*This archived article was originally published in Spring 2006.
Saint Anthony Main
Metro Area Patio Dining
19 Patios to Match Any Mood
Compiled by Eve Daniels
Come May, one look out the office window can be enough to inspire a division-wide field trip. This workweek wanderlust makes sense, of course. Why talk shop in a stuffy old boardroom when so many metro restaurants are ready to feed your alfresco addictions? And nothing invigorates that monthly brainstorm session like a cool, new setting in the open air. Meetings surveyed the Twin Cities’ outdoor offerings—both familiar and lesser known—to help you break out of the restaurant chain rut. Whether you crave a business breakfast by the shore, a downtown power lunch or a happy hour on high, one of these patios will surely satisfy. (Unless otherwise noted, all venues allow smoking in the patio area.)
URBAN OASIS
Café & Bar Lurcat, Downtown Minneapolis/Loring Park
Located in the historic Fawkes building overlooking Loring Park, Café & Bar Lurcat is also right around the corner from a series of eclectic galleries and storefronts. As the sun sets on the enchanting downtown park, you can take it all in from the comfort of a fenced-in patio. Savor a seasonal meal of new American cuisine, then wash it all down with one of 200 bottles of wine. If the air chills beyond your comfort zone, consider moving your rap session inside for some live world music in an ultra-voguish setting. 1624 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, 612-486-5500, www.cafelurcat.com
Max. outdoor seating: 16 tables in front; 14 in back
Corporate/group discounts: No
Parking: Valet and metered
Happy hour: Yes, Mon-Fri, 4:30-6 p.m.
Reservations required: Yes, in café area; no, in bar area
Patio available for rental: Yes
Jax Café, Northeast Minneapolis
From this landmark building in Northeast Minneapolis, the Kozlak family operated a furniture store, a funeral home, a dance hall, a billiards parlor and a liquor store before launching their restaurant in 1933. By the early ’50s, the restaurant expanded to fill the entire building, and the family soon added Minnesota’s first outdoor dining patio. The quaint hideaway (five minutes from downtown, mind you) features a stream from which patrons can catch their very own rainbow trout. A Jax staffer will even snap a Polaroid with you and your soon-to-be dinner. 1928 University Avenue N.E., Minneapolis, 612-789-7297, www.jaxcafe.com
Max. outdoor seating: 19 large tables;
10 six-person tables; three four-tops; six deuces
Corporate/group discounts: No
Parking: Free lot
Happy hour: No
Reservations required: No, but highly
recommended
Patio available for rental: No
Nochee Restaurant & Bar, Minneapolis Warehouse District
A hop, skip and jump from the Mississippi River, the Metrodome and the historic Mill District, Nochee appeals to the stylish dinner-and-dancing circle. Complete with market umbrellas and a skyline backdrop, the 150-seat patio stays cozy on cool spring nights thanks to heaters and a granite fire pit. The fusion of global rhythms echoing from inside, plus a patio view of The Dancer—a giant bronze sculpture by Spanish artist Fernando Botero—makes Nochee feel like a Latin retreat within a Midwest metropolis. 500 Washington Avenue S., Minneapolis, 612-344-7000, www.nochee.com
Max. outdoor seating: 120
Corporate/group discounts: Negotiable
Parking: Validated
Happy hour: Yes, Mon-Sun, 3-7 p.m.
Reservations required: No
Patio available for rental: Yes
Psycho Suzi’s, Northeast Minneapolis
Dubbed a “poor man’s paradise,” the terrace at Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge actually draws a clientele of poor, rich and everyone in between. Nordeasterners flock to the tiki-themed, multilevel patio—complete with wicker chairs, straw-hut umbrellas and bamboo-covered walls—for an affordable menu of sandwiches, salads, beer-battered snacks and famous “Minneapolis pizza” all year long. Belly up to the bar (decked with a pink neon sign that reads “Mender of Broken Dreams”) and order one of Suzi’s powerful rum cocktails, served in mugs shaped like pirates, skulls and coconuts. 2519 Marshall Street N.E., Minneapolis, 612-788-9069, www.psychosuzis.com
Max. outdoor seating: About 100
Corporate/group discounts: No
Parking: Free lot
Happy hour: Yes, Mon-Fri, 3-6 p.m.
