This post was originally published on July 22, 2020 and was most recently updated on April 28, 2021.
Patio season has arrived in the Twin Cities—in part thanks to the warmest spring weather I've ever experienced in Minnesota, and in part due to necessity. Although COVID-19 vaccines are gradually becoming available to the general public, the pandemic rages on. For many diners (myself included) indoor dining seems too risky, and outdoor dining feels like a safer option.
However, dining at a restaurant indoors or outside elevates COVID-19 infection risk for both patrons and restaurant staff. Wear a mask whenever you're not seated at your table as well as when you're interacting with staff (i.e. placing your order, when your food is dropped off, etc.) Don't go out to eat if you or someone in your household is sick. Follow all of the restaurant's rules and procedures. You should always be respectful towards restaurant staff and tip generously, but consider this a friendly reminder.
There are many safety precautions that Minnesota restaurants are required to follow for patio dining, including a mask mandate when not eating or drinking; occupancy limits; spacing tables six feet apart; and requiring reservations to facilitate contact tracing (many places offer "walk up reservations" where they take your contact information before seating you).
All of the restaurants that I've highlighted below were following those requirements to the best of my knowledge when I visited, and many had taken additional steps such as providing hand sanitizer, adapting the ordering process to minimize contact between staff and diners, and using signage to direct foot traffic one way.
I'll be updating this post periodically with additional patio recommendations as restaurants reopen for outdoor dining and I check out new spots. Restaurants are listed alphabetically. Keep in mind that restaurants may close without notice and hours and menus are ever-changing—be sure to call ahead.
If dining at restaurants isn't something you currently feel comfortable with, and you're financially able to do so, I encourage you to find other ways support your favorite local restaurants. Many places continue to offer takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery.
Our meal at Sidebar at Surdyk's was comped as a media preview. I paid for all other meals out-of-pocket.
For a wimp like me, the heated, enclosed patio at Hai Hai is perfect for chilly evenings (uncovered patio seating is also available). The menu features small plates and entrees evoking the flavors of Southeast Asia—my favorites are the salt and pepper fried tofu with lime leaf sauce and Hanoi sticky rice, plus the Vietnamese coffee pot de creme for dessert. Many items can be made vegan or gluten-free by request, and there's a interesting selection of refreshing craft cocktails and rum-spiked slushies.
Hai Hai is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, and reservations can be made online.
2121 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis; 612-223-8640; haihaimpls.com
Since travel is currently off the table, Hola Arepa is one of the best local options for soaking up some vacation vibes. The menu features Venezuelan-style stuffed arepas (cornmeal griddle cake sandwiches), Latin American-influenced small plates, and tropical cocktails. The chips and salsa are a must—you pick out your own assortment of salsas, with a variety of heat levels. Since we were there for brunch, I ordered the fried egg breakfast arepa (add the guacamole, it's well worth the $1 surcharge).
Patio reservations are available, and Hola Arepa serves dinner Tuesday through Sunday and weekend brunch.
3501 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis; 612-345-5583; holaarepa.com
To be honest, what drew me to Icehouse was the cocktails: craft cocktails are my drink of choice, and the drink list at Icehouse is a nice mix of classic and specialty cocktails, as well as sipping shots (basically miniature cocktails). However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much ambiance the patio offered. The courtyard is set back from the street, with umbrellas for shade and some faux grass to spruce up the setting.
As far as food, there's a lineup of elevated appetizers, salads, and sandwiches (the current menu has changed a bit since we visited in July 2020). Obviously I opted for an order of fries, which were a perfect complement to my Negroni, and the chicken nachos were also on point.
Icehouse is open Wednesday through Sunday for dinner and serves brunch on the weekends. When making a reservation, specify whether you want indoor or outdoor seating.
