222-3100: Thanks to the canopies and flower beds, this playful, casual spot is bursting with colorful decor.
DARK HORSE BAR & EATERY, 250 E. Seventh St., St. Paul, 651-313-7960: A long, narrow lot has been transformed into a charming 110-seat patio, offering a retreat from busy East Seventh Street. The patio here includes a bar with seats to belly up to, barrel-top high-tables for large groups, low-tops, fire pits, strings of lights and colorful flower beds. The full menu is available, including sandwiches, pizzas, curry bowls and 40 beers on tap.
DAY BY DAY CAFE, 477 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, 651-227-0654: Breakfast and lunch spot offers a fenced-in, multitiered patio that makes for a serene retreat in the middle of the city. Landscaping touches such as potted flowers, fish pond and a waterfall add to its restfulness.
FRENCH MEADOW BAKERY & CAFE, 1662 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-789-8870: When French Meadow opened a St. Paul location three years ago, most people knew about the sidewalk seating in the front of the restaurant. Let us tell you about one of Grand Avenue’s best-kept al fresco dining secrets — French Meadow’s outdoor dining area in the back. The small, quaint, fenced-in patio with wood booth benches, wrought-iron tables, draped lights and colorful flower beds offers an escape from city hustle and bustle. Enjoy the health-conscious eating options while there.
JAX CAFE, 1928 University Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, 612-789-7297: Classic steakhouse with a zenlike garden and koi ponds in back is a place to get your “om” and filet mignon on.
LA GROLLA, 452 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-221-1061: Friendly neighborhood Cathedral Hill spot is a place to eat pasta while sitting on a patio lined with flower beds. Flowering trees add to the vibrant colors.
*LAKE MONSTER BREWING, 550 S. Vandalia St. No. 160, St. Paul, 612-964-6288: This sizable brewery off the Cretin-Vandalia exit on Interstate 94 seems to be always hopping, and the patio is no exception. Wood chairs and tables with umbrellas dot the expansive sidewalk patio in front of the brewery for patrons sipping a beer and dining from the featured food truck parked outside.
THE LIFFEY (Holiday Inn), 175 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, 651-556-1420: The second-floor patio at this Irish pub is expansive and comes with a wrap-around bar and plenty of seating. It’s also a good spot for views of the Cathedral of St. Paul and the state Capitol.
MUFFULETTA, 2260 Como Ave., St. Paul, 651-644-9116: For decades, crowds have lined up to grab a seat on this landscaped patio. Regulars also flock to this family-friendly restaurant for its reliable food and service.
*T. MORRIS PUB & GRILL, 9555 Wedgewood Drive, Woodbury, 651-294-3160: The former Osteria at Prestwick Golf Club restaurant has been given a new name and menu of from-scratch pub fare. The stone deck continues to be a hot spot. Score a table underneath one of those orange umbrellas and take in views of the golf course greenery. Potted plants, flower beds and a stream also make for a picturesque setting.
PATRICK McGOVERN’S, 225 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, 651-224-5821: A retractable roof is part of this pretty, three-tiered, landscaped patio, making the casual hangout a place to come rain or shine.
RUDY’S REDEYE GRILL, 4940 U.S. 61 N., White Bear Lake, 651-653-6718: Rooftop terrace with colorful tents, comfy wicker chairs and banana-leaf palm trees make snowbirds feel like they never left Florida.
*TAVERN GRILL, four metro locations, including 772 Bielenberg Drive, Woodbury, 651-578-3000; and 10950 Club West Parkway, Blaine, 763-398-8100; 3561 Lexington Ave., Arden Hills, 651-478-4450: Tavern Grill draws regulars not only for its wide-ranging menu — casual burgers and pizzas as well as fancy steak and seafood — but also for its elaborately landscaped patios. Fireplaces, lounge areas, waterfalls and wrap-around bars are part of dining al fresco at Tavern Grill, depending on the restaurant location. Tavern Grill just added a new location this year in Arden Hills. When the patio is open, look for pretty landscaping and a fireplace to warm the new space.
TINY DINER, 1024 38th St. E., Minneapolis, 612-767-3322: A charming little patio inspires in big ways. Its solar roof, edible gardens and rainwater catch system are a show-and-tell of sustainable and urban farming practices. And then there are the pretty plates emphasizing local ingredients.
*TRIA, 5959 Centerville Road, North Oaks, 651-426-9222: Take in nature at this popular dinner and Sunday-brunch spot on the former farm of railroad mogul James J. Hill. The menu changes seasonally. New this year is the addition of Edison bulbs strung across the entire patio. It is no longer pitch black when the sun sets, so patrons will get some extra patio time each night.
VIVO, 15435 Founders Lane, Apple Valley, 952-891-6569: The fancy stone terrace is dotted with fireplaces, pond and multiple seating areas that offer plenty of privacy and peace.
W.A. FROST, 374 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-224-5715: This perennial favorite has long been a crowd-pleaser for its classy vibe, fancy stonework and abundant gardens. The spot is even more breathtaking when lit up at night, making it one of the most romantic spots around.
