For My Money, This Eatery Has the Best Restaurant Patio in Minnesota

I don't believe I'm in the minority here when I say that one of the best things about living in Minnesota is patio season. While many folks (recent transplants, for example) likely think patio season means summer, for a good number of others, patio season is whenever the patios are open—and sometimes that means all year long. (I mean, that's why they have patio heaters, right?) Regardless of where you come down on the matter, though, the one universal requirement is... well, a patio. And for my money, you'll find the best restaurant patio in Minnesota at Poplar Haus on the Gunflint Trail, about half an hour outside Grand Marais (okay, technically, it's a deck, but you get what I mean).

Poplar Haus is a locally beloved restaurant and bar on the Gunflint Trail, about 30 minutes northwest of the charming North Shore town of Grand Marais. It's a warm and welcoming spot with floor-to-ceiling windows and, as the name suggests, a clean, Nordic aesthetic. Summer or winter, spring or fall, you'll find plenty of hygge at Poplar Haus. Of course, the restaurant's food is a big part of this.

Featured pastas and other specials, as well as a regular menu of comfort classics, are sure to keep your tummy happy. Last time I was there, I had a mushroom fettuccine that was velvety and delicious. Since we're up north, you'll also find a regular rotation of walleye dishes at Poplar Haus. Poplar Haus' bar program is also on point—another typically-agreed-upon ingredient for a superior patio experience. I would go so far as to argue that the establishment's old-fashioned is the best you'll find above the 47th parallel.

All this is well and good, of course, but the real star of the show here is the deck. Whether you're dining or simply enjoying a beverage, you can do so while overlooking beautiful Poplar Lake. Although you'll see some development along the lake's northern shoreline, much of Poplar is surrounded by wilderness—in fact, three Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry points can be found here.

Surrounded by Northwoods beauty and welcome silence, Poplar Haus is an incredible place to eat or drink, or simply to sit and soak up the views. Sunset is a particularly magical time to be out on the Poplar Haus deck with an old-fashioned in hand, even—or perhaps, especially—in winter.

Whenever someone asks me to recommend Grand Marais restaurants, I always mention Poplar Haus, despite its location about 30 minutes outside of town. Believe me, though, this is one of those restaurants in Minnesota that is definitely worth the drive from across the state. For more information or to take a look at the menu, visit Poplar Haus on the web. Follow the Poplar Haus Facebook page for updates and specials. If you're looking to stay on the Gunflint, Poplar Haus also has a few rental cabins available, but they book up quickly. If you miss out, another nearby option is Poplar Creek Retreat, a gorgeous vacation rental on the eastern end of Poplar Lake.

Have you visited Poplar Haus near Grand Marais? If not, stop by for dinner from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday or Friday, or grab lunch or dinner on the weekend. And if you're looking for more places to visit during patio season, check out the Explore Minnesota page. You can find some really cool places that locals like to visit.