2528 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-276-6523; icehousempls.com
Moscow on the Hill has always been one of my favorite patios in the Twin Cities: a shady, leafy escape with hearty fare and house-infused vodka shots. Their menu features Russian and Eastern European appetizers, dumplings, and entrees. Yes, there are substantial plates of meat and potatoes, but they also have house-pickled vegetables, salads, and vegetarian options. Be sure to try the khachapuri, a Georgian cheese-stuffed bread that puts stuffed crust pizza to shame.
Moscow on the Hill takes reservations by phone and online, although patio seating is not guaranteed. Lunch and dinner are served daily.
371 Selby Ave., St. Paul; 651-291-1236; moscowonthehill.com
I think Nightingale was been my favorite patio experience last summer. Although it's right on Lyndale, the main patio area is surrounding by boxes overflowing with greenery and flowers, giving it a romantic, tucked away feel. The cocktail menu was the highlight for me, with a fascinating selection of drinks that feature unexpected ingredients and creative names. The food menu has snacks, small plates, and entrees—obviously I ordered the (excellent) fries with malt vinegar aioli, and I also enjoyed the pickle plate, which has some unique items like pickled shiitakes and house cultured butter.
Reservations are available online or by phone for indoor or patio seating. Dinner is served daily.
2551 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-354-7060; nightingalempls.com
Red Rabbit offers a nice selection of appetizers, salads, and pastas, but I always order a Neapolitan-style pizza. There are a handful of vegan and vegetarian options, with gluten-free crust available by request. The New World Margherita, topped with red sauce, burrata, and fresh basil leaves, is my all-time favorite, but the cheese and PB & J (pineapple, bacon, jalapeno) pizzas are good too. The craft cocktail list is respectable, including the on-tap aperol spritz.
Red Rabbit takes online reservations, and you can specify whether you want indoor or patio seating. The breakfast menu is available Tuesday through Friday, a brunch menu is available on the weekend, and lunch and dinner are served Tuesday through Sunday.
788 Grand Ave., St. Paul and 201 N. Washington Ave., Minneapolis; 651-444-5995 and 612-767-8855; redrabbitmn.com
If you're in the mood for seafood, you can't beat the sunny streetside patio at Smack Shack. They're open daily for lunch and dinner, with a comprehensive menu that includes peel and eat shrimp, crab cakes, a New England-style seafood boil, oysters, and lobster in every imaginable variation, from lobster guacamole and lobster poutine to a lobster cobb salad and lobster mac and cheese. I'm partial to the original lobster roll, made with chilled lobster salad and served with Cajun-seasoned fries.
Smack Shack takes reservations online, although patio seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis when you arrive.
603 N. Washington Ave., Minneapolis; 612-259-7288; smack-shack.com
Sidebar at Surdyk's is attached to the iconic liquor store and cheese shop in Northeast Minneapolis, with an unexpectedly reassuring sidewalk patio along Hennepin Avenue. After over a year of social distancing, it's nice to experience some urban hustle and bustle.
The menu has been updated since my visit in September 2020, and currently features entrees like a New York strip steak, fish, pasta, and a cheeseburger. There are also plenty of appetizers, from fried cheese curds and fries to cheese and charcuterie boards. The creative cocktail menu highlights some unexpected spirits and flavors, and of course, there's an impressive wine and beer list.
Sidebar is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, and reservations are available online.
303 E. Hennepin Ave., Suite 2, Minneapolis; 612-455-2574; sidebaratsurdyks.com
The patio at W.A. Frost and Company is a perfect setting for romance, surrounded by greenery and with leafy branches and fairy lights overhead. The build-your-own cheese plate is my go-to, and the menu also includes salads, sandwiches, steaks, and a handful of vegetarian entrees. The cocktail list features a nice balance of classic and house options, with a thoughtful selection of no-proof and low-proof drinks.
W.A. Frost is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and reservations can be made by phone. Weekend brunch service is scheduled to start on May 8 and weekday lunch and daily dinner service is scheduled to start on June 1.
374 Selby Ave., St. Paul; 651-224-5715; wafrost.com
Further reading Twin Cities Takeout: Pandemic Edition
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