Reservations required: Yes, except for weekends
Patio available for rental: Yes
W.A. Frost & Company, Cathedral Hill, St. Paul
Set in the beautiful Cathedral Hill neighborhood of St. Paul, W.A. Frost is a prime spot for dining alfresco. Unlike some of downtown’s sidewalk seating, where you may be forced to talk over traffic, Frost’s patio is its own private garden. Surrounded by trees, flowers, bushes and stone walls, you forget you’re in the middle of a major city. And with the upscale entrées made mostly from organic products, dining out at W.A. Frost seems only natural. 374 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, 651-224-5715, www.wafrost.com
Max. outdoor seating: About 170
Corporate/group discounts: No
Parking: Several free lots
Happy hour: No
Smoking on patio: No, except in bar area
Reservations required: No, but highly recommended
Patio available for rental: No
Black Forest Inn, Eat Street, Minneapolis
Since 1965, the Black Forest has dished up traditional German and European fare to much acclaim. But award-winning sauerbraten and Wiener Schnitzel aside, the beer garden is perhaps its most prized attraction. Students from the nearby Minneapolis College of Art and Design, plus lager-lovers of all shapes and sizes, flock to this patio right off of Eat Street from spring through fall. With retractable rain screens, a cascading fountain, elaborate grapevines and green all around, the place evokes the naïveté of a first date and the elegance of the Old World—that is, before the Hefeweizen takes effect. 1 E. 26th Street, Minneapolis, 612-872-0812, www.blackforestinnmpls.com
Max. outdoor seating: 110
Corporate/group discounts: Negotiable
Parking: Free lot
Happy hour: No
Smoking on patio: No
Reservations required: No
Patio available for rental: No
UP ON THE ROOF
The Liffey, Downtown St. Paul
Inside the Liffey, it’s easy to lose track of time. One of three locations created by West Ireland native Kieran Folliard, this shiny black pub features a maze of antique mirrors, cozy dining rooms and a center bar surging with whiskey and stout. Step up and out, however, and you’ll gain a brighter perspective. Destined for alfresco greatness, The Liffey’s recently renovated second-level terrace offers views of St. Paul’s historic cathedral and the bustling West Seventh Street. Indeed, both inside and out, The Liffey brings an authentic dose of Irish spirit to Minnesota’s capital city. 175 W. Seventh Street, St. Paul, 651-556-1420, www.theliffey.com
Max. outdoor seating: About 160
Corporate/group discounts: Negotiable
Parking: Metered, ramp and
free lot (limited)
Happy hour: Yes, Mon-Fri, 11 a.m.-
6 p.m. (until 4 p.m. on event nights)
Reservations required: No, except for large groups
Patio available for rental: Yes
Brit’s Pub, Downtown Minneapolis
Located on the west end of Nicollet Mall, Brit’s is just what comes to mind when you think of a pub. Its rich, dark wood interior and toasty fireplaces might make Brit’s the perfect place for a winter drink after work. But during the warmer months, it’s even better when Brit’s opens its rooftop garden, complete with 10,500-square-foot manicured English greens used for lawn bowling or, at other times, for outdoor screenings of British films. Try the Scotch Eggs with one of the many stouts, ales and lagers on tap, or sit outside along the Mall and enjoy a hearty pub meal. 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-332-3908, www.britspub.com
Max. outdoor seating: About 140 on rooftop (more on street level)
Corporate/group discounts: Negotiable with rentals
Parking: Ramp below and metered (recommended)
Happy hour: Yes, Mon-Fri, 3-6 p.m.; all day Sunday
Reservations required: No
Patio available for rental: Yes
Joe’s Garage, Downtown Minneapolis/Loring Park
While this hip, triple-decker hangout in Minneapolis’ Loring Park is hardly a garage, it is something of a chop shop. From red Thai curry risotto to cream cheese egg rolls with Japanese slaw, ingredients from around the world are divvied up and re-engineered into innovative American cuisine. But plenty of people just order one of Joe’s delicious gourmet burgers and skin-on fries and settle into seats on the roof. It’s a combination that’s hard to beat: Fancy drinks, awesome bistro food and an inspiring view of the Basilica of St. Mary—not to mention the stars. 1610 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, 612-904-1163, www.joes-garage.com
Max. outdoor seating: About 170
Corporate/group discounts: Negotiable
Parking: Metered and $4 lot (recommended) Happy hour: No (not on patio)
Reservations required: Yes, for groups of eight or more
Patio available for rental: Yes
Solera, Downtown Minneapolis
This Spanish-inspired restaurant, located in the heart of Minneapolis’ historic theater district, attracts a young, eclectic crowd hungry for festive tapas, beer on tap and budget wines. Contemporary mosaics and floating light sculptures combined with the friendly staff make Solera a natural choice for atmosphere alone. The free Sunday and Monday movie nights are a real hit, too, as some 100 filmgoers head to the Moroccan-style rooftop at dusk to enjoy dinner, drinks and a movie with a central theme. 900 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 612-338-0062, www.solera-restaurant.com
Max. outdoor seating: About 60
Corporate/group discounts: Negotiable
Parking: Valet, ramp and metered
Happy hour: Yes, weekly late-
night specials
Reservations required: No, except for large groups
Patio available for rental: Yes
Stella’s Fish Café & Prestige Oyster Bar, Uptown Minneapolis
You can’t get much better than chargrilled seafood kabobs under the clouds. Unveiled last summer, this trendy restaurant specializes in fresh fish, oysters, spicy jambalaya, fried green tomatoes and other Gulf Coast staples. It also boasts one of Minneapolis’ most dazzling rooftop decks. The brainchild of local restaurateur Phil Roberts, who launched Buca di Beppo, Chino Latino, The Oceanaire Seafood Room and more, the three-story Stella’s is kitty-corner from Calhoun Square, near the corner of Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis. Take the elevator up to the roof, order some freshly shucked oysters on the half shell and enjoy one of the most charming views in town. 1400 W. Lake Street, Minneapolis, 612-824-8862, www.stellasfishcafe.com
Max. outdoor seating: About 25 tables, plus bar seating
Corporate/group discounts: No
Parking: Valet and metered
Happy hour: No (not on patio)
Reservations required: No, except for large groups
Patio available for rental: Yes
CITY SIDEWALKS
Zelo, Downtown Minneapolis
From your sidewalk table on Nicollet Mall, you’ll see pulled-back velvet drapes and a spacious dining room of rich wood, high ceilings and colorful art adorning the walls. But Zelo’s opulent vibe also extends outside, as the talented wait staff serves fine Italian cuisine to an upscale clientele. After a long day on the move (or stuck in the cube), Zelo proves the ultimate setting to wine and dine your high-maintenance VIPs. 831 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-333-7000
Max. outdoor seating: About 45
Corporate/group discounts: No
Parking: Valet after 6 p.m., metered and ramp
Happy hour: No
Reservations required: No
Patio available for rental: Negotiable
The Local
The Local, Downtown Minneapolis
Another urban hotspot by Irishman Kieran Folliard, The Local is actually three pubs in one: The intimate Willy Reilly’s with its large windows; the Victorian-style Porter Pub and its 80-foot bar; and the comfy Whiskey Lounge. Adding to this winning combination is a mezzanine-level billiards room, as well as an expansive sidewalk patio around the pub’s exterior. This stretch of outdoor seating may be the best spot in town for taking in all of Minneapolis’ warm-weather happenings—from jazz festivals to grand parades to professional bike races—with a fresh Black and Tan in hand. 931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 612-904-1000, www.the-local.com
Max. outdoor seating: About 120
Corporate/group discounts:
Daily lunch specials
Parking: Validated with
minimum $20 tab
Happy hour: Yes, Mon-Fri,
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Reservations required: No
Patio available for rental: No
Billy’s on Grand, St. Paul
This Grand Avenue favorite boasts all the pleasures of an easy, breezy afternoon, with baskets of wings and rings, budget brews and pastimes aplenty (including darts, billiards, a premium jukebox playlist and sports coverage on all sides). But the most pleasant highlight of all is Billy’s expansive terrace—ideal real estate for catching a few rays while observing passersby. The patio even features its own menu of seasonal staples, including ballpark hot dogs, lip-smacking salads and fresh lemonade. With sliding glass doors that open to the patio area, the music and laughter echoing from the bar enhances that springtime spirit. 857 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, 651-292-1316, www.billysongrand.com
Max. outdoor seating: About 100
Corporate/group discounts: No
Parking: Validated
Happy hour: Yes, Mon-Fri, 3-6 p.m.
