Minneapolis summers are a beautiful thing. Everyone climbs out of what feels like months of hibernation from the state's harsh winters, and takes advantage of their city's wonders as much as possible. When Minneapolitans aren't biking, boating around lakes, or soaking up the sun at outdoor concerts, they flock to outdoor patios to enjoy food and beverages with a view. Here are 17 of the most amazing outdoor patios you need to lounge on in Minneapolis right now:
1. 4 Bells
It's not very often that Minneapolitans get to experience incredibly fresh seafood within our landlocked state. 4 Bells overnights all of its fish from the coasts and utilizes as many local fish from our 10,000 lakes as possible. The restaurant's rooftop patio is just as fun and fresh as their food. 4 Bells, 610 Harmon Pl, Minneapolis, MN 554403.
2. Hola Arepa
Hola Arepa started out as a food truck serving up delectable Venezuelan arepas, and has progressed to having a full-on restaurant with one of the most eclectic patios in all of Minneapolis. Enjoy the aqua blue decor, sip on a margarita, and sail away to South America. Hola Arepa, 3501 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
3. Aster Cafe
There's no place like the Aster Cafe. The interior of the restaurant has a dark and romantic atmosphere that's intoxicating. The outdoor patio transitions seamlessly from the cafe, with the most seductive view of Minneapolis' historic Main Street. It's the perfect spot to view the river with one of The Aster's masterful cocktails in hand. The Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414.
4. The Bachelor Farmer Cafe
Minneapolis' Nordic roots are beautifully showcased at this popular eco-conscious North Loop restaurant. Every dish is served with deliberation and is excellently crafted. Bachelor Farmer's patio may be small and close to a busy street, but it's still as elegant as you want it to be. The Bachelor Farmer, 50 N 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401.
5. Betty Danger's Country Club
Ferris wheels might be strictly forbidden in the city of Minneapolis, but there is no legislation on the books against a "vertically revolving patio." Betty Danger's finds the loop hole to boast its spunky atmosphere. This Northeast spot is a funky country club where everyone and anyone is allowed. Enjoy a prickly pear slushie and take a ride on the ferris... excuse us, the vertically revolving patio to see the city in a whole new way. Betty Danger's Country Club, 2501 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.
6. Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge
Psycho Suzi's is Betty Danger's older, wilder sister. Known for its splendid patio overlooking the Mississippi River, and its strong rum-based tiki drinks, Psycho Suzi's is the place to lounge this summer. Be careful with your tiki drink: if its signature cup goes missing, you'll be charged for it. Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge, 1900 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.
7. Brit's Pub
Looking for the perfect patio for a post-work happy hour? Brit's Pub is the place to be. Its rooftop patio features turf for lawn bowling, and great happy hour specials for both drinks and appetizers. You don't have to leave downtown Minneapolis to have a fantastic outdoor patio experience. Brit's Pub, 1110 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55403.
8. Butcher & The Boar
Every summer, Butcher & The Boar opens up its beer garden to its thirsty patrons. Enjoy a craft brew, or a bourbon of your choice, and order some delicious food from the restaurant's incredibly meat-centric menu. Butcher & The Boar, 1121 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
9. Icehouse
Icehouse is veritably an underrated restaurant and music venue as a whole. The industrial-chic style of the joint is exactly what Minneapolitans love most in their city, and deserves a bit more attention. The Icehouse patio is enclosed within a courtyard, making it an intimate spot for its patrons. The restaurant's chef knows how to make creative and inspiring dishes. Icehouse will wow your taste buds if you give it a chance. Icehouse, 2528 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404.
10. Jax Cafe
Jax Cafe is a Minneapolis landmark. It's an entirely old school steak and seafood joint that has all of its charisma of the past. The patio is elaborately decorated by the season, and it almost feels as if you're in a backyard, rather than a restaurant patio, which makes the Jax experience all the more special. Northeast wouldn't be Northeast Minneapolis without the presence of this beloved cafe. Jax Cafe, 1928 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.
11. Jefe: Urban Hacienda
Everything about Jefe: Urban Hacienda screams Spanish Gothic with a modern flair. The decor of the interior is dark and moody and feels as if you have been transported to a cafe in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. Their Mexican street food feels fresh and fun; portions are easily shareable. Enjoy a glass or two of in-house made sangria, and take time to appreciate the finer things in life. Jefe: Urban Hacienda, 219 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414.
12. Libertine
Libertine has always been known for its inventive food, flashy cocktails, and chic rooftop patio. The restaurant has recently transformed into a game-centric space from its former dark and atmospheric interior, but the rooftop patio remains one of the most delightful in all of Uptown. Libertine, 3001 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408.
13. Pizzeria Lola
Pizzeria Lola's patios is one of the best in the entire city. You won't often be granted a table of your own, but instead merged together with other parties. It's a different style of dining than most of Minneapolis has been accustomed to, but their wood-fired pizzas cooked to perfection are what really matters. Pizzeria Lola, 5557 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410.
14. Cafe Lurcat
This is upscale dining at its best. Cafe Lurcat contains two different patios: one overlooks Loring Park, while the other is placed on the inside of Loring Corners' alley, giving it a rustic feel. Cafe Lurcat's food is as decadent as it looks, and boasts an incredible wine selection. This is the perfect spot for a date night. Everything about this patio says romance. Cafe Lurcat, 1624 Harmon Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
15. Muddy Waters
LynLake has been one of the trendiest spots for food in Minneapolis for quite awhile. The neighborhood staple remains Muddy Waters, known for its special coffee concoctions, great beer selection, and diverse comfort foods. Its patio begins at the sidewalk and meanders around the corner of the restaurant. In the evening it is beautifully lit for its patrons to enjoy Minneapolis summer nights. Muddy Waters, 2933 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
16. Tiny Diner
Tiny Diner's patio is a garden flourishing with bright flowers, and an abundance of greenery. The patio perfectly complements the retro-modern interior of the diner. Their food consists of classics executed perfectly, updating them from the comfort foods you've enjoyed your entire life. Tiny Diner, 1024 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55407.
17. Union Rooftop
It's not often for a restaurant in Minneapolis to feature an extraordinary patio all year round. Union Rooftop not only has a gorgeous patio in the summer, it's also the only space in Minneapolis to have an entirely enclosed and heated glass atrium for restaurant patrons to enjoy through difficult Minnesota winters. This modern eatery serves classic American fare and does it well, making it an incredibly popular place in the city. Union Rooftop, 731 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
Summer in Minneapolis always seems to go by as fast as the speed of light. Take time this summer to enjoy Minneapolis' outdoor patios in all of their glory. Do you have a favorite outdoor patio in the city? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Looking for other summer activities in Minneapolis? Read 9 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Minneapolis-Saint Paul This Summer.
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