The 10 Best Outdoor Dining Spots in Minneapolis/St. Paul
BY EMMA GEARY - JUNE 14, 2023
We're not wasting a second inside during this glorious Minnesota summer, and these patios are a great place to soak up the sun and reconnect with our friends. Whether you're meeting for happy hour or looking for a golden-hour date night, the Twin Cities is full of beautiful outdoor dining spaces to enjoy during our heat wave.
It might be one of the most iconic waterfront patios in Minneapolis, cozied up beside the Mississippi River in Northeast Minneapolis. As a retro tiki bar and pizza paradise, Psycho Suzi’s welcomes the weary, the wild, and weird all summer long.
ie Italian Eatery is a neighborhood eatery at heart, conveniently located on the Minnehaha Parkway nestled amidst the lakes of South Minneapolis. Known for providing a community feel with classic Italian dishes and an excellent limoncello selection, this is the perfect European escape in this Minnesota summer.
Mediterranean food with a side of sculpture? Count us in! Situated in the lobby of the Walker Art Center, this trendy outdoor spot faces Minneapolis’ iconic sculpture garden, which is always free to explore after your meal.
Grab beer here! Indeed Brewing is one of many local breweries that create a fun and flavorful lineup of brews and THC seltzers. Their expansive patio is within walking distance to dozens of art studios, restaurants, and local botiques, making this the perfect NE Minneapolis hotspot.
As our neighbor in Loring Park, Cafe Lurcat is a French favorite for serious food and voguish design. Café Lurcat is a perfect blend of classic old world style with a Noveau twist. The expansive bar and lounge is ideal for casual cocktails and a la carte bites, while the romantic dining room creates the perfect ambiance for an exceptional foodie experience featuring sophisticated comfort food.
Nestled in the cozy Linden Hills neighborhood, this heated patio is available year round for everything from Mediterranean gin and tonics to drinks served over an ice bar. With woodfired pizza and a curated selection of craft cocktails, Rosalia is a favorite for those golden summer nights.
New to the Uptown neighborhood is Pinoli, an Italian restaurant with a rooftop that overlooks lake Bde Mka Ska. With one of the largest Aperitivo selections in the Twin Cities and a great selection of Italian happy hour bites, this is a perfect spot for a post-sailing sip.
Searching for a glitzy downtown rooftop? Look no further than Blondette. Located on the 5th floor of the Rand Tower Hotel and created by Chef Daniel del Prado, this uniquely curated restaurant features classic French dishes and techniques with the use of Pacific Northwest ingredients.
A Minneapolis classic, this St. Anthony Main staple was not only voted one of the best spots for a first date, but regularly features live music and a host of outdoor entertainment. Aster Cafe is located on one of the most quaint, beautiful streets in the city, and has an idyllic view of the Mississippi River and Stone Arch Bridge.
One of the newest breweries in the North Loop neighborhood is also home to one of the largest patios. Meet Bricksworth Beer, serving up from-scratch dishes, Detroit-style pizza, and handcrafted brews just steps from Target Field. Make sure to add this to your list of must-try breweries on your next North Loop crawl.
Emma Geary
Emma is a writer living in Minneapolis. When she's not checking out a new brewery with friends or blasting Taylor Swift in her car, you can find her dreaming up ideas as the Brand + Editorial Manager at LAB.
