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12 Superior Spots for Lunch in the Twin Cities

10 Deeply Underrated Restaurants to Explore in the Twin Cities

The 12 Hottest New Restaurants in Minneapolis and St. Paul Right Now, October 2021

The side patio at Borough under a shade with a bar lined with people and a few people seated at tables. A woman exiting the restaurant shows the name Borough etched into the glass of the front door. Joy Summers

Outdoor Dining in the Twin Cities: 10 Great Spots

Did someone say patio season? If they did then don’t blink.

by Eater Staff
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by Eater Staff
Joy Summers

The patios in the Twin Cities are highly regarded as some of the most satisfying places to be in the precious months that Mother Nature gives to Minnesota.  So grab the sunglasses, some SPF, and a phone charger, because with places like these you’ll want to spend some serious time outside eating and drinking all things patio.

-by Joy Altmann

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. Hola Arepa

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3501 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 345-5583
(612) 345-5583
Visit Website
This newcomer last year burst into the stratosphere of Godlike food status (hello, Food & Wine cover). If you get a seat at the coveted window outside, you’ll never want to give the spot up. Birk and Christina’s playful menu is perfect for eating outdoors. From the delectable arepas with the secret sauces to the whimsical desserts that always surprise and delight. The patio is open with plenty of room to enjoy the bottled batched spirit drinks that are so popular. [Photo by Joy Summers]

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2. Surly Brewing Company

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520 Malcom Ave. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(763) 999-4040
(763) 999-4040
Visit Website
When the sun dares to show itself for a day, it’s off the charts busy at the new Surly Beer Hall. I have heard of stalking the hard to get spots to be able to get your eat on with the dishes Jorge Guzman and Brian Hauke are turning out. Enjoy a Bender and some Hog Frites. PS, there’s a Kid’s Menu, I repeat, there is a Kid’s Menu. Enough said… [Photo courtesy Surly Facebook Page]

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3. Libertine

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3001 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 877-7263
(612) 877-7263
Visit Website
Libertine’s rooftop is spacious and gives all the beautiful people the chance to drink into the late night and enjoy the crafty drinks from the mad cocktail scientist Johnny Michaels and a meat-centric menu from the mind of Tim McKee and the hand of Stephan Hesse. [Photo courtesy Libertine Facebook Page]

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4. Smack Shack

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603 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 259-7288
(612) 259-7288
Visit Website
Smack Shack in the North Loop is the spot for coastal dishes and drinks for before and after Twins games. Their infamous lobster mac and cheese is the stuff dreams are made of and washing it down outside with a cold one? Yes please. The size of the outdoor patio is expansive. [Photo courtesy Smack Shack Facebook Page]

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5. Borough

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730 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 354-3135
(612) 354-3135
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This more diminutive outdoor spot gives a laid back cool, hipster feel. With the neighborhood growth it’s not uncommon to see bikes chained up around so a civilized drink and snacks can be had. And you can get THE burger, you all know what I mean and if you don’t then you really need to head there now. Eating it outside in the fresh air will put a smile on the crabbiest person you know. [Photo by Joy Summers]

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6. Icehouse

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2528 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 276-6523
(612) 276-6523
Visit Website
Icehouse is known for its great live music, but the outdoor eating area puts you in the middle of Eat Street in all its glory. Enjoy the happy hour treats of the chorizo bocadillo with a sunny egg or the beer cheese burger and fries. [Photo courtesy Icehouse Facebook Page]

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7. Sea Salt Eatery

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4825 Minnehaha Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55467
(612) 721-8990
(612) 721-8990
Visit Website
Sea Salt is in an iconic patio dining class of its own. Outdoor seating as far as the eye can see, amazing seafood that is crave-worthy all year around but only offered when the summer gods smile upon us and rock star partnerships with the likes of Coastal Seafoods, Sebastian Joe’s and Peace Coffee. [Photo by Katie Cannon]

8. 6 Smith

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294 Grove Lane East
Wayzata, MN 55391
(952) 698-7900
(952) 698-7900
Visit Website
6Smith in Wayzata is our only suburban spot on the list. It opened last year and has the western side of the cities in a love affair with its brunch menu choices. The braised short rib Benedict and lobster soft scrambled eggs are highlight items. This family friendly fun spot also serves fantastically sophisticated cocktails. The million dollar view of Lake Minnetonka is the deal closer though. [Photo courtesy 6Smith Facebook Page]

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9. tinto cocina + cantina

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901 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
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Tinto Cocina and Cantina is a new restaurant that took over the Spill the Wine space on Lake and Bryant. Their patio is along the side and in the back. Who doesn’t want to bask in the sun and eat tacos until…..well until you can’t eat tacos anymore? All can be topped off with either the red or white sangria that flows freely in happy hour. [Photo courtesy Yelp]

