We’ve been posting a lot about some of our favorite places to eat in the Twin Cities recently, and with the weather warming up, we thought it would be smart to list our 5 favorite patios in the area.
Eating inside is nice, especially if the atmosphere is pleasant. But, there is certainly something to be said about eating outside when the weather is perfect — especially when you’ve been cooped up inside all winter. To put it simply, eating outside can just put you in a good mood.
So, whether you’re looking for a spot to have a couple of after-work beers, or somewhere you can spend time with the whole family and enjoy a meal together, here are the 5 Best Patios in Twin Cities.
1121 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Meat-focused menu: Check. Craft brews: check. Bourbons: Check. Beer Garden: Check.
Butcher and the Boar has just about everything you need when it comes to dining on a patio with friends or family. Their covered beer garden offers outdoor refuge from the elements when the sun is too hot or when it is raining. You’d also be hard-pressed to find a spot that serves better meat.
With a 4.6 Google Review rating from over 1,000 satisfied customers, Butcher and the Boar is a must-see spot for foodies everywhere.
Their beer garden menu includes such delicacies as their sausage sampler, smoked chicken wings, and green chili dusted fries.
1115 2n Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Located near the heart of the action in downtown Minneapolis, Monello is still hidden enough to allow for some great patio eating and drinking. While there are some great patio happy hours around the Twin Cities, Monello sets itself apart with their extensive cocktails and wine collection.
Monello also has a solid brunch, with grilled octopus, oysters, a build your omelet option, and a delicious breakfast sandwich.
Monello is fairly upscale, so make sure to dress accordingly if you do go.
956 Payne Ave
St. Paul, MN 55130
Taking things to St Paul, we have Brunson’s Pub. While probably better known for their dive bar atmosphere inside, Brunson’s Pub has a lovely patio filled with green foliage — creating a fresh, lush area tucked away from the city. On Monday’s they have various specials for $3, $4, $5, and $6 and on Tuesdays they have trivia!
Some of their most savory apps include their loaded fries, Brunson Wings, seared togarashi tuna, and of course, cheese curds.
1414 Quincy Street Northeast
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Centro has the best of both worlds: delicious Mexican food and a gorgeous patio setting. Complete with intricate street artist designs, Centro offers an authentic Mexican food experience with a modern interior and patio to boot.
Some of the best tacos on their menu are the tinga (chipotle-tomato chicken, crema, queso), papas con chorizo (chorizo, potato, roasted salsa verde), and pescado (beer-battered fish, cabbage slaw, guajillo aioli). All pair perfectly with an ice-cold margarita.
410 St Peter St
St. Paul, MN 55102
The Meritage Terrace is one of the top spots in St. Paul for a fine dining experience outside in the gorgeous spring or summer breeze. The terrace is the perfect place to reconnect with old friends or to meet up for a family lunch. A few of there dishes include their Meritage chicken salad croissant, steak frites, and steak tartare.
If you consider yourself a foodie, then you need to get down to Meritage this Spring.
Are there any patios we missed? If your favorite patio isn’t on this list, leave it the comments and tell us why it’s your favorite!
For more of our favorite bars in Minneapolis, check out this post!