SEE AND BE SEEN
*BAR LURCAT, 1624 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, 612-486-5500: The fancy establishment has fancy views of Loring Park from its contemporary patio. For something more quaint, quiet and private, we’ll let you in on a great secret: Lurcat also has a few outdoor seats in the back on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as there isn’t a private event. The seating option opens in mid-June.
BETTY DANGER’S COUNTRY CLUB, 2501 Marshall St. N.E., Minneapolis, 612-315-4997: Look for the big Ferris wheel at the eclectic and whimsical Betty Danger’s and you’ll know you’ve arrived. Outdoor seating is dotted around the mini-golf course and Ferris wheel. While there, get in line and take a 20-minute Ferris wheel ride, which offers spectacular views of the Northeast Minneapolis arts district.
BUTCHER AND THE BOAR, 1121 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-238-8888: Belly up to the bar or score a bench seat on the large wooden deck at this downtown Minneapolis hot spot. Brat lovers won’t want to miss ordering one here.
*HAVEN ROOFTOP AT SEVEN STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI, 700 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-238-7770: The former SEVEN Skybar has been renamed, but the expansive rooftop, luxurious and mod decor, fancy dining menu and one of the best skyline views in downtown remain.
*LIBERTINE (Calhoun Square), 3001 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-877-7263: Rooftop patio with bar provides the best perch in Uptown to see the neighborhood’s hustle and bustle. The restaurant recently revamped its concept to a game room, and according to the website, a giant game of beer pong can be played on the roof.
LOUIS RISTORANTE & BAR, 211 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, 651-222-3476: Located off the third-floor sit-down Italian restaurant, the large terrace has its own bar, pretty Italian villa accents and flower beds. And then there’s the gorgeous view of the Cathedral of St. Paul. For something more low-key, the second-floor wrap-around patio is part of the more casual Cossetta restaurant.
*MERCY RESTAURANT AND BAR, 901 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-767-6999: The former Marin in the Le Meridien Chambers Minneapolis Hotel in the heart of downtown Minneapolis has been given a new name, a warm look and more casual menu under the helm of new owners Abby and Mike Rakun. But the tradition of a sleek courtyard patio with fire pits, mod lounge areas, cabanas and umbrellas all done up with stylish furniture and décor lives on.
*OX CART ROOFTOP AT OX CART ALE HOUSE, 255 E. Sixth St., St. Paul, 651-756-8909: Lowertown’s first restaurant rooftop patio is a stunner. Plenty of sunlight falls on the sizable deck with a wrap-around bar, lounge area with fireplace and tabletops. CHS Field, the Mississippi River bluffs, the state Capitol and downtown make for great views. After closing for a few months for a revamp, the spot recently reopened with a new menu under the helm of incoming chef Taylor O’Brien. Small plates, soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches are the main categories.
*REVIVAL, 525 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-340-2355: The original Minneapolis location, with a following for its fried chicken, was joined by a St. Paul outpost this past year. The place has been packed since the first day, so it’s great knowing that additional seats are available in the warm-weather months, thanks to a fenced-in patio out back. Umbrellas, flower beds and lamppost lights add to the charm. Also good to know is the St. Paul location has an expanded menu and cocktail list.
SALUT BAR AMERICAIN, 917 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-917-2345: French-American brasserie boasts one of the largest patios along Grand Avenue, making it a primo spot for people-watching on a warm day.
LION’S TAVERN, 324 Main St. S., Stillwater, 651-342-1900: The large, pretty landscaped, multitiered stone patio is gorgeous on its own. Red umbrellas, cabanas, lights, fountain, fireplace and pergola with granite banquet table add to the wow factor. Look for a menu of American fare with some South American and Greek influences. Craft cocktails are also a draw.
*RANDLE’S, 921 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-351-1234: The downtown spot in the ole Ling & Louie’s space named after former Minnesota Viking John Randle includes an expansive rooftop patio with more than 125 seats, wrap-around bar and its own kitchen to make sure food comes out quickly and hot. Construction along Nicollet Mall also means that the curb will be wider, meaning more sidewalk seats than before for several restaurants along the mall. That includes the Randle’s sidewalk, which will host about 65 seats. The wide-ranging menu of burgers, fish, steaks as well as Mexican- and Asian-influenced dishes are reliable.
STELLA’S FISH CAFE, 1400 Lake St. W., Minneapolis, 612-824-8862: The unique rooftop patio with built-in bar at this seafood spot continues to be trending. It’s the only two-tiered rooftop restaurant deck in Uptown.
SURLY BREWING COMPANY, 520 Malcolm Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, 763-999-4040: Beer drinkers and foodies now have a giant campus near the University of Minnesota to do their thing. The 1½-acre beer garden with views of the Witch’s Hat Water Tower offers a sizable outdoor space for hanging out. Grab one of the bench seats or a spot around one of the fire pits.
UNION RESTAURANT & BAR, 731 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-455-6690: Thanks to a retractable roof, it’s patio season all year-round at this trendy downtown dining spot. Suit up, because this is the place where the pretty people like to come dressed to impress.
