If you’re from Minnesota, you know that when it is finally summer, most of us can’t wait to get outside and enjoy patio weather. Luckily we have a lot of fantastic options in and around Minneapolis! Here are my my picks for best patios in Minneapolis! I’ve only included those currently open, but will add to the list next summer with more of my favorites.
*As of now, these places are all open, but be sure to check their website for updated hours, party maximums (many places are limiting to parties of 4 or 6), reservation policies etc. Due to COVID restaurant policies are changing quickly. Most restaurants are also including info on their website of policies they’ve put in place to keep guests and their staff safe.
North Loop
The Freehouse
https://www.freehousempls.com/
A popular spot in the north loop, Freehouse has great American food and plenty of beer, wine, and cocktail options! They also have gluten free and vegetarian options which I really appreciate! I love the Freehouse patio ambiance – complete with warm string lights in the trees and modern gas fireplaces.
Smack Shack
Smack Shack is a casual yet trendy coastal seafood restaurant in the north loop! The patio deck is cute and casual with wooden tables and pretty flower boxes. Smack Shack is known for their lobster rolls and lobster mac & cheese. Patio tables are available first come, first serve.
Red Cow
Mitch and I used to live in the apartment building across the street from Red Cow and used to go here all the time! So it’s a special place for us. Red Cow is a fun, casual restaurant with amazing handcrafted burgers (including some awesome veggie options :), fries, apps, and cocktails. Highly recommend! You can make a reservation on Resy and choose “patio” seating specifically!
Hewing Rooftop
https://www.hewinghotel.com/hewing-rooftop-sauna/
If you’re looking for the patio with the best view in Minneapolis, Hewing has to be on the list! There are only a few appetizer options for food, but the drinks and view are amazing. Hewing is the perfect spot for a drink!
*Currently due to COVID, reservations can only be made for Friday and Saturday from 5-11pm. Reservations can be made on the app Tock. Link to make a reservation here.
Northeast
Psycho Suzi’s
Psycho Suzis’ Motor Lounge has an outdoor patio that is a tiki paradise overlooking the Mississippi river in Northeast Minneapolis.
This unexpected tropical bar is a fun place to sip on drinks and enjoy time with friends and family during the warm months in Minnesota.
Due to COVID, patio seating is currently only available with reservation for their “all-inclusive experience”. All you can eat and drink for your 90 minute reservation. The food menu is pretty limited to pizzas, wings, and cheese curds. But everything is tasty and the drinks are fun! No waiters and waitresses, all ordering is up at the bar.
I’d recommend bringing a mask for ordering at the bar, but the tables themselves were very spread out as they were only using some of the tables.
Aster Cafe
Aster cafe is another great spot in Northeast Mpls. Located in the St. Anthony Main area, it’s a great place to stop after a walk down the Stone Arch Bridge. The menu consists of delicious salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more. Walk up reservations only.
Hai Hai
Hai Hai is in northeast and offers amazing southeast Asian food and a tropical, fun outdoor patio! I’ve only been here once for brunch but loved it. I’m looking forward to going back as they’ve just opened up their patio.
Downtown
Brit’s Pub
Right on Nicollet, off the corner of 11th Street, Brit’s patio is one of my favorites! With a nice view of the city and huge lawn for lawn bowling, this is a special and unique spot in Minneapolis. It’s a great spot to bring friends and family.
*Brit’s is taking walk-up reservations only.
Unfortunately, due to COVID, many of my favorite restaurants downtown are temporarily closed.
While experts have indicated eating at restaurants outside is safer than indoors, I’d recommend reviewing the health and safety measures restaurants have in place before determining if you feel comfortable eating there. Most restaurants have this information accessible on their website.
Have you been to any of these patio restaurants in Minneapolis? Which one is your favorite?
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