A couple walks past Aster Cafe's patio
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Minneapolis-St. Paul's Best Patio Dining

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A couple walks past Aster Cafe's patio  / Paul Vincent

Minneapolis-St. Paul'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 in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area for good food and friendly conversation. 

MINNEAPOLIS

  1. Aster Cafe
    Aster Cafe's patio

    Aster Cafe

    Aster Cafe

    Overlooking the mighty Mississippi River in the popular St. Anthony Main neighborhood, the Aster Cafe gives European vibes and is a great spot for a special night out. Find fresh salads, sandwiches, small plates, flatbreads, and bowls, the pride themselves on offering the freshest dishes. For a taste of summer in Minnesota, try their rhubarb burrata appetizer. Make a night out of it and enjoy their popular live music sessions. 

  2. Black Forest Inn
    Black Forest Inn

    Black Forest Inn

    Black Forest Inn

    Celebrating Minnesota's German heritage, this charming patio near the Minneapolis Institute of Art features blue and white checkered table clothes, a giant pergola with lush greenery, and heat lamps for cool nights. Enjoy pork schnitzel, bratwurst, cabbage rolls, and lots of beets, sauerkraut, cabbage, and spaetzle.  

  3. Brasa
    Brasa's patio in Northeast Minneapolis

    Brasa's Northeast Minneapolis location 

    Brasa

    Inspired by the flavors of the south, Caribbean, and Mexico, this beloved local chain’s Northeast Minneapolis location offers large umbrellas to stay cool. Their southwest Minneapolis location is just a short walk from Lake Harriet. Order their protein or vegan bowls, tasty sides, and more. Whatever you do, order their popular house green sauce to top your dish. 

  4. Cafe & Bar Lurcat
    A packed Bar Lurcat patio in the summer

    A packed Bar Lurcat patio in the summer / Krivit Photography, courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

    Cafe & Bar Lurcat

    Located across from Loring Park and near the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, this charming patio is surrounded by cozy brick, twinkle lights, white umbrellas, and beautiful flowerpots. Plan a romantic night out and enjoy seafood, pasta, steak, and more. 

  5. Cardamom
    Cardamom food spread

    A sun-kissed food spread at Cardamom 

    Cardamom

    Prolific restauranteur Daniel Del Prado’s Mediterranean cafe at the Walker Art Center offers sweeping views of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, including the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture. Snack on small plates like baba ganoush, marinated olives, hummus, falafel or heartier fare like pulled lamb shawarma, lamb burger, and pistachio pesto orzo. Save room for a chocolate chip tahini cookie.  

  6. Colita
    Colita's patio

    Colita  / Christian Dean Architecture

    Colita

    Another Daniel Del Prado venture — Colita in south Minneapolis — blends the flavors of Mexico with barbecue and smoking techniques. Focusing on small plates categorized by cold, hot, and smoked offerings, be sure to order anything with their hand-ground tortillas like the variety of tostadas with options like tuna, charred eggplant, chicken tinga, or cacio e pepe. For a vegetable option, be sure to try their corn elote, glazed carrots, and masa and guacamole. The entire kitchen is gluten-free. Beyond their dishes, they are serving up some of the most popular cocktails and mocktails in the metro. Just peek on Instagram and you will see endless snaps of their pebble ice margaritas topped with foam and a rubber duckie. For something sweet, their churros cannot be missed. 

  7. Jax Cafe
    Jax Cafe

    Jax Cafe

    Jax Cafe

    One of Minneapolis’ most iconic patios, Jax Cafe has been a staple in the Twin Cities dining scene for 90 years. They dish up classics like oysters, lobster rolls, wedge salads, steaks, prime rib, and Red Lake walleye for a legion of fans. The patio features gorgeous flowers, intricate stonework — including a large roaring fireplace — and a soothing water feature surrounded by twinkle lights. 

  8. Graze Provisions & Libations
    Graze Provisions & Libations

    Graze Provisions & Libations

    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 dog-friendly patio or grab a bite or a drink before an event at Target Field, just a short walk away.   

