We Minnesotans love a good patio.
That’s because as far as I’m concerned, once the long winter ends and the weather warms up, we’ve earned the right to lounge in the sun on a lazy weekend. (Or lazy weekday… no judgment here! You earned it, remember?)
And as far as awesome patios go, Minneapolis has an incredible selection!
There’s rooftops to sidewalks and everything in between. There’s seasonal summer patios and year-round heated tents.
After tons of grueling research lounging at hundreds of patios across the city, today I’m sharing my picks for the 20 best patios in Minneapolis.
See you outside!
(Pssst – don’t forget to checkout our rundown on the the best patios in St. Paul!)
Contents
The Only Two Patios in the Middle of City Parks
How’s that for a category to start things off?
As far as I know, there’s really only two places like this in all of Minneapolis, but both bring a super unique experience worthy of their own quirky category.
Sea Salt Eatery
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Located within Minnehaha Falls Regional Park, Sea Salt’s patio is amazing. Sit in the shade of ancient oak treats while listening to the subtle roar of the giant Minnehaha Falls waterfall, just a few steps away. Or order to-go and have yourself an easy picnic in one of the best picnic spots in Minneapolis.
Either way, this is truly one of the most awesome experiences in the entire Twin Cities. The food being some of the best seafood in the Twin Cities only makes it that much more of a “must-visit.”
- Address: 4825 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
- Website: Sea Salt Eatery
Esker Grove
Esker Grove is part of the Walker Art Center, which means the patio gives you a front-row seat to Minneapolis’s famous sculpture garden. Ever wanted to take in Minneapolis’s Cherry Spoonbridge while eating cherries with a spoon? Maybe so, maybe not, but either way, you can make those dream come true at Esker Grove.
- Address: 723 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Website: Esker Grove
The 4 Best Rooftop Patios
Sometimes, you just want to get high.
No, not like that. I’m talking about rooftop patios!
These are some of the best places for food and/or drinks, with a view!
Brit’s Pub
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You can’t talk patios in Minneapolis without bringing up Brit’s.
- Massive rooftop patio nestled among awesome views of the downtown skyscrapers? Okay, you’ve got our interest.
- Massive rooftop patio, with awesome views, that also features a giant, perfectly manicured green lawn that will make you wonder whether you’re at a downtown bar or a rural soccer field? Now you’ve really got our attention!
Brit’s authentic British pub atmosphere, amplified by the wild lawn bowling scene, makes for one of the best patios in Minneapolis to absolutely wow first time visitors. Truly, it’s a “can’t miss.”
- Address: 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Website: Brit’s Pub
Seven Steakhouse and Sushi
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This nice spot has a massive rooftop patio located right in the heart of Minneapolis.
Besides always being ranked by local media as one of the best rooftops in Minneapolis, I’ll also give Seven the unofficial and much less formal designation of “place you’re most likely to see some Minnesota Vikings hanging out.” In any case, thanks to the incredible views and beautiful location, Seven’s stunning patio will make you feel like a celebrity. (Even if you aren’t.)
- Address: 700 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Website: Seven Steakhouse Sushi & Rooftop
Union Rooftop
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Union Rooftop, which is open year round… WAIT, did you just say “rooftop open year round?” In Minnesota?
Sure did. That’s thanks to Union’s glass roof, which allows it to be open from beautiful Minnesota summer days all the way through frigid winter nights.
Trust us, when cabin fever’s set in during the long winter months, this place is a godsend.
- Address: 731 Hennepin Ave #1, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Website: Union Rooftop
Stella’s Fish Cafe
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Stella’s massively popular rooftop patio is always bustling, which makes it the perfect personification of the Uptown neighborhood it calls home. Right in the heart of the trendy neighborhood, this place gives off ALL the uptown vibes.
- Address: 1400 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
- Website: Stella’s
The Two Craziest Patios
Now it’s time to get really unique. I love seeing the look on guests faces when I bring them here, since they’re so unlike anything else you can find elsewhere.
Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge
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The Food Network named Psycho Suzi’s one of the best tiki bars in America, and it’s easy to see why.
This place is just wild. There’s two levels, multiple bars, and hundreds of tiki torches.
If the endless theming and stunning Mississippi River views don’t make you think you’re in an island paradise, well you just need to order a few more of Psycho Suzi’s crazy-strong drinks. Served out of a some of the craziest sculpted mugs in the cities. Naturally.
- Address: 1900 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
- Website: Psycho Suzi’s
Betty Danger’s Country Club
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any nuttier than Psycho Suzi’s, the shared owners upped their game with Betty Danger’s Country Club. How so, you ask? Well, five words for you:
Ferris. Wheel. On. A. Patio.
Seriously! This restaurant and bar literally has a full size Ferris Wheel, permanently bolted to the restaurant’s front patio.
And if that wasn’t enough, did we mention there’s a mini golf course on the back patio?