10. WA Frost & Company

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374 Selby Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 224-5715
(651) 224-5715
Visit Website
WA Frost is an outdoor mecca. The beauty of the patio cures all the ills that the ho hum 9-5 grind delivers. Once there, you all of a sudden feel much prettier, highly educated, and simply happier. The sophistication of the space inside and out is unrivaled and is matched by one of the best whiskey selections in town. The perfect order would consist of the trio of Pacific oysters paired with a bottle of bubbles shared by the table. [Photo courtesy WA Frost Facebook page]

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1. Hola Arepa

3501 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
This newcomer last year burst into the stratosphere of Godlike food status (hello, Food & Wine cover). If you get a seat at the coveted window outside, you’ll never want to give the spot up. Birk and Christina’s playful menu is perfect for eating outdoors. From the delectable arepas with the secret sauces to the whimsical desserts that always surprise and delight. The patio is open with plenty of room to enjoy the bottled batched spirit drinks that are so popular. [Photo by Joy Summers]
3501 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 345-5583
Visit Website

2. Surly Brewing Company

520 Malcom Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
When the sun dares to show itself for a day, it’s off the charts busy at the new Surly Beer Hall. I have heard of stalking the hard to get spots to be able to get your eat on with the dishes Jorge Guzman and Brian Hauke are turning out. Enjoy a Bender and some Hog Frites. PS, there’s a Kid’s Menu, I repeat, there is a Kid’s Menu. Enough said… [Photo courtesy Surly Facebook Page]
520 Malcom Ave. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(763) 999-4040
Visit Website

3. Libertine

3001 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Libertine’s rooftop is spacious and gives all the beautiful people the chance to drink into the late night and enjoy the crafty drinks from the mad cocktail scientist Johnny Michaels and a meat-centric menu from the mind of Tim McKee and the hand of Stephan Hesse. [Photo courtesy Libertine Facebook Page]
3001 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 877-7263
Visit Website

4. Smack Shack

603 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Smack Shack in the North Loop is the spot for coastal dishes and drinks for before and after Twins games. Their infamous lobster mac and cheese is the stuff dreams are made of and washing it down outside with a cold one? Yes please. The size of the outdoor patio is expansive. [Photo courtesy Smack Shack Facebook Page]
603 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 259-7288
Visit Website

5. Borough

730 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401
This more diminutive outdoor spot gives a laid back cool, hipster feel. With the neighborhood growth it’s not uncommon to see bikes chained up around so a civilized drink and snacks can be had. And you can get THE burger, you all know what I mean and if you don’t then you really need to head there now. Eating it outside in the fresh air will put a smile on the crabbiest person you know. [Photo by Joy Summers]
730 Washington Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 354-3135
Visit Website

6. Icehouse

2528 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Icehouse is known for its great live music, but the outdoor eating area puts you in the middle of Eat Street in all its glory. Enjoy the happy hour treats of the chorizo bocadillo with a sunny egg or the beer cheese burger and fries. [Photo courtesy Icehouse Facebook Page]
2528 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 276-6523
Visit Website

7. Sea Salt Eatery

4825 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55467
Sea Salt is in an iconic patio dining class of its own. Outdoor seating as far as the eye can see, amazing seafood that is crave-worthy all year around but only offered when the summer gods smile upon us and rock star partnerships with the likes of Coastal Seafoods, Sebastian Joe’s and Peace Coffee. [Photo by Katie Cannon]
4825 Minnehaha Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55467
(612) 721-8990
Visit Website

8. 6 Smith

294 Grove Lane East, Wayzata, MN 55391
6Smith in Wayzata is our only suburban spot on the list. It opened last year and has the western side of the cities in a love affair with its brunch menu choices. The braised short rib Benedict and lobster soft scrambled eggs are highlight items. This family friendly fun spot also serves fantastically sophisticated cocktails. The million dollar view of Lake Minnetonka is the deal closer though. [Photo courtesy 6Smith Facebook Page]
294 Grove Lane East
Wayzata, MN 55391
(952) 698-7900
Visit Website

9. tinto cocina + cantina

901 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Tinto Cocina and Cantina is a new restaurant that took over the Spill the Wine space on Lake and Bryant. Their patio is along the side and in the back. Who doesn’t want to bask in the sun and eat tacos until…..well until you can’t eat tacos anymore? All can be topped off with either the red or white sangria that flows freely in happy hour. [Photo courtesy Yelp]
901 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Visit Website

10. WA Frost & Company

374 Selby Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102
WA Frost is an outdoor mecca. The beauty of the patio cures all the ills that the ho hum 9-5 grind delivers. Once there, you all of a sudden feel much prettier, highly educated, and simply happier. The sophistication of the space inside and out is unrivaled and is matched by one of the best whiskey selections in town. The perfect order would consist of the trio of Pacific oysters paired with a bottle of bubbles shared by the table. [Photo courtesy WA Frost Facebook page]
374 Selby Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 224-5715
Visit Website

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