Photo by Todd Buchanan
Minnesotans will do whatever it takes to embrace the warm weather. With a variety of locations and foods to choose from throughout the Twin Cities, there is no doubt that these tasty spaces will maximize your outdoor time.
Open places and elevated spaces
Amore
Located in the heart of Uptown, this Italian-style restaurant is sure to please any pasta lover. Its open rooftop overlooking the bustling streets below provides an old-world feel in a new, elegant, and urban environment.
Bread and Pickle
As the first Minneapolis Park concession to compost and recycle, Bread and Pickle strives to offer sustainable ingredients in a zero-waste environment. Located next to the Lake Harriet band shell, this waterfront eatery is sure to satisfy both your hunger and your need for vitamin D.
Burger Moe’s
An array of multi-colored umbrellas and blossoming flowers makes this space quite a cheerful one. Grab casual brews and burgers and soak up the beauty and warmth of Minnesota summers.
Cafe and Bar Lucrat
This hip, garden-esque patio looks out to Loring Park. With twinkling string lights that zig-zag across the exposed brick, the space emits an old-world style with a modern twist through design and sophisticated American comfort food.
Freehouse
Decorated with thick, vast greenery, the Freehouse is sure to unleash your wild side and let you savor a little taste of freedom. With an onsite brewery, handcrafted cocktail bar, and a menu that ranges anywhere from oysters to caramelized Thai pork, you’re sure to find something that suits you.
Hola Arepa
While chef Christina Nguyen was named a 2018 James Beard semifinalist this year for her Vietnamese restaurant Hai Hai, locals have known about her prowess with this food-truck-turned-restaurant for years. The dog-friendly, aqua-blue canopied wooden deck provides an enjoyable space for customers to delve into delicious Latin street food. Hola Arepa specializes in Venezuelan stuffed arepas, which are sweetened or unsweetened cornmeal pancakes packed with a variety of beans, cheeses, meats, or veggies.
Moto-i
Minnesota is home to the first sake-brew pub outside of Japan. This place serves up an array of rice bowls, Tokyo straight-style ramen noodles, Asian-inspired street food, and an impressive view of the Minneapolis skyline.
Salut Bar Americain
This French-bistro inspired Grand Avenue restaurant has a secluded and spacious patio equipped with dangling bulb lights, black and white checkered table clothes, and woven chairs. It’s the perfect place to comfortably relax all while indulging in a bowl of their classic French onion soup, gourmet burgers or fresh oysters.
Sea Salt Eatery
Alongside the rushing waterfall in the heart of Minnehaha Park, this quaint eatery serves up a variety of seafood dishes including tacos, po’boy sandwiches, and fresh shucked oysters. The order-at-the-counter style makes for a casual, relaxing meal.
Spring Cafe
Located in the Como Lake pavailion in St. Paul, this breathtaking and picturesque terrace offers a natural view of the water accompanied by natural flavors. The Spring Cafe serves up fresh salads, wraps and sandwiches.