Minneapolis Patio Dining
Explore some of our favorite outdoor dining spots in Minneapolis
Check out this updated list of heated patios perfect for colder weather in Minneapolis.
Great food, fresh air, and sunshine make for a perfect night out. Minneapolis restaurants combine all three at these lauded patios, many with outstanding views and Instagram-worthy ambiance.
Please note that reservations may be required, and may be made in advance or, if available, upon walk up. We've shared tips below, but be sure to check with the restaurant before you go to make sure everyone has a great time.
Rooftops
Brit's Pub
This Downtown Minneapolis hub of everything British has been drawing midwestern Anglophiles to their rooftop eatery since 1990. Enjoy the views from the English Garden Park, complete with a 10,000 square foot lawn bowling green open in the warmer months, and take in a cocktail and Scotch egg with views of the downtown skyline.
CRAVE
CRAVE's extensive rooftop patio—boasting an unbeatable view of downtown Minneapolis’s Hennepin Theatre District—is a great place for a casual drink, drag brunch, or a pre-show sushi spread at a table under one of their tents providing shady relief from the sun.
The Rooftop Bar at Nolo's Kitchen
This North Loop rooftop bar offers great views of the surrounding historic warehouse buildings and Downtown skyline, plus foosball, live music events, string lights, a shimmering disco-ball wall, and cabanas for shade.
Graze Provisions + Libations Food Hall
There’s something for everyone at this North Loop food hall offering a globe-spanning variety of eateries, plus a second-floor patio with skyline views and a dog-friendly ground-level park with picnic tables. Restaurant highlights include chef Yia Vang’s celebrated Union Hmong Kitchen, Southern BBQ favorites at the Fabled Rooster, and build-your-own healthy comfort plates from Soul Bowl.
Union
Featuring the only year-round rooftop in Minnesota with breathtaking views of the downtown Minneapolis skyline, Union is a great spot to soak in the morning sun and take in Solar Brunch, every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Moto-i
Moto-i knows how to do Toyko-style ramen and sake right, with excellent views to complement the fresh Japanese flavors. Enjoy the twinkle of the lights at this popular summer hangout, plus a sake flight from their on-site sake brewery (the first sake brew-pub outside of Japan!).
The Nicollet Diner & Roxy's Cabaret
Just around the corner from the Convention Center is The Nicollet Diner. It's open 24/7 and specializes in hamburgers, fries, malts and all-day breakfast. Up a level you'll find Roxy's Cabaret, which hosts everything from drag shows to comedy nights. Enjoy everything they have to offer on their tiered rooftop patio with retro vibes.
Gai Noi
Eat delicious Laotian cuisine at Gai Noi, across the street from Loring Park. Dine on their rooftop patio and you'll get a great view of the Basilica of Saint Mary. The menu is meant for sharing, so we recommend ordering a bunch of plates (like jalapeno wantons, green papaya salad, panang spaghetti, and sticky rice) for the group. Gai Noi is walk-in only.
Courtyards and Patios
Brasa Premium Rotisserie
Both of Brasa’s Minneapolis location offer outdoor seating to enjoy their Latin-inspired chicken, fried yucca, and other delights al fresco. The Northeast Minneapolis flagship offers a lush patio, while the Southwest Minneapolis outpost offers sunny sidewalk seating in picturesque Tangletown.
The Howe Daily Kitchen and Bar
One of the most dog-friendly eateries in Minneapolis, the Howe offers an expansive covered (and heated in the winter) outdoor dining space (dubbed the “Pawtio”) complete with yoga mats for reclining pooches and a separate menu of dog-friendly treats.
The Market at Malcolm Yards
Pick from countless food offerings at Malcolm Yards food hall and then take your tasty feast out to the patio where you'll find picnic style tables. In the evenings, grab a lounge chair and sit around the fire-pits.
Rosalia
This Linden Hills wood-fired pizza hotspot from chef Daniel del Prado offers a tightly curated menu of salads, pizzas, and desserts with a picturesque (and dog-friendly!) patio. Heads up: patio reservations are available online, but are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.
Cafe & Bar Lurcat
Have a fine dining experience at this patio, surrounded by lush trees and greenery.
Lake & Irving Restaurant and Bar
Located in Uptown, this comfort food eatery offers a cozy patio next to the restaurant. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a chicken sandwich, steak frites, smoked chicken wings, or heft cheeseburger.
Black Forest Inn
A backyard courtyard is the perfect spot to enjoy some classic German fare.
The Bungalow Club
Located in South Minneapolis’s Longfellow neighborhood, this tucked-away patio offers a shaded oasis from the bustle of city life, plus pasta, Italian-inspired fare, and Wednesday-only burger specials. Be sure to grab a selfie in front of the mural by local artist Megan Moore.
Longfellow Grill
Join locals and visitors alike at this bustling Longfellow neighborhood standby offering extensive outdoor seating along West River road and an eclectic menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.
Tilia
The romantic alley patio at this cozy Linden Hills neighborhood bistro is an inviting spot to relax and enjoy a from-scratch Rueben and excellent wine selection under strings of café lights and a living wall of lush green.
Colita
The line between indoor and outdoor seating is blurred at this modern, upscale (and 100% gluten-free!) Tex-Oaxacan eatery from Daniel del Prado. Thanks to garage-door walls that roll up in good weather, every seat in the house feels like it’s on the patio overlooking Penn Avenue.
