Best Rooftop Patios

If it’s summertime here in the north, the locals are sure to be savoring every morsel of sunlight and warmth. To aid them in this endeavor, many restaurants have added outdoor seating in recent years. But the best of all possible dining scenarios is surely the rooftop patio. Perched atop sky-high pedestals, these refuges are removed from noisy curbsides so that distinct soundscapes and social scenes can naturally unfurl. Needless to say, we adore the blissful, otherworldly sensation we get when visiting a rooftop on a lovely summer night.

Annie’s Parlor
Situated in Dinkytown—upstairs from the Kitty Cat Klub—Annie’s Parlor has none of the spit and polish that defines so many of these other spots. An unpretentious plywood deck is scattered with plastic lawn furniture. It offers views of the University’s leafy East Bank campus, but the more prominent imagery includes railroad tracks, student housing, and parking lots—in other words, the seedy underbelly of this historic neighborhood. Nevertheless, on a sizzling summer afternoon, this is a delightful spot to enjoy a throwback meal of burgers, fries, and the surest crowd-pleaser of all—generous pours of thick, old-fashioned malts. 313 14th Ave. SE, Mpls., 612-379-0744

Brit’s Pub
Come 5 PM on a sunny summer Friday, it’s not hard to figure out where the rooftop action in downtown Minneapolis is. Just follow the Targeteers down Nicollet Mall to Brit’s Pub. It’s one of the grassiest, most expansive, and—of course—most British rooftop patios in town. Its 10,000-square-foot lawn-bowling green has become emblematic of summer in the cities. This summer, Brit’s repeats popular rooftop events from years past: Shakespeare on the lawn, featuring all 37 of the Bard’s plays squeezed into 97 minutes, runs on Sundays from June 21 to July 12, while British-themed movies screen every Monday in August. 1110 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-390

Joe’s Garage
Joe’s doesn’t extend its happy hour selections to rooftop diners, but the smart set flocks to this charming destination just the same. After all, the granddaddy of local patios serves up lovely views of Loring Park, the Basilica of St. Mary, and the downtown Minneapolis skyline. Most of the tables are crowded with carousing young singles and canoodling lovebirds, but everyone will feel welcomed by the eclectic menu of teriyaki burgers, gourmet mac and cheese, and other updated classics. The beer and wine selections are modest, but the martini list is expansive, creative, and fabulously froufrou. 1610 Harmon Pl., Mpls., 612-904-1163

Chambers
The patio that wraps itself around the Chambers Hotel’s top-floor Red, White, and F***ing Blue Lounge is just wide enough for a couple to cuddle around a small table for two as they sip a cooling cucumber-mint cocktail and watch the traffic make its way up and down Hennepin. And when it’s showtime at the Orpheum, State, or First Avenue, the patio becomes prime people-watching territory as hipsters, theatergoers, and music fans mill below. 901 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-767-6900

Seven
Seven’s rooftop patio is as close as the city gets—maybe as close as the entire Upper Midwest gets—to high-rolling, out-of-control coastal style. In fact, just last summer, comedian Nick Swardson and A-Rod partied here on the same night. Up among the Block E billboards, bottle service lives on—with pretty waitresses pushing Grey Goose in buckets of ice. One of owner David Koch’s nattily attired henchmen can help you track down the cigar guy if that’s your thing. If you’re hungry, go for the sushi boat—a wooden tray that’s shaped like a Japanese fishing boat and heaped with rolls. It’s a lot of sushi, so make sure you’re rolling with a deep enough crew (and a serious enough credit card). 700 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-238-7777

Solera
You’ll get a workout climbing the four flights of stairs to Solera’s rooftop—or take the elevator! Either way, you’re rewarded with great views of downtown Minneapolis and an eyeful of super hip, well-dressed clientele. Special features include house music DJs and rooftop movie nights, which always rake in the crowds. Even when the weather isn’t cooperating, this Spanish eatery is the best place to grab tapas in the city—especially now that chef J. P. Samuelson is at the helm in the kitchen. 900 Hennepin Ave.,
Mpls., 612-338-0062

Stella’s Fish Cafe
& Prestige Oyster Bar
The relaxed vibe on this rooftop is more reminiscent of lakeside cabana than glossy nightclub. On any given night, the crowd runs the gamut from business professionals to casually dressed loafers who inhabit the nearby rental properties. They come for the scenery—great views of the shady lanes of Uptown and the Minneapolis skyline—and the seafood. Dinner specialties include king crab, lobster, and swordfish, plus beef and rib dishes. The famous “Oyster Orgy,” featuring 59-cent oysters on Fridays from 3 to 6 PM, is a huge hit. 1400 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-824-8862

Forepaugh’s
Forepaugh’s is a bit of an anomaly in the local rooftop-dining scene. It doesn’t have the hip heart-of-the-city vibe of places such as Solera. Nor does it embody the casual bar-food atmosphere of Brit’s or The Liffey. Many people probably don’t even realize this grande dame of St. Paul dining has rooftop seating. The elegant eight-table terrace occupies a pretty perch over the mansion’s portico, and it’s worth a visit after the eventful year Forepaugh’s has seen, including new ownership and a million-dollar renovation of the Victorian mansion. Gone is the staid French menu, replaced by seasonal new American creations from Chef Donald Gonzalez, an alumnus of French Laundry. If nothing else, reserve a spot on the terrace and dig into a dessert from pastry pro Carrie Summer as you soak up the view of downtown St. Paul and Irvine Park. 276 S. Exchange St., St. Paul,651-224-5606