- Address: 2501 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
- Website: Betty Danger’s
My 3 Favorite Courtyards & Gardens
Aster Cafe
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Urban legend says that Northeast’s Main Street was once named the most scenic street in America. My take on that urban legend? Whoever gave out the award was sitting on Aster Cafe’s beautiful patio when they made that decision.
This tree-laden patio features perfect views of the Minneapolis skyline, and it’s a no brainer choice for one of the best patios in Minneapolis.
- Address: 125 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414
- Website: Aster Cafe
The Freehouse
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Lush greenery meets the North Loop’s industrial-modern vibe. That’s the scene at Freehouse’s summer patio – one of the most popular places for outdoor eating and drinking in the city.
- Address: 701 N Washington Ave #101, Minneapolis, MN 55401
- Website: The Freehouse
Hola Arepa
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Two things:
- If you’ve never eaten the amazing Latin street food known as arepas at the fittingly-named Hola Arepa, what have you done with your life?
- If you’ve never eaten those arepas under the big blue umbrellas of not one, but two charming patio spaces at Hola Arepa, really… what are you doing with your life??
Don’t forget to get an award winning cocktail!
- Address: 3501 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
- Website: Hola Arepa
Two Can’t Miss Sidewalk Patios
Call us crazy, but there’s something about soaking up some sun (or chilling under an umbrella) in the middle of a concrete jungle.
Centro
This taco and tequila bar is one of the coolest spots in the city for Mexican food, and when the weather warms up, that vibe becomes even cooler.
The colorful murals and umbrellas will make you feel like you walked out right of a Mexican fiesta, and there’s something about the sidewalk location, right next to all the popular Northeast breweries, which just makes you want to order a margarita (or three) and watch the world go by.
- Address: 1414 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
- Website: Centro
Smack Shack
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On its own, Smack Shock’s long, shotgun style patio isn’t anything crazy. Sure, you get a bit of an industrial vibe from the sidewalk tables and the North Loop neighborhood’s old brick buildings. But mostly, it’s all about the next-level food here.
Legendary lobster rolls in the middle of a sunny day? Yes, please!
- Address: 603 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
- Website: Smack Shack
Best Beer Gardens and Brewery Patios in Minneapolis
What’s more perfect on a summer day than a cold one? Based on my 30-something years on this earth… nothing, as far as I can tell.
Thankfully, not only does Minneapolis have a staggering 80+ different breweries in the city, but many of those breweries feature some fantastic outdoor spaces. If we’re limited my choices to Minneapolis city limits, here’s my 4 favorites.
Utepils
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If you’re looking for a relaxing space to kick back with some craft beers, it doesn’t get better than Utepils. The huge outdoor area backs up to a creek flowing through Theordore Wirth Regional Park, so you can do a little bit of wildlife spotting as you throw back a few of Utepils famous Hefeweizens.
- Address: 225 Thomas Ave N #700, Minneapolis, MN 55405
- Website: Utepils Brewing
Surly
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In Minneapolis, Surly is an attraction in itself. Not surprisingly, the biggest and most popular brewery in the Twin Cities also has the largest patio of any brewery in the area. There’s fire pits, bean bags, and about a million different places to sit in the sun.
- Address: 520 Malcolm Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
- Website: Surly
Indeed
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Indeed’s patio is one of the smallest around, but that just makes it even more charming. (Although worth noting – they recently expanded the patio size for COVID – it’s now a safe, spacious place that somehow retains the same cozy feel.) With hop vines growing up and down the patio, which sits in a relaxing spot in the corner of the Northeast neighborhood, you can’t help but settle in and want to spend the entire afternoon here.
- Address: 711 NE 15th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55413
- Website: Indeed
Bauhaus
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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Location-wise, Bauhaus is absolutely one of the coolest breweries in Minneapolis. (The fact it pours rock-solid beer doesn’t hurt either.)
Adding to that is the super cool industrial patio, which looks to be some sort of former shipyard or warehouse. There’s a mix of covered space and open space, plus a ton of rustic brick walls and even some leftover cranes.
- Address: 1315 Tyler St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
- Website: Bauhaus
Patio Picks from the Minneapolis Suburbs
If you’re willing to get just outside the city, here’s a few of my favorites from the Minneapolis suburbs.
Maynards (Excelsior, MN)
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With Maynard’s front row seat to Lake Minnetonka, you might wonder if you started your summer vacation early. This patio is total “lake life” atmosphere, complete with boats, docks, and a massive patio.
- Address: 685 Excelsior Blvd, Excelsior, MN 55331
- Website: Maynards
The Lookout (Maple Grove, MN)
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When it comes to summer patios, The Lookout takes things to the next level. This place features features not one, but two sand volleyball courts, sprawling gardens, umbrella tables and adirondack loungers galore, and even a full playground for the kids.
- Address: 8672 Pineview Ln N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
- Website: The Lookout