  9. Kieran's Irish Pub
    Kieran's Irish Pub

    Kieran's Irish Pub

    Kieran's Irish Pub

    If you’re catching a game or a concert at Target Center or Target Field, Kieran’s is just steps away from the action. Watch the hustle and bustle while you sip a Two Gingers cocktail and munch on their signature chicken shots, bite-sized chicken breast tossed in a honey whiskey glaze, topped with scallions, and ranch. For heartier fare, try the popular fish and chips. 

  10. Malcolm Yards
    Yoga at Malcolm Yards

    Yoga at Malcolm Yards

    Malcolm Yards

    More than just another food hall, Malcolm Yards offers a wide variety of events throughout the year. Find dishes from around the world, including southeast Asian at Abang Yoli, Bagu Sushi, Wrecktangle Pizza, Revival, Bebe Zito, and more.  

  11. Red Rabbit
    A woman clutches a cocktail on Red Rabbit's patio

    Aperol Spritz anyone? / Red Rabbit

    Red Rabbit

    Another popular North Loop spot, Red Rabbit’s pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and veggie options. Pair it with their extensive cocktail, wine, beer, and mocktail menus.  

  12. Reverie
    Reverie patio

    Reverie

    Reverie

    This popular vegan restaurant offers bold plant-based dishes and has a beautiful wood deck that is accessible, in addition to their patio surrounded by trees and their colorful murals. Enjoy appetizers, salads, rice and noodle-based bowls, tacos, burgers, and more.  

  13. Rosalia
    A dinner spread at Rosalia

    Rosalia

    Rosalia

    Another vibrant Daniel Del Prado venture, Rosalia offers a large patio surrounded by trees, planters, cafe lights, and plenty of sunshine. Enjoy their salads, dips, wood-fired pizza, craft cocktails, curated wine list, and delicious desserts.   

  14. Sea Salt
    Sea Salt Eatery

    Sea Salt Eatery

    Sea Salt

    With epic views of Minnehaha Falls, dining at Sea Salt is on many local’s summer bucket lists. Find seafood favorites like po’boys, fish tacos, fried catfish, crabcakes, oysters, and more. For land lubbers, find delicious sandwiches piled high with turkey, ham, fresh veggies, and more. Open seasonally.  

  15. Smack Shack
    Smack Shack

    Smack Shack

    Smack Shack

    With one of the best lobster rolls in town, the North Loop’s Smack Shack is a popular spot with locals. Treat yourself to their indulgent lobster mac and cheese, lobster rolls (served two ways), po’boys, and more. It’s located within walking distance of Target Field if you’re craving a lobster roll before or after a Twins game. 

  16. The Bungalow Club
    Sweet potato cappelletti at The Bungalow Club 

    Sweet potato cappelletti at The Bungalow Club 

    The Bungalow Club

    Surrounded by lush ivy and a gorgeous wood shade structure, The Bungalow Club’s patio is a can’t miss spot for date night. Join Wednesday night for Burger Club, featuring a rotating menu of beef, fish, veggie, and patty melts or Pasta Night on Sunday for their delicious homemade pasta. Their tasting menu rotates frequently but is always top notch, and happy hour on the patio is always a la carte. Grab some of their homemade pastas, prepared foods, and more in their small Bungalow Market before you go. 

  17. The Freehouse
    The Freehouse patio

    The Freehouse

    The Freehouse

    Located in the popular North Loop neighborhood, The Freehouse’s patio keeps you close to the neighborhood action but offers romantic trees covered in lights, firepits, and city views. Try their cheese curds with apple sauce or roasted pepper sambal dipping sauces, turkey burger or the popular Roto Bird Baguette wood smoked chicken sandwich. Wash it all down with one of their popular beers they brew on site. 

ST. PAUL

  1. Bang Brewing
    Bang Brewing's taproom, a converted grain silo

    Bang Brewing's grain silo-turned-taproom  / Visit Saint Paul

    Bang Brewing

    Located in a giant custom grain bin, Bang Brewing’s organic ales and lagers pair perfectly with their partner, Farina Rossa Kitchen’s wood fired pizzas. Their beer garden is surrounded by native prairie grasses and flowers which attract pollinators and birds. Cozy up by the fire on a chilly night for a spectacular Minnesota summer night. 

  2. City House
    City House

    City House

    City House

    With epic views of the mighty Mississippi River, this dog-friendly patio welcomes leashed and well-behaved dogs. Located in the historic Saint Paul Municipal Elevator and Sackhouse, the building stands to celebrate St. Paul’s history as a port city and the grain industry of the Twin Cities. In the summer, don’t miss their popular live music events. Dine on street tacos, Cubanos, nachos, cheese curds, ceviche, rice bowls, peel and eat shrimp, and more. 

  3. El Burrito Mercado
    El Burrito Mercado patio

    El Burrito Mercado

    El Burrito Mercado

    With one of the largest patios in St. Paul, El Burrito Mercado offers Mexican street food, margaritas, tap beers, seltzers, and more. Enjoy live Latin music on the weekends. Before you go, stroll through their mercado to find salsas, premade meals, unique Hispanic groceries, goods, and more. 

  4. Em Que Viet
    Egg rolls at Em Que Viet

    Egg rolls at Em Que Viet 

    Em Que Viet

    Sister restaurant to the iconic eggrolls on a stick at the Minnesota State Fair and locations in Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center, Em Que Viet is serving authentic and homemade Vietnamese cuisine with a modern flare. Their bubblegum pink patio is dreamy with cafe lights and plenty of shade. Enjoy their iconic egg rolls, banhi mi, noodle salads, seafood, pork, beef, veggie, and chicken dishes, and more. They also offer a variety of craft cocktails, zero proof drinks, and desserts.  

  5. Meritage
    Saint Paul Meritage dining friends

    Meritage in St. Paul / Roy Son

    Meritage

    Near Rice Park, Landmark Square, and the Xcel Energy Center, Meritage is the perfect spot for brunch or dinner before an event. A French bistro with an outstanding selection of oysters, plan a visit to feel like you’re on the streets of Paris. Don’t miss their French fries with béarnaise dipping sauce. 

  6. Moscow on the Hill
    One of the many signature martinis at Moscow on the Hill

    One of the many signature martinis at Moscow on the Hill

    Moscow on the Hill

    Find traditional Russian, European, Ukranian dishes and drinks at this St. Paul icon. Their secluded patio can’t be missed in the summer months. Their extensive menu includes handmade dumplings, beet salad, deruny, beef stroganoff, blintzes, and a variety of infused vodkas.  

  7. Mucci's Italian
    A pasta special at Mucci's Italian featuring mussels, fra’diavolo sauce, pickled chilis and fried garlic

    A pasta special at Mucci's featuring mussels, fra’diavolo sauce, pickled chilis and fried garlic

    Mucci's Italian

    This beloved St. Paul spot opened a new patio with beautiful pergolas and lush green plants a few years ago. Dine on their popular pizzas, including their deep-fried pizza dough, indulgent pastas like lasagna, bucatini, and more. In summer, their heirloom tomato and burrata are a must-try appetizer. 

  8. Nico's Taco Bar
    A blood orange margarita on the patio of Nico's Taco Bar

    A blood orange margarita on the patio of Nico's Taco Bar

    Nico's Taco Bar

    Sitting on the deck at Nico’s Taco Bar in the scenic Saint Anthony Park neighborhood sipping a margarita and snacking on tacos or nachos is a wonderful way to spend an evening. Find a variety of chips and salsas to add to any meal.  

  9. Saint Paul Brewing
    The patio at Saint Paul Brewing

    Saint Paul Brewing

    Saint Paul Brewing

    Saint Paul Brewing is located in three historic buildings that were once part of the Hamm's Brewery. The patio is situated in the charming ruins of the Hamm's stables and carpentry shop, providing a unique and inviting atmosphere. Their patio is equipped with a one-of-a-kind canoe fire pit, making it a welcoming space for guests to enjoy year-round. 

  10. The Gnome Craft Pub
    The Gnome Craft Pub patio

    The Gnome Craft Pub

    The Gnome Craft Pub

    This sprawling deck offers plenty of spaces to soak up the sun while you enjoy one of their 60 beers on tap. Snack on their garlic cheese curds, or their popular giant pretzel with spicy pickle dip and beer cheese sauce. For dinner, try their stuffed portobello mushroom, Cubano, or craft mac and cheeses.  

  11. Urban Growler
    Urban Growler's patio

    Urban Growler

    Urban Growler

    This popular brewpub is Minnesota’s first LGBTQ+-owned and woman-owned microbrewery. Their charming beer garden offers live music during the summer. The foods are designed to pair with their award-winning beers. Some popular dishes are their poutine, Italian beef, and ice cream floats.  

  12. W.A. Frost & Company
    W.A. Frost and Company in Saint Paul

    W.A. Frost and Company  / Ryan Taylor

    W.A. Frost & Company

    When it comes to outdoor dining in the Twin Cities, few restaurants can compete with the picturesque, tree-lined patio at W.A. Frost. A staple of St. Paul’s historic Cathedral Hill neighborhood for over 40 years, W.A. Frost pairs fine dining with an award-winning wine list and one of Minnesota’s most charming patios.  The expansive back patio is surrounded by a combination of leafy trees and the Dacotah Building’s ivy-covered, 100-year-old brick walls. Fire pits, string lighting and perfectly placed flowerpots add to the dreamy, fairytale-like atmosphere.  

  13. Waldmann Brewery
    The winter patio outside Waldmann Brewery in Saint Paul

    The winter patio outside Waldmann Brewery in Saint Paul  / Paul Vincent

    Waldmann Brewery

    Waldmann was a brewery way back in 1857 — six months before Minnesota became a state. It reopened in 2017 for the first time in 154 years. Find wood stoves, pinewood floors, hand-blown window glass, and more historic pieces throughout the building. The patio is scattered with hearty wood picnic tables and bright blue umbrellas or play cornhole (bags for Minnesotans). With the traditions of wursts and beer, their menu uses local ingredients. Try their pickles, smoked trout dip, biergarten pretzel and German dishes like spätzle, wursts, schnitzel, and more. They specialize in German and Czech beers, but their menu is always growing. They also have a rotating selection of N/A beers, make your own sodas with their seltzer waters and house made syrups. 

  14. Wrestaurant at the Palace
    Wrestaurant at the Palace

    Wrestaurant at the Palace

    Wrestaurant at the Palace

    A sister restaurant to their popular Wrecktangle pizza locations, Wrestaurant at the Palace sits next to one of St. Paul's most iconic music venues and serves up Detroit-style pizza alongside pickle roll-ups, salads, wings, burgers, and chopped cheese sandwiches. Their patio is the perfect spot for before or after a show.  

THE SUBURBS

  1. Churchill Street | Shoreview
    Churchill Street

    Churchill Street / JDD Studio

    Churchill Street | Shoreview

    Known for their brunch and dinner, this spot in Shoreview is centered around their community and is a beautiful restaurant offering comforting classics with an elevated spin. Find sweet and savory brunch dishes, hearty entrees, salads, soups and more. Their patio is surrounded by large planters that are decorated for the season and offers plenty of shade. 

  2. Duke's on 7 | Minnetonka
    Duke's on 7 patio

    Duke's on 7  / Wilkus Architects

    Duke's on 7 | Minnetonka

    Duke's on 7 is a popular spot that features an expansive patio and is a sister restaurant to Twin Cities favorites like Stanley’s in Northeast Minneapolis, Pub 819 in Hopkins, and The Block in St. Louis Park. They even offer a dog-friendly menu with entrees, treats, and desserts. Their weekly specials are great ways to enjoy a night out, including burger and wing specials, wine nights, or kids eat free promotions. 

  3. Lakeville Brewing Company | Lakeville
    Lakeville Brewing Company

    Lakeville Brewing Company

    Lakeville Brewing Company | Lakeville

    Not many breweries can offer plenty of green space and even a playground for its littlest patrons, but Lakeville Brewing knows what their patrons like to do in the warmer months. Lakeville Brewing Company offers a full bar with wine, cocktails, in addition to their variety of craft beers. Snack on an extensive appetizer menu offering rueben or rachel nachos, beer steamed mussels, roasted cauliflower, and more. They also serve salads, soups, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, bowls, noodles, and more. 

  4. Malone's Bar and Grill | Maple Grove
    Malone's Bar and Grill

    Malone's Bar and Grill

    Malone's Bar and Grill | Maple Grove

    Malones is located next to Arbor Lakes Shopping Center, the large outdoor shopping complex in Maple Grove. Find a casual menu with sandwiches, burgers, salads, wraps, entrees, and have some of the best waffle fries you’ve ever had. Their patio offers plenty of seating and is surrounded by charming twinkle lights and greenery. 

  5. Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar | Eagan
    Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar

    Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar

    Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar | Eagan

    Every dish is made from scratch every day in Mason Jar's kitchen, bakery, and bar. Find Minnesota favorites like Red Lake walleye, bison Swedish meatballs, tater tot hotdish, poutine topped with AmaBlu blue cheese and wild mushroom gravy, or their chicken pot pie with Minnestoa wild rice. Enjoy more sandwiches, stone oven pizzas, salads, soups, and more. Before you go, stop for something sweet at their bakery where they offer pints of Sebastian Joe’s ice cream, rotating flavored macaroons and cupcakes, and more. They also offer gluten-free and vegan cupcakes. Their patio offers plenty of shade and has charming twinkle lights and is surrounded by beautiful hanging flowerpots.  

  6. Nouvelle Brewing | Robbinsdale
    Geilfest at Nouvelle Brewing

    Geilfest at Nouvelle Brewing 

    Nouvelle Brewing | Robbinsdale

    Sister restaurant to Travail, Nouvelle Brewing puts a culinary spin on pub classics. Their popular Pig Ate My Pizza pies are featured on the menu (like the delicious Piggy Pie) or try their burgers, appetizers like the addicting Pork Nuggs, or check out their rotating specials. Wash it down with their in-house brewed beers, seltzers, craft cocktails, and more. During the warmer months, they transform their parking lot into a hopping patio with lots of shade, tables, bonfire pits, and a plant wall. To cool down, get a scoop or a pint to-go of their sister Dream Creamery’s ice cream. 

  7. Park Tavern | St. Louis Park
    Park Tavern patio

    Park Tavern

    Park Tavern | St. Louis Park

    Park Tavern in St. Louis Park’s patio seems to grow every year. Now offering spaces to catch a game on their outdoor TVs with lights, fans, heaters, plenty of tables, and even a few couches. Try bocce ball, catch live music, or enjoy their famous pizza, wings, burgers, and more. 

  8. Tamarack Tap Room | Woodbury
    Tamarack Tap Room

    Tamarack Tap Room

    Tamarack Tap Room | Woodbury

    Surrounded by hanging plant baskets, cafe lights, umbrellas, and views of a large fountain, Tamarack Tap Room is a great spot to soak up the sun. Find elevated American fare like a wagyu mushroom and Swiss burger, Ellsworth cheese curds fried in Summit EPA batter with smoked blueberry ketchup, red beet hummus, several flatbreads and bowls, sandwiches, and more. They feature an extensive list of Minnesota and domestic beers, cocktails, wine, and more.  

  9. Tavern on France | Edina
    Tavern on France patio

    Tavern on France

    Tavern on France | Edina

    With its sprawling patio, large outdoor fire pit, beautiful landscapes, and even a large bar with outdoor TVs, Tavern on France features build-your-own pizzas, salads, burgers, and serves comfort pub dishes. Don’t miss their popular brunch with a build-your-own bloody mary, and refreshing mocktails like a cucumber mint lemonade. 

Caitlin Hannah

Caitlin Hannah is Explore Minnesota's senior digital social strategist. When traveling around the state, she likes spending time near the water, hiking, antique shopping, trying new restaurants, and watching hockey.