The heated, tented patio at The Block Food and Drink is dog-friendly — it even has a heated floor.  Come for American fare like short rib cheesesteaks, vegan nachos, and broasted chicken sandwiches. There’s also a three-course menu for dogs (think pigs’ ears, turkey meatloaf, and banana and peanut butter desserts) and a weekly canine special: dogs eat free on Tuesdays.

Lagos Tacos’ Lyn-Lake location is a great option for outdoor dining in Uptown: it has a cold-weather patio complete with standing heaters, fire pits, and strings of globe lights. Favorites are the chicken tinga tacos, the guava barbecue pork tacos, and the elotes. Lunch and dinner are served daily, and a brunch menu is available on the weekend.

Hola Arepa offers heated seating under a canopy just outside its storefront: the space is warm, cozy, and carpeted with burgundy rugs. But it still keeps the restaurant’s tropical feel — lush ferns and philodendrons hang from the ceiling, and the canopy matches Hola Arepa’s signature turquoise. Try the chimichurri chicken or black bean and sweet potato arepas. Dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday, and a brunch menu is available on the weekend.

The heated and tented dog-friendly patio at Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room is a go-to for dog owners, even in the chilly months. The tent is decorated with shrubs and string lights, and has transparent “windows” where diners can look out onto the street. The lunch and dinner menus, served daily, feature ahi tuna crisps, fajita bowls, broccoli cheddar tots, and hand-battered Wisconsin cheese curds with spicy jam. A dog menu is available, too — as is brunch on the weekend.  

At Hai Hai, the covered patio area is called a “chalet” — the semi-enclosed space is kept warm with heaters, and strung with dreamy paper lanterns and fairy lights. Order the beef laab lettuce wraps or the Balinese chicken thigh from James Beard-nominated chef Christina Nguyen’s menu. Dinner is served seven days a week, from 4 p.m. onward — note that on Mondays, Hai Hai’s last seating is an hour before close.

Red Rabbit has standalone heat lamps stationed on its Grand Avenue patio in St. Paul. Their menu features American fare and simple Italian dishes: try the bolognese with fresh pappardelle, or the mostaccioli with marinara, goat cheese fondue, and parmesan. Lunch and dinner are served Tuesday through Sunday.

The Gnome’s popular patio is well equipped for the cold weather — it has heaters, a tent, and a massive brick fireplace. The Gnome is known for its refined takes on bar food: menu highlights include the beer can chicken served with chicken gravy and parmesan, and the Gnome burger, with bacon jam and smoked gouda. Lunch and dinner are served daily, and a brunch menu is available on the weekends.