Reservations required: No
Patio available for rental: No
Chino Latino, Uptown Minneapolis
Swill a Bloody Mary from an open window seat or at a table outside the gold-sequined Chino Latino, and you may be inspired to hum Billy Idol’s “Hot in the City” (even if he was singing about New York). Located in Minneapolis’ chic Uptown neighborhood, this Hennepin Avenue hangout is where the party people go to see and be seen. Bring your work buddies and order a dish to share, like the Pupu Platter or another fiery feast from Mexico, Thailand, Jamaica, Polynesia or Korea. After some spicy hors d’oeuvres and a couple of heady cocktails, you just might let out a good old-fashioned rebel yell. 2916 Hennepin Avenue S., Minneapolis, 612-824-7878, www.chinolatino.com
Max. outdoor seating: 18
Corporate/group discounts: No
Parking: Valet and validated
Happy hour: Yes, Sun-Thurs 4:30-
7 p.m./10:30 p.m.-midnight
Smoking on patio: No
Reservations required: No
Patio available for rental: No
BY THE SEA
The Freight House, Stillwater
From the carousel horses hanging from the restaurant’s wood-beamed ceiling to the friendly bar, this former Burlington Northern train station is loaded with charm. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the restaurant maintains its ties with the past via rustic furnishings, hardwood floors and old photos of Stillwater’s river trading industry. Enjoy open views of the St. Croix River and its surrounding tree-lined bluffs from the large, outdoor deck. Savor traditional fare such as steaks, burgers and gourmet salads and plan on making a night of it: The restaurant also has one of the best nightlife scenes in Stillwater. 305 S. Water Street, Stillwater, 651-439-5718, www.fhstillwater.com
Max. outdoor seating: About 130 on dining side; 250 on bar side
Corporate/group discounts: No
Parking: Free lot
Happy hour: No
Reservations required: No
Patio available for rental: No
Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge, Lake Minnetonka
Located in a hidden channel between West Arm and Crystal Bay on Lake Minnetonka, Lord Fletcher’s offers something for everyone—from the burger-eating beach bums outside on the deck to the high-heeled fine diners upstairs. In fact, the restaurant is a bit of a social ladder in and of itself: The upscale clubroom on the top level features gourmet seafood selections and other cuisine, fine wine and sunny views. The main level harbors the Paddle Club, a more casual version of the upper deck. The bar and outdoor deck—Granddaddy’s and The Wharf—offer come-as-you-please dining near the docks. 3746 Sunset Drive, Spring Park, 952-471-8513, www.lordfletchers.com
Max. outdoor seating: 895 in
wharf area
Corporate/group discounts: No
Parking: Free lot and valet
Happy hour: Yes, times vary throughout spring/summer
Reservations required: No
Patio available for rental: Yes, during the week
Maynard’s, Lake Minnetonka
Whether you prefer to nurse your martini in the sun or devour your fries in the shade, you’ll have no trouble finding a prime outdoor seat here. On the southeast corner of Lake Minnetonka’s Excelsior Bay, Maynard’s huge wharf area offers close-up views of the sparkling sea and vibrant sailboats. Chill out with a cold beer and watch lake patrons motor their yachts right up to the deck before returning to the sky-blue waters. 685 Excelsior Boulevard, Excelsior, 952-470-1800, www.maynardsonline.com
Max. outdoor seating: About 100 on patio; 300 in wharf area
Corporate/group discounts: No
Parking: Free lot and valet
Happy hour: Yes, times vary throughout spring/summer
Reservations required: No
Patio available for rental: No
Saint Anthony Main, Mississippi River
Great patios equal great views, and the Minneapolis Riverfront District establishments supply deck upon deck of them. If you want fish or steak, go with Vic’s; if you crave bistro fare, go with the Aster Café; if you want American eats, try Pracna on Main; or be-bop the night away at Sophia, an Art Deco-style jazz club. Each terrace faces the Mississippi, the downtown skyline, historic buildings and wanderers along the Stone Arch Bridge. Patio specifics vary depending on location. Visit www.saintanthonymain.com for more details.
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