All Saints
The All Saints patio in Northeast Minneapolis brings European charm to the neighborhood and is surrounded by blooming hydrangeas. Here, you'll enjoy wood-fired food and expertly crafted cocktails. All Saints' menu is "veggie-forward and meat-friendly."
Stanley's Barroom
Bring your dog to Stanley's newly renovated pawtio. With a permanent pergola, it's shaded in the summer and heated in the winter. Order your pup something off of their own menu and enjoy snacks and drinks yourself.
Hola Arepa
Indulge in Latin-style cuisine including homemade arepas stuffed with fresh meats, veggies, and cheeses. Grab a colorful cocktail and relax on their laid-back deck that feels like a vacation every time.
Hai Hai
Southeast Asian cuisine packed with an abundance of flavor, Hai Hai is the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing tropical craft cocktail and some Instagram-worthy eats. When the patio is open, pull up a tiny plastic stool and you'll feel just like you're on the street in Saigon.
Heather's
Near Lake Nokomis on Chicago Avenue, Heather’s offers a cozy outdoor patio with string lights and umbrellas for shade. It’s the perfect spot for fresh, seasonal fare after a walk around the lake.
Sea Salt Eatery
This seasonal restaurant, only open from the end of March through October, has some of the best seafood and tacos in town. The location right next to Minnehaha Falls makes it the perfect spot to refuel after a hike to the beautiful waterfall. Don't be scared by the line of people—it's worth it.
Aster Café
Skyline views are guaranteed at St. Anthony Falls’ picturesque Aster Café. Come for the adorable dog-friendly patio with Parisian vibes and delicious fresh fare, stay for the free live music several nights a week.
The Freehouse
North Loop brewpub the Freehouse offers a delightful patio complete with fire pit, lush trees, tables fit for a crowd of beer buddies, and breakfast served all day. Enjoy live music in the plaza June through August!
Wise Acre Eatery
One hundred percent of Wise Acre’s produce is sourced from their own farm in Plato, Minnesota, about an hour west of Minneapolis. Many menu items shift throughout the year as new produce comes into season. Enjoy delicious locally-grown food on their gorgeous patio with greenery and flowers designed by Tangletown Gardens.
Amazing Thailand
Enjoy your favorite Thai dishes at a table on this unique alley patio decked with colorful paper lanterns. A love of Thailand informs every facet of this experience—from the hospitality and authenticity of the food to hosting Thai events and celebrations throughout the year.
Reverie Café + Bar
Reverie serves an entirely made from scratch, plant-based menu for lunch and dinner. They have a full coffee bar, 20 tap lines pouring local brews, ciders, kombucha and switchel, and a carefully curated wine menu. Enjoy everything on their backyard patio.
Eat Street Crossing
Eat Street Crossing is Minneapolis' newest food hall. With six unique vendors and a bar that serves zodiac sign-themed drinks, you'll find sushi, burgers, Brazillian-style pizza, and more. You can take in the atmosphere inside, but we recommend finding a spot to sit on the patio during the warmer months.
A Butcher's Tale
Expect a festive communal experience when you arrive at a Butcher's Tale—handmade sausages, charcuterie and plenty of sides to go around! Their covered patio is partially enclosed with transparent skylights all around. This spot is perfect for an intimate gathering of family and friends.
Cardamom
Sitting at the base of the Walker Art Center's hillside and overlooking the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Cardamom provides Walker visitors a chance to relax, chat, and enjoy delicious cuisine influenced by the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Enjoy your meal on the lovely shaded patio.
Sidewalks
Pimento Jamaican Kitchen
Located in the heart of Nicollet Ave’s Eat Street neighborhood, this Black-owned standby serves up Jamaican street food with a lot of love and community spirit—think slow-roasted jerk pork, sweet fried plantains, braised oxtail, and a house nonprofit supporting efforts to combat racism and support healing for a better tomorrow.
Kieran's Irish Pub
Location, location, location! Kieran's is next door to the legendary First Avenue concert venue, across the street from the Target Center, and mere walking distance from Target Field.
Smack Shack
Sit beneath the umbrellas and enjoy fresh casual coastal seafood in North Loop. The lobster mac 'n cheese is calling your name.
Borough
Enjoy oysters and upscale seasonal specialties on the patio of this tony cocktail bar and eatery in North Loop. The patio is first-come, first-served and open for dinner seven days a week (when the weather is cooperating).
Stray Dog
This Northeast Minneapolis pub offers dog-friendly outdoor dining (true to its name) with a burger-loaded menu and loads of vegan and vegetarian options.
Centro
Head to Centro in Northeast Minneapolis for craft cocktails, tacos, and other Mexican bites.
Spoon & Stable
Enjoy Spoon & Stable's fine dining on their sidewalk patio. The menu is focused on foods seasonal to the Midwest and local culture, and inspired by French cuisine.
On The Water
Owamni by The Sioux Chef
This celebrated restaurant serves up modern Indigenous cuisine featuring local meats, produce, and fish without any colonial ingredients—think wheat flour, cane sugar and dairy. Enjoy a seasonal patio overlooking the Mississippi River. While dining room reservations can be hard to come by the patio is always first come, first served.
Pimento on the Lake
This lakeside restaurant offers beach-inspired twists on Pimento Jamaican Kitchen's classics as well as tropical drinks, like Jamaican beers. It's open seasonally on the north side of the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion.