Twin Cities Guide on Where to Dine Outdoors
Every Minnesotan knows that the winters are long and the summers are HOT! One our favorite ways to enjoy the great outdoors during the summer is to find a great patio to cool off with a great drink and a great meal after a day in the sun.
Luckily, the Twin Cities certainly does not lack fantastic restaurants to get out and try. As avid wine and diners ourselves, here are some of our teams' favorite spots to enjoy a gorgeous patio and a cocktail!
W.A. Frost & Co. - St. Paul
Hands down, this is one of our top spots for the summer! Located on Selby Ave in St. Paul, the garden like patio is the perfect oasis on a hot day to have a refreshing chilled glass of wine while sitting under a canopy of leafy trees. Our favorite treat here is the cheese plate, however, the entire menu is sure to please!
374 Selby Ave., St Paul
651-224-5715
wafrost.com
Sweeny's Saloon - St. Paul
This is another great St. Paul escape. The cozy patio is a more casual spot if you are looking for a great burger or are a big fan of wings. Pair with your favorite beer choice out of their great selection, including local and craft brews, and you have a perfect All-American meal!
96 Dale St. N, St. Paul
651-221-9157
sweeneyssaloon.com
Surly Brewing Company - Minneapolis
Not only are they a local Minnesotan brewer, they have an amazing outdoor space equipped with long park bench for seating and bean bag toss if you're looking for a game! If you would like a great snack to go with your beer, the burger is a must, although if you're looking for something a touch healthier, the Brussels sprouts will amaze you!
520 Malcolm Ave SE, Minneapolis
763-999-4040
surlybrewing.com
The Butcher & the Boar - Minneapolis
If you're more of a Minneapolis goer - The Butcher & the Boar is another fantastic spot! On the west end of Downtown , located on Hennepin Ave, the Butcher & the Boar has a sheltered Beer Garden. Their food is nothing short of creative and perfect for the carnivore in your life.
1121 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
612-238-8888
butcherandtheboar.com
Coup d'etat - Minneapolis
Located in Uptown, they are in the heart of many amazing rooftop bars. Coup d'etat has upper and lower level patios for their outdoor seating. Make sure to check out the beautiful decor inside. It's a perfect spot to stop after a day around Lake Calhoun, or bouncing around the shops of the Uptown area.
2923 Girard Ave S., Minneapolis
612-354-3575
coupdetatmpls.com
The Freehouse - Minneapolis
The Freehouse is located in the Loop area of Minneapolis. This is a favorite of ours for brunch with a Bloody Mary, accompanied with a chaser of one of their house made brews. It is also conveniently located near several other great bars and foodie places if you are looking to bop around. We recommend stopping at The Parlour for a night cap after your meal if you are a fan of unique (and strong) cocktails - particularly an Old Fashioned.
701 N Washington Ave #101, Minneapolis
612-339-7011
freehousempls.com
Smack Shack - Minneapolis
Seafood lovers delight here! Smack Shack not only as an amazingly fun bar area - yes, you can play games and pull tabs if you're feeling lucky, but they also have great outdoor seating. Nestled in the Northeast area of Minneapolis, the Twin's Stadium and Fulton Brewery are a quick walk away. If you're looking for something tasty here, anything with lobster is an absolute must!
603 Washington Ave. N,. Minneapolis
612-259-7288
smack-shack.com
The COV - Wayzata
Located in on Lake Minnetonka in Downtown Wayzata this is the BEST happy hour! You can go to happy hour during the standard weekday evening hours, or on Saturdays from 12:00pm - 5:00pm. The menu includes their famous fish tacos, calamari fries, and flatbreads. They have plenty of outdoor seating right next to the lake, but also open up the lake side of the restaurant to allow the summer breeze to enter into the bar area. Enjoy a stroll along the lake after your meal past the quaint shops of Wayzata!
700 Lake St. E, Wayzata
952-473-5253
covwayzata.com
Redstone American Grill - Eden Prairie
This gem is a great restaurant all around! This is a great spot if you don't want to head into the city but still want top notch food. Their large patio overlooks fountains and a large pond and is perfect if you want to catch a little sun while you enjoy your meal. Their chopped salad or fish selections are a personal favorite of the team.
8000 Eden Rd., Eden Prairie
952-903-9500
redstonegrill.com
Vivo - Apple Valley
If you're looking for an incredible restaurant south of the river, this is it! Vivo's food is amazing and versatile. Whether you're looking for a great spot to go for a light lunch, or celebrate a special dinner, the peaceful patio is sure to be a perfect spot.
15435 Founders Ln, Apple Valley
952-891-8808
vivomn.com
Did you try any of these places? Or do you have any favorite patios that we should go to this summer? Let us know!
Happy Patio Hopping!