Relaxing Rooftop Dining

Summer in Minnesota is synonymous with two things: road construction, and the perfect weather for time spent outside. Better yet, time spent outside enjoying a drink with a mouth-watering dish in front of you. We’ve done the homework so you don’t have to and rounded up some of the best outdoor dining the Twin Cities has to offer. All that is left to do is get out and enjoy.

 

ROOFTOP

Dining while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the city is a must in the summer. Who doesn’t love dining and people watching in spectacular weather a few stories up? Lucky for you, we have two bustling cities to choose from to provide the soundtrack to any outing.

Brit’s Pub & Eating Establishment

Boasting one of the most unique eateries in the Twin Cities, Brit’s Pub and Eating Establishment is Minneapolis’ very own little slice of the UK. During the winter months, it is the perfect place to cozy up next to the fire at night with one of their many stouts, ales or lagers alongside an order of Scotch Eggs. But in the spring and summer, it’s all about the lounge on their rooftop garden. Featuring a 10,500-square-foot manicured English green, guests are able to partake in games of lawn bowling, or sprawl out and watch a clash between two football—soccer, of course—or rugby teams on the big screen. Combine this with throwing back a pint (or two), and you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of London. 

1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-332-8011, britspub.com

Libertine

If people watching is a hobby of yours, it does not get much better than this birds-eye view overlooking an active street in Uptown. With Chef Tim McKee, a James Beard Award recipient, serving up cuts of meat including: beef, lamb, pig, chicken, fish and more, it has become a favorite destination for many to sip on craft cocktails and satisfy their inner carnivore. 

3001 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-877-7263, libertinempls.com

Seven

For a more upscale experience, this swanky rooftop known as the Skybar offers an expansive outdoor dining and lounge area, complete with two bars, a roaring fire pit and plenty of cozy couches. Located on Hennepin Avenue, you’ll have one of the best seats in the house while you put in an order for sushi and a round of cocktails. 

700 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-238-7770, 7mpls.net

The Liffey

Staying true to the cities’ Irish roots, this pub delivers on all the heritage fronts. Even their name stems from a river that runs through the center of Dublin. Inside, you will find a maze of antique mirrors, intimate dining rooms and a center bar filled to the brim with Irish inspired cocktails, whiskey and beer. The real star of the show is the second level, however. The terrace offers magnificent views of the historic Cathedral of St. Paul and bustling Seventh Street.

175 Seventh St. W., St. Paul, 651-556-1420, theliffey.com

Stella’s Fish Café & Prestige Oyster Bar

Just because we do not live near one of the coasts doesn’t mean we do not have quality seafood options like our Pacific and Atlantic comrades do. Slurp down oysters and chow down on Maine Lobster Pasta or any one of their other water-born entrees on one of Minneapolis’ only maritime-inspired rooftops. 

1400 W. Lake St., Minneapolis, 612-824-8862, stellasfishcafe.com

 

Eat More:

Worthy Waterfronts to Whet Your Appetite

Sidewalk Snacking

Palatable Patios