The 11 Hottest Patios to Bask in the Spring Sunshine

Where to eat sticky rice, snappy sausages, and fresh pasta outside

by Joy Summers@JoyEstelle Updated Apr 19, 2019, 11:26am CDT

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Hai Hai has a patio now

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by Joy Summers@JoyEstelle Updated Apr 19, 2019, 11:26am CDT

After heroic survival of another overly long winter, it’s finally time to head out into the warm sunshine. These new patios are where to flock when the weather cooperates.

Have you spotted a new patio opening? Take to the comments or let us know on the tipline.

Patios are listed in geographical order

Grand Cafe

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Jamie Malone’s French bistro nabbed her a James Beard award nomination, but locals have known from day one that a bottle of something bubbly and a seat on the sidewalk patio are the best way to soak in the warm evening air.

3804 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55409

(612) 822-8260

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Get that foie crueller situation out here

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Butcher & The Boar

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An ideal outdoor dining experience for when the weather can still be a bit fickle. The covered beer garden also serves those famous Butcher & the Boar sausages with a whole lot of beer and bourbon.

1121 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

(612) 238-8888

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Hola Arepa

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One of the most fun patios in town is open again and sporting a jazzy, upgraded menu. The classic arepas are still there, but the extended menu lets everything glorious about the way this South American restaurant puts a plate together shine.

3501 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408

(612) 345-5583

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Monello

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Downtown Minneapolis’ best happy hour patio that’s right by the hustle and bustle, but hidden enough not to be overwhelmed by the city noise. The cocktails and wine selections are world class and the snacks are an ideal bit of elegance to cap off a work day.

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1115 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403

(612) 353-6207

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Hai Hai

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Tropical drinks, Southeast Asian dishes that are made for eating in the sun, Hai Hai is a delight from start to finish. Feast on some of the dishes that nabbed chef / co-owner Christina Nguyen a James Beard nomination while sitting around the bright oilcloth tablecloths. The giant sloth mural only adds to the fun.

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2121 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

(612) 223-8640

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Brightly colored metal bar stools surround an open bar window — Indoor/Outdoor bar seats

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Bardo

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One of the iconic patios of Minneapolis just keeps getting better and better. Bardo serves elegant food, wine, exceptional cocktails and offers a rare fine-dining-on-a-Monday experience. The patio is just steps from downtown Minneapolis in Northeast.

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222 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414

(612) 886-8404

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Chef Remy is smiling, behind him is an arch int he restaurant, painted with a mural of the Hennepin Avenue bridge — Chef Remy Pettus of Bardo

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Centro

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The single best stop for mezcal slushies and tacos in the Twin Cities. Enjoy the industrial cool views ofthe old train tracks and the vibrant street art beauty of Centro’s exterior murals.

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1414 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

(612) 345-5527

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The Bungalow Club

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This famously serene patio in the heart of the city is now open for the season. The Bungalow Club is known for fantastic fresh pastas, ever changing seasonal dishes and a knockout beverage program. Sip the new mezcal paloma or order an affordable bottle to share.

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4300 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406

(612) 866-3334

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Waldmann Brewery & Wurstery

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The ancient building harkens back to the days when Saint Paul was better known as Pig’s Eye. Enjoy the beer garden with a mug of the fantastically toasty Dunkel and a selection of the snappy sausages.

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445 Smith Ave N, St Paul, MN 55102

(651) 222-1857

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The old stone exterior of Waldmann — Home to a proper old fashioned beer garden

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Meritage

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This gorgeous French brassiere has opened the sidewalk seats for a perfect vantage point for watching the hustle and bustle of downtown Saint Paul with a glass of something bubble near at hand. Indulge in the raw bar or a classic bowl of moules frites.

410 St Peter St, St Paul, MN 55102

(651) 222-5670

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Brunson's Pub

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The Eater Award winner for Best Dive Bar revival also sports a sneaky little patio that’s a lush hideaway in the middle of the city. Order up the classic bar food fare that’s given a cheffy makeover like the crusty chicken thigh “wings.”

956 Payne Ave, St Paul, MN 55130

(651) 447-2483

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