Five Restaurants to Try This Weekend

As Friday approaches, our minds wander to the familiar quandary: Where should we eat this weekend?

May we suggest five eateries perfectly suitable for this holiday weekend. The patios are ready, the drinks are cold and the sun will (mostly) be shining.

Staying in town?

Seward Co-op Creamery Café

After a bit of tszujing and tweaking, Seward Co-op Creamery Café reintroduced itself to the public as a casual, sunny spot to gather and nosh on thoughtfully sourced, hyper seasonal menu from mostly P6 producers- small, cooperative and local farms. And now, the new patio, stretching out next to the modern building on Franklin Avenue, is ready for its close-up as well.

Seward Co-op Creamery

Stop by for a morning cappuccino and treat or at lunch for the craveable Seward burger with candied bacon. Bonus: The cafe pays its staff a livable wage, so no tipping necessary.

Joy Summers

Red River Kitchen at City House

City House threw its doors open earlier this month, and this weekend may just be the perfect time to sit back with a cold brew and a few orders of kimchee Philly nachos (seriously, they are that good), a serious Cubano and watch the barges go by on the Mississippi.

Mini Road Trip

Looking for a tiny vacation for the long weekend? Head East to the St. Croix and pull up a chair at one of Stillwater’s numerous patios.

Tin Bins

Tin Bins

With a sprawling deck overlooking the river and a varied menu of light dishes like flatbreads and grilled panini, as well as enticing pastries made in house, there is something for everyone at this grain elevator turned cafe. Come back in the evening for some street tacos and live music (Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m.)

LoLo American Kitchen and Craft Bar

LoLo American Kitchen and Craft Bar

The patio is on the smallish side, and overlooks a parking lot, but the drinks alone will make up for all that. Try the Cobra Verde with chili vodka or the Dark and Swayze with ginger bitters for a kicky choice or the Aviation with crème de violet if you’re feeling extra fancy. LoLo’s Hudson location is now open, as well as a spot at the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport, if you’re lucky enough to go on a real vacay.

Marx Fusion Bistro

Marx’s menu is a blend of Caribbean, Asian and Italian American cuisines, perfectly executed with fun twists. Stop by for a trip around the globe, from St. Thomas grilled shrimp to Virgin Island empanadas to Lake Superior whitefish, the latter made a whole lot more exciting than it sounds with an almond crust, red peppers and fennel. Try for a seat on the tiny patio, or just belly up to the bar for Marx Manhattan.