Bacio This swank kin of Ciao Bella and Zelo serves a range of wood-fired meat, chicken, and fish, plus plenty of pasta and pizza (and one of our favorite tuna burgers) outside on its very pretty stone patio. In this casual, stylish place, BYOB is welcome (though corkage fees apply).
1571 Plymouth Rd. S., Minnetonka, 952-544-7000 Barley John’s Brew Pub
This pub sports some of the Twin Cities’ best house brews, including Dark Knight Returns and Old 8 Porter. Not only are the pizzas made by hand, so is much of the furniture—the bar and tabletops were crafted by owner John Moore from his grandmother’s maple tree. Trellises of curling vines curtain a homey patio, and the fire pit keeps spirits glowing. 781 Old Hwy. 8, New Brighton, 651-636-4670
Black Forest Inn
This anchor of Eat Street was one of the first in the region to offer real German specialties—award-winning bratwurst and sauerkraut. Its lovely garden with sculpture and a fountain, flowering vines climbing the walls, smack in the midst of a city block conjures European neighborhoods many time zones and decades away. 1 E. 26th St., Mpls., 612-872-0812
 Photo by Craig Bares |
| Rooftop lawn bowling at Brit’s Pub is a summer rite of passage. |
Brit’s Pub
Brit’s rooftop lawn bowling has become as symbolic to summer in the city as weekend trips to the farmers’ market. It’s less about romantic dining—and more about the scene, pints of ale, and authentic fish and chips. Make a night of it, since all three outdoor patios are packed on summer nights—meaning you’ll have to wait in the queue for a game on the green. 1110 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-332-3908
Café Lurçat
This stylish café, in the historic Fawkes Building, offers a stone patio ringed with flowers and shrubs and views of Loring Park. The food is serious, seasonal, sophisticated, honest, and good. On the edge of the city just a short walk from the bridge to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden—the perfect setting for a post-dinner walk hand in hand. 1624 Harmon Pl., Mpls., 612-486-5500
El Patio Mexican Grill
Were this gaudy, bright blue Mexican joint not near the Xcel Energy Center, you might be looking for chickens and listening for guitars in the night air. The bar hosts multiple tequilas and more than 100 south-of-the-border plates—enchiladas, tamales, chimichangas, burritos, and terrific carnitas. 242 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-209-9210
Jax Café
Classic old school. The kind of place your dad loves. Matchbooks embossed with your name, a trout pond (and trout dinner), and a verdant garden. Jax, the Northeast Minneapolis institution, celebrates its seventy-fifth anniversary this year with plenty of signature old-world charm and genuine hospitality. Makes us hope some things don’t have to change. 1928 University Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-789-7297
Joe’s Garage
As far as downtown Minneapolis goes, Joe’s bustling rooftop is our top choice if you have the kids in tow. Get a million-dollar view for the price of a burger (choose from lamb, pork, salmon, turkey, veggie, or beef) and a beer. It’s the best deal around. 1610 Harmon Pl., Mpls., 612-904-1163
Kozlak’s Royal Oak Restaurant
The screened-in patio is cooled by ceiling fans on hot summer nights and looks out on an English garden in all its flowering glory. The menu of seafood and Kansas City–style steaks is a bit formal, though lighter fare can be found in a selection of appetizers and salads. 4785 Hodgson Rd., Shoreview, 651-484-8484
The Liffey
From this rooftop patio, take in views of our capital city and the river. Short walls divide the space, making it seem less crowded and more intimate. The Irish food—real bangers (sausage) and salmon—are underrated. Linger here late into the starry, starry night. 175 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-556-1420
Muffuletta in the Park
In this beloved old place, chef Jason Schellin cooks with pizzazz, serving a sensational seasonal menu. On a summer evening, relax on the charming dining porch with its prettily draped tables, sip a cool light white wine, and toast civility. 2260 Como Ave., St. Paul, 651-644-9116
Monte Carlo Bar & Grill
Somehow John Rimarcik has turned the Monte’s back alley into a classy terrace— think Chicago, Paris, or LA. With tall braziers, roomy steel tables with umbrellas, and comfortable chairs, this is eating out—big-city-style. 219 3rd Ave. N., Mpls., 612-333-5900
Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge
Here’s a quick trip to the punk/hip/rockabilly side of town. In this former A & W drive-in, Psycho Suzi’s is a tiki bar, bar none. Nautical and naughty play outside on the deck among torches and palappas. Sip a spirited pineapple drink and nosh on the pizzas and “PuPu for You” platter—hands-on, finger-licking fare. 2519 NE Marshall St., Mpls., 612-788-9069
Redstone American Grill
Ranked among the best for BBQ ribs and chicken, Redstone’s two locations sport wide patios for folks to take their finger-licking messy eating outside. The place is usually packed, and doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait at the generous granite bar. 12501 Ridgedale Dr., Mtka., 952-591-0000; 8000 Eden Rd., Eden Prairie, 952-903-9500
Signature Café
In the midst of homey Prospect Park, Signature’s patio is as comfy as a friend’s backyard. It’s an unassuming place with simple home-cooked fare—and smoked pork short ribs on Friday nights to wind down the week. 130 SE Warwick St., Mpls., 612-378-0237
 Photo by Craig Bares |
| Tapas, Spanish wine, a killer view. This Hennepin Avenue hot spot has it all. |
Solera
In the heart of our busy theater district, Solera’s rooftop patio rises above the fray. Colorful tablecloths, bright umbrellas, and shining, innovative Spanish fare conjure up an evening in southwestern Spain, where the party lingers until dawn. 900 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-338-0062
Tejas
Warm and casual, this comfortable, cushy cantina serves its sunny cuisine on the patio just out back. The Southwestern specials seem especially suited to summer’s dog days—sip a cold, salty Margarita, dip fresh chips in just-pounded guacamole, beat back the heat, and push off the day. 3910 W. 50th St., Edina, 952-926-0800
Tria
Tria’s patio echoes the surrounding brick mansions in this polished development. The fireplace and roomy tables make it a natural gathering spot for those finishing up eighteen holes or shopping at the nearby mall. The seasonal and regional menu features fresh local specialties. 5959 Centerville Rd., North Oaks, 651-426-9222
 Photo by Craig Bares |
| One of the Cities’ prettiest patios is nestled among the historic brownstones of Cathedral Hill. |
W.A. Frost and Company
Frost’s legendary patio garden is one of the jewels of this charming historic Cathedral Hill neighborhood. The lush surroundings include ivy-covered walls, mature trees, shrubs, pots of coleus and geraniums, and white lights twinkling above. More casual than the elegant dining room, the patio features sandwiches and salads as well as dinner fare. 374 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-224-5715
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