Minnesota's Best Rooftop Restaurants
Minnesota's Best Rooftop Restaurants
By Caitlin Hannah
Having already delved into waterfront dining and patios around the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and the rest of the state, we thought we might as well share yet another side of Minnesota's open air scene: rooftop restaurants. Here are the best places to grab a bite during the long days of summer, first signs of spring, last gasps of fall, and frosty nights of winter....
MINNEAPOLIS
Blondette
This hot spot with a retractable roof is yet another one of Chef Daniel Del Prado’s (see also: Martina, Cardamom, Porzana) creations. Located at the Rand Tower Hotel, Blondette serves French inspired dishes using ingredients inspired by the Pacific Northwest. Dine on the amazing dishes, sip a drink, and enjoy this buzzing spot in Minneapolis.
Brit’s Pub
One of Minneapolis’ most popular rooftops, Brit’s Pub offers a little taste of the United Kingdom. This popular pub has been welcoming soccer and rugby fans for over 30 years but one of its most popular offerings is its popular lawn bowling in the summer. Open bowling happens on Saturdays and Sundays, and they offer group reservations. Sip a pint of your favorite ale and dine on fish and chips and other UK-inspired eats while you enjoy stellar views of Minneapolis.
Crave
Located in downtown Minneapolis near many popular theaters, CRAVE offers appetizers, sushi, salads, burgers, pasta, steak, seafood, and more. Dine outside or grab a drink before a show at their outdoor rooftop bar and dining space.
Gai Noi
The New York Times named Gai Noi one of the country's 50 best restaurants in 2023 — the year she was also nominated for Best Chef-Midwest by the James Beard Awards. Owned by Chef Ann Ahmed and located in Loring Park, its sister restaurants are Lat14 in Golden Valley and Khâluna in Minneapolis. Gai Noi offers a wide range of curries, noodle dishes, salads and cocktails that reflect Ahmed's Lao roots.
Graze Provisions + Libations
This popular North Loop food hall offers everything from dynamic Hmong dishes to fantastic soul food. Pack your pup to enjoy their rooftop, dog-friendly patio or grab a bite or a drink before an event at Target Field, just a short walk away.
Hewing Hotel
Offering one of the best views of Minneapolis, the rooftop bar at the Hewing Hotel is the place to be. You will want to book a stay at the hotel to enjoy the pool, hot tub, and sauna but the dining area is open to all and serves drinks and light bites.
Lumi
Located in downtown Minneapolis, Lumi’s menu celebrates eight types of international cuisine, including Turkish, Lebanese, Indian and Greek. They also offer an extensive vegetarian menu, Halal options, and an amazing view of the Minneapolis skyline.
LynLake Brewery
Located in the Uptown neighborhood on Lyndale and Lake, LynLake Brewery offers beers that were brewed in-house, burgers, snacks and more.
Moto-i
Dubbed the first sake brewpub outside of Japan, this iconic spot in the heart of the Lyn-Lake neighborhood pairs Uptown views with Japanese fried chicken, ramen, steamed buns, noodle bowls, and more. If you’re a fan of sake, try their house-brewed sake, sake flights, specialty cocktails, Japanese spirits, or local tap beers.
Nicollet Diner
The city's only 24-hour restaurant serves up classic diner food like pancakes, biscuits and gravy, omelets, cheeseburgers, tuna melts, milkshakes, and more. Connected to Roxy’s Cabaret, pair your dishes with a little drag and this popular venue or catch one of their popular drag brunches.
Nolo’s
NOLO's Rooftop Bar in the North Loop is one of the most popular spots in Minneapolis to dine and dance. Find chili crunch bowls, woodfired pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and more, or swing by brunch for cinnamon sticky buns, chilaquiles, breakfast fried rice, eggs Benedict, and more.
Riva Terrace
This rooftop spot at the Four Seasons Minneapolis offers Italian-inspired drinks and dishes. Snack on smoked salmon crostini, mozzarella on toast or cacio e pepe fries and feel like you’re on vacation in the middle of the city.
Union
Offering rooftop dining all year long, this spot is partially enclosed and offers a sunny (and warm!) option in the winter or a way to enjoy the summer vibes in warm weather. Located in downtown Minneapolis near many popular theaters, this spot is known for their brunches and happy hours.
ST. PAUL
Louis Ristorante
Located in downtown St. Paul near the Xcel Energy Center, Louis is the sophisticated older sister to Cossetta’s, an iconic Italian quick-service restaurant and market. Designed as a place to celebrate, this spot serves traditional and regional Italian cuisine with antipasto, pasta, chicken, veal, fish, their famous Italian sausage, and amazing desserts. With St. Paul’s largest rooftop bar, this is a great spot to gather and enjoy the bustling vibes of the West 7th neighborhood.
The Lexington
This historic St. Paul restaurant has been in St. Paul for over 75 years, and with new owners who are committed to keeping the traditions alive. Find classic dishes like shrimp cocktail, wedge salads, steak Diane, and their famous chicken pot pie. Dine on the roof for al fresco vibes on Grand Avenue.
GREATER METRO
Bear Cave Brewing Co. I Hopkins
Bringing together craft beer, scratch cooking, and great views of charming downtown Hopkins, Bear Cave Brewing offers a seamless brewpub experience with self-serve pouring of beer, wine, and house-crafted cocktails. You can order their stone-fired pizzas, salads, appetizers, sandwiches, and desserts on your phone while you soak up the sun.
Pinstripes I Edina
Located in Edina in the popular Centennial Lakes area, Pinstripes offers bocce ball, bowling, and Italian American inspired dishes like wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, seasonal gelatos, and a large gluten-free or vegan menu.
Reveal Rooftop Bar and Lounge I St. Louis Park
Located on top of the AC Hotel Minneapolis West End near the popular West End shopping area, this spot serves craft cocktails, beer, wine, and offers pizzas, wraps, appetizers, and more.
RH Rooftop Restaurant I Edina
Looking straight out of a design magazine, the RH Rooftop at the Restoration Hardware across from the Galleria in Edina offers brunch, lunch, and dinner with an extensive list of Champagnes and wines. Find salads, soft scrambles, avocado toast, lobster rolls, steak, truffle fries, and more. The space is open year-round and is surrounded by lush plants, including olive trees, fountains, and sparkling chandeliers.
CENTRAL MINNESOTA
Drunken Noodle I Crosby
Located on main street in downtown Crosby, Drunken Noodle offers ramen, pad Thai, rice bowls, dumplings, fried tofu, eggrolls, and more. Enjoy your meal on their cozy rooftop bar after an epic day of mountain biking at the popular Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.
Raffertys Pizza I Crosby
This beloved local chain has multiple locations in Nisswa, Crosslake, and Baxter, but their Crosby location offers wood-fired pizzas and beautiful views of downtown Crosby on their popular rooftop. Soak up the summer vibes with a slice of their specialty pizzas like the lucky chicken topped with Cajun chicken, lingonberry sauce, green onions and parmesan or the feisty pig topped with pulled pork, smoked bacon, a bourbon molasses sauce, and more.
Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge I Bemidji
With beautiful views of Lake Bemidji, Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge’s Cove Lounge is a summer must-do. Enjoy seasonal cocktails, local beer, wine, and more. The full dining menu is available, including Red Lake Walleye, locally sourced wild rice, and more.
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Crave I Rochester
A popular local chain, Crave offers appetizers, sushi, salads, burgers, pasta, steak, seafood, and more. Their retractable roof in Rochester makes rooftop dining available year-round.
The Scarlet Bar I Red Wing
The Scarlet Bar was named after the city of Red Wing and is heavily influenced by the area offering local ingredients in their dishes, local beers, sprits, wines, and mocktails. The design of the St. James Hotel spot is also inspired by Red Wing Pottery and the leather accents are from Red Wing Shoe’s own tannery. Dine outside for beautiful views of the Mississippi River and keep an eye out for the traveling riverboats.
Find more ways to dine outside in Minneapolis-St. Paul and the greater Minnesota area, or find a spot by the water.