Greater Minnesota's Best Patio Dining
Greater Minnesota's Best Patio Dining
By Caitlin Hannah
As the days start getting longer, temperatures start to rise and patio furniture makes its first appearance of the season, it can only mean one thing: patio season has arrived in Minnesota. Here are the best spots around the state for good food and friendly conversation. For a closer look at where to go within the metro area, check out our separate Minneapolis-St. Paul guide.
CENTRAL MINNESOTA
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Blackboard
Blackboard
Located in a former schoolhouse, Blackboard is a charming spot in the small town of Vergas in Otter Tail County. Striving to use local or regional ingredients, offers delicious and elevated American dishes. Find appetizers, salads, burgers, seafood, steak, pork, and more. Dine inside their screened in porch, surrounding deck and enjoy live music throughout the summer.
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Disgruntled Brewing
Disgruntled Brewing
Tucked away in the trees is Disgruntled Brewing’s patio , cornhole sets, and plenty of Adirondack chairs to relax and enjoy one of their local brews. Local food vendors, food trucks, and more swing by periodically, including popular Midwest chain Pizza Ranch.
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Iron Range Eatery
Iron Range Eatery
This spot in the popular biking town of Crosby boasts a water wall, wishing pond, fire pit, landscaped gardens, live music, and more. Find craft pizzas, sandwiches, entrees, soups, salads, grain bowls, and more, then tackle the trails at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.
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Molitor’s Quarry Grill & Bar
Molitor’s Quarry Grill & Bar
Located next to a historic granite quarry, Molitor’s offers unique views and is a great spot to relax after a hike. Plus, it’s dog friendly. On their grounds they also offer unique events throughout the year including bonfires, trout fishing, Halloween celebrations, and sleigh rides.
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Pike and Pint Grill
Pike and Pint Grill
With nearly half of the patio covered by a porch roof, this spot offers shade in the summer and heat on chilly nights. Its expansive patio bar offers a fireplace, waterfall wall, two fire pits, and more. Find burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and more at this popular bar and grill.
NORTHEAST MINNESOTA
- Boomtown Woodfire Bar & Grill
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Fisherman's Daughter
Fisherman's Daughter
Although it's steps away from Lake Superior — tucked between shops in the small town of Grand Marais — this charming patio makes you feel like you’re in the middle of New England. Order fish and chips, clam strips, fish tacos, fried shrimp, buttermilk cheese curds, chowder, and more at this iconic spot along the North Shore.
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Ursa Minor Brewing
Ursa Minor Brewing
This Duluth brewery boasts one of the best patios in town with its large wood pergola, cafe lights, and planters, it’s a charming spot to dine on wood-fired pizzas and drink their award-winning beers. It’s also dog-friendly and they offer bonfire pits on cooler nights.
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Unwined Up North
Unwined Up North
Sip wine, snack on a charcuterie board, flatbread pizza, or a panini (named after famous Minnesotans) at this Grand Rapids spot. Their large wood deck is especially quaint on a warm summer night.
NORTHWEST MINNESOTA
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218 Venture Bar and Eatery
218 Venture Bar and Eatery
This quirky outside space features a dockside patio with a fireplace, and a pontoon-like set up for diners. Located in Dorset, dubbed the “Restaurant Capital of the World” due to its number of restaurants per capita.
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Blue Moose Bar and Grill
Blue Moose Bar and Grill
This expansive deck offers stellar views of the Greenway trail system, Sorlie Bridge, the Red River, and downtown Grand Forks. Find burgers, sandwiches, pastas, salads, entrees, and more made fresh daily. Try their Reuben topped with kimchi, walleye cooked to your liking, and more.
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Piggy BBQ
Piggy BBQ
With its log-cabin exterior, bonfire pits, and cozy menu, Piggy BBQ has great Minnesota vibes. With expanded locations in Thief River Falls, add this growing chain to your list. Dine on BBQ classics like burnt ends, pulled pork, brisket, and plenty of sides, you won’t go hungry.
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Sol Ave. Kitchen
Sol Ave. Kitchen
Featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins, Diners, and Dives" for its fresh tacos, sandwiches and rice bowls, this spot is a must-try. Doubly so due to its next-door neighbors (Junkyard Brewing Company) and a shared large, shady patio that welcomes dogs and families alongside its laid-back menu and drinks.
Find more amazing patios in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area or dine by the water across Minnesota.
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
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Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery
Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery
Enjoy a stellar view of the Chankaska Creek Ranch vineyard from a tasting deck surrounded by bonfire pits and lush plants. Dine on wood-fired pizzas, antipasti, and more while sipping their wine and cocktails.
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Forager Brewery
Forager Brewery
Specializing in wood-fired pizzas and beer, Forager Brewery is a great spot for a night out. Every dish is constructed using local and regionally sourced ingredients. The patio is surrounded by a beautiful wood pergola. If beer isn’t your thing, grab a coffee drink smoothie or fresh-pressed juice from their attached cafe.
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Four Daughters Vineyard
Four Daughters Vineyard
This large cidery, restaurant and winery in Spring Valley offers charcuterie boards, brick oven pizzas, and more that pair perfectly with their popular Loon Juice cider, Four Daughters wine, and Traditionalist bourbons.
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Jordan Supper Club & Taproom
Jordan Supper Club & Taproom
Dine at Jordan’s popular supper club, sip craft beverages, or play a game of volleyball in their large sand-pit courts or catch live music. The large patio offers dozens of tables, charming twinkle lights, and plenty of spots to soak up the sun while dining on their expansive menu.
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Take 16 Brewing Company
Take 16 Brewing Company
This dog-friendly brewery in Luverne offers Minnesota’s favorite frozen pizza (Heggie's), locally raised and processed meat sticks, artisan potato chips, Caroll Street Treats, and gourmet ice cream sandwiches in addition to its rotating selection of local food trucks. Sip a MN-made beer on their expansive patio.