Warm weather, picnic table-dining, and beer. Our favorites.
Spring has been in hiding, but we know she’s on our way. That’s why we wanted to get this outdoor patio guide to you as soon as possible. At the first sight of sun and warm weather, refer to our guide, and eat your heart out as the sun warms your winter-worn body. Maybe we’re being a bit dramatic, but nothing spells out H-A-P-P-Y like outdoor dining, so we can’t wait. Stay tuned to this guide as we’ll update it often!
1. Merlin’s Rest
If you’re looking for a touch of English culture (that means pub food and top quality whiskey and scotch) then come on over to Merlin’s Rest. They don’t feature television sets to watch football, but what they do boast is good conversation over a pint. Patio seating is open year-round. Don’t wait to sit on their patio and enjoy their award-winning fish & chips or their quality savory pies.
Where: 3601 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
2. Stanley’s Bar Room
Stanley’s Bar Room doesn’t have a patio—they have a pawtio, where dogs and owners alike can dine on craft food (and beverages for the humans). Stanley’s has got Minneapolis’ only three-course menu for dogs, which includes healthy meat and veggie dishes and sweet “pupcream” desserts. For you, their menu has a delicious burger list (the bleu fig burger sounds scrumptious), appetizers like nachos and jalapeño poppers and craft cocktails. Head on over; your dog will thank you.
Where: 2500 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
3. Reveal Rooftop Bar & Lounge
A hop and a skip over in Minneapolis and you’ve got Saint Paul’s Reveal Rooftop Bar, one of the hottest rooftops in the Twin Cities. Their handcrafted cocktails will be Spring-inspired as the warmer weather starts, and a refreshing beverage becomes much needed. Share a cheese board or artisan flatbread pizzas with your friends, take a look out at the gorgeous city skyline, and forget all your troubles.
Where: 5075 Wayzata Blvd, St Louis Park, MN 55416
4. Black Forest Inn
image by Sam Farr
Sneak away into a European-style cottage courtyard and dine on delicious food inspired by the German kitchen. They’ve got European-style dishes as well, but their specialities are dishes like their sauerbraten, which is marinated beef tenderloin in its own gravy after being brined in vinegar and spices. It’s also got red cabbage and spätzel. Das what we’ll be having.
Where: 1 E 26th St, Minneapolis, MN 55404
5. Smack Shack
Do patio season right at Smack Shack, where you can enjoy the warm sun on your face as you dive head-first into a plate of seafood. Lobster rolls, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Fried Oysters, and more. Come enjoy some sustainable seafood then wash it down with a white wine or tap beer.
Where: 603 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
6. Freehouse
Freehouse doesn’t just have yummy American cuisine, tasty craft beers, and warm weather dining. It’s also got live music on the patio. Nothing says happiness like listening to live tunes and devouring a plate of Steak Florentine or Beef Stroganoff. This week, Zack King will perform on the 20th, but stay tuned to their socials for announcements of music performers.
Where: 701 N Washington Ave #101, Minneapolis, MN 55401
7. BauHaus Brew Labs
Outdoor seating, good vibes, and deliciously crafted beer. That’s what you get when you arrive at BauHaus Beer Labs’ spacious patio complete with picnic tables, string lights, and good conversations. Their beers boast forward-thinking, ingenuity, and creativity, and it can be seen in their selections. They’ve got Pink Guava Goses, Juicy Pale Ales, and a ton of fun-named seasonal crafts to choose from. We’re eyeing the Neon Liger, an orange and espresso-infused dopplebock.
Where: 1315 Tyler St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
8. Nolo’s Kitchen & Bar
Nolo’s is an upscale kitchen and bar that makes photo-worthy dishes, signature cocktails, and more. We’re drooling over their honey and lavender cheesecake topped with real honeycomb. Best of all, they’ve got tented, lit patio seating perfect to enjoy the warmer weather in a socially-distanced and safe way.
Where: 515 N Washington Ave #100, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9. Pyres Brewing
Another dog friendly patio to enjoy, plus this one’s got heating. All that aside, Pyre’s is a specialty brewery crafting their own delicious ales, IPAs, and lagers. Not only that, but they’re making artisan pizzas like the pepperoni and burrata that you can enjoy after testing their appetizers (raviolis and meatballs are on the starter menu. Yum!) Note that this photo was taken pre-pandemic and all seating adheres to safety regulations in place.
Where: 1401 West River Rd N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
10. Wooden Hill Brewing
Co-owner, James, received a home-brewing kit from his brother, Sean, and the rest is history. Wooden Hill Brewing pays homage to years of testing, trying, and learning. Plus, they also got a sweet patio. Enjoy a Kold Shoulder Kolsch that’s from pre-WWII era Cologne or a Chocolate Crow, named as such for its chocolate-y finish and for the fact that crows in Minnesota don’t fly south for the winter, and neither does this beer. Check out their food menu too and try their Vegan Burger.
Where: 7421 Bush Lake Rd, Edina